243/365 Back of the Bus

My first class ticket turned into a last row seat (37 F) which means sitting on top of the loud, vibrating engine on the MD80, but it was worthwhile. I jumped on an earlier departure to the Richmond area and I was able to visit BJNR and crew. I saw those boys in July, yet they looked HUGE today. I was greeted by a big, running hug. Four games of tic-tac-toe on the kids' menu ended up a draw with a little artful rule-making by the little one. We had some fries, burgers, fries, and fries, as the kids watched tennis and commented on the "sweet serve," by the pros. A short visit, but very sweet. And worth hopping a ride on the back of the bus.

198/365 Visiting Finales

Our visiting "Up North" ended with a wonderful Italian feast, featuring first and second cousins. The girls all bonded, and the texting to the Richmond cousins started in the car on the way home. Earlier in the afternoon we had a tearful goodbye with the BJNR crew. I wish they were our next-door neighbors, yes really. 10 plus hours in the car is quite the schlepp, but it will be hard to keep us from coming to see them again.

197/365 The BJNR Crew

We drove a scenic route to Virginia, taking the 301 roundabout to bypass construction and traffic in the Baltimore and D.C. region. The countryside was lovely, but the traffic lights weren't. At least we got to enjoy a mid-Atlantic lunch ordered on the touch screen at Wawa's. Arriving at the BJNR plantation in time for food (that would be any time...) we had a great reunion. The last time they saw EG he was working hard to self heal with the horizontal Mountain Dew therapy. He was vertical today, and took part in a grilled feast, lawn bowling and a trip to the ice cream shop. Friends like these are like family we choose.

95/365 No Vacancies

The BJNR crew arrives, hungry and wiggly, but we're prepared. Even though EG is still flat on his back, good friends and laughter will help us to get through this trying week. Medical testing, treatment and crossing our fingers are on tap.