Time flies. . .

I always assumed that when my elders talked about  how quickly time passed, they were simply bitter and mistaken. Now I realize that it does seem as if the hours and days slip by much faster than you anticipated and try as you might to slow things down, they only seem to speed up.

We’ve had a lot going on the past week or so and I have neglected to share any of it here. Not that it’s riveting, but I guess I feel the need to put it all down on paper (or online) as it may be.

My parents hold an annual family and friends reunion of sorts. This last weekend marked the date for 2009 gathering and so we had a whole host of things planned for the day of, the days leading to and the days following. Most of the happenings and gatherings, as always, centered on food. I suspect that’s what really brings us together: food and the opportunity to talk about it.

On Friday my brother, his wife and my nephew arrived. We met them for dinner at a new restaurant in an old refurbished home near our riverfront area. Wonderful company, beautiful home, slow service and iffy food, but I’ll give it another try.

Saturday was the big day and everyone converged on my folks’ house, the same place where I spent over 18 years of my life. It’s the homestead, if you will. Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and new acquaitenances all met, dined together and feasted on homemade ice cream. I spent the majority of my time in a circle with new friends and beloved family, visiting in particular with my now-favorite nine-year-old, who had a better vocabulary and more insight than her fellow conversationalist (me).

The party eventually broke up and I joined my brother and bride along with some friends for cocktails. I often wondered when I’d be old enough for cocktails in the evening, seems the magic mark is 40. They were headed to a movie and Cynical and I stole away for a quiet dinner at another new restaurant, this time a seafood one. Note the continuing theme: food.

Sunday, sadly the last day of our weekend, was a day of goodbyes. Again, I met my brother and his wife for brunch at a hip little spot, (do people still say “hip”?) new to our community also. Afterward we bid them farewell and I might have just held on a little too long and might have been sad when I waved to their car as they pulled away.

Later that day we joined some family friends, my nephew and his newfound sidekick for dinner at a local camper area where our hosts were staying. After a rather tame game of paintball an impending storm sent us to the camper where we all crammed inside for dinner, some teasing and some drying off. Cynical and I made our way home, but not before learning the new “cool” is “sick nasty” and making some plans with my nephew.

Monday night meant pizza, batting cages and mini golf. It also meant some much needed bonding with my now teenage nephew. I must confess that I love that kid, love him like my own and even though it kills me to see him grow up, I am proud to be a part of his life and to include him in mine. He’s a good kid. He really is.

The week has been full of meetings, during and after work and the weekend will be busy as well. I am hopeful for a quiet Sunday, but if that doesn’t come, I am sure there will be a Monday or a Tuesday or perhaps a Wednesday when I’ll catch my breath. We’re going to the zoo on Saturday with some of our youngest family members and I am really looking forward to it. Kids, animals, beautiful weather and maybe snowcones. What else could I ask for?