A Weekend Without

It was the first weekend without Mom or other Mom “events” so I was unsure at first how things would go. Looking back, it was a very pleasant weekend with lots getting accomplished. I somehow managed to take about 40 pictures on my iPhone this weekend as well. I blame it on my official re-entry into Instagram. [To follow along, go find me – chelseasunset]

The weekend started off with a trip into one of the cutest neighborhoods in the area – a neighborhood in Old Town Alexandria where my Mom used to live before I was born. I hope to go back some time in the daylight to get pictures of the beautiful homes with the huge wrap-around porches, the old gas stations, and cute little store fronts. It’s like walking back into the early 1960’s :)

 


[Clams casino and a slice of cheesecake. So yum.]

Saturday afternoon, I met up with Whitney and Erica for lunch at the one-and-only Cafe Rio. [You can see pictures in previous posts.] I’m kind of feeling like an area expert of that place, after having lived in Salt Lake. That’s literally the most popular place to eat in all of Utah so opening two Cafe Rios in Virginia is pretty huge.
Anyway, the weather was so beautiful that we sat out on the patio, enjoyed our delicious meals, and talked about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness :) We followed that up with a trip to Goodwill and stopped by Petsmart. We almost each left with a dog but we resisted the temptation. One day, though, I am going to cave.

On the way home, I stopped by the cemetery where my mom is buried and sat and “talked” with her for a while. It was a beautiful day with a subtle breeze and I felt so much peace being there. Miss her everyday.

 

I also received THE sweetest card all the way from Megan in Norway!! I totally teared up while reading what she wrote. Her support and encouraging words are going to stick with me for quite some time. Thank you so so much, Megan!

My day continued being a good one when I decided that I ought to buy another pair of my favorite jeans. Not only did they have one last pair in my size BUT they were also on sale. Bam! And that, my friends, is how it’s done.

I also caught this gorgeous sunset. Maybe it was my Mom shining down :)

Also, this weekend, the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival was taking place. Obviously, I had to attend.

Truffles! They make everything better, don’t they?
The ceiling where the festival was being held was absolutely beautiful. These buildings have been around for a very long time and seeing beams like these just makes me smile.

 

Sunday evening was spent with family. My little niecey is a sweetheart and wanted to help the kitty eat her food :)

I love my family, I love my friends, I love my life – the hard times, the good times – I love what God has given me and I know the things He has taken from me are still there even if I can’t see them.