Wednesday - Day 94 - Strange Kids

What do you do when a strange little boy wants to play with your son?  You don't want to be mean and tell the kid to go away, but you also don't want the kid to influence your own child either.

John and I took notice of a new friend who followed James home today.  The boy lived at the campground almost his entire life.  He was awkwardly in James' space and there were things the boy said, which made John and I think twice about whether or not James needed to be hanging around with him.  Ironically, John and I were aligned about the same things without discussing them until after the boy had left.

This evening we talked to James about the boy and our concerns.  Interestingly, I think James felt exactly the same.  He actually admitted this to us, "That boy annoyed my ass!"  John and I looked at one another and smirked.  James got his point across effortlessly.  We felt more at ease after James expressed his own opinions, and considering the boy is three years older than James, we were certain James had the upper hand.

James has come into his own and is very independent at the campground.  He 'borrows' change from his dad's cup and buys candy bars from the lady at the office.  He takes quarters and eagerly purchases toys from the vending machine.  He has claimed his lay of the land and I am certain he rules his own roost.

I can only hope no one ever thinks my son is one of those "strange kids" telling their kids not to play with him.  My son may be silly and sweet, but definitely never strange.

Tuesday - Day 93 - Social Peacock

My husband, the social peacock that he is, does a good job connecting with our neighbors.  James is number two on the family social bee list.  I, on the other hand, am more comfortable writing then socially engaging.

John made friends with Mike, a very nice weekend neighbor over the holiday.  John chatted with him everyday when he walked the dog.  I hadn't known John was making friends with the neighbors, but I soon found out.

John, the dedicated husband that he is, was nice enough to share my blog site with Mike and our neighbor actually took the time to find and read my blog.  I know this because he left a comment on my "Bringing Home the Bacon" post.  I was thrilled to say the least, however, I soon realized he knew I referred to him as a "weekend warrior" and that I had bacon envy.  It was funny to me in a mildly twisted way.

There is nothing I hold sacred in my writing.  Nothing is off limits and anything goes.  I wonder if Mike has continued to read, and if so, he will now know I dedicated today's post to him.  I love our "weekend warriors", it's what we love so much about living in our RV.

It is all about the people we meet and the stories shared, passed on, from one generation to the next.

Monday - Day 92 - Memorial Day

It's a beautiful day for beach. Well most days this one of year are good beach days, we were sure moving here from Texas, we would instantly become beach bums and that's exactly what we did today, bum around at the beach.

The most important thing to remember is no matter what we do on a daily basis, it's always a little harder getting ready and coming home in an RV. Sandy suits and towels, are shaken outside and left to dry.

We normally all go to use the campground showers, simply to minimize the sand in the camper. John is a hero when he takes both boys in the men's room.

We have adapted and molded to our new life a little more with each passing day. I don't think of any of it as being hard, I just continue to adapt.

Our day at the beach was so nice, the water was clear, the boys had a blast and even made a new girl - friend. We sat around and enjoyed each others company without much thought to anything but how easy these days feel, but more importantly how fulfilling they are.

James is fearless in the water

'I'm gonna catch the next one."

The boys made a new friend

Sunday - Day 91 - Disappearing Island

It's Memorial Day weekend, what better way to enjoy a holiday, then to spend it on an Island that will disappear with the rising tides.

We hitched a ride with our friends, Greg and Chelley.  It's always a good idea to have friends who just happen to own a boat.  Thanks guys!!

Chelley & Greg looking good
@Disappearing Island

We brought coolers, a BBQ, a canopy, tons of food and drinks and all the usually beach supplies.

The five boys (Jack came too) had free range to do whatever they wanted.  No traffic or trouble to get in their way, only water and sand, what more do a bunch of boys need?

All they need is water & sand!

Jack showing off his skills

 

Ty taking in the perfect weather.

We enjoyed other people's music as it blasted from their boats.  As the day progressed we had a very nice view of all the liquored up adults dancing on their boats, occasionally one would fall in the water, making our voyeuristic behavior fruitful.

The boys found crabs to play with, their entertainment was possibly up to par with ours.  When we weren't watching people falling off their boats, we had a good view of all the interesting people who passed by, they were young and old, it was an alternative reality to spring break.

The more they drank, the better they thought they looked.  Many strutted by, wearing bikinis and muscles. We counted tats on the scantly clad, while others were hiding a six pack.  If you can imagine it, we were looking at it.

A crab makes for great entertainment!

