California Dreaming

I had so many good intentions for writing in my blog this summer, but one week preparing for vacation, two weeks on vacation and another week trying to recover from those two weeks (along with a bit of jet lag added in) and here we are at the end of August, which is basically the end of summer!  Wow, where did it all go?!  Our west coast vacation was wonderful, not only because the weather was perfect--Yes,  perfect weather every day-- but because we had a great visit with my husband's sister and her family, as well as my dear father-in-law.  Many people I know have a difficult or somewhat strained relationship with their in-laws but this has never been the case for me.  Perhaps distance has made the difference since they are not "in our business" on a daily basis.  But, I really think it has to do with the people themselves.   I have been blessed in so many ways by my Middleton family and have always felt a very close connection to them from the very beginning of our marriage. So while being with them is such  a joy, there is always such a sadness in my heart every time we have to say goodbye.  I remember so many times looking out the window of the airplane as we headed down the runway towards home barely holding back the tears and wondering how long before we would see them again.  This visit was no different, except that I am learning to:  enjoy the time together more and  focus on the departure time less. 
 My husband, however, seems to be going in the opposite direction.  This trip seemed to be a bit more melancholic for him. Oh, he most certainly enjoyed everyday in his beloved Southern California, especially our beach days.
 But, sometimes I just looked at him and knew something was different.  It may  have been seeing his dad slowing down and struggling with some health problems, or knowing that his sister may be leaving the area in a few years. Whatever the reason, he seemed to be taking in as much of the SoCal air as possible.

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Every single one of his childhood memories are wrapped up in this city and these beaches--and in his heart there has never been anywhere else that could replace it.  I decided to let him  set the agenda and the overall pace of our trip this time around so  that he might soak in as many memories as possible in the places that were most special to him growing up.

                                                I think I did the right thing.