So it isn't a weekend in the Caribbean. Not even in Arizona or wherever else they have luxurious spas where people think peaceful thoughts and wear cucumber slices over their eyes all day. But it's ours and it's glorious! A slightly attenuated (but we don't mind!) weekend with my daughters!
* * *
I do a quick run through morning chores, not bothering to check for buds (no time!), but loving the March feel to the air anyway...
We eat a rather early for us breakfast...
And then I'm off to pick up my older girl. Let's put on the music and get going, to Chicago!
* * *
We arrive just in time for lunch.
Though one goal for us big girls is to spend time together, as a threesome, an equally important purpose of being here is to check in on the two granddaughters (or nieces). My March visit with them!
It feels like I haven't seem them for ages, though they all smile at that -- I was just here three weeks ago. Still! Ages!
But in the later afternoon, the kids retreat for their naps, and my daughters and I head out. It's spa time!
We allow ourselves to be pounded all over with super restorative massages and once again I tell myself that if I were infinitely wealthy, I'd pick weekly massages over getting a cleaning service for the farmhouse -- that's how good I think these kneading and rubbings are!
My back pounder was a guy named Bill and he seemed so competent that I had to ask toward the end -- have you been doing this for a long time? Oh, years and years! And in fact, last year, I did a total of 1253 massages! Impressive.
* * *
My older girl and I booked a room at a downtown hotel. Just to make it feel even more like a getaway to some distant place. (We're at the Sofitel.) The three of us go there now -- to check in, to freshen up, to get ready for dinner, to look out at the view.
And since we have a short while before our dinner reservation, we go down to the lounge and have a drink. Yes, right, it's all rather a blur now!
* * *
And now we Uber over for dinner. My two daughters and me, at Elske Restaurant, which describes itself as "a low key spot ... offering menus of creative American fare with Danish influences" focusing on "simplistic fare, seasonal ingredients and energetic hospitality." (Elske in Danish means "to love" --- how incredibly appropriate!) David and Anna Posey are the chefs -- she is in charge of pastry. Both have racketed up the awards over the years for their incredible talents.
One is tempted to do the tasting menu when one eats in special places. You needn't stress then about what to order -- the best of the best is presented to you.
It's all great. The flavors are uniquely subtle and exotic, all at the same time.
Every dish is creative and wonderful.
Indeed, the whole evening is superb, as of course it was going to be. The three of us together -- it feels like we are all just starting out on life and yet, he we are established and secure and happy in our families, partnerships, love.
We spend a long time bringing up childhood memories for review and reconsideration. "And remember when" -- these were common words for us today. And we did remember. Poignantly, and with a great deal of affection. And laughter.
* * *
From there, my younger girl returns home and my older girl and I return to a downtown hotel. The room with a view, more or less (I did not splurge here. We're not here long enough to gaze out and admire much of anything.)
Such a day! Among the best. Yes, yes, the best of the best is when all your beloveds are around the same table, but this moment in time felt downright superb!
And with so much love!
