Greatest guy in the world with whom to fly away – and come home again …

“I’m leavin’ on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again …”

What do you look forward to when you go on vacation? Is it being away from home’s day-to-day challenges? Relaxing on a beach with a sunset-hued drink topped by a little umbrella? Having cooking and cleaning done for you? Enjoying concentrated time with your partner and/or friends?

For me it’s all the above…well, except the sunset-hued drink…my drink of choice is Diet Coke, but that doesn’t sound as romantic, nor is it as pretty. However, give me a maraschino cherry in my DC and I’m a happy girl. Although I’m retired and make my own schedule, life is busy–wonderful, but busy. Demands come from many arenas…time with my hubby, commitments to family and friends and groups I’m part of or lead, worship, caring for our dogs, writing, cleaning, washing, ironing, cooking, paying bills, entertaining, traveling, voting…

Away from home, I look forward to the mental reprieve…I can put aside tension because of a disagreement with a colleague regarding his approach to mutual friends about an investment opportunity. There’s no mail to sort  ’til we get home. We get STACKS of unsolicited mail every day. I think our address alone gives Veronica, our wonderful mail person, job security. And time with Don…yay, I love my man and cherish it when we have focused time together to enjoy the beauties of God’s creation, walk hand in hand, enjoy new friendships and relaxed conversations, and food that someone else has prepared.

One day on our last cruise, the ship offered a myriad of scarves, ties, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, each only $10. Two other women and I shared opinions.

“That’s great.”
“I already have one like that.”
“That’s not my color but would look great on you” …

Paigey, our feisty little beauty

My sweet number 1 girl, Kelly

… and talked about the ‘treasures’ we were finding. My comment: “Isn’t it amazing how quickly women can bond over a sale!”

What I miss is my mother and our dogs. And, much as I treasure the renewal of time away, I also look forward to the joy of returning home…

…hearing Mom’s welcoming voice
…enjoying Kelly and Paige’s happy yips
…watching my awesome husband enjoy beautifying our yard
…sorting through piles of mail for the few treasured personal notes and
…crawling into our own bed again, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on top of the comforter, cuddling in.

So, who’s ready to fly fly away…and then return to our love-filled home? I am.