Vacation is Great, but there is no place like home!

Am back on the farm after a few days vacation in Texas. Found a spur of the moment Name Your Own Price flight to Austin, asked Mom to pick me up at the airport and take me somewhere.

Anywhere.

She grabbed me, we picked up my little sister, and we headed south to our family's favorite runaway place: Big Bend National Park. Stayed with our old friend, went hiking, tubing down the Rio Grande, more hiking, ate lots of delicious food, looked at the stars (the stars at night really are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.) I tried desperately to lay aside the guilt, knowing that many many friends were involved making it possible for me to go away. Can't say that I was successful with eliminating the guilt every moment, but I can say that it has been a very long time since I had so much fun and relaxation. We didn't do every single long hike that I like to try to fit in, but we enjoyed long breakfasts and peaceful suppers.

Even more sweet was knowing that the children survived very well without me. I missed them greatly, but feel so much more rested and ready to jump back into farm life. I guess that the rest made me realize that it has been a very hard season and I am quite tired.

Breathing mountain desert air makes me feel alive and healthy and happy. But driving in to our driveway and seeing two little girls race to the car was even better medicine. Being away and then coming back made me feel so thankful to be loved. We sat around the table and everyone shared stories about their weekend experience. They were shocked that I went inner tubing down the Rio Grande.

"That just doesn't sound like you, Mom!" they all exclaimed.

Maybe they haven't gotten to see the fun version of their mom for awhile.

Temperatures dropped outside and I enjoyed cuddling with the little girls, reading our chapter for the evening. We accidently read two, we were having so much fun. Big kids did homework.

Peace reigned in our home last night.

Will try to regale you with more adventures later, but must get ready for the bakery tomorrow. If I forget, ask me about Jason and the chicken(s) who spent two days in our house. Let's just say that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and that would be Jason. I came home to such a clean house.

Home, sweet home.