Jaci Dawn

This summer may turn out to be a bust in the garden. I had beg plans, but I never made it to the necessary nurseries in the Spring, and I am barely keeping ahead of the weeding. That’s all right: I have other plans.

I can share these plans online because this year I am traveling solo. Yes, my husband will be staying home with the dogs, so if you think this is an invitation to burglarize my home while I’m off gallivanting, forget it. I don’t have anything worth stealing, anyway.

Don and I have been married 34 years and we have never taken separate vacations. We have always managed a way to go together, dogs and small children in tow. Last year, Don went on multiple camping trips and I managed to spend the entire summer at home. This summer, he will make multiple camping trips (and I might even get in on one or two), but I am definitely taking a couple long distance trips to make up for last year’s deficit. It’s all good. It’s a first, but it is still all good.

Trip number 1: Father’s Day weekend. I am flying to Alaska! It cost me half of my settlement from Allstate, but I am going! Two exclamation points in one paragraph.

I will only be there for four days. My second grandson will turn five years old during my visit (he is “super excited” that I will be there). My daughter lives in a small town amongst forty-million of her in-laws. My son-in-law has 12 siblings and at least half of them live in this small town in Alaska. Those siblings have multiple children. There are cousins and aunts, as well. I figure four days of intense crowd, visiting, meeting people, and little kid noise will pretty much do me in. I will love every single moment of it, but I have reserved a day off between my return flight and going back to work. I will probably sleep that entire day.

Weekend number 1: Renaissance Faire with a good friend who will be marketing her wares. I am going to help her out for a day so she can also enjoy the Faire. Her intent is for me to get a feel for marketing my own wares and I appreciate that. She also needs the help. It’s a win/win. I already have the skirt & I found a blouse this weekend at a yard sale. I need to order a snood for my hair (or do an elaborate French Braid to keep it up off of my shoulders). Nope, snood. My hair is too thin nowadays for the French Braid. It will be a good time.

Weekend number 2: Faerieworlds. My youngest and her beau will be accompanying me. I am working on a simple High Elf costume where I can be a hunter. It will involve comfortable shoes.

Other weekends include: our own yard sale, the annual McLoughlin N’Hood sale, and the annual Oregon City Antique Fair (my sister-in-law hopes to hit that with me).

Trip number 2: North Carolina. I just booked this trip. I saved $70 by booking it today (which I consider late). I am really jazzed for this trip. I will get to meet some very special people who have been big influences in my son’s life, plus I will get to spend time with my son’s three kids. Also, I may get to meet some cyber friends in the process, women who have held my hand throughout the homeschooling process. And let’s not mention the history in and around that part of the country. Oh.My.

All I can say is… Bring on Summer Plans!