CLOUDS W ?
SUNSHINE – S ?
13TH JANUARY ?
12.59 COLD WATER
1028 COLD WATER !
MACKAY HOUSE
02.03 COLD WATER
SARAH CAME
02.04 ?
02.00 ?
SUNSHINE S
CLOUDS W
LIGHT BREEZE N !
CLOUDS W ?
2.06
MACKAY HOUSE !
CLOUDS S W
SUNSHINE S
LIGHT BREEZE N

Almost exactly a year ago, Mum had a visitor in palliative care: a delightful eight-week-old red kelpie puppy named Josie. This year, Josie’s first litter of puppies are delightfully eight weeks old, and I’m here to say goodbye to Dad.

On the bright side, this has been the occasion of the best picture of my life so far:

Whoever’s writing this story is a little heavy-handed with the symbolism, no?

Dad’s stopped eating. I’m flying back to Australia.

(Inspired by the ongoing success of this post):

Swim in the hot springs and see the geyser
Learn archery (no, but Claire is signed up for archery camp in summer)
Serve a meal at Glide Memorial (no, but we did work volunteer hours at the SF-Marin Food Bank)
Ride a bike in Golden Gate Park
Visit Hearst Castle (no, but we did visit the Winchester History Mouse)
Sketch in the Legion of Honor
Stargaze at Chabot
Find the Andy Goldsworthys in the Presidio

ETA: Bonus kayaking!

I just had two weeks off work with the family and absolutely nothing planned, which hasn’t happened in about seven years. It was awesome. I found out what I’m like these days when I’m not working long hours, caregiving and/or stressed out of my goddamn mind.

Quite a lot more relaxed and funnier, it turns out. More patient with the kids. I ride as much as I can, go to the pool, go to yoga classes and museums, see films, eat panettone and peppermint bark, drink Bailey’s and New Zealand sauvignon blanc. I go to friend’s houses and I spend long afternoons at home, reading or messing around on Tumblr. I make much of my cats.

I’m bored out of my mind now and more than ready to get back to work on Monday. Solid result.