Visiting Oceanside is forever different for me now that my grandmother is gone. The walls have been painted bright blue and the roses she loved are in bloom.Along with this rainbow pack of chalk, all the color makes me feel hopeful for summer and the new season.

This was a bittersweet visit with my cousin and his son. After moving out here a year ago, they have decided to go back to Texas (of all places). I hate all the practical reasons of it being cheaper and closer to important family members. California is supposed to have a bigger pull and I was sure that family would convince him to stay.We mostly let the kids run wild, eat s’mores, sleep in a tent, and have a lasting memory of this season of time with their cousin.Balls and bubbles and laughter were the highlights.Now we will look forward to postcards and letters for staying in touch.Maybe in a year we will have a reunion. It really isn’t that far. Heck, I would even road trip to Texas, although we might have to meet in Austin rather than San Antonio. What do you say?