Surprise visit gave great joy

Last weekend was so nice. The weather was warm, the skies were blue and all was right with the world.

Actually, it wasn’t as perfect as that, but it was close. We had been at the grocery store in the morning, after a good lunch. I wish restaurants would offer smaller sizes as an option. As tasty as the food is at some places, I really don’t want to eat the leftovers every day for the next week.

We had stopped at the Minnetrista farmer’s market. I enjoy shopping there for several reasons. They have a good selection, the vendors are familiar with their products and there are always people with very well-behaved dogs. Having never had a well-behaved dog, I am in awe of people who do.

Every dog I’ve ever had is the opposite of well-behaved.

Mostly the dogs were small. This time there was a giant black beast resting in the shade. It was tethered to a guy who said it was only a puppy. We talked for a bit and after we were out of earshot, we talked about the dangers of owning such a large animal. It would cost a fortune to feed, cleaning up after it would be a chore and it would be strong enough to cause severe damage if it chose. I think we’ll stick with cats as pets. They are more self sufficient and don’t eat that much.

We had been home for about an hour when the phone rang. It was my sister-in-law, Diana. She wanted to know if we were home. I said, “Yes,” and she said that she and my brother Michael were in the driveway. We visited for a bit and they said they were headed for the swap meet here in town. I wished them well and they left.

A few hours later they returned with their treasures. Diana had found a screened gazebo-shaped thing and Michael had something tied down in the back of his truck. I’m not exactly sure what it was. My best guess is a riding mower but that is only a guess.

By that time the cars had begun setting up on Main street for a car show. We walked over and found several makes and models we had owned through the years. Diana took pictures of the ones she liked best.

By this point we were in need of something cold to drink and a place to sit. We found both and had a good vantage point to see the additional cars coming in to set up.

We talked about Michael’s recent health scare. His blood pressure was so out of control that he landed in the hospital. He assured me that he was taking his medicine. He said the drugs must be working because he felt so much better. His doctor agrees, as his numbers are now in the acceptable range.

We talked about our brother, David. David takes after his father while Michael and I inherited the fat genes. It sounds like Michael also inherited the heart problems and tendency for strokes that pepper our family history.

It was finally time for them to leave and I watched until they were out of sight. I hope Michael is going to be OK. Sometimes I miss the little red-haired boy he used to be.

An unexpected visit is a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Seeing Michael and being able to assure myself that he had indeed survived this latest health scare is what made it a good day. The swap meet and car shows were the icing on the cake. I hope your weekend was also a good one.