Home Again, Home Again

The belle of every party, Stevie Nicks.  We gave her many a pat over the three weeks.

We were going home to Toronto and our cottage on Stony Lake for three weeks.  Even though it was July and high season in the Med, we were excited to head home in the summer for the first time in five years.  

After a late night at Gid & Em's birthdays party, the two clans of future in-laws got together for a long afternoon brunch.  Then dinner for eight of us.  It was a celebratory weekend, full of good cheer.

And then another family gathering.  This time the O'Neills.  Plenty of love.

Events were plentiful and filled every second - 30th birthday celebrations for Gid and Em, seeing Tom’s apartment, sailing with him on his co-owned boat and visiting his RCYC hangout, socializing with Gid’s parents, sister and partner on a couple of occasions, getting together with the Ramshaw clan, wedding dress shopping with Em several times, visiting with dear friends in Toronto and at the cottage, spending time at the cottage and taking stock of what needs to be done after our neglect, clearing out the locker and taking remains to a generous friend in London’s basement, and getting together with my big brothers and partners.  This final event only happens every five or so years when Michael returns from India for visa renewal.  Tim specially flew in from Bermuda and me from Rome.  It was extra special and meant so much that we all made the effort along with our partners and our children.  

Me and my big bros!  Loved every minute and so grateful that we pulled it off.  It's no easy feat when we are so far flung around the world.

For the first time in five years, we felt that our three week visit home wasn’t long enough.  There were many friends we hadn’t been able to see.  We had had a wonderful time and were committed to spending a few months at home in 2020.  Too soon we were headed back home to Milly.

A little bit of R&R at the cottage.

Our home abode is Milly wherever she happens to be.  Our home place is Toronto.  Our cottage has never been home - it is “the cottage” and we love it.  After five years, I am comfortable with the meaning of the terminology.  We flew across the ocean home and recrossed home again.