In A Family Way

The Hodgson Compound

Cleveland- August 25 to September 2

I'm not sure how many days I spent by myself this summer. I know there was a 13-day stretch with no one I knew in it, but many more shorter stretches of time on my own. So much of that time was really great, with the expanding realization that I am enough. And some of the time felt like I was working hard to make it meaningful and worthwhile. In hindsight, less than halfway through, every bit of it has been important, whether thrilling or shlogging.

Eliana is smitten with Dinah, or Mimi as she
calls her. It's a joy to see this love affair play
out every day, and to see the joy on Dinah's
face with this incredible small being.

But getting to Cleveland to see my sister, Dinah, and her family, my family, was such a welcome change. Ever since August 25th I have been waist deep in loved ones, and it's been wonderful. Not conducive to writing blog posts, but in all other ways conducive to fun and sharing. And somehow I have forgotten that taking photos is a thing.

Dinah and John have moved to the country! They have land and space and they don't have to lock their doors! Their dogs are happy and relaxed, they see deer out their windows and they are 20 feet from their son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Eliana's true love is Bobcats. She's a trucks
and tractors kinda girl.

Taking the time, as I can in my present untethered state, to stay for awhile means no pressured schedules to fit everyone in. It was fun to wave to Chris and Jacquelyn, Dinah's son and daughter-in-law, and not worry that I was missing an opportunity to see them. Eliana, their 20-month old daughter, was in and out of the house everyday. So this is what extended family looks like.

Chris is driving Miss Ellie in another of her favorite things
a golf cart.

Any time with Dinah is always so full and special. Despite so many cultural differences, we are extremely simpatico and can always find the bridges to each others hearts. But having that much time with John was a delight. We can joke and poke with each other, learn from each other, not talk or talk, and just become comfortably adjusted to each other. Rarely has there been time for that.

We met in the middle between houses to enjoy a sit-down.

My niece, Caitlin, has become, in a couple of years, this confident, competent, full-fledged adult, managing a huge catering business in Cleveland (part of Chris' empire of food serving establishments- they got the contract to cater the RNC!). They all make Cleveland seem like the center of the universe, and darned fun to visit!

The girl has style.

Chris brought me to a few different food venues and events
that he knew I'd love. I get a kick out of this declaration.