Dad/Nono & Barb 2

Cousin Jimmy was at the house nice and early to say a quick hello and get a coffee before he went to work. He wasn’t able to join us for dinner but it was so great that he came early for a quick visit.

When we were here 8 years ago, Jimmy played with Brandon and so Brandon wanted to kick the footy with him. Normally Brandon would kick the ball over the fence but this time Jimmy did and it was funny to watch them get the ball from the neighbouring pool.

We said our goodbyes to all our aunties and we had about a 2 hour drive to dad’s house in Western Massachusetts. We got to dad’s in time for lunch and for the first time met his partner Barb (as he says Barb 2). We were also greeted by Mittens (cat), Molly (Doberman), Onyx (cavoodle), Snoop (spaniel) and Harvey ( rescue terrier). The house was a bit crazy, and we weren’t used to the dogs on couches and beds. Josh and I were given the guest room, where the dogs normally sleep, and the kids got the colder downstairs basement on the super big couch.

It was a super hot day and even though we were there for just a couple hours we got back into the car and drove to Sturbridge (40 min) to see my highschool friend Ali, her daughter Lou and hubby Ken. It was so cool just to wade in the lake while the kids enjoyed the fresh cool water, drink beers and talk.

When we got back to dads, we had a lovely grilled steak, all over 300 grams. My dad makes the best grilled steak and he didn’t disappoint. Inara was super impressed and even went back for more. We didn’t go to bed too late and had a nice sleep.

The weather was just so hot, dad couldn’t do much. We stayed at the house and played a card game, Phase 10, and then we headed to the bowling alley. Dad can’t physically play but be watched us and joined in with the celebrations of a good turn.

That night Barb and I went and got fish (haddock) and chips from the grocery store. There was so much food, we probably only needed 4 serves.

This is the first time meeting Barb, and only have had limited conversation until then. She is a lovely strong women and is taking care of dad. She doesn’t take any bullshit and they both treat each other with respect. For the first time in a long time seeing dad, there was no yelling and he was on the calmer side.

That night we watched the US win against Paraguay play in the first round of the FIFA World Cup. Australia played and won later that night but it was too late to watch it. That night Inara slept with me in the guest bedroom and we had Mittens visit us throughout the night.

The next morning we said goodbye and headed on our way to Watkins Glen, NY at the KOA.Read more