Empty Nester Week

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The alarm went off at 1:55, giving me about 10 minutes to get my bearings before really getting up to run DD2, her friend, and my friend (her friends mom) who is chaperoning, to the high school to meet the bus that was bringing them to the airport. DD2 had play practice after school and two different home work submissions that needed to be posted, one by 10:00 p.m. and one by midnight tonight. It was nearly 9:30 before we were home from a final Target run for sun screen, SD cards, and miscellaneous things she needed. One final small bit of laundry so she could bring the shirt and wear the jeans she was wearing, and she was fully packed, showered and in bed for at least a few hours of sleep. There is a Facebook page that will chronicle their trip, so I  may pop in from time to time and see how the fun of Costa Rica is coming along.  I noticed for a few past travel trips, the actual concerts were posted. That would be lovely to see and hear. DD didn't bring her phone-figured she couldn't really use it, but I got a text form her friend ( a different friend from the one picked up) when they were on the plane.

Wayfair.com

So what's a mom to do again, who has spent over 28 years parenting, with a week of non-parenting?  First, I drove myself home and went back to bed, not waking until nearly 9:00. I also woke with a headache, a side effect of getting broken up sleep. A few Tylenol and a cup of coffee later, and it is dulling. I'll putz around online her with Blogger for a bit, heat up leftover veggie Masala, DD2's parting dinner selection, and then dive into washing bedding.  It is ridiculously cold out, so I don't think I will line dry things-maybe if the sun comes out, but the crunchy, freeze dried effect is not relaxing bedding. Slowly but surely, I'll get the house semi to rights again this weekend, and keep it that way during the week.

I'll probably head to work early, and leave a little later most days, getting myself finally caught up. Friday is my day off, and I intend to fully take it, and giving myself a full day off before DD1 arrives for her friends shower weekend, and DD2 has to be picked up about 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning. I'm meeting my sister-in-law Wednesday for happy hour and to plan our nieces April 23rd shower details, sorting out food, games, and decorations. Really, life won't be much different than when DD is home, other than I'll not think about meals at all, livening off bits of leftovers, salads, and nibbles that will make up a meal. I'm planning to make a big meat lasagna tomorrow, one of DH's favorites, which will yield at least three meals for us. 

I sent DD2 with  my camera and a knock off Go Pro for under water snorkeling pictures and her zip line trip, so I borrowed some picks from Wayfair.com, (not that I've been taking so many myself anyway) so credit for images to them. I experienced this at year on her spring break trip, so another opportunity to ease into what empty nest life will be like in 2 1/2 years. I hope it is more interesting than what I have planned this week. What's up with your Saturday?

Waiting for the Big Snow Storm

This is not a weather report but a lament.  I'm waiting for the snow storm of the year to hit.  I'm feeling cheated right now.  If I'm going to live in Minnesota in the winter, I want some bragging rights.  After the last week of warm January days, there are complete spots where we can see green grass coming through. I want to have a good deep bury that makes everything slow down for a day, giving reason, not laziness, to hole up inside with popcorn and hot beverages.  I want the brown muddy patches to be covered in sheets of billowy white.  I want to drive blinded by the sun shining so brightly off the crisp snow. 

Well, maybe not that last one, as I'm not a danger seeker.  I know winter has not released it's grip on us, and March is the snowiest month historically, and we've all of February left to get our snow quota, yet I am longing now for the snow to come.  I am a true four seasons kind of gal.  Snowy winters, melting and budding green springs, hot and humid summers, and crisp and cool autumns is what I want to experience. We've had some weird weather patterns the last few years, where I'm not sure, without looking at a calendar, what month it is.  Weather cycles should follow a pattern. I love the day after day of April rains.  You won't hear me complain about the heat and humidity in July and August.  Blustery winds in October have me reaching for a wool sweater and some hiking boots for a good long walk in the woods.  Something about getting a big snow fall in the heart of winter will feel right.  None of this green stuff on January 26th.