Long Hollow

I've been home alone for the past few days, holding down the fort, while the rest of my bunch have been out having Spring Break fun.

I didn't begrudge them heading out for fun and adventure while I had to work – I take an annual Fall Break, an escape to the coast with girlfriends. And besides, I looked forward to a few days with the house all to myself. I always have illusions of unlimited time when I'm left alone … time to conquer huge projects around here, relax on the front porch, go for long, leisurely walks with my "sweet" puppies.

I'll get all of those lists organized, fill up my photo albums, scan all of my mom's photos, finish drafts 1 AND 2 of my book, print out three years worth of photos, transfer VHS tapes to DVD, clean out the storage room, sell a bunch of crap on Craig's List, sort through file cabinets, desks, drawers…

You get the idea. For some reason, I think it's these people I live with that keep me from accomplishing all of this, but every time they leave me alone, I remember… it's that work versus free time thing.

And instead of more free time, I had less, because Tom wasn't here cooking dinner for me or feeding the dogs at night or unloading the dishwasher. I still had a full day's work, my writing, all of my chores, plus his. 

Man, I missed him.

And then there were the gypsy dogs…

Dang dogs.

But my weary travelers have found their way back home, grungy and stinky from wonderful adventures.

Tom and Daniel went backpacking in Big Bend (they saw a cougar!) and TG joined friends for a few days on the Alabama coast…

…while I tracked down mischievous, misbehaving gypsy dogs.

Oh, I know. I can't really complain. For the second weekend in a row, I spent time with good friends, went shopping in Salado and topped it all off with a night of dancing.

Last weekend it was with Rae and my high school friends (Deer Park Divas.) This weekend my friend Nancy came to stay for two nights. She was my first friend in Lago, and one of those who fits so right with you that they become more than friends … so much so that when she had to move just a few years later, we stayed close anyway… despite our difference of opinion on school sports.

Friday evening was just playing catch-up over pinot noir and veggie quesadillas. Saturday was a road trip to Salado. Nancy's currently a middle school theater teacher (she has taught everything!) and was on a quest for props. We hit a few wonderful gift shops, but nothing within our budget. We kept searching and finally, on the highway, we hit gold: a flea market! She and I both walked away with treasure.

Hers was for her play; mine… well, I wasn't sure what I'd do with this vintage overnight case at first, but that didn't stop me. Now I've decided I'll use it on my desk… somehow. I'm sure it'll be great … for something…

I snatched up this souvenir plate for two reasons: first, I collect vintage Texas souvenir plates; second, my grandmother grew up in Mexia (she pronounced it "Ma-hair".) So of course I couldn't pass up this gem. It'll just hang on a wall somewhere. I don't even try to fool myself that it can be useful in any way.

After our junking expedition, we cleaned ourselves up and headed back out to a 60th birthday party for our friend Cheryl's husband. I don't have a photo of Brian, but I do have this one of Cheryl, Mary Kay, me, Conni and Nancy .

Nancy and I skipped out early to meet our friend Rachel for a night of dancing – back to Graham Central Station where I celebrated my 50th birthday almost two years ago by dancing in a cage.

Of course, I made a bee-line for those cages and pulled Nancy and Rachel up with me. They're not 50 yet, but they're old enough.

So I can't really complain about my family abandoning me. I think I've packed enough fun into the past two weekends to qualify for one Spring Break.

No wonder I'm so tired…

Oh, before I forget…

An Irish Prayer

May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.