Poker with Family

Chester's Mom and Sister in Law arrived today. I picked them up at the San Francisco airport this afternoon, after a long flight delay they were glad to arrive. The drive back to Oakland was quite humorous- Mama was marveling at the sights and traffic of the Bay Area, wondering out loud why anyone would choose to live here with such traffic! But once we got on the bridge traffic started moving and we made it over here in good time.

After an easy dinner from Asqew Grill (skewers of grilled meats and veggies with rice, cous cous, potatoes), we delved into a family game of poker. We all emptied our pockets of spare change, divied it up and played five card stud. Chester won by a landslide, though we all had a few good hands.

They are all sitting around the kitchen table now, laughing and chatting. It is beautiful to see Chester with his Mama, sharing belly laughs and clever humor. It is comforting just to have the family here, and we are looking forward to a good and relaxing week. Maybe even an excursion to see the ocean!

And for me, after 12 days of being at home while out-of-towners stayed here with Chester, I am glad to be back at the loft. Settling back in, catching up on what has happened this past week, updating the calendars, and relaxing into the rythym of being here with Chester. Ahhhh... a big exhale.