Greetings from Lodi

Made it safely to Mom's by yesterday afternoon -- landed right around 12:30, Pacific time. This is about the earliest I've ever arrived here, because I usually avoid taking the 7:15 am flight out of Logan that requires me to get up at a quarter to 5 in the morning. But it worked out just fine. Of course, I took a couple-hour nap once I got here, then was in bed shortly after 10pm (and woke up at 6). Yay, jet lag. Which fits well with their usual schedule, though, so it's kind of cool to be able to stay time-shifted while I'm out here.

It's very peaceful here. I think that's a great thing. My stepfather has turned their backyard into a lovely garden with waterfall and koi pond -- the sort of thing I dream about having for myself one day. I'm going to have to spend a couple of mornings out there reading in the sun. Because I can.

But today, Mom and I are going shopping. :-) And tomorrow, a BBQ/pool party at my aunt and uncle's. Where I will try to make up for missing the pool party going on in my absence today. *sigh*...