This weekend we had the pleasure of having two of our kids, William and Kathryn, visiting at the same time.

That might not sound particularly unusual, but with everyone’s schedules these days, it’s actually pretty rare. Most visits happen one child at a time, so having both of them here together felt a little like getting an unexpected holiday.

Steve and I have settled into a comfortable routine with just the two of us. We know when we’re eating, what we’re eating, what projects need attention, and how the day will likely unfold.

Then the kids come home.

And suddenly everything changes. Happily, of course.

Well, mostly.

The cooking situation remains a challenge.

Neither William nor Kathryn ever outgrew their picky eating phases, although they arrived at that destination by very different roads.

William is a gourmand. His taste buds are so sensitive that he can detect a pinch of some obscure spice hidden deep within a recipe. If there is one ingredient he doesn’t care for, he’ll find it.

Kathryn, meanwhile, eats much like the rabbits currently terrorizing the farm. Mostly vegetables. Mostly carbs. Very little interest in the protein the rest of us happily consume. And after a bite or two she’ll announce she’s full.

Gawd.

So every meal becomes a negotiation.

As their mother, I suppose I could have resorted to my old strategy of “eat it or starve,” but that feels less effective when your children are adults who can simply drive to Wawa.

Over the years, though, farming has taught me a certain amount of flexibility.

Some flowers thrive in cooler temperatures. Others sulk unless it’s hot. Some want rich soil. Others perform best when they’re ignored a little. Some demand constant attention while others quietly do their thing without much fuss.

You spend enough years growing flowers and eventually realize there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Success usually comes from finding the middle ground that keeps most things reasonably happy while preserving your own sanity.

Parenting turns out to be remarkably similar.

While William is here, he’s continuing his ongoing relationship with our vehicles. Every time he visits, another car seems to find its way onto his project list. I suspect word is spreading throughout the family that free labor is available.

Kathryn’s visit is a bit of a do-over.

She had originally planned to come down over Memorial Day weekend, but as we all remember, the weather had other plans. Between the beaches, restaurants, coffee shops, and all the little things happening around town, she’s probably the one who takes the greatest advantage of everything Cape May has to offer.

And honestly, it’s nice watching her enjoy it.

Living in New York City has given her a deep appreciation for escaping it every now and then.

Speaking of Kathryn, I have to give her a little credit.

As I mentioned in a previous post, she needed to be out of her current apartment by July 31 and had been in overdrive trying to find something affordable, close to where she currently lives, and manageable on a single income.

When I think back to six months ago, it’s remarkable how much she’s learned.

Before moving there, she didn’t know much about navigating the city rental market. Now she’s fully acquainted with the competitive, fast-moving reality of apartment hunting in Manhattan.

She recently missed out on an apartment she really wanted. Understandably disappointing.

But instead of moving on, she kept following up with the realtor. She asked questions. Checked in. Made sure her name stayed at the top of the list.

In other words, she became the squeaky wheel.

A trait she may have inherited from her mother.

And it paid off.

The realtor eventually contacted her about another apartment in the same building that fit her timing, budget, and location needs. Better yet, it’s rent stabilized.

What a relief.

Watching that unfold reminded me of something we experience on the farm all the time.

The flowers that look the most promising early in the season aren’t always the ones that end up thriving. Sometimes a crop struggles at first, gets knocked back by weather, or misses the timing you hoped for. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, another opportunity appears and works out even better than the original plan.

It’s frustrating while you’re in the middle of it because all you can see is the thing that didn’t work.

But every now and then, life surprises you.

And thankfully, this time it did.