Swimming, Coffee and Shopping

Early Thursday morning we all traipsed outside to get ourselves over to the swimming pool at the sports complex. Elijah has been slow to gain confidence in the water but his coach gave him 100% of her time in his half hour this week, which was a great way to get him relaxed and more adventurous. And as luck would have it, Elijah had a breakthrough that morning. So, after that marathon in the water, we celebrated at a nearby café that has a terrific playground for children with tables nearby for the grownups. Since I’ve only been to a few places around this region, it was wonderful to find another cool place to hang out.
Julie just ordered some curly fries that came in a tall bucket with separate ramekins for each of us that were filled with aioli, and an order of cold raw broccoli salad that was really scrumptious. As we stuffed ourselves with these treats, Elijah kept running back to the giant equipment that seemed to have emanated from the golden arches, and we had spurts of conversation without him listening in to our private discussions.
After a long and very relaxing break we drove to a favorite retailer close by to buy some outfits for all of us after a prolonged trying on session. Elijah got a few things that he needed and my daughter and I found even more for ourselves. No surprise there. Then, a quick trip to the local supermarket and home after a very rewarding day.
Since we generally just stay put in rural bliss, it was quite satisfying to go a little further afield and be around other people, especially when Elijah learned to swim at that lesson while I was there to see that take place. And on our shopping excursion it was easy to find many garments I’d wanted in the colors I like.
All in all, it was a very successful day in town.