First thing this morning I rushed to see my mom. I called her last night to remind her I was here. The parking lot of her retirement community was cordoned off with yellow tape to force everyone to drive to the front entrance. I parked and got soaked in the pouring rain to get my temperature check for my one-hour appointment. Then I was instructed on how to drive around the complex to get to my mom’s assisted living building. They had installed barriers so nobody can access the community without first checking in at the main entrance.

Mom was so excited to see me, but didn’t understand the one-hour rule. I told her it’s because they only allow two visitors in at once, and they want to make sure everyone has a turn. I explained that I’d be coming back each day to spend the hour with her and we could leave and go for a drive to anywhere she wants to go. Today was pouring down rain and cold. She wasn’t interested in going outside. She didn’t sound enthusiastic about the idea for tomorrow, either, but we’ll see. She looked good and it felt wonderful to be with her in person after missing her since before COVID. We were all worried about her because her home is located a few miles from the one in Kirkland, Wash. that had all the deaths early on. They had an outbreak in Mom’s home, too, but she stayed healthy through the entire year.
It’s very strange to have only one hour with her, but I’m here for several days.

Pike Place Market is one of my favorite places to visit in Seattle. I’m thankful for the chance to go today. And for my friendship with my dear friend I met in college. It’s a treasure to have a friend you can trust, count on and share your deepest secrets. We may not talk to each other for a year or see each other for several, but once together, it’s like we’re still in our 20s and no time has passed at all.
Here are a few photos from Pike Place Market today — a day of rain, sunshine, hail and friendship:


More photos:




π I Love Fish; with their open mouth it seems like they are saying they live feed humans
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Be still my heart! Going to Pikes Place Market can encompass several days! The entertainment of the guys at the fish market is wonderful. And just walking through the many shops underground is more fun that anything.
I love it there. I grew up in a small town outside Seattle. One of my mom’s biggest joys was taking me there as a young girl.
Have fun with your mom!! ππ
Itβs wonderful to at least see her and give her a hug.
π
How wonderful that you get to see your mom again..but those rules, wow..that’s really tough.
I am going to try to get her out for at least a drive or a restaurant so we can spend more time together today.
Good luck! The pictures of the flowers was so pretty..haven’t been up there since 1985- we used to take the ferry over from Bremerton..my gosh, that was a LONNNG time ago. π³
It’s such a treat to be back up here! I haven’t been on a ferry since around 1985 either.
Hooray! So happy for you and your mom to be reunited. Happy Mother’s Day πΊ
This past year seems like forever! I’m glad to finally get to visit her.
I’m so glad you got to see your mom, and that she has remained healthy thus far
My mom is doing better than she has in years. She has dementia and depression, but she was alert, mobile and excited to spend time with me. It was wonderful.
I’m also glad you were able to spend time with your friend.
She’s a great friend who I see every few years and it’s as though we’ve never been apart.