To Ryan's Aunt's House

met the boyfriend’s family last night.  well, not the whole family, but most of his dad’s sisters.  dee dee (sp?), pam, what’s-her-name, and of course the famous Shelly (sp?).  i don’t mean to be mean about what’s-her-name, but there were four sister’s (I think??) and i can’t remember all their names.  i did quit doing drugs, didn’t i?  anyway, pat, his mother was there too, and his dad, bud.  (must find out what his real name is.  It’s not bud, is it?)  Aside: Not until I met harry “Bud” acosta, did I know there were so many men in this world named bud.  well, there was buddy broderson in middle school… but that was slightly different.  His sister had the most aweseome name though: cherokee.  right?  ok, I digress…

Shelly’s daughter Adrien (again, SP?) was there, and her husband Marty. Marty is from Canada. No, like the country to the north of the United States, not Africa.  I could tell right off he was Canadian; he has a very cute Canadian accent.  And you know what they say about Canadians, right?  ’Cause I don’t, what is it? Anyway, very nice guy.  Both very nice.  Oh, and there was Pam’s daughter Jackie (sp?) too.  Also very sweet, and polite.  And pretty.

Everyone was very nice.  Very nice.  I really can’t say that enough.  The whole night was very welcoming and warm.  For all of Ry’s nervousness about me meeting his family, it seemed unfounded.  Unless they’re all bizarre con-artists, I’d say he is very lucky to have the family that he has.  They remind me of mine, but not so nuts… well not yet.  (That’s a joke.)  It kinda makes me even more eager for him to meet my sister Beth’s family so I can say, “See, my family is nice too!”

I was introduced to everyone; got hugs from all the women, and firm handshakes and smiles from the men. Pam asked me what I do, and of course as soon as I mentioned that I fix computers for a living, everyone started grumbling about their various computer issues.  As you do.  Ryan’s aunt Pam quite nicely explained to me that she might be looking for some added IT support at her office and to give her a shout.  I got her email and will contact her.

Then I got to try the famous homemade chicken noodle soup.  It was as good as I was told.  The noodles were so soft and and broth was so tasty.  What a perfect meal for meeting one’s boyfriend’s family.  Comfort food.  Excellent.  There were various snacks and a homemade dips which were just as good.  That part of the evening reminded me of visits with my grandmother in Toledo.

After that we chatted outside around the fire, and then I was taken back inside to hear the stories behind a number of family photos.  I really liked the history of Shelly’s husband’s family’s travels from Scotland to America and the old black and white photos that went a long with them.  More reminders of my own family.

Ryan’s mom gave us a homemade cornucopia (which she handed to me and whispered, “It’s a cornucopia!”) to put in the apartment.  I do need some decorations for the fall, so I was grateful.

Later we said our goodbyes and left.  Ryan told me how nervous he had been and I told him how nervous I had not been.  I like his family.  I only hope he feels as comfortable with mine, as I do with his.