As we say goodbye to May, we thought we’d give a quick update on the bit of chaos that came our way this past month. We gladly returned to our routine after our trip to Morocco. Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey (the Spanish national tournament) on April 18, and the city went all out to celebrate the championship. Our focus was more on getting back in shape and preparing for Jeff’s trip to visit his mother in Northern California.
Jeff spent 10 nights away, arriving in time to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was a busy trip as he was focused on helping Mom with her ongoing transition to flying solo. Truth be told, considering it has been less than 5 months since his father died, she is doing well in her adjustment. Three highlights for Jeff were playing bridge, including winning the Thursday bridge tournament with Mom ($4 for the win), playing poker with Dad’s former group (where he won $22), and going to a CrossFit class with Karyn.
Those 10 nights were the longest we had been separated since we moved here, and possibly the longest we’ve been apart in nearly 30 years of marriage. I enjoyed the quiet, spent time with friends and went to a few different exercise classes that don’t work with my normal schedule.
Jeff was hoping for peace and quiet upon his return but instead came back to the stress of multiple electricity problems in our building and the worst heat wave to hit Europe in decades, both based on the temperatures and number of days it lasted. Our hot water heater was knocked out by electrical surges, and we lost several bulbs as well. It’s no fun when you’re afraid to use any appliances for fear of what might happen – especially when the air conditioning is your lifesaver. Thankfully, that all got sorted out and the heat finally broke after nearly a week.
Walks on the beach are always a pleasure. Last weekend the beach was mobbed due to the heat. Today, the last day that dogs can be on the beach until October 1 was calmer. Walking along the shore is always a pleasure, and enthusiastic dogs always make it better. Here are today’s gems:
There was even a kids rugby tournament on the beach this morning. The kids whose games had finished were joyously playing in the surf.
Here’s to a fun summer,
Shana & Jeff
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