500 Saturdays: Nomad Diary

Rainy weather today in Madison,  Alabama and 70 degrees! Darrell made delicious wholegrain pancakes with hazelnut granola.  We topped them with blueberries and strawberries and maple syrup.  While talking to Darrell's mother we found out sad news about our nephew Jason's 4th child born yesterday with a heart defect and downs syndrome. Her name is Isabelle. We met Samuel and Ariel for lunch at an outdoor greek restaurant.  Then after lunch, the weather cleared for a couple of hours and we went for a 5 mile walk. We drove about 30 minutes to Elkmont, Alabama and walked on a converted railroad bed towards Athens.  On the way we read markers about the tall train tressel built and destroyed in the 1800s. This was also the site of a civil war battle with the largest casualties for a battle in Alabama,  about 200. We finished our day with a video phone call with grandson Quinn and a game of dominoes.  

Spending 16 nights with my son, Jeremy's family has been wonderful! Quinn is 5 months old now, and growing so fast. I have had the grandma pleasure of taking the night feeding hours. Quinn adapted well to me and is a super sweet child. I feel the satisfaction of being appreciated by these tired and new parents.  We have enjoyed some fun together with a extra deep snowfall, and Jeremy's amazing home-crafted sourdough breads and pizza. I have 2 more nights and then I fly back to Alabama and back to work. Each day I have enjoyed a 3 mile walk up and down a very steep hill. I'm so thankful for my time and joys in my family now! Pastry, Chocolate Tiramisu from an amazing European Bakery: Svitoch European Bakery. 

Today I am in Vancouver, Washington and checking out of my airbnb isolation to go into my son's home.  I walked to a coffee shop and got some French press ground decaf for a gift. Turns out, it is really delicious coffee.  I got moved in and baby trained to how he flows. Quinn is 5 months old and only had his parents caring for him. I was easily loved and accepted by him. I volunteered for doing his night shift feedings and care. Jeremy and I have been able to enjoy some long 4 mile walks together in the 45 degree drizzle.  Andrea has felt relief with the promise of some night long sleep.  I am enjoying my place as Grandma and would be content to stay on loving and encouraging this beautiful family who I love and cherish.  I praise God for answering my prayers to bring me in and be able to hold this baby.