Day 1092: Empty nest again

Colin and April flew home yesterday at 5 and Justin and Evan departed at 8 this morning.  Suddenly, the house is quiet again.  Molly is in mourning because she misses cuddling with April.  Several times this week, Paddy snuck through open bedroom doors and napped on beds, something that never happens with us.  In days of leisurely conversations, our sons and April revealed dreams and future plans, opportunities, worries and challenges.  They gave me input on my book, especially on title options.  Very little of this happens on the phone in rushed calls.  They spent time with their father who asks for very little, yet gives so much.  They connected with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Steve, who love them so very much.  Time together is so precious and fleeting.

We escaped the gloom of the house with a trip to Orchard Park to see the first of several newly released movies we want to see.  There are so many: Unbroken, The Imitation Game, Wild.  We started with Into the Woods.  It was entertaining, but we both preferred our own production.  That was an unforgettable show in so many ways.  Who could forget the tower tumbling over with Corinne still inside? Or Brian's hysterically funny portrayal of Milky White?  Or the construction of the bean stalk?  I always prefer a show that has a mix of drama and humor and social commentary.  Into the Woods was not on the same level as Fiddler or Ragtime, but it was memorable, largely because the performances of our cast were outstanding!

Cashew Chicken at Cozy Thai restaurant in Hamburg

Tom Kha soup

Steve went out to a call in Dunkirk, but was back quickly. A car went off the pier.  Sadly, it's a recovery, not a rescue.   It seems the area can't get through a day with a serious call.