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What a surprise I had at Costco.

Before I get to that let me catch you up on my day.  I didn't sleep well the night before and to top it off woke up even earlier than I normally do on a weekday.  Yuk, why is that???  Nothing that a couple of cups of coffee can't help.  So I drank my coffee, read the paper then ran on the treadmill for 2.5 miles. Another side note....I signed my husband and me up for a 7K run in July (yikes!  That's 4.3 miles....I had to look it up).  I haven't run in a race for probably 15 years, and then only did a couple, but this one is sponsored by our church and helps Kenya with clean water.  So I'm focusing on running, which is NOT a natural thing for me to do. 

Back to the story.

My kids were gone for the day on their own adventures so it was nice and peaceful in the early morning.  I got ready and hubby and I went to lunch then headed over to Costco.  We needed fertilizer, but they were out.  We did manage to find many other items to fill the cart, though.  Isn't that always the case when you go to Costco?  It is for me.  I will try to go in for only a couple of items, then walk out with more than I planned (Yes, that is another post and issue to discuss about self control). 

We made it just past the TV's and there was my surprise.  A friend I haven't seen in five years was there.  She and her family have been in Germany for the last five years for her husband's job.  I knew they were headed back to the states this summer, but didn't realize they were already back.  They have been back for only seven days she told me.  I could have talked to her for hours - luckily we didn't and our husbands were very kind and patient in the 15 minutes or more we did chat.  It was such an unexpected treat to run into her and made my day!

Mrs. O had been one of the first attendees at my coffees.  One of the things I love the most about her is she asks probing questions.  Not the kind that are invasive, but truly inquisitive and thought provoking.  She's a thinker and challenges me.  And always with such kindness and sensitivity.  That's her heart and her nature. 

Since I take the summer off from coffee hosting I now can't wait for Fall to have my next coffee and know there is a chance she can make it. 

Have you had any fun surprised lately?

Father's Day that wasn't

This was the first Father's Day without my dad.  Sunday was actually OK.  It was Saturday that it hit me that I would have a Father's Day and not be able to call my Dad and tell him how much I love him.  Writing that right now brings tears to my eyes.  Oh, how I loved that man!  He was such an amazing Dad.  Saturday was actually a pretty quiet day and I had the chance to think about not having my dad around.  I know it's a part of life, but that doesn't mean it is going to be an easy life.

I find that I really miss him when we worship at church.  Funny.  I think it's because the praise songs remind me that dad is in heaven and one day I will join him, but in the mean time, I'm here and he isn't.  I tend to tear up during the worship.  Why can't I ever remember to bring Kleenex with me?

Sunday we focused on my hubby.  He had the first Father's Day without his dad, too.  I've decided that I don't like both of us experiencing these "firsts" together.  Hubby has an ability to get through it very matter of fact-ly.  Me...not so much.  But it was F.D. so we celebrated hubby and after church went to brunch and had a great late breakfast.  Then a casual rest of the day.  Dinner was prime rib roast and it was delicious.  Our daughter saw this t-shirt and had to get it for him.  He will wear it proudly.

Despite not having fathers to call, we got through the day with my husband as the Dad to celebrate.  I am fortunately though.  I was able to send wishes to my Uncle (my Dad's brother and only sibling).  I have the VERY BEST FAMILY!  As dad was ill, my Uncle told each one of us girls (dad had 4 daughters) that he would proudly step in and be the surrogate dad for us.  How luck am I! 

I hope you all were able to celebrate Dad's day in your own unique way.