The people on the boats in front of them,
makes for better entertainment!

It's a fun crowd, and we enjoyed every minute.  Spending the day on Disappearing Island, enjoying the scene, even with all our kids, was the perfect social setting.  It's an anything goes environment and when it's all over, we head out, leaving the sand bar to disappear beneath the tide.  What happens on Disappearing Island will absolutely be gone with Disappearing Island, until we venture out onto it again.

Totally Relaxed Day!

Brothers by a different Mother

We could only hope we gave the
twenty somethings a little competition. ;)

Boys being Boys!
"Say..... Dinosaur Poop!"

A little Siesta on the ride home.

Saturday - Day 90 - Bringing Home the Bacon

The campground is officially full today. I took it for granted how packed with people this place would become.

James loves having an entire new crew of kids to play with. Good thing his dad fixed his bike in time to cruise the campground with all his new buddies.

The morning air filled with bacon cooking. I have to admit, it is my absolute favorite part of camping, and smelling everyone else's bacon cooking this morning motivated me to pick up some extra thick cut bacon for ourselves.

The Good Stuff

I was headed to Publix anyway to get milk for Ty. I made a few impulse purchases and before I knew it John and I were sitting outside eating bacon and egg bagel sandwiches, just as we did a week ago in New York City.

I told John we could not let the weekend warriors show us up for breakfast. Our bacon had to smell and look better, and it did.

Can you smell it? mmmmm....

John took the doors off of our jeep and we were ready for a fun filled weekend. Neighbors or no neighbors, we were on Day 90 and we were not amateurs anymore. We are officially the seasoned campers, and life was more then just a weekend of beer and BBQs. We get to enjoy our bacon everyday.

And off we go.......belly's full.

Friday - Day 89 - Good As New

James is an interesting child.  I do not say this because he's my own, but because of the way he thinks things through.  He's slick, yet as a parent, I try to stay on top of his slickness.

Today, John bought James new inner tubes for his bike.  About a month ago, James punched two holes in each of his tire bikes.  For weeks we tried to get James to, one, admit he did it and, two, tell us why he did it.  We eventually let it go.

Today, as we checked out at Target, inner tubes on the conveyor belt, we explained to James his bike would be fixed.  "Ohhhh maaaan" He was disappointed. The truth was about to be spoken.  "I thought I was going to get a new bike."  He explained.

Finally, James admitted he deliberately poked holes in his tires in hopes of getting a new bike.  James just experienced a reality check and I can only laugh at his attempts to get a new bike.  That's my boy.

John fixing James Bike

 At the end of the day, I have to admit, James is a wise child.  He may try to pull one over on us occasionally  but he makes up for it in other ways.  He helped me do laundry and counted quarters today.  It's always a treat to do laundry with James.  However, his biggest accomplishment today was bringing me a beautiful flower.  No matter what James accomplishes in his life, he will always succeed at putting a smile on his mom's face.

James likes to bring me flowers 

Thursday - Day 88 - Complainers

Each day brings a new appreciation for our lives. I will enjoy our quiet campground one last day, before the holiday weekend warriors come to play.

I could never complain about our temporary neighbors, especially since I do not know them. Neighbors have the ability to make our lives extremely uncomfortable, when they choose to, all they need to do is complain.

Today we made plans to cook dinner at Chelley and Greg's home after swim lessons.  It will be a nice change to sit in a house and cook dinner in a real kitchen.  I get to cook, Chelley cleans and the men are happily feed, while drinking a beer.  Before our mini dinner party, we did the usual swim routine.

Swim lessons would be a novelty for James today.  He was asked to come to his lesson in his winter clothes, sneakers included.  James embraced this survival tactic.  He jumped in the pool with his jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a hooded sweatshirt.  He floated, swam and and jumped in the pool as instructed.  He did not complain once, and passed with flying colors.  It was fun and exciting, James will graduate after only one more lesson.  What a fabulous way to build confidence as well as a life long skill.

James after swimming in his winter clothes
(sneakers too)

James' teacher shared with me how she use to teach lessons at her own pool, but one neighbor complained about crying children.  She ultimately was not allowed to continue lessons in her own pool due to a city ordinance this one neighbor prevented from being passed.  It was a newsworthy issue.

Ordinance Prevents Swim lessons news link

In my opinion, after seeing all the babies and children in our current swim session, there was never excessive crying.  All the kids were safe and trained with the utmost professionalism.

