Girls Day Out

Today took Stella and me back to Vashon for a girls day out with Barb to get our hair cut.  Stella had been to one of those quickie haircut places where they mutilated her hair and we wanted to get it done right.  I had not had my hair trimmed since we were in San Diego with my sister-in-law's hairdresser back in March and it was in sore need of attention.  I agonized over going back to short hair versus keeping longer locks and opted for the latter for the ease of pulling the strands back into a ponytail on days when I don't want to fuss with my hair.  Lorna did a great job for both of us.

A lunch out was in order next.  Just a few steps down the street we had a great lunch with Lorna and her husband, Bob who joined us.  Back at Barb's, I loaded the photographs of Bill and Rosemary's wedding onto Barb's computer.  We rushed down the hill to catch the 3:30 pm ferry and then we were off to West Seattle.  I wanted to drive by a retirement complex I'd read about and then we drove a few blocks to my niece and her husband's home for a quick stop.  I was excited to see their home and wanted to drop off the wedding photos to them as well.

I may not have ever had children, but I have gained a "daughter" with my niece.  I have always thought of her as my own and wished for that but there were times when I had to let my life take me away from her.  These last three weeks here have given me the time to enjoy her like no other.  For that I am grateful.  I can now visualize her home and a bit of her life.  I have grown to know her wonderful husband.  She has given my Aunt Stella and me happiness beyond measure.  How does one express how wonderful it is to gather your family members about you and share in their lives.  Words are not enough.  With a heavy heart I will leave them, but I am secure in the knowledge that all of them are in a good place of their choosing and for the most part happy.  And that is a good thing!

On the way home Seattle was bathed in the glorious sun we have enjoyed for our entire stay here and the new ferris wheel turned slowly against the silver water of Puget Sound.  The traffic was true to its usual slow procession through the city with all of the construction going on along its streets.  Girl's Day Out was awesome and a memory I will carry in my heart.