If I hadn’t mentioned it (which I’m sure I hadn’t), my sister came to Austin this past weekend - partly for my birthday, partly because she hadn’t been in a few years. I took Friday and Monday off from work and we spent the entire time together, just hanging out and enjoying eachother’s company. More on that later, for now, I’ll tell you that she had to go home this afternoon and I’ve had a very heavy day without her. That’s the best way I can describe it. I’m grateful for the time she was here, and I miss her, and I’m trying not to be sad, so more than anything, I’ve just felt heavy.

But before that, we had the PERFECT last day in Austin. We woke up and watched the 2-hour finale of Desperate Housewives and then went downtown and had lunch at Shady Grove. We went early, before it was a million degrees, and it was ideal for being outside sippin a margarita under the trees. I’m telling you, it was the kind of weather you hope for when your friends and family come to visit. Warm clear, and with a nice breeze.

But our favorite moment was when the waiter came over to take our drink orders. He had a hat on with pens clipped to every inch of the brim, tons of them jutting in every direction. Try as I might I couldn’t stop staring at the pens.

Waiter: Can I get you ladies something to drink? Margarita? Soda?
Kristin: I’d like a margarita, on the rocks w/ salt (stares at the pens)
Waiter: Sure. Would you like house tequila, or our top shelf or premium tequilas?
Kristin: Salt, please.
Waiter: …
Kristin: Wait. I got distracted by the pens. House. House is fine. Damn. I can’t believe I just did that.
Waiter. Do you want me to take the pens off?
Kristin: No… you’re good.
Waiter: (to Jen) Ma’am, and you? Can I get you something to drink?
… she can’t speak because she’s laughing and wiping at her eyes. She looks at me, points across the courtyard and says “Kristin, look. Something shiny.

It was a good, good weekend. I’m going to look thru my pictures and smile and jot down my thoughts so I can share the rest of memories with you tomorrow.