Michelle thought of it first.
Me: When was the last time you saw your cousin Jonathan?
Ryan: I don’t think ever!
And so a trek was made over the reservoir and through the redwoods and we spent the evening at Richard’s aunt’s and uncle’s up in the mountains. Jonathan and his wife and young sons came north to his folks’ to meet us in the middle. Potluck salmon and salads, chicken on the barbecue, fruit and homemade bread on the beautiful deck overlooking the woods that Jonathan had built for his folks for his sister’s wedding (she has two kids now too). Ice cream, blackberry pie, dairy-free homemade cookies. Good people, good food.
And it was late enough and non-reflective enough and shaded enough by those towering trees standing sentinel that I was actually able to be out there. I cannot begin to describe how liberating that felt.
On our way home in the deepening dusk, a large hawk swooped near the road as we passed. Just to to add that perfect extra touch.
(p.s. at midnight: Go Curiosity Rover! Go NASA! Well done!)