Ok, so we learned how to approach plans with Mom on Friday, now let’s talk about the whopper, Saturday.
Start the day off right
Not with a bang and not by sleeping in…somewhere in between. Choose a coffee shop that sells light breakfast fare or a bunch spot – like Morning Times or Poole’s Diner – depending on when your Mom (and Dad or additional family if they are in town too) likes to get up. My Mom isn’t so old school or old that she gets up before the sun, but she does seem to be showered, dressed and have all the yawns shaken out before me at all times.
Walk it off
Precisely why downtown is awesome. Eat downtown, then go for a stroll. If you parked the car in a deck (there are many) then you are not being charged per minute, so there’s no rush. Which is very important for Saturday plans. The likelihood of crankiness increases with the amount of rushing around you do, so take this opportunity to relax, let the food and coffee drive you, and chat about your plans for later in the day and evening.
Ask Mom
Does Mom have anything she’d like to see or do today? Last weekend, my Mom wanted to look for a painting to go in her kitchen, so we got some ideas by visiting the art galleries in City Market. Again, we balanced work with pleasure, and checked out locally made jewelry at Epona & Oak and funky art at Amplified Art. Then, we went to a large art store in North Hills to look for something she might want to purchase.
Feed the Fun
From our Friday post you know that if it’s nice out, sit outside or by a window. Let the weather take some pressure off and entertain for you. Great food can also lend a helping hand. I recommend going somewhere you know fairly well and has a no fuss menu, or an exotic fare you are sure Mom likes. Also, when you get to the restaurant, if it’s crowded or too loud or anything that rubs you (or her) the wrong way – just go somewhere else. Don’t force it. Keeping things relaxed is all part of feeding the fun.
Take a break
Or a nap. After a day of doing and going, take a break before dinner and evening plans. Find Mom a cozy chair and magazine. Then go on a texting spree or zone out in your room. Do something you’d normally be doing if Mom weren’t in town. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to put your mind back on her for the evening.
You could also go for ice cream or chocolate. Escazu chocolates off of Blount Street or Loco Pops on Hillsborough Street are a couple options.
Wine & Dine her
Now, go out with a bang! Again, this doesn’t have to mean you spend a gazillion dollars (but if you can, you should).
No matter what, choose a dinner plan that shows her how much you care. My sister and I made a delicious dinner at my house. Not your idea of wining and dining perhaps, but it accomplished a goal = I had been wanting to show Mom what a weekend dinner was like at my house, since I love to host dinner parties and my husband and I love to cook. So, we did just that.
And we did those forbidden things like, talk about politics and health care (we did avoid religion). Then over wine, we looked through photo albums while the guys tried to figure out how to work the computer-to-tv hook up, you know, good wholesome stuff.
Or, go out! Order the good wine and special entree. And live music abounds downtown, so this would be an entertaining way to end the night.
Smile, enjoy, be merry.
