Heading to the 413

Later this morning my husband & I will pack a backpack of clothes and head into the rainy wilderness that is Western MA (the 413 area code). I"m okay with the rain, but I wish it would let up long enough for me to enjoy my lilacs. I grow white lilacs, dark purple, and light purple. This is usually my favorite garden week of the year. I've been staring at them out the dining room window since Monday, and I have yet to cut any. My Mom had a great suggestion--cut 'em and let the bunch sit on the porch for a day to dry.

Everything has greened up nicely in just the short time since May began. We have not mowed out back yet, but I noticed everything doubled in size since I left for Dallas on May 4. May 4 was also the last time I saw the sunshine.

So back to our trip. It's only 100 miles out there but feels 1/2 a world away. The plan is to have lunch with a friend and his daughter. Tonight we will see another friend's apartment for the first time (we've had 3 friends move since we last hung out with them!). This particular friend is a two-time cancer survivor and we have not seen him since he had to go in the hospital for the entire month of December (and then live in isolation pretty much). I'm looking forward to this visit so much I feel I'm bursting out of my skin. That friend is about to celebrate his 30th Birthday, one that is a relief he made it to in our eyes. The doctors say he's doing better than expected. :)

The third friend is a graphic designer and her new apartment looks like something out of an Ikea ad or magazine (from what I've seen in photos). She's working a hellish weekend at her 2nd job (a florist, with Mother's day looming tomorrow). So this evening we'll round up all of the above friends and have a game night (we love Apples to Apples).

Typically we head out to the 413 1x every 4-6 weeks. This trip is extra special because I can't remember the last time we went. Tomorrow morning my mother-in-law is having us over for breakfast. She lives in an 1840s farm house. It is not haunted that I know of, but it has tiny little built-ins and closets galore. It has a barn attached filled with treasures.

We'll be staying at my parent's house tonight. They have declined on breakfast (my dad does not eat bacon and eggs). I did get the Mom's the same gift (but different cards). I got them matching wicker purses from Ann Taylor Loft.

My husband has had bronchitis for 3 weeks, so I'm pretty sure he's looking forward to a change of scenery (even though it's still a rainy one). There's nothing better than seeing old friends. Especially when one of them has lived to see his 30th Birthday (and many more we hope).