The Visit

It has been cool and even wet most of the day yesterday. The temperature here on the coast is expected to be in the 70s today, tomorrow in the high 70s and Monday in the 80s. Unusually warm.

The problem? My niece Shelley and her friend Tracy are coming for a visit today. After seeing mom's place and a nice lunch, we have to drive the pass. A pass that is going to be packed with people trying to escape the 90+ degree heat on that side of the hill. It's going to be ugly.

Tonight, we are heading back to the top of the mountain to one of our favorite places for appetizers and cocktails. That means we will be in the traffic of people leaving the coast to go home. More traffic.

We keep reminding ourselves that it is the price we pay to live in a resort area. October is always the biggest challenge. We are the pumpkin capital in this part of the state and the fields are lines with pumpkins ready to be chosen for Jack 'O Lanterns. There are also farmers who go a bit crazy and offer everything from hay rides to haunted houses to pony rides. It makes for impossible traffic for the entire month. After pumpkins, the Christmas tree fields are opened for people to cut their choices for the holiday. By January, we are all happy to get the coast back to ourselves.

But, for today I am so looking forward to being with mom, Shelley and Tracy. I will bet that there is not a moment of silence and lots of laughter. The house and gardens are ready for company, a breakfast quiche is in the refrig for Sunday and a bottle of champagne is cooling to be enjoyed tonight out in the garden after dinner.