Bye, MB! Until the next time.....

Tomorrow at this time we will either be home or stopped at a hotel somewhere in Kentucky.

Like all good things, vacations must come to an end.  If they didn't, we would not have them to look forward to, would we?

Our last evening at MB was spent relaxing, reading (me), watching tv (Gary), going out for dinner at Carraba's (excellent food and fantastic waitress), and packing.

We took a load of shopping bags to the car on the way to dinner, then brought a cart up to the room when we returned (shhh....don't tell anyone that last thing).

Everything is packed except jammies, toiletries, and the refrigerated food that needs to be packed in the cooler in the morning.

Gary and I were talking about this trip at dinner.  I asked him what his favorite part of the week was and he said, like he always does, "I liked all of it."  

But this trip was different. 

This was the first trip since his surgery, since he was released by the doctor and since he was released from home health care.

Even though his doctor said he could get into the pool, he was very hesitant to do so.  When we went to Myrtle Beach State Park, the waves crashed in unexpectedly when we were walking and soaked his feet.  I thought we were going to leave immediately because the doctor had told him not to get into the ocean at all.  But we stayed. His feet dried.  His shoes were somewhat dry by the time we left. But still...no chances would be taken. Thus.....no pool time for us.  Our suits remained in the swim bag and never were wet.

Also most mornings were spent in the condo, sleeping late, watching some tv, taking our time with breakfast and showers.  We would go out for lunch and some fun things to do, then return after dinner...or bring dinner back with us and eat in the condo.  Tonight was the only night we returned after dark.

That usually doesn't happen.  Why did it this time?  Because Gary needed to unwrap his foot, get his feet out of his shoes, put them up, and rest them. 

When you think about it, he spent all summer, and I do mean ALL summer, 12+ weeks, at home.  Going nowhere except doctors' appointments.  Going nowhere except to the girls' houses for back to school moments and a couple of birthday parties.  Missing the fair.  Missing time in the barn with Landon.  Missing out on summer projects.  Missing out on summer activities.  Staying at home for every meal.  Never running errands with me.  Just staying at home.

And he doesn't want to be forced to do that again.

So he is taking care of himself.

This evening he said that this vacation was good because it was a change of scenery, different places to go, different restaurants to try, and no schedule.  No fussing by me to keep up with groceries and menus and running here and there.  No watering the plants and picking up the mail and paying the bills.  Much as we love them and enjoy the time they spend at our house....no kids to watch. 

It was just the two of us.  Resting. Relaxing.  Recuperating.  Refreshing.

Just what we needed.

So until the next time.....Bye Myrtle Beach.  It's been a good week for us. Different, but good.