Sister time is over

Max's sister Tina left this week, and so did his father. And so did Max, for a conference. All of a sudden the house is empty, and I am finding remnants of everyone's stay. Holiday gifts still lying on the table, a few of grandmother's cookies in a tin, empty cosmetic jars in the bathroom trashcan. I never imagined I would travel as much, or have relatives who traveled as much as I do. We are always going or coming from somewhere... We have a very special relationship with airports. This trip with Tina was the best I've ever had. It's rare that Max and I get her to ourselves - as we usual visit her in Europe along with the rest of his family. We laughed and played a lot on her visit this time, and I was really sad to see her go. It is also nice to observe Max in her company. When I first met him, he spoke so lovingly about his mother and his sister -- a sure sign that he was a keeper! He treats her so nicely, and they make each other laugh a lot. When he was in Thailand he bought her the t-shirt she's wearing in the photo below - I think it was a very fitting choice. And of course, she loved it. (More family photos here.)

Tina's shirt from Thailand.

On our way to dinner at Chez Panisse.