I returned yesterday from my first vacation in several years during which I was caring for my husband 24/7.

I went with a group of friends to the Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge, La. I enjoyed this trip which included both Cajun Dancing and Cajun food. There was a couple teaching authentic Cajun Dance at the festival. My friends knew them from a time that they had taught Cajun dance in our area.

We also went to Randol's, which is a restaurant and dance hall. It is like the dances around here, people of all ages were there dancing. The couple who were teaching at the festival and a dance group did some demonstrations of Cajun dances. They were really great. At one point a man was dancing with 2 women. He had a woman by each hand and was whirling and twirling them in tandem. It made me dizzy just watching, but he kept them both going with him passing through, and dipping in and out and back and forth with colorful skirts flying. It was just beautiful. I got some dancing lessons myself from a couple of men there. One of them was a Cajun and one wasn't. That was fun.

The highlight of my trip was meeting one of our own group, ggjones and her husband. She picked me up at my motel and brought me a beautiful rose from her own yard and an armload of Mardi Gras beads!!! She took me to her beautiful home to meet her wonderful husband. They made me coffee and introduced me to their menagerie of pets, which includes both birds and dogs. They have some beautiful parrots!!

After we finished our coffee, they drove me around town and then to a wonderful restaurant for lunch. We ate and visited all afternoon. Meeting them and being able to put a face to all the emails and messages on the forum was wonderful. I can't thank them enough for their hospitality.

After the festival, we came home up the Natchez Trace through Natchez and Vicksburg, Ms. We were taking our time and really enjoying the trip up. Then we got word that our area had been hit by the horrible tornadoes. We came home as fast as possible to see if our families and property were hit. Thankfully, none of ours was affected.

I took lots of pictures and videos of my trip. It was wonderful to have the chance to get away from here and to rest and reflect.

All of you, please take time to enjoy something in your day every day. It is so important to take care of your inner self. Love to all. M

quote:

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Originally posted by Janie: ... Now if I can just convince my heart. ...

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Sweet Janie

Your heart is so dog-gone HUGE that there's certainly room in it to re-focus, even for a little while, on your ever lovin' husband AND your bodacious self. Please go on your well-deserved holiday!

Just one of your buddies... ...Jumpin' Joan

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

Edna,

Of course, you're right (once again!) This ain't no dress rehearsal; this is the real thing.

I know my feelings and I will just have to deal with them. My focus most definitely should be on Bill and me, especially in light of our own recent health problems. We have "given" so much of ourselves the last 5-6 years ... I know we deserve a break. Now if I can just convince my heart.

Thank you for your pep talk. You always seem to know when I need one!!

~ Janie ~

Janie, you should know by now there is never a right time for anything.She is in a place where she is safe.Take this time or you and hubby.We spend so much of our time on the well being of others and forget our selves.Just do it.You should know by your past experiences , you never know what is lurking around the corner.If I was in your shoes and knew all were safe I would have been gone yesterday.The one thing I am learning is there is never tomorrow and the right time.That is just not a reality.Stop putting your life on hold.In the end it is about you and Bill as the others go on with there lives and you are left to twiddle your thumbs and say I should have.Do not say it, do it. Life passes by so quickley.Grasp this moment., please!

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blowing the rest away.

GUILTY!

SOME PEOPLE are having to make a tough decision regarding this so-called Vacation Thing. Guess who it is? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ME!

Elsa (my mil) will be all alone. She is "socially phobic" and does not mingle well with others (unless someone is with her.) If we go away for two weeks, I fear she may isolate herself in her apartment at the retirement home.

When I told her yesterday that we're "probably" ( ) going to leave next Monday, she got sooooooo nervous and wondered outloud if we could please just SEE her before we go. I said, "Heck, Mom. I'm coming over for sure to have lunch one day and then on Friday I want us to go to the "happy hour" that they have - complete with horsie-dovers. She was so happy.

I still feel like we are abandoning her ............

~ Janie ~

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Originally posted by gypsy:
You do have this problem with vacation plans don't you.

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I KNOW!!! It's almost as if I JINX us if I tell anyone in advance.

~ Janie ~

You do have this problem with vacation plans don't you. Hope you get away soon and it is even better than you hoped. We used to do most of our trips spur of the moment-now we have to make PLANS and hope they don't get nixed. You better pour a and relax. This has been a busy place this am. I haven't even finished reading all the new posts> Gypsy

-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.

Well, we're still at home!!! Had to postpone our Carolina Beach trip until next week sometime. Too many year-end things to wrap up so we can go in peace.

However, when we do go, rest assured that I'll be taking some pictures ..... IF I can DRAG myself out of that hot tub.

~ Janie ~

Janie Hope I'm right and you are on vacation!!!You promised we could share didn't you? You said you would take your laptop. Please have a great time but don't forget to check in once in awhile so we know when to come for a Hope you and Bill are having a great time-how about some picts when you get a chance.How is the hottub?Gypsy

-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.

In my case, I think the bathing suit is more of a law than a tradition. Or the onlookers would surely want it to be at least.

"Whatever tomorrow brings, I"ll be there-with open arms and open eyes"

Party Poopers!

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

You mean and break a tradition?? OK, well ........ if you insist.

~ Janie ~

This time can we make it bathing suits required?

May the frog have mercy on my soul.
Power to the puppets and peace to all people.

Joan Marie,

The last time we got to Carolina Beach, the whole dadgum forum went along. We shared the whirlpool with my wonderful Victoria's Secret bubblebath; we had candles and quite a few 's!! And, a good time was had by all.

Of COURSE, I won't be able to go without my laptop, so I'll be in touch.

Yesterday when we took Kalee to meet her step-dad, she rode over talking all about the Christmas party at school. She had a great time and I'm glad they (Mom and step-dad) agreed to let her attend the party; it was a nice "closing down" event for her. However, when she climbed into the back of step-dad's car, and even while sitting beside her 4-yr-old "Sissy", she blew kisses to Bill and me until we were out of sight. She's probably just fine today. Hope so.

~ Janie ~

Dear Janie...

Carolina Beach, NC you say...hummm.
Need anyone to assist you with carrying bags?
Planning those little outings?
Maybe there to run the bath, light the candles?

Okay...I'll just stay here in frigid New Mexico while you're off having a great time.

Love to both you and Bill, hope you have a great time!

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

A VACATION????

We already have reservations to rent that condo in Carolina Beach, NC (the one we always stay in) ... starting January 5, 2004. We plan to stay at least a couple of weeks, maybe longer if the price is right.

Oh, the joyful bliss of "just Bill and me" being there; bubblebaths; walks on the beach; walking 'downtown' to eat lunch in one of the sidewalk cafes. Heck, we may even get "feisty" and rent some bicycles to 'tool' around the town.

Last time we were there was when Bill's Dad passed away and we had to come back early. (At least, I THINK that's the last time; I may be wrong.) It just seems like an awfully long time ago. But then, so much has been going on .......

~ Janie ~

Margaret

How wonderful for you to meet Gwen. It sounds like you had a great time. Learning Cajun dancing sounds like a blast.

Dancing with two men? I love it. You deserve this and so much more. I'm glad to know you are back home safe and sound. Thanks for sharing what a wonderful time you had with Gwen and her Husband.

Vicki

Sugarlips

Hey Margaret-Welcome Home! With the exception of the homecoming and the storms, that trip sounds like it was a fabulous time! