Commandment: when Leah throws a party you must attend.
Southwest teased me by posting my flight would be departing 1-hour late meaning OAK arrival would be 9pm. Not good. But, I noticed there were 2 other flights to OAK leaving in the next 1.5 hours. The Person Behind The Counter made it so, and I was now scheduled to arrive about 30 minutes ahead of my original arrival. Winning! And a note to self: this was only possible due to no checked luggage. Once the luggage is checked you cannot change your flight.
Leah, Damon, and Finley picked me up then off to a waterfront winery under the guise of picking up wine for the party. Might as well sit down and have a glass, shall we?
Friday evening was finished with Leah beginning the party food preparation.
Saturday was party preparation day. Sweep the backyard, provision run (twice), food preparation, hang outdoor lights, pack coolers with drinks. And for me, a nap renamed ‘party prep meditation’.
 |
| Chillin' while waiting on the party to begin |
The party begins. Plenty of people that trigger face recognition but name forgetness. An eclectic mix. Leah’s parents arrive and always great to talk with them.
 |
| Jim, Lynn and me |
Patricia and I caught up on life. This is a person I only see when visiting Leah but we have some deep conversations. Next on her life to-do list: El Camino de Santiago.
I crashed at about 11:30pm. Plenty of food still there. People were encouraged to take food on the way out. I woke about 2am and people were still outside talking.
 |
| Breakfast at Rockridge Diner |
Sunday was the cleanup day. Leah and I put in a few hours then took a breakfast break. Damon injured his back due to overexertion Saturday so he was in recovery mode. Then Leah’s niece showed up. We chatted for a bit then off the airport!
 |
| OK, a few beers were left over |
