Monday arrives whether we like it or not

Although today was another lovely weather day I wouldn't want to confuse anyone with the photo of the 'old house' yesterday showing a green lawn - we're not there yet - it was a real estate photo from last year. I was over cleaning the old place out a bit this afternoon (from our dirty renters) which made me think it was this time of year we'd moved down 21 years ago. That first spring was pretty hectic with an 18 month old and a new baby (a screamer no less - although she's pretty mellow now) with the move to a new community and not working outside the home. But the move to this village of 20 something houses has been one we certainly do not regret.

Our new home is beautiful, but it was tough to leave the old place with all the memories, easy living and big veranda. It's funny how folks come to things in their own time and I have come to really like this new house now, but it has taken a while. Not sure if it was because of all the work and hustle to get in, the unsettled feeling of moving or just all the changes with work, construction etc. happening at the same time. It's been a gradual settling in with the first Christmas especially having the time to enjoy it, the beautiful sunsets and amazing view, the quieter location off the road, finding spots for the precious things and now the promise of summer to relax in. I asked the life partner today about the transition and said "you've loved this place right from the start haven't you?" to which he agreed. But like some parents who need the time to fall in love with their offspring it's taken me a bit longer to adjust to the 'place across the road'.

Haven't stopped all weekend and really don't have much to show for my efforts, except a rejuvenated body and soul. Looking ahead to grown up responsibilities this week there are positives - like a four day work week, taking tomorrow afternoon off in overtime to run errands (pretty bad when you need to take time off to get ready for taking time off) visiting with a nursing school classmate on Friday then a birthday for daughter # 2 and of course Saturday being THE big day of departure.

Had a chat with the travel partner tonight to finalize some details. I was explaining she was expected to be my bodyguard as there was some media coverage about the dangers of being assaulted on cruise ships. We decided we were likely past the age of being a target for being attacked and could handle ourselves if mistaken for 20 year olds in the dark (by an attacker with limited vision) so not going to worry about that.

Off to get ready for another Monday which as we all know arrives whether we like it or not.