Twickenham was my final stop, on the day before I left, the last time I visited the UK. I didn’t get to do much more than see where my friend Brent lived, meet his family, and peek at enough of the town that I would, years later, exclaim to my husband, “I’ve been there!” while watching Ted Lasso.
This time, it was my first destination.
The welcome was warm even if the weather was chillier than I’m used to. Also welcoming and warm was the homemade Ruby Chicken, rice, and naan. In truth, it was crazy delicious, concocted by my friend Brent (aka The Dad) and we had a very early supper, something my very confused internal clock appreciated.
I knew the food would be amazing, but I didn’t realize that it had also recently been Carissa’s (aka The Mom’s) birthday. As a present, she had been gifted six or eight generous blocks of gourmet cheese. The cheese tasting, along with fruits and a bit of dessert left me quite happily sated after an energizing first day with the two baby mammals and two teenagers who also live here.
The petite young fashion plate, K., bested her father and me at a new-to-me game, Kingdomino. Even though I lost, my inaugural game score was decidedly auspicious for my trip.
The tall, older sibling, S., is still adjusting to having had her pet-wish granted. She has recently become a young mother to this nearly six-week-old Welsh Sheep Dog, Aela.
Fezzik the kitten is around someplace too; probably K.’s room. Aela and Fezzik have a sweet rapport, but Fezzik hasn’t figured out that Aela is a not-fully-in-control-of-herself-yet-puppy. He pounces on the pup and runs. The sheepdog goes right after him in a flash of chase that scatters everything in the room, from rubber toys to dining room chairs.
‘Casual chaos’ could be an accurate way to describe the household. Except, even with about 75% more entities, in a smaller space than I’m used to, there’s no sensation of worry or insecurity. Even the little bit of intra-familial bickering feels warm. Comfortable. Grounded.
It can be stressful to embed yourself, as a traveler, right into the middle of unfamiliar familial dynamics. But the Baldwins are loving and forgiving to each other and they’ve generously extended that to me.
Puppy training starts this week. I found myself compelled to share my own experiences with our Olieo dog and my favorite dog training tricks. The comparison between my cattle dog and the intensity of unchanneled canine energy that is Aela makes me grateful I wasn’t in charge of Olieo as a very small puppy.
Today was Brent’s second ever half-marathon. Carissa and I took a gorgeous walk to a beautiful bridge to cheer him on. After he crossed the finish line we all went for a congratulatory drink!
What do you think?