For such a time as this

Did you even know I was gone?  Living alone, it’s not necessarily prudent to advertise when you’re going to be away for an extended period, but now that I’m back I can safely say, “I went on vacation!”  Boy, oh boy, was I ready for a vacation.  Sadly some of life went with me.  Part of the nightmare continues, including some painful garbage later this week, but I’m hoping to put an end to all of that nonsense very soon so I can get on with life.  Yet, even with the emotional baggage that I inadvertently took with me, it was nice to get away.  In fact, I think it was necessary to get away, at least for a little while.

I took an 18 day international road trip – my longest vacation in over 15 years – and my first solo trip in at least that long.  Just me, my Jeep, and my dog Shep.  Shep is a terrific travel companion and was very popular everywhere we went.  And I got to finally use my passport!  An added bonus.  I’ll get into the details of the trip in my next post, along with pictures from my summer vacation, but I want say Thank You: 

• To Lois, my wonderful friend and neighbor, for taking care of ‘the girls’ while I was away.  Hope you enjoyed the eggs! 
• To Kim and DeVela (sorry if I misspell the name-people misspell mine all the time) for patroling the forest with their sharp sticks.  Sorry the elk are so elusive.  
• To Patsy and Donna for checking in like the faithful sisters they are – curse those international roaming charges. 
• To my brother Tim for our surprise connection and my date with three men at once!  Sorry the Ducks got creamed (GO BEAVS!). 
• To my folks for the gift of a week in Alberta.  The condo was great and the area spectacular.
• To Kim, Donna and Lois for lovingly welcoming us home.
• And to my extended family, including first, second, third, and fourth cousins!  (Whew)  What a great day racing for the cure (Save the Ta Ta’s!) and a wonderful way to close out my vacation.  I’ll join you again next year!