We had a great weekend. And wow, I wrote another long blog! Feel free to skip to telling me how your weekend was if you like

Saturday, it was the birthday party for our 90 year old aunt. She looks amazing and it was fun. Then we took Wizard’s uncle who came in from out of state to see Wizard’s mom at the memory care facility. My MIL was watching TV with some friends, and her brother walked up to her, gently tugged her to her feet and swept her into a hug. While my MIL had moments of recognition that came and went, the entire time she had a connection with her brother that was riveting to see. She did so well, she was able to come to a big dinner with a dozen various family members and had a nice time. Wizard and I are so deeply grateful that the brother and sister bond is stronger than the dementia. For me, it’s the best birthday gift to see my MIL get those moments with her brother. The day was tiring, but so worth it! Also, Kudos to his mom. She’s 94, and can still walk a fair distance to the car, and climb into the SUV with just a tad of assistance. Physically, she’s in remarkably good health.

While at the party, I started chatting with a vivacious and fun woman who is retired and writing her first book. I enjoyed hearing about her process and generally encouraging her. I also briefly (I hope) told her about my career. A few hours later after we’d meant of for dinner again and when we were all leaving, she said, “I looked you up and you’ve written like 20 books.” I cracked up as it just struck me as funny and also, so sweet. But truly, I loved talking to her. We also talked about wines and travel, and in those areas, I have so much to learn. I’m always happy when I meet fascinating people living interesting lives. She is a very accomplished woman, and when she told us her age, the entire room was stunned. She looked 20 years younger. And I’m not being nice, she 100% looked 20 years younger.

Sunday was great. I’m writing this before we go to dinner with Youngest and DIL, but Wizard and I went to breakfast, and we both talked nonstop about seeing relatives and his mom. We had a nice time, came home to him buying me too many gifts and I’m keeping them all One gift cracked me up — two new sets of wine glasses, a set of white wine glasses and a set of red. We’ve always just had whatever glasses I picked up on sale at discount stores. Wizard decided we needed elegant wine glasses. While we don’t drink as much wine these days, we probably enjoy it more when we do indulge. Now I need everyone to pray I don’t break these washing them, or just being a Jen-Kluzt.

Oh and one final thing. We dropped Maggie off at Youngest’s house while we were gone on Saturday. When I went to the door to pick her up, Daughter in Law’s mom opened the door, said “Maggie’s not here” and tried to close it. I burst out laughing and barged in (her mom is super fun and obviously teasing). I love that they want her there, and that Maggie basically has a second home now. She loves lizard hunting in their backyard, and getting tons of attention from her other family. Not a bad deal for her!

How was your weekend?