It makes me sad to learn people can complain and prevent a productive, professional service which
will absolutely save lives.  One misinformed person can change the lives of many based solely on false accusations.

James' teacher was judged and accused of traumatizing children, which is a fallacy.   I have nothing but respect and admiration for what she is doing.  She taught my boys with love and care and did an excellent job.  James is a swimmer.  Ty is floating by himself.  I can not imagine why anyone would not take the time to understand the positive impact she has had and will have on many children.

We are all faced with judgement in life.  John and I have faced our own share of public judgement.  I believe, once you mange through it, you care less about what others think and become more grounded in your own convictions and how you choose to live life.  It's extremely liberating and a happy place to be.

Wednesday - Day 87 - Taking a Chance

Sometimes we do not know what were capable of until we take a chance.

James had his first introductory piano lesson today. He did very well and he will officially begin his lessons in one week.  He left happy and satisfied with himself, he hadn't known playing the piano was something he could or would ever do.  His mind opened up to new possibilities today.  Mine did to, I never considered myself a mother of a piano player, until today.

In James' short intro lesson, he learned about the black and white keys.  He learned to play the keys in twos and threes and he understood he had to sit up straight when he sat at the piano.  He learned a lot in fifteen minutes.  His new piano teacher felt he would do very well in his lessons.

I was impressed by my husband's foresight that lead us on this path.  My own intuition pushed me to take the initiative to enroll James in lessons.  I can envision James embracing his lessons with confidence and John and I will continually encourage him.  Today's events will change his life forever.

Later that evening we went to a Soccer trophy BBQ/Pool party with all our children.  One of the players hosted it, their home sat on twenty-four acres.  They had horses, cows and pigs.  It was a pristine setting. The pool area, water slide and hot tub had the post incredible view.  It was a little piece of paradise hidden away.

James blew us away with his swimming.  He slid down the water slide into the deep end.  Something he would be too scared to do before his swim lessons.  He saw on both his stomach and his back.  He played with all the older kids, and fit right in, not skipping a beat.  He has grown up on us, in so many ways.  I think to myself, we must be getting something right, because each time I see James succeed at something new, I know we are raising a strong, capable young man.

Tuesday - Day 86 - Jackson Hole

When I woke up his morning I didn't know I would have a new adventure on the horizon. It seems just when we get home from one escapade a new one is waiting to be planned.

June will be an eventful month, I booked my plane tickets to see friends in Dallas today, it's only a short weekend trip, but it with be packed with excitement.

My husband has been working out a way to take all of us on his business trip to Jackson Hole, WY. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country to visit, close to Yellowstone National Park.

Jackson Hole, WY

I was hesitant, cautious on the expense of airline tickets, but when there is a desire and a means, things seems to manifest into reality right before our eyes.

The trip is booked, John worked his magic, and for next to nothing, we will be visiting a part of the country many only see in photos.

I love those little surprises in an otherwise normal day.

John also had a root canal this morning, the boys had swim lessons, we saw my older children at their last Soccer game, John rode his motorcycle back to our campsite. Yes, a normal day, by all accounts.

The month of May will be over in ten days, we will be into the summer months and the summer is bursting with many adventures. James will have made many new memories by the end of the summer. He will have traveled places his dad only dreamed about as a child. It is those unfulfilled, childhood dreams, we create as a reality for our own children.

Yellowstone National Park will be a dream fulfilled for John and a new reality created for James. It will be a magnificent dynamic to watch and be a part of.

Yellowstone National Park

What dreams will James chose to share with his own children? Will they be inspired by his childhood memories with his dad?

Old Faithful,
Yellowstone National Park

Jackson Hole, WY

Monday - Day 85 - One More Day

Today, I had all the comforts of home; as much as I like traveling, I do enjoy my own stuff.   I love my own pillows and my own bed, but if I could trade it all in, for only one day, it would be someplace close to my heart, someplace special.

My first task this morning was to do all our laundry.   It would go fast, three outdoor washers, simultaneously spinning at once, but it was still a lot to manage.  James was a huge help.   He really enjoys helping his mom.  I look forward to the day he can fold his own clothes and put them all away by himself.

Both boys were back in their swimming groove.  James did very well, so well, we were told he could wear his clothes later in the week to test his swimming survival skills.   If we choose, this would be his final week of swim lessons, after only three weeks.  He consistently amazes me.

