Going home for a spell

After a very busy spring and summer I found the end of August with little inquiries or bookings. I took this time out and blocked the property from booking and made a ten-day trip back home to East Texas. The drive felt different We accepted a contingent offer on our house, and this may be the last time I come and enjoy this beautiful oasis on the lake during summer. My husband and I have put several years into making this place a perfect adult playground custom to us. I never imagined leaving and living anywhere else. The drive was pleasant but long and me and the dogs were ready to get out by the time we pulled into the drive. We have been gone since mid-May. I haven't seen my husband for a few weeks! We are taking care of separate properties, and this one is his right now. He met me at the garage with an awkward kiss and helped me get everything I brought unloaded. The house was immaculate and tidy and looked like all my plants had survived. There was definitely some overgrowth in my flowerbeds but still an impressive thriving landscape. We spent the night having drinks and catching up in person. The dogs settled in their lake house much to my husband's concern because they have the tendency to dig holes and then want to come inside. We visited my mom and dad the next day and brought them some of my tomatoes from our garden in Arkansas. The next couple of days I tended to the flower beds and admired how much they have grown through the years. I hedged and trimmed and pulled weeds until I was satisfied my touch was noticed again. I went to my old workplace on Friday and visited with my coworkers and listened to any concerns I may need to address. The weekend was filled with loves from my youngest granddaughter and daughters, neighbors catching up, seeing old friends, and riding on the boat while checking lines for catfish, swimming in the pool, and some good old rest and relaxing. I did cook which I come to realize that is my love language for my people. I made lasagna, cabbage and potatoes, salmon patties, and fried green tomatoes. I made a huge breakfast on Sunday that was enjoyed by everyone. The next week I had lunch with my sister and caught up on her life and got to see her new house now that it is decorated. Took a quick trip back to say goodbye to my mom and dad while I was in the area as well. I had a pizza and pool date with my oldest daughter and my grandkids which was so nice but too short. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I went and visited my son and his wife and my grandkids. I got to stay at their new house and see my granddaughter that I had not seen since she was born! My daughter n law treated me like a queen and made some delicious meals and the best Expreso ever. I played with the kids and even helped my son in his yard. My last day I went with my husband to a medical procedure he had and got to eat at my favorite buffet spot in Kilgore. The time went by so fast, and I was sad to leave. I absorbed all I could from the people I love and gave them a little more attention than maybe I would have if I had not moved a distance away. It has surely made me more appreciative of the relationships I keep with my family and friends. I got up with my husband early on Friday, loaded the pups up again, and set back out to man The Ridge.