The Flight
We had a fine send off: going away parties in Haifa with friends (at our house) and family (at my in-laws) both exceeded expectations. Incredible turn out at each and we were showered with what we wanted most: photos to take with us.
Boosted by good feelings from the parties, Ahuva, Koshka and I flew on a Sunday night. Ahuva handled the trip like a pro. After our vacation in Czech Republic (photos), she must think that every week we get on a plane. She had a baby bed and slept for most of her usual night time. In the morning when she got a little bored and fussy, all I had to do was walk her around so she could have new people to smile at. I was pretty brave too. There was a woman in my row who was traveling alone with four children, the youngest a bit smaller than Ahuva. Seeing her I felt I had no reason to complain.
"Wow," I told her, "I'm in awe." She explained that she brought her oldest child (who couldn't have been more than eight years old) because she needed him. He was a big help. Still... this woman remained calm even when her stroller and car seats failed to arrive at baggage claim.
Ahuva fell asleep in the sling at baggage claim. I had a sky cap get a huge cart to help me with my three big bags, big carry-ons, plus cat in cage. Ahuva was still sleeping when we stepped out into the warm and wet NJ air where my parents were eagerly waiting. When she woke and recognized them, she exuded that winning smile that earned her the nickname "Sunny" in Czech Republic.
Bro and his girlfriend swung up to the curb a few minutes later to pick up the cat and kiss us. Ahuva clearly recognized him too and was happy to see him. She enjoyed meeting his girlfriend who hugged her and let her play with her beautiful long black hair.
Then it was off to Grandma's to meet her great grandmother. The stroke has taken a toll, but there was no mistaking her joy. Ahuva was a pure delight there, happy to "stretch her legs" (roll around on Grandma's thick carpet), see Grandma's new bird, and play with great aunt and uncle & the new musical toy Grandma bought her.
Ahuva slept in her luxurious new car seat (a gift from my aunts and uncles) on the long rainy drive back to the lake.
The Lake
My parents' lake house used to be my Grandfather's house. It's actually two bungalows linked together by a long wide porch. My father spent summers here growing up. I visited here almost every summer of my life since I was a baby younger than Ahuva is now.
The house is situated in New York state. It's not that far from the city, yet it remains remarkably cut off from civilization thanks to tough forests and windy roads. It is part of a kibbutz-like community of bungalows. When I was a child, the sense of community here was very strong. There were cocktail parties EVERY NIGHT. The grown ups drank and served "Shirley Temples" and "Roy Rogers" to us kids. These were actually the same drink (ginger ale plus grenadine), gender-coded according to recipient. The good parties included indulgent snacks such as ritz crackers with cheez-whiz. There were parties featuring mellon ball salads served up in the club house (moadon) known as the Copa in honor of the club by that name. My cousins and I spent our days in the lake or dodging poison ivy in the forest. All the grown ups knew who we were. In those days, everyone was Jewish. Most were secular. The political spirit ranged from left to very left.
Today the community is more diverse. The kids are grown up and the parents rather than grandparents own the bungalows here. I'm thrilled to reconnect with two sisters who were my childhood playmates here and have now returned with kids of their own. Their girls are the sources for 95% of Ahuva's fabulous outfits. When we arrived, I found a double dresser full to bursting with a whole new wardrobe and had to spend several days sorting by size and season!
The room I'm writing from sits litterally in the middle of a very green forest. I hear birds.
The best part of the lake is of course the lake. It's the same lake that was featured in one of the last episodes of The Sopranos. Ahuva loves it! Even more than in her swimming classes in Haifa, she takes to the water like a happy fish. Photos.