Overall, it feels good to be back at the campground, but my mind is elsewhere.   My thoughts are with my college girlfriends.  They are all extremely special to me in different ways.  I look forward to making more memories with them in the future.

Life moves quickly and I wish each of them happiness in their day to day lives, until we connect again.  We are mothers, wives, girlfriends, aunts, career women, and sisters.   We all influence people everyday with our words and our thoughts.

We have grown wiser and loved deeply since our college years.  We also share a piece of one another that our recent friends do not know or understand about us.   It is our little secret world of what and who we use to be, although today, we only see, who we have become.

I like my little camping world, it is safe and simple, but I would trade it all in for one more day in college, with my sisters.  I would make sure they all knew how loved they are and how beautiful their lives will be.

 

Sunday - Day 84 - Speakers

We awoke early at my brother's home.  Our day began early with another day filled with family and our journey home.

Nassau Coliseum College Graduation

My niece was graduating from Adelphi University today with honors.   I was very much looking forward to seeing her earn her much deserved achievement.  She would be one soul among many that day; finding her name among hundreds was a sweet moment. Hearing her name called after waiting hours was a defining moment in her life, translated to my own.

Ariana Rose Candela

Her degree in Social Work, a field I regrettable passed up, was an exceptional choice for who she is.  I can foresee her succeeding with confidence and she will touch many lives in the years ahead.

The chosen speakers at her graduation also touched lives with their own stories of success, in addition some were also honored with degrees.  I will mention only a few.

Burt Young, an actor and artist, well known for his role in "Rocky" spoke of his fascinating journey.

Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, also known as Rap Artist "Chuck D", gave an honest account of his failures which made him a better man and taught him valuable lessons.

Doreen Downs Miller, M.B.A., a founding member of the institute for parenting.  I had no idea there was a post-masters degree in parenting.

Bert N. Mitchell, C.P.A., M.B.A., served on numerous boards and organizations.  He was the first African American to head a state society of C.P.A.s in the United States.  As an immigrant from Jamaica, West Indies, his credentials were outstanding.  He made the biggest impact on me, considering I too am working towards my CPA and have a long road to ahead compared to his achievements.

As we gathered our things to leave for the airport and say good-bye I knew it would be another six months before I saw my family again.  It is a difficult reality, but one I have come to accept.

Proud in so many ways

James could not wait to see Ariana and give her so many hugs.

I reflected on the weekend, it went fast, but was packed with goodness.  We discovered at the airport there was a ground stop in Atlanta, due to President Obama speaking at an all black college graduation in Atlanta,  Like us, he also sat through a college graduation and touched many different students with his words.  I would guess he spoke about how he succeeded despite oppression, and how he did not let this hold him back.  I am sure he hoped his words would lift his listeners hearts and possibly change their lives forever.

The speakers at my niece's graduation were all different and successful in many ways.  They all made life decisions that allowed opportunity to change their lives.

We all have choices in life.  John made a choice to give me his first class upgrade on our last leg home to Daytona Beach. He always makes good life choices.

When we landed, I over heard two people discussing the ground stop, and I shared it was for the president, who was making a commencement speech Another gentleman was carefully listening to us, he soon shared he had been at the Morehouse College graduation and heard Obama speak.  I wondered if his life had changed or if he still felt slightly inconvenienced.

James was exceptionally good through the entire ceremony,
one day we will be sitting at his. 
 

Saturday - Day 83 - Chalk it Up

Waking up in New York City is one of my favorite feelings in the world. You just never know where the day will lead or what you may see.

John and I found a great little deli to get bagel breakfast sandwiches and coffee. It hit the stop, while we sat on chairs strategically placed, in the middle of a city block. We sat and talked and took in everything around us.

We watched a father with his young daughters, reading a book. They lived in the building we were sitting in front of; it was a beautiful day in New York to be outside, I wondered what their apartment looked like. We imagined what it would be like to do this everyday. How would our lives be different if we lived in NYC?

The city is dirty and crowded, but I love it. I love the food and watching all the different people. It's entertaining. You can be anyone and look any way in New York, we are individuals and it shows.

John and I took the subway to Penn Station and had to wait for our train taking us back to Long Island. We walked outside and happen to stand next to a couple of NYPD officers. They were funny, standing there, watching everyone who walked by, just like we were. It was true free entertainment. We shared similar perspectives.

We soon discovered, the officers were part of the main attraction. Everyone who approached asked directions. All day long they stand there and point people in the right direction. One officer shared with us, people often ask to take photos with them. The police are literally a tourist attraction, soon to be posted across social media. It's all part of the New York way of life.

