Family Weekend. St. Louis. Good food. Great company. What's not to love? In a few short days my firstborn will celebrate her 19th birthday. Nineteen. Wasn't I just that age myself? The four of us loaded into the vehicle for a Saturday road trip to see our girl. Along the way we saw this:
My friend aptly described the atmosphere. The night before, some of us sat awake and watched as Egypt began to unravel at her seams. The black-rimmed gun of the tank was a reminder that the winds of war continue to blow. Then, upon arriving at campus, we viewed this:
An authentic piece Egyptian art on papyrus, it depicts Isis, goddess of motherhood, marriage and love, leading Nefertari, chief queen and favorite wife of Ramses II. This is my daughter's gift from her boyfriend, who vacationed in Egypt this past summer. It is my hope that our strongest Arab ally will not fall apart...
As we visited her dorm room it is, not surprisingly, tidy as ever. The little ones easily made themselves "at home" there, taking over the desk, the pens and paper, even the laptop. My youngest, still in preschool, has yet to figure out why McKenzie has to go to 'tollege' or why she (still the little one) can't be left behind to hang out with McKenzie for awhile instead of returning home with her parents. The girls love their big sister, and she loves them too. Meanwhile, her dad and I sat on her small college bed while McKenzie talked to us, with us, as the adult she has become. You are beautiful inside and out, sweet girl. xoxo
The celebratory birthday lunch took place on "The Hill." There is no other place to enjoy the perfect Italian meal while in St. Louis. It is an area famous for its Italian-American heritage, where restaurants and bakeries are tucked between small residential homes of former immigrants. At Zia's, the Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms are exquisite. The Pollo Parmigiana is top notch, and the homemade bread? Just add olive oil and Parmesan. The price tag isn't bad either. Baseball fans recognize "The Hill" as the home of Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. Jack Buck,. Cardinals broadcaster, also lived in the area early in his career. The neighborhood has a particular American story feel to it. I'm anxious to return.
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| Piccola di papà |
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| Piccola principessa |
"Tutte le strade portano a Roma."
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