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Jules has his SAT first thing in the morning. He’s doing a little last minute cramming and practice exercises at home right now. I don’t know who’s more nervous or excited to take the test. Him or me. I’m leaning over his shoulder trying to answer the questions like my own score depends on it. I need to back off. Poor kid has enough pressure on himself

I got an Airbnb inquiry for our Thompson Place house today. Her note said they were being reloed to the area and would commit to at least a 3 month stay whist they house hunted. She had great reviews and her bio said she lived in Redondo Beach. So we spoke on the phone and lo and behold, we went to the same high school back in the day at Manhattan Beach. She was a senior while I was a freshman. Her husband was also in the car but didn’t do much talking. Got around to asking what range they wanted to be in to which he piped up and said 5k. I was gunning for more like 7. I’d settle for 6 though. It’s still an awful lot of money and I want to make a deal. We’ll see…

well… we made it! The week is over. House is clean and the dogs have been cared for. Steph and Sophia both land tomorrow! Each arriving separately but reuniting together after monumental trips. Hard to believe Sophia hasn’t been back in over a year. It’s bound to be one of those loving airport scenes you see in the movies. I can’t wait to have my family all together again. I think I’ll make tacos and brighten up the place with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

The week is speeding up. We had nice day in Reykjavík shopping, lunch and then to a lava show. We also found a new natural hot springs and enjoyed more soaking time today. I enjoyed the most delicious seafood soup. Went back to town to pick up a very unique piece of art. And then home for a family shrimp pasta dinner and birthday cake for Robin.

Baked off a chix pot pie with Jules for dinner tonight. Sometimes you really got to entice the kid to eat with you. We talked about spring break and some hard truths about what’s prohibiting him and his whole friend group from going back to 30a. We talked of LA and planning for a summer trip to see Nana and Papa. Maybe tack on a quick jaunt to Mill Valley to play tennis with uncle Frank. And he told me he already has a date for prom. Was a nice father son talk over some good old fashioned comfort food.

Sophia has a job interview at Starbucks tmrw. Downtown Austin. So excited for her

A two day trip to the southern region of Iceland to hike to the Jokulsararlon Glacier Lagoon. The ice is blue and our guide explained how glaciers are formed and how you can tell how old they are. We tasted glacier water and was delicious. We went to Diamond Beach. It’s magical and cold. We drove through the town of Vik and finally arrived to a cute little hotel in the middl of nowhere for a delicious dinner of baked cod and vegetables. We tried to see the Northern Lights but not as clear as we were hoping.

Sophia wants us to get matching tattoos when she comes to town. It’s not as spontaneous as it sounds. She’s been subtly pushing for this ever since I put the carrot out there that I’d do it if she stayed sober a year. Well…she’s lived up to her end of the bargain. I guess it’s high time I overcome over my own fears and get my ink on so to speak. The good thing is we already know what we’re going to get. Ever since she was young, Sophia has held on to sweet memories of me reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull to her. The simple but poignant story of a less than aerodynamic bird taking flight to his full potential. It’s full of symbolism and resonates at any age. Captured within are a number of beautiful black and white photographs of gull silhouettes streaking across the sky. That’s the image we’re going for.

I’m still nervous about it. No idea where I’d even put the thing. But I found a reputable place and we can decide more when she gets here.

Iceland is 5 hours ahead of Atlanta. Started the day (Sunday) with a trip to the city indoor flea market. I found a pretty navy felt hat – Italian made. I wore it inside the flea market and the quickly realized when we left the building I needed my warm toboggan. We went on a food tour and walked through the city learning about Icelandic history. I had zero idea Iceland was owned by Denmark and beer wasn’t legalized until 1989. Icelanders eat a lot of fish and lamb. We had smoked and fried charr. I also tried lamb and pickles shark. I am not a fan. Even their hotdogs have lamb.