As we all continued to watch the people passing by, I wad stunned. When did neon come back in style and American flag parachute pants with a matching bandana? People walked by in all shapes and sizes, different styles and the craziest shoes. I considered us to be normal as we stood there gawking, I would also consider us the minority.

My husband and I were simply wasting time together, it was some of my favorite time spent together. We sometimes have different perspectives and care about each others thoughts, even if it's a random thought. We share and feel safe. It's an interesting dynamic.

When we finally made it back to Long Island to get the boys, my sister shared some of the creative sidewalk chalk art the boys did on her driveway the night before. My niece helped and I laughed at the thought. Sidewalk art compared to a sidewalk show an hour earlier.

Good times together!

Chalk it up to living life in the moment!

Ultimately, we spent the day with many of my relatives. We saw aunts and cousins, nieces and siblings and grandmas. From one home to the next we made our rounds, enjoying the little time we had to spend with each family member. My boys were happy and content, hugs and kisses for everyone, creating strong memories to last a lifetime.

Our day wrapped up at my sisters house having a pizza party. Two nameless people found themselves in a disagreement. It escalated and got loud, feelings were hurt and someone went home. It was crazy and crazy all wrapped up and tied with a bow. I understood the dynamics between the two people, but could not do anything to prevent it. It all happened so fast. If we had video camera hiding in the house, I would have to chalk it up to good entertainment.

We are all in this world together, we feel the same feelings, and we all process these feelings differently. We express ourselves in different ways. Whether we are happy or sad, confrontational or subdued, we all have responsibility for our actions. Our methods of expression are vital and relevant in our ever changing world.

Round & Round we go,
it takes all kinds to get along in the world!

Friday - Day 82 - Endless Love

Enjoying an entire day and night without my kids and with my husband is a rare event in my life. One to be cherished and thoroughly enjoyed. It was my sorority sister's wedding in New York City, an event I have been anticipating for over a year.

John and I dropped the boys off at my sisters house on Long Island. James adores my sister and his cousins and could not push me out the door fast enough when it was time to say good-bye. He hugged me with excitement when I told him he would be staying with both his aunts while we were gone. I was thrilled there were no tears, even Ty did not notice when we left the house.

John and I hopped on a train and we were free to enjoy New York City for one long date. Something we have not done since we were first engaged and saw David Letterman together in New York.

Our hotel was downtown in Tribecca. We took a wild toad cab ride to the hotel. It was worth it, the hotel was gorgeous and a far cry from our camper in New Smyrna Beach. The minute we walked in, I eyed the shower and anticipated how exhilarating it would be to take one. I was already enjoying this trip and we had not even made it to the wedding yet.

Once we left for the wedding, I was ready for my mini college reunion. We ran into one of my sisters in the lobby and shared a cab. She looked incredible. I love that after so many years, it was effortless to reconnect, as if we had just seen each other yesterday.

The wedding ceremony was on a roof top terrace. The view was surreal and the wedding was perfect.

Roof top view that evening

With each sister I saw, it was as if no time had passed, yet we had not seen one another for six to twelve years, at least. The memories of all the good times had flooded back so quickly. We were happy and excited and warm. My most adored moments were the initial first hugs, I never wanted to let go.

The most incredible part of the evening was that we were all there for one of the sweetest sisters in the group. It was Christina's wedding day and she looked radiant, happy and very much in love. I was seeing my friend from long ago, but an entire new version of her. She was the best of her best and I felt privileged and honored to be there sharing her special day.

My beautiful sisters! 

 I learned a valuable lesson by the end of the evening. It is not what you do, where you are or how you live. The most important part of who we are is the love in our hearts for those we care most about. No amount of time or distance will ever take that love away.

Our love is endless. It was a loved filled day and evening. Thank you girls for the love tonight.

It was the excitement.....

the happiness.......

the fond memories........  made.

My safe haven after a fun-filled evening!

Thursday - Day 81 - Black & Blue

Flying to New York has become a twice a year ritual to spend time with my family. This weekend our trip would be extra special, it was planned to attend a friend's wedding. It also worked out my niece's college graduation would be the same weekend.

We dropped Rabbit off at the doggy spa early in the day. That silly dog will get tons of attention and a much needed bath.

Right before we left for the airport, John and I were managing some last minute clean up. James starts knocking on the RV door. "Come in!" I yelled loudly, "Rabbit isn't even here!"

