wine in hand, feet in pool

Five of Six

I had planned to drive straight to C's house from the airport as I had last year. But it wasn't a good day for her, so we planned to get together before I flew back home. My afternoon strangely devoid of needing to be anywhere, I found a coffee shop with WiFi and caught up on a little work, yes, even on vacation. But it was good to have it out of the way. Then I met M's friend to get her my extra ticket, which was the last of the extra tickets originally bought for the recent ex. The relief with which I parted with it was substantial. Another feeling of relief that he was gone. That the slate was clean. After exchanging our tickets for wristbands we headed to a creek side watering hole for some beers. Then she graciously invited me to hang out at her place until I picked M & P up at the airport. I picked them up and we headed to P's parents' place, which was to be our home away from home for the weekend. We opened a bottle of wine and caught up while dangling our feet in the pool. M inquired about the new boy, and picked up on the excited-ness with which I told the story. How I almost wish I had given him my extra ticket. Even though it's way to soon for either. We talked about their move back in nearly a year. About my hopeful visit before they do. About our families. We could have talked for hours, but the exhaustion got the best of us, and we eventually headed to bed. After lunching on delicious fish tacos, queso and margaritas, we napped then headed off to the festival. A long line greeted us as we approached the park, as fire trucks exited, the line began moving. Apparently something had been even hotter than we were. Over the next three days, we listened to some old favorite bands, and found some new ones. Hit some of M's favorite restaurants that have become mine with my many visits. And of course enjoyed a crunchy chicken cone, the best-ever festival food. We forgot our annoyance with the larger-than-last-year-seeming crowds by drinking beers and wine by the pool. Catching-up with old friends, and making new ones. Although, the music didn't excite me as much as it had in years past, this festival was perhaps the most fun. For me. Perhaps it was my laid-back attitude towards the number of must-see bands. Good food and drink. And mostly the great company. But perhaps a little the flirty text messages from a boy a thousand miles away. All in all my fifth festival, was the best. My boss asked me before I left if I planned to go down for it every year. I don't see why not. So far I've only missed the first. I think I'd like to keep it that way. Of course it may be easier when M & P move back to town. Hopefully they'll have a spare bedroom I can perpetually claim for this weekend every year. Maybe they can bring the pool and I'll bring the wine? ****** You can see larger versions of the images by clicking on them.