Mother’s Day whirlwind

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all—birth mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, surrogate mothers, yes—even mothers-in-law. I fit in more than one of those categories, and in my long life I have had several mother figures whose memories today leave me filled with awe and gratitude. Mothering, I’ve decided, is what Ron DeSantis would call “woke”—simply the willingness to care for others, to nurture. So cheers—and pots of flowers or special dinners or whatever—to all those “other mothers.”

This weekend I was on the receiving end of Mother’s Day thanks to my two daughters—and it was a whirlwind of a weekend. Megan arrived Friday, having ridden the Vonlane executive bus from Austin, and, after much planning and changing of minds, we had Cobb salad for dinner. Before I knew it, it was midnight—we had talked the night away.

Last night, Megan said to me, “I feel like all I did today was eat, drink, and hang out.” She was exactly right, though we started the morning (eleven o’clock is a start for my girls on Saturday) with a visit to my brother in the rehab facility. First time the girls had seen him in a long time, and there was lots of laughter.

Then on to Quince, the new restaurant on the river. I had heard both good and bad reports on it. Jordan had recently been to the mother restaurant in San Miguel and was eager to go back. And Megan was excited because Quince will be opening just blocks from her house in Austin. They loved it. I had a good salad of charred peaches, tomato, and burrata but much of the menu was too spicy for me (just cannot do spicy!) or had shrimp (I’m allergic). Several dinner entrees seemed to fit my taste more, and I’ll look forward to a dinner trip. It’s a lovely, bright space.

Home for a nap, and then a clothes modelling session. While I slept the girls bought me what seemed like an entire new wardrobe, and I had to try it all on. Of course I had to wear one new outfit for dinner. We went to Grace, the restaurant in the Omni Hotel. It’s not at all new, but I had never been, always considered it beyond my grasp. Megan is good about teaching me to spurge, and we had a lovely meal—steak for her, Diver scallops on tiny potato cakes for Jordan and me. And an inventive side of roasted onion with bacon and blue cheese. Impeccable service, interesting décor, and a great place for people watching. Megan said more than once, “Mom, you’re not paying attention,” and I said I was too busy watching the scene.

Some happy encounters during dinner: we were discussing the dessert menu (before we ordered so we’d know if we should save room) and Megan read off cookies and milk. A little boy at the next table, maybe four years old, leaned over and said, “You can dip the cookies in the milk,” and proceeded to demonstrate. His party left and was replaced by one with a younger boy, maybe eighteen months. When the adults at his table raised a toast, he joined them with his sippy cup. I saw it, mentioned it to the girls, and the child turned around and toasted with Megan. Finally, an older gentleman (well, not as old as I am) stopped by the table to wish me Happy Mother’s Day. No, we did not know him, but he told the girls, “You are almost as lovely as your mother.” Now there’s a charmer! And those are the kind of things that make me love living in Fort Worth.

My clean and neat closet

Christian's perfect
Egg Benedict

Today started with Eggs Benedict that Christian fixed on Jordan’s request—it was his first try to poach eggs and to make Hollandaise. He nailed both—perfection! But the big gift of the day was my closet—the girls totally cleaned it out. Six and a half years ago, they had just moved everything from house to cottage—the goal was to get it in place. I’ve never sorted it since, can’t reach the high hanging bar. They were
ruthless about discards—stains, too small, too dated, and out it went. Megan color- coordinated the hanging things (amazing how many red tops I have, which she thinks she is mostly responsible for). Tonight I have a neat, orderly closet and my dresser is piled high with discards. A huge Mother’s Day gift, and I am grateful.

closet discards

Megan has gone to Austin, but we will have one last celebration: roast salmon, smashed potatoes, and shredded Brussel sprouts. Then, tomorrow, it’s back to routine, but it has been a wonderful weekend, and I am feeling most blessed and grateful.