Mike tells me that I am " a different person" when we are away from the farm...laugh and smile more, not so on-edge. For the past three days, that person has had a chance to be out without a worry in the world.
We came to Jenna's on Wednesday. Work schedule in NC was light enough to let us take this break...SIL had days off to keep Winn on one of my days, his mom was scheduled for the other. I have missed him so much it hurts, but in truth, we did need to get away.
Mike has been wanting to return to Monticello and a huge orchard off the TJ Parkway. These are spots where he and Jenna enjoyed some of their best bike trips together. Last year was too soon, but this year, the apple variety they always went for was ripe, and everyone's schedule coincided with that, so off we went.
We left Jenna's after breakfast on Thursday morning, and by a little after eight that night, had done all the sights we set out to see. Instead of taking a room, and puttering around a second day in Charlottesville, we drove about an extra 90 minutes on back here.
Yesterday, Mike had to get worked in at our dentist, who is about 30 minutes away...we just never chose one in NC. He had been having sinus pain and then a severe toothache, which was part of our decision to get back closer to home. The extraction discomfort has been quite minor compared to the pressure pain he had been having. She wrote a Z- pack while he was there, so he is feeling MUCH better this morning, having finally had a solid night's sleep.
Friday, after his appointment, we decided to check out the historical park that was developed here in our home county, after we moved to NC. We had no idea what a huge development it was...most Civil War sites are woods with an interpretive trail. This one has multimillions of buildings, displays, theaters, and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. It was virtually empty, but hosts hundreds of guests daily during vacation months. I
If you are or are associated with a Civil War buff, it is most definitely a must-do visit.
We are puttering around this morning, putting apples in the crisper, laying down the bottles of wine we found on our travels. There are three flats of violas and Sweet William to stick in the ground, after this last shot of espresso, then we head back to the grind.
Winn has called his PaPa this morning, to say Hello. The duffle bags we packed are sitting by the door...didn't even need those! We both packed like we would be staying away for three days...our heads still haven't adjusted to the second home lifestyle all the way yet.
I look forward to seeing our sweet little buddy, and sharing apples around. What I don't want to do is lose the good mood that Mike says he so enjoys everywhere but home. I haven't said it to him. But he is often an irritable bear there, too.
My question to you more experienced travel types is this:How do you hold onto the relaxed attitude when you get home...or, is that just impossible?
