Ten years ago we took Son Brian to Columbia shortly before he started his freshman year at the University of Missouri. While he was in school he came home for holidays, but each summer he stayed in Columbia and worked. (The first year was for the university. The other summers he had an internship in his major field with a company in town.)
A year into his classes he introduced us to Nicole, who became a constant in his life. In due time Brian graduated. The next semester we were back to see Nicole receive her degree. After that they got engaged, bought a house, and got married. Even though they were 100 miles away, we still saw them on a fairly regular basis. At the beginning of this month we found out Nicole had accepted a new job. Next Saturday they're moving from Missouri to the San Francisco Bay Area of California.
This weekend Hubby Tony, Son Donald, and I made one last trip to Columbia for a going away get together. We arrived on Friday night in time for dinner, then spent the night at their house. The party started at noon on Saturday. It was good to see all the family and friends that gathered to wish them well, but also bittersweet, knowing it might be a long time before we all got together again.
(On the other hand, that area of the country is a great place to visit!)
Five years ago today: It's Here!
Do they pick up at the airport or do you rent a car. The only thing you need to know.
ReplyDeleteYep!
DeleteHow fun for them....that's a lovely area! Yes, a great excuse to visit! ha.
ReplyDeleteAnd the weather is pretty nice year 'round :-)
DeleteIf they are living in SF, then you take BART from the airport. Let me know when you are in the neighborhood, I will come to SF and see you. Any excuse to be there.
ReplyDeleteWill your son be working in SF, too?
Actually, I think they'll be close to San Jose (they'll be in temporary housing for the first month until they find a place of their own. Brian has a virtual job, which he can do anywhere there's a wi-fi signal.
DeleteIt is exciting to witness the next generation as they create their new life even if it does take them away from us. The most important thing is that they are happy and can support themselves. And have a guest room!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on both counts :-)
DeleteIt's a lovely area they are moving to, you will have to visit often. But I know it's sad.
ReplyDeleteVery bittersweet!
DeleteWe pass through San Jose on our way to our kids' but don't stop. There is a small town, on the banks of the bay, Alviso, that is close to Santa Clara and all the big tech offices, where we enjoy stopping for a good Mexican restaurant. Then we take a walk along the salt marshes. San Francisco is much more fun, though, than San Jose.
ReplyDeleteWhen we go out there I'll have to get the name of that restaurant from you.
DeleteThey've already figured out just how long it takes to get to San Francisco on the Caltrain. When we visit I bet we use it :-)
Cal Train is great. You can ride it to Millbrae and change to BART if you want to land somewhere else in the city other than the Cal Train station which is right across the street from AT&T stadium (where the Giants play). From that point you can take Muni which then connects to BART stations. Public transportation in the bay area is great.
DeleteOh I know how you feel. It's been a while since I've seen my brother. He's in California and I am in NC. I had him fairly close when he was in Miami but he decided he liked the West Coast much more after spending 4 years there in the military. My parents go every now and make that their anniversary present in October - they stay for two weeks. Just FYI - October also happens to be the month the get the best rates.
ReplyDeleteKenya, thanks for the price heads up. I KNOW I'll be going out there before then, but maybe that would make a nice second (or third, or fourth?) trip.
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