The Reinforcements

It goes without saying (but I will anyway...) that it's been a difficult summer for me, both personally and circumstantially. With timing comes perspective, and since its been uneventful week, there is had been a ton on my mind. I have been pretty reclusive actually. It started last Sunday with a new DVD Bible study that I was invited to at church call The Truth Project. It's a 12 week study that brings us through the truth of a gospel, to come out with a Christian Worldview on the other side. I must say-- the first study gave me so much to think about that I am anxious to see the fruits of finding The Truth in my life.

In the meantime, Cathy has been gone and I anticipated a quiet (read: depressing) weekend. So I sent a strongly worded invitation to my parents asking that they come to visit. To my shock and surprise-- they agreed! It's not that they would not want to come, but there is always something happening in their lives that I figured it would not work out. Secretly I was anxious to show them around town-- like at the end of Monsters Inc., where Boo finally gets back to her room and wants to show Kitty all of her familiar toys.

When they agreed to come, they wanted to make sure that they would actually see me, and I said, "What? I see you all the time! I come to Modesto once a month." To which, they reminded me that I am at the house long enough to drop off my things, then I am out the door again to visit friends.
"Yes," I argued, "but last time I was with you guys a whole three hours before I headed back to Redding."
"Tawny, you were taking a nap."
"Oh yeah."

Well, they came-- they saw-- and I have photos!!!

Mom and Dad pose on the ever-popular tourist attraction, The Sundial Bridge

Mama and I over troubled waters. Who else thinks that we look the same???

The other side of the bridge holds this sign, "Rattlesnake Habitat. Watch your step."

...which means that dad took off as fast as possible back over the bridge, which he hated as well because it swayed slightly. We no longer wonder where I get my fear of everything.

Mom was browsing at the mall, which allowed this photo op with Dad.

Saturday night was spent inside watching the Olympics. During a commercial, I tried to train Dad how to hold the camera and take a picture of the 3 of us on the couch. The result was disastrous when he succeeded in only looking dazed or determined. The third time I took over, and would have gotten a good photo, but now Dad just would not cooperate. If I was mean, I would make this photo the subject of a caption contest. If you were mean, you would take the hint and do the contest anyway.


The parents, right before they left, no bags required. (See Bag and Baggage for clarification)

Thanks for visiting Mom & Dad. You fed my body and my heart and laughing came easy. I am now ready for the next 8 months and then we can celebrate here again!