I’m feeling quite pleased with myself for bringing the good weather back home with me — the whole time we were away, the temperature here rarely got into the low 20s, but this week it’s in the mid to high 20s and even dipping into the low 30s.
Driving down to Horseshoe Bay yesterday from the Upper Levels Highway at 6:15, we couldn’t regret leaving Europe behind, much as we loved our holiday — it’s spectacular here, islands, mountains, sun on sea.
Coming home, I always mind, just a little, having to pick up groceries in town — I’m impatient to get back on the island, but once there, I know we won’t want to head to town again. And it doesn’t take long to grab a few basics for lunch and dinner. Next impatience is waiting for Pater to check out the boat, warm the motor up, fidget with whatever he thinks might need fixing: Can’t you do that later?!
On the island, we cross our fingers that no one has borrowed our bikes. They’re both there, right where we left them, but my bike seat is covered with bird droppings. At least the nest they were under wasn’t a heron’s — then the bike would be buried!
We load our carriers with groceries and suitcases and we’re almost home, only one more stop at the mailbox to gather up three weeks’ worth of mostly bills.
Then here we are! The garden’s overgrown, the pond needs serious topping up, but the pump is still working, the roses and mock orange and honeysuckle smell fabulous, and there’s a fresh little breeze coming off the water to stir up a bit of coolness.
I don’t especially love unpacking, but sorting through cleans and dirties, putting camera and computer and cables back in their rightful spots, filing travel guides and souvenirs and converter plugs away for next trip, all of this nesting comforts me, as does loading the washing machine and hanging clothes in the sunshine and pulling a few weeds as I plan which part of the garden to tackle first. In the early evening, I move the sprinkler to the driest spots while Pater whips up a wealth of vegetables and a salad, accompaniment to barbequed lamb chops and (homemade) pesto-dressed new potatoes — I have so craved big portions of coloured food!
This morning we woke at 4:30 and a stunning sunrise reconciled us to our jet-lagged body clock. The temperature outside was already (still?) in the low 20s, so after our morning cuppa, we headed out separately for a run around the island, my first run in weeks (Pater ran yesterday). What a pleasant change from walking, altho’ I’m going to take it easy building up my running distance again.
Right now, Pater’s paddling (kayaking) to town for groceries — I considered going with but I think some alone time might be good for both of us, despite how well we’ve enjoyed each other’s company lately. I’ve puttered in the garden and now I’m puttering here and soon it will be late enough that I can take that afternoon nap I’m already craving! I’m also going to organize more of my vacation pictures and I hope you won’t mind a few more posts about the trip.
My wish for you today: may there be a hammock or a shaded bench for you to sit in some quiet spot . . . what are you up to?
Sounds like a lovely re-entry!
Working today, and many errands to do tomorrow. Maybe by Sunday some down time…Our unseasonably cool weather is supposed to start slowly warming up, though no real heat waves in the near future.
There's no place like home!
Your day sounds very fine indeed…love that you might nap!
I am having a gardening day…and it is beautiful and sunny here.
When I am done I will sip some homemade lemonade and read my book in the shade.
Looking forward to the photos…
I love your description of your homecoming. And … of course we don't mind a few more posts about Paris et al! This week I have been lazing around, quite literally, after our very active biking week (our longest day was 75km!). This weekend will be shopping and trying to keep cool. Enjoy your re-entry into home life! Patricia
Such a wonderful description of what it's like to come home. All the little details, the reactions, the sights.
Pseu: I hope your Sunday down time includes some moments in your lovely new outdoor space.
Hostess: So we were both gardening today — altho' I doubt your place would have needed as much care as mine did. the time away really showed!
Patricia: That's a lot of biking — what territory did you cover? and I do hope you managed some leisurely, well-earned meals at the end of the day!
LPC: The voyage home is a different kind of travel, isn't it, getting to see our usual environment through freshened eyes.
Mater – we went from Passau (Germany) to just before Vienna (got the train for the last bit)mostly along the Danube. Meals is a touchy subject – both hubby and I got a stomach flu right at the beginning and, while we were able to ride, we couldn't quite enjoy the gourmet meals (half-board in spa hotels), not to mention daren't use the pools and hot tubs!! However, we were all better by the last included meal in Vienna, which was simply lovely. Vienna is a stunning city -everything on a grand scale and so clean (Budapest is grand, but unfortunately not so well cared for). Patricia
Welcome home! To lunch in Kensington Market w. GFs to celebrate my birthday (Monday), out tomorrow evening with our sons to celebrate theirs- 23! Only 'cloud in the sky'- one son's treasured bike was stolen from the garage, thieves really had to work for that; he is bereft.
Patricia: Sorry your trip was somewhat spoiled by the tummy ailment — I'm impressed that you managed to keep up with the riding — and what a nice way to learn a country, really!
Duchesse: Megan's b.d. is today — sounds as if you'll be celebrating yours in style and how lovely that your sons can celebrate theirs with you (are they both in To. again or is that just for the weekend) And I'm so sorry about your son's bike — he probably had it just exactly as he wanted it and even if the insurance covers it, the deductible and the inconvenience and the violation are all tough to handle.
What a lovely way to transition back – a run, a rest, a sunrise. I've always loved having a day or two – or three – to settle back in before getting back on the work treadmill.
Welcome back and enjoy it. I've loved reading about your trip and will continue to browse through posts.
Aunt Snow: I'm lucky that I don't have to get back into a work routine 'til mid-August, although I have some research I'm hoping to get to soon. So I have some time to really savour the holiday — glad you're enjoying my posts about it.