Roadtrip Day #5 "Take Time for a Break"

Being together is nice but sometimes stepping away from the schedule is needed.

Flyboy, I and our niece who is in the Navy slipped away from the family reunion for an hour in the morning to explore the quaint little lakeside town.

Flyboy was such a good man following us into each store while were examined every ware, smelled all the candles, tried on numerous outfits and wandered an art gallery. 

The romance of the shops became a refreshing break. A little something for the heart and soul. (A fun way to get extra steps if anyone's counting!)

Roadtrip Days #3 and #4 "The Inlaws and the Outlaws"

When you marry into large family remembering names can often be a challenge. My mother-in-law is one of 5, born and raised on a farm in Fergus Falls, MN. As the siblings married the family grew with girls outnumbering the boys in the "cousins" generation. (Poor Flyboy was the only boy when his parents went home to MN.) Now those cousins are not only parents but also grandparents!

So here I am, trying to remember names of the cousins and their spouses whom I haven't seen in 25 years. The first day of the reunion I focused on getting to know them all over again. The second day, I began learning names of their kids.

Needless to say, the Battle Lake is beautiful. The Quast Crew is under one roof as all 14 of us share an Airbnb. 

Roadtrip Day #2 "Enjoy the Moment You're In"

When you don't give yourself a time limit you can enjoy more of the moment you are in.

After waking to "pea soup" fog, we left Michigan an entered Wisconsin via a 2-lane highway and didn't see much traffic but enjoyed wounderful morning scenery. 

Road work is a common occurrence during the summer months here in the mid-west. Jokes are made and even a couple songs have been writen. After graduation, the Menace took a summer job with the county Road Commission and has been a flag person lately. 

So of course I had to share this photo on the family group chat with the caption "Hey look, it's the Menace!"

In a blink of an eye we were in Minnesota.

 We stopped for gas and to sooth rumbling stomachs. The station bustled with travelers like ourselves exhibitinga sense of comradery as if we all belonged to a secret club of sorts. Inside the shop, the delicious smell of grilling sausages greeted our noses. Isles were lined with products often needed by cross country adventurers as well as snacks, fresh pastries and ripened fruit. Flyboy and I nibbled on all-beef hotdogs filled with Wisconsin cheese.  

About an hour from our destination, we stopped to pick up the adult beverages for the reunion.  Flyboy walked into the shop, stopped and exclaimed, "I'm in heaven!"

Oh, boy....

Roadtrip Day #1 "No Kids!"

This is the first trip without kids. Oh sure, we've done weekend getaways but this is a bit longer.

We will be meeting up with folks for a Keller Family Reunion in Battle Lake MN. Hubby's mom is one of the Keller siblings. The Menace is taking Mom & Aunt Cheryl to meet up with Flyboy Jr in Traverse City then fly to Minneapolis. 

Flyboy & I chose to drive, taking our time and turning it into a vacation. And yes, a dash of romance! Who do you think I am?

After having lunch in Mackinaw City,  we wandered the beach, holding hands, laughing and taking selfies. The first day ended at the border of Michigan and Wisconsin for a solid dinner and comfy bed to crash land. 

Most of the trip has been spent driving,  listening to music, talking, and simply creating a little love bubble. *sigh* Sometimes it's  nice to just be together.

Quiet moments of holding hands abd sharing a smile add a splash of romance in a busy life. After 32 years, gazing into my Flyboy's baby blues and his touch still make my heart flutter.

Try to take a moment today to simply be.

Peace out.

Back in the Saddle

As retirement from my "day job" approaches,  I began writing again and it feels so good. 

Goals: 

Finish Hawk's Honor for Decadent Publishing. 

Rework the Soul Series and republish.

Stay tuned! My writing partner promises to keep an eye on me.