Normally, James will knock on the door before coming in, so the dog will not run out. He and I have a little system that works really well.

James, however, wasn't knocking on the door for this reason, he was knocking because he could not open the door. We heard him crying soon after be knocked.

John let James in and James quickly stuck his pinky finger out. It was black and blue and it hurt very bad. Tears flowed down his face as he told his story. He had smashed his finger in the Suburban car door trying to retrieve his water bottle.

He could not open the door, which is why
he was knocking. He was so sad, but by the time we were on the airplane he was able to take a photo of his own finger.

I told him he would get tons of sympathy from his aunts and grandma once we arrived in New York. He smiled and looked out the window. His world expanding each and every day.

Wednesday - Day 80 - don't cry over spilled milk

Today was one of those days that having an indoor washer and dryer would have prevented me from appreciating where I live.

John made it home from a business trip just in time to see James at his swim lesson and relieve me of my motherly duties, so I could get to a much needed hair appointment.

My friend, Chelley, gave me a great referral, and I couldn't be happier with the speed and quality of my new girl at at my new salon. She was extremely nice too. I felt fortunate, not only was she good, but I was able to get an appointment squeezed in before leaving for our trip to NY.

On my way home John called, he had a dental appointment in less than fifteen minutes and I was planning to meet him at the dentist. He was delayed, Ty's new sippy cup accidentally spilled all over Ty and his car seat. It was a disaster my husband had the honor of cleaning up, but I would be managing damage control.

Once I was settled back home with the boys, I assessed the damage. Ty's lovey was wet from spilled milk and his car seat would definitely need to be pulled apart and washed.

Normally, this would not have been a big deal, however, I didn't have any quarters or cash and I was not even sure the main office was open to make change for me.

Fortunately, John had cash and the office was still open at 7pm. I did a small load of laundry outside and even saw a few neighbors in the process. The weather had been so perfect, it didn't bother me one bit that I had to make change and walk back and forth to do the laundry. For three dollars, the car seat was good as new and both boys had clean loveys, which I proudly hand walked, back to the camper, for my sweet boys.

It would have been easier to skip the laundry, and deal with it when we came home from our trip. Getting it done and enjoying time with James, while he helped me with the quarters was priceless.

The campground is quiet and safe and the entire ritual felt easy and natural.
I wonder how James will remember it one day. The day Ty spilt his milk in daddy's car.

Tuesday - Day 79 - Outsmarting the Dog

My relentless dog is insane, but I can still outsmart him most of the time.

We were in and out all day. James had to get three booster shots to start summer school in June. We left early without the dog trying to escape. I try to keep him chained up before I leave to go out, to prevent any incidents like a big "escape".

I packed the car, put Ty in his car seat, made sure we didn't forget anything and pushed the dog back into the camper. He does not always like getting back in, so I push his butt with force and he reluctantly saunters back inside.

At the doctor, James was a trouper, only a few sad tears and two sore arms, he easily scored a bunch of stickers for to make him feel better. I was extremely proud of my big, brave boy.

James and his stickers later in the day

Ty was not feeling well and I had to make a second appointment for 1pm to make sure he'd be better for our upcoming trip to NY on Thursday.

Next we made a quick stop by James' school, completed his registration and headed home.

By the time I cleaned the camper, made lunch and did a few 'must dos', it was time to do it all over again. Load the car, baby in his seat, dog pushed back inside. I sat in the jeep and thought carefully, "Is there anything I forgot?" Yes, I did! I forgot Ty's fever medicine. I had to go back in the camper and the dog was in his usual uptight, I want to run away, mood.

I attempted to open the RV door and there was the dog's nose, itching to push through and make a run for it. I kid you not, I was a prisoner outside my own home.

I had to think quick. Ty's medicine was one thing I was not going to leave without. I ran to the other door, which was locked, and knocked on it hard, as if I was going to go in. The dog responded instantly and raced over, thinking he would be able to get out.

I hustled back over to the main door and entered the camper. That silly dog was so mad. I grabbed the medicine and left through my bedroom door after closing off the bedroom. It is a ritual I have mastered. I have learned to outsmart the dog to get in and out of the house.

I hope my husband is reading this and appreciative of the things I do while he is away.

Ty was fine, he will need to ride out his illness. No swimming for him this week And James did a great job swimming, soar arms and all.

Just another day in the RV, living life.

Ty getting some much needed sleep that afternoon