For one week, we were visiting Mom and Dad in Iowa for Christmas. Of course, that was pleasant and relaxing. My parents are very laid back people. We did a lot of hanging out. I finished Jane Austen's Emma when I was at their house and I started Hard Times by Charles Dickens. One night I looked up and it was around 11:00-11:30 and all four of us adults were sitting in our arm chairs reading. The girls were asleep. It was quiet and pleasant.
the girls with my parents
Our week at home alone was wonderful too. I did a good bit of cleaning and some organizing. We ran some light errands and we relaxed. On New Year's day, we went to a small local zoo that is has free admission and is open 365 days a year.
Now life returns to normal. It is definitely a jolt to the system. I can no longer sleep in until 8-8:30 but must rather get up by 6:15. I miss having hubby around for companionship all day. My day is broken up into little segments dictated by the girls school schedule.
However, I do have the freedom and pleasure of having a schedule again. I do like routines.
Oh the sitting around reading sounds lovely--my extended family prefers tv--sigh. Funnily enough our schedule has barely changed except that we have added a half hour or so of reading aloud in the evening (me from the Bible chronologically and each child from their choice of book.) Hopefully this will lead to future days of all of us sitting around reading to ourselves. :)
ReplyDeleteAhh, Emma. Yes I remember jumping up and down on top of it about half way though ;) Never finished it, and I generally enjoy a good Austen.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to get back into the rhythm of normal life. Doings are fun, quiet times are better :)
Hugs.