There's no place like home

My  kids + 3 (boyfriend plus dogs) came home to visit last weekend. This is unusual. Our far-flung locations form a triangle, and it’s more common to meet at a neutral spot—or we go to them because they’re just starting out (meaning minimal vacation days) while my husband’s nearing retirement (meaning the opposite).

Having everyone home meant hours of preparation—cooking, cleaning, and, thanks to my husband’s efforts, providing a balloonapalooza. I fixed the crew hearty breakfasts, stuffed them with cupcakes, and cajoled them into wearing complementary clothing for a family photo shoot. I aggravated my daughter and quizzed my son—both have come to expect it. In other words, like Popeye used to say, “I yam what I yam.”

Lucy, an amiable short-haired German Pointer, bounded about with joyous enthusiasm and drank with abandon, as evidenced by the puddles of water she left behind. Although decidedly smaller, Maddie, a feisty Jack Russell, often clung to Lucy’s neck in good-natured dominance. When they left, the silence was deafening.

And that’s the thing. Who needs silence? Playing Yahtzee and Scrabble, hiking up mountains, clinking glasses, talking with friends . . . fun, laughter, and the occasional growl fill a house with love.

So, kids, how about coming for dinner this Sunday? And don't forget the dogs.