This Pear's for you

Today we went to Santa Cruz. We did Santa Cruz things.
We went directly to the Seabright neighborhood and parked the car on Mott then walked over the trestle to the Boardwalk.
Zoe and I rode the Skyway from one end to the other, while Nico and Juje waded the crowd of tall boy tippin', tatooed, and trashy folks teetering through swarms of strollers and sandy footed families of all ages and sorts.
Zoe declared that she was at last ready to ride Logger's Revenge (my favorite ride there). And without hesitation, she saddled bravely into the log and held on tight, eyes closed, as we plunged into the grungy water below! Big Girl Brownie Patch earned, oh yes.
We bought refreshments at Day's Market before heading past Water st. to visit an old friend that we waited way too long to visit. Way too long. So long in fact, that it was a goodbye visit. Our friend showed the kids around her great yard and helped them pick peaches from the tree, and choose the pears that raccoons had not yet nibbled to take home. She showed Julian the huge moving truck parked in her driveway. Why, why do I hide from old single friends, assuming that they won't understand the ways of the young family? The awkward tantrums and interruptions. The different way I speak, the need to run off at a moment's notice, or change a poopie diaper, or the crying or whining, or screaming and constant questioning. Because I only deny myself a friend who may in fact take my young offspring to pick peaches, or pat a dog or explain something gently, down low to the ground.
More often than they will stand stiffly, wondering why I won't come alone or go out for cocktails and dancing. Wince at the whines and screams, scoff at my running off for someone's terribly needed nap.
Goodbye hugs behind us, we turned down Water and walked through a small glass door that will hit you hard if you don't catch it as you stop quickly at the back of the line. For a mouth watering Al Pastor burrito with cabbage in a silky soft warm tortilla. For under 5 bucks. Bring cash to Tacos Moreno, or count your change, because they don't take plastic, and you don't want to leave empty handed.
Then driving downtown to New Leaf because the Boardwalk makes you hungry and 4 people go through one Al Pastor burrito awfully fast. Snacking while buskers serenaded us on Pacific Ave, watching the colorful cast saunter by in the fading orange light.
Then up Ocean, as we all do, headed into the trees, the big trees over the mountain up 17 toward our homes too far away from the ocean.