The best laid plans...

we had grand plans this weekend to visit Valdosta, GA, and Waycross, GA on a brief but fun-filled tour of the south. We planned to leave midday Friday and drive to Waycross, to visit cousin Bu's horse farm and talk with him about the timber framer's guild barn project. We were going to stay overnight in Waycross Friday, then drive to Homerville Georgia for the Steedley Family Annual Easter Hunt. It was set up as a grand surprise for the Owens grandparents. But, ahhh... it was not to be. On Friday morning the "band-aid" we'd been using for weeks to help our car's power steering fluid leak failed. We went from "can we make it to Waycross" to "can we make it to the auto shop for repairs". We soon realized that our plans would not happen. We were of course bitterly disappointed to disappoint everyone. One positive note is that James is young enough to just rebound and move on. I worried that all our talk about horses, egg hunts, and seeing family would leave him confused and sad-- but he has not yet put it together that the trip didn't happen.
Now at the end of the weekend we can also see that our little family needed a break. In retrospect it was wise of us to have few obligations this weekend. James has had a small fever with his lingering cold, Will continues to be the teething bugger, and both parents are a little overtired from busy work schedules. We are also eternally grateful that our car did not break down while on the trip, stranding us on the road with two little guys. Or worse, considering this car ailment effects steering capability.
The word on the car, is that with a very kind and competent mechanic, it was still not fixed by 5:30 PM Friday. We are hoping it will be returned by the end of the day Monday without too big a price tag. Our dear friend Eugenia truly saved us by offering an extra family business car-- a delightful old Volvo-- as a loaner for the weekend.
We tried on Sunday to visit our favorite holy man Bert Keller at the Circular Church downtown. After the hours long ordeal of getting everyone dressed in cute clothes and looking presentable... we realized we'd left the lights on the loaner car on overnight and had a dead battery. After finding a neighbor to help and getting that all set we were WAY past time. We'll try again next week, but it is sure to be extra busy.
We finally found a local CSA and will sign up for a share this week, to get fresh local seasonal produce from a farmer on John's Island.
Considering what occurred it has all worked out in the best possible way. We even managed a quick visit with Keith, Dorthe, Maya and 'Uncle' Carl on Sunday night for Mike's beautifully prepared roast leg of lamb.
These photos are old. Our friend Rick took these on his visit to Enschede last year just a few days before Will was born, and before embarking on an around the world trip. He is back home, with many gorgeous photos and amazing stories (as usual).
The photos are of James playing at some of our favorite places in Enschede, and doing his impersonation of pregnant mom.