6.27.20 - Joy status: breakfast with Rachel and playdate

I had a belated birthday breakfast courtesy of Rachel, who I haven't seen in a long time. We ate at a place that normally has a line out the door, but because of "these times" we were able to walk up and get a table. In order to keep all the tables appropriately distanced, the restaurant had converted it's parking lot into spaced out patio seating, and it was really nice weather out and generally a nice ambiance. Food was great too. We both wanted savory and sweet so we ordered one of each (French toast and an avocado omelette) and split them.

When we were done I went back to my car and saw I had a ticket (!) BUT as I quickly scanned it to see the damage, I just saw $0 because it was only a warning (apparently I was parked in a residential area that requires a permit). I didn't even know such a thing was possible, and I couldn't help but wonder if the person choosing warning only took pity on me because of my pitiable (but reliable!) old Toyota Corolla.

Then I dropped by the nearby park and playground to verify (a) park parking lots have reopened, (b) as have the playgrounds themselves, and (c) as have the public restrooms (especially important with little kids with little bladders).

So I went home and got Jane and Clara ready with a picnic lunch, and we went back to the park to meet up with one of Clara's former preschool classmates (and his mom and younger sister) for a playdate. All the kids were *really* happy to see each other (except Jane who sat with me on a bench most of the time, being shy).

Weather wasn't terrible because we met early enough in the day - high 70s and low 80s, manageable, and the park had a lot of shade. The kids loved chasing the birds, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and chasing each other around the playground and park. Even Jane did finally join in for the last 20 or so minutes we were there. This is the first time I met this family (Jack was always the one to drop off and pick up Clara from school) and the other mama was easy to talk to. We've already tenatively planned another get together in a little while to have a craft day at our apartment. Hoping this is the beginning of a decent family friendship.

Jane went too far away so I told Clara to go get her. They walked all the way back to me holding hands.

Nice weekend!