You'd think after 45 years of life (thanks for all my birthday presents from last month) I'd have learned this lesson.Last Wednesday and Thursday, Jennie, Piper and I made the 13 hour drive from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Albany, New York. The purpose for the visit was bittersweet.
Jennie's 88 year old grandma, who had climbed a mountain with her daughter and grandchildren just six years earlier, had passed suddenly and we wanted to be with family to celebrate her life.
When we visit home Jennie stays with her parents and I stay with my mom and dad. We agreed that I would pick up Piper, Jennie and my in laws at 7:45 on Friday morning to make the 90 minute trip to Pine Plains, New York.
I began getting ready at 6:30 AM, stepped into my costume (dress slacks, white button down long sleeved shirt, a black patterned neck tie and matching shoes and socks- it really is a costume because I'm blessed with the luxury of usually working in shorts and t-shirt) and arrived earlier than scheduled. This allowed me to help get my two year old daughter ready. As I was preparing to dress Piper, Jennie said we would let her travel in her jammies and get her dressed once we arrive.
As the five of us prepared to walk out the door, I looked at my drop-dead gorgeous wife with impeccable taste (except in husbands obviously) and said, "Baby, where are you going to get ready?"
"What?", she retorted (Her brevity and tone should have been a hint to change tactics in order to avoid pending doom).
Clueless, I repeated the question. "Baby, where are you going to get ready?"
Realizing I wasn't at all joking, Jennie peered though my soul and said, "I AM READY!"
Gulp!
If you are reading this on Monday June 30th then Jennie, Piper and I are on the road and planning to arrive home around 4pm today.
Ah, there's nothing like getting home after an extended time away and, um, sleeping in the basement on the old lumpy couch.
I'm sure it will all work out. Not only is my wife beautiful and elegant but she is also kind, forgiving and signed up to receive this blog.
I hope I'm around to send you a message next month. If not it has been nice knowing you.