Momma Mia

Mom and Jill, sister in law, met us at the Albany train station. Mom was ecstatic as any normal mom would be. She recently moved into a condo development. There was something different about her. A sense of blooming and flourishing perhaps? She was easy and relaxed. I might even go as far to say, a free spirit. She did her first Jell-O shot a couple weeks ago, and called us to tell the tale. In fact, I think she is looking into getting the recipe for future celebrations. It was refreshing.

Shellie's Proverb: There is no expiration date on enjoying life.

Upon arrival to mom's home, she popped open a beer. We were in awe. Invasion of the body snatchers come to mind? Where's that pod goshdarnit. It's not like she was awful. Have you seen How Stella Got Her Groove Back? It's the same thing except different. She told us tales of her neighborhood block party. It was nice to hear that she was enjoying life at her own accord.

Her digital camera was her new appendage. She clicked and flashed with every movement of our bodies. We later went to Casey's for dinner where the dishes were of gargantuan proportions. "Smile guys!" Mom on her hundredth request, Jill rolling her eyes. By the time our entrees arrived, my belly had increased in mass! Stomach why have you forsaken me?

We weebled and wobbled our way into the Price Chopper. We thought it would be nice to bring a dozen of german chocolate cupcakes over to Dad's birthday party. As Shane and Jill, took homage to the toilet, mom and I shopped for ingredients. I posed with a bag of shredded coconuts as mom insisted. I quickly striked a pose with the shopping cart. Jill and Shane were quickly coerced to take pictures. It was Friday night at the Price Chopper and we were all smiles.

My first experience with a self-check out counter was like two virgins having sex, it went no where. We fumbled with the items and tried to scan the barcode to complete frustration. Mom coached from the sideline, "scan it, put it in the bag. It's easy." After we were all thumbs, we got the hang of it. Shane mastered the self-check in system. "Isn't that easy?" Mom exclaimed. I'm not sure if it was easy, but it sure was entertaining for the employees.

Before baking we whipped up a fresh batch of pina colada. Kyle
brother in law, was absent as he is graded "poor" on the priority scale when it came to family. We were offended, but not surprised, as it is his common behavior. You gotta love him for being himself. We poked fun as he made excuses of being stuck at the Saratoga horse races. Uh huh, and the world is flat. Another round of pina coladas?

"Smile kids get together." Mom continued her marathon of photos. "Mom, you need to stop it." Jill bothered by the excessive paparazzi nuisance. "I see you kids once a year." She found a loophole. Shane took the role of meticulous baker and began to measure, mix and pour as we continued to polish our cocktails. It was a very delightful evening as we gabbed, laughed and celebrated.

Lesson: A Grasshopper must cross bamboo bridge with plum wine in one hand and tea in the other. Only without spilling will Grasshopper find perfect balance in life.