Jenn and Tom's Sleepover

Yesterday, we drove to Jenn and Tom McCowan's house in Winslow (near Waterville) Maine. The trip was longer than I remembered, but it was certainly worth it.

Jenn was a teacher at Apollo. I went to Jenn's wedding shower and Jenn and Tom's rehearsal dinner and wedding in Prescott. Jenn is now teaching Drama and English at Winslow High School in Maine. Tom is an attorney. They have two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Kathleen (Kate). I should add that they are both talented, smart, and just full of that youthful exuberance and potential. They play musical instruments and dance--Hannah is also taking Driver's Ed. I cannot believe how mature they have become in just three years (the last time I saw them).

 One of the many dwellers of the McCowan pond.

 Wish you could see the McCowan gardens--beautiful!

 "I'm ready for my close up."

 Hannah and cat

 Right outside the window--and there were more and more and more birds visiting

 Just one of the many flowers grown by the green thumb of Jenn McCowan.

 Another visitor--and there were so many.

 A view of the flowers from the dining room window.

 The pond at McCowan Park.

The house looked beautiful--Jenn certainly has a green thumb--her flower garden was spectacular--we, and many birds, certainly enjoyed it. Tom had put in a small pond where we also observed frogs, tadpoles, and Bob thinks he saw one toad as well. In addition, we watched red squirrels and chipmunks scamper about on their front patio and through the garden. The house has been renovated and there is a spacious living room and dining area. In addition (no pun intended), the girls now have larger rooms and there is a larger master suite with its own bathroom. We stayed in the guest room.

Jenn had prepared a few hors d'oevres which we munched away on until Tom came home. Tom took Hannah to driver's ed while Bob began cooking his CIA Risotto-like Pasta dish. It's one of my favorites, but since it is so different from regular Italian food, it was a gamble taking it someone's home. Tom, Jenn, and Kate are real foodies, though, and while Bob cooked, he and Tom discussed everything from critters to the historical buildings in Waterville. Tom and Jenn are so much fun because they are interested in so many different things. Tom is very actively involved in the history of Winslow and Waterville (they live in Winslow, but Waterville is practically right next door). Jenn and Tom are also amazing parents--these girls are sure to be successful--they are mature, well-behaved, talented, and beautiful. I can't wait to see where they will be in another 10 years. Kate is going into 7th grade and Hanna will be a sophomore this coming school year. Jenn has managed to grow the drama program and is lucky to have a principal who will help her do so.

We had a wonderful time talking all night about so many different topics--both are well-read so part of the discussion ended up being book reviews and recommendations. We were drinking some pretty good hard cider first, then Pinot Grigio, then Bob and I introduced Jenn and Tom to Chocovine and Chocvine with raspberry. These wines are delicious and 14% alcohol. It doesn't seem like chocolate wine would be good, but it is delicious and I think we made two converts last night. With dinner, Jenn had made a nice salad and for dessert, she made tiramisu--which was delicious--that we had with the Chocovine. After a wonderful evening with these friends that live much too far away, we went to bed--we stayed the night because of the long drive back and because Jenn wanted to take us to one of her favorite places for breakfast.

The next morning was very embarrassing for me. Bob and I had set the alarm clock, but right before it went off, Bob (thank goodness) had to use the bathroom. When he did so, he saw Tom who was looking for his wallet and sunglasses. Thinking that perhaps when we were cleaning up we might have seen them, he asked Bob. Bob came into the bedroom and I immediately remembered picking up a wallet that I thought was Bob's and sunglasses that I thought were mine. UGH! They had been looking for I don't know how long, not knowing that their kleptomaniac guest had picked them up and put them into her purse. Poor Jenn! Poor Tom! Stupid me.

Breakfast was at a cute place run by a little old lady named Roberta (I think). I had Eggs Benedict, Bob and Jennn had eggs as well, but with sausage links that were delicious. The home fries were also yummy. Then we went on a short trip into Waterville and I was reminded that Bob and I had gone into the shops the last time we had visited the McCowans in 2009. Because we had to get back and get ready for Antoinette (my cousin) and Heath (her sweetie) who are coming tomorrow night, our shopping trip was short. We returned to Jenn's house and left for our cottage--but not before not being able to find our GPS. After rummaging through the van, I called Jenn and, lo and behold, she had found it. We returned one more time, got some water, used the facilities and we were on our way (again!)

It's unfortunate that we live so far from each other because, despite the age difference of 20 years, we could have many adventures and interesting discussions with this couple. Again, we had a wonderful time visiting them.

On our way home, one more grocery visit--boy we have a lot of food--too much especially since I know we'll be so busy during the day that we'll end up eating out and I don't know what we're going to do with all this food. UGH! Why do I overdo this food experience stuff EVERY  SINGLE time? I was going to make potato salad and chicken salad but I realized I have no room to put it in the frig. Tomorrow AM we'll be doing some rearranging and cleaning up, but probably no cooking since we have no room.

So our next adventure begins when Antoinette and Heath gets here and so does my anxiety about making sure they have a good time. Can't I just look forward to something without worrying about it? I guess the answer to that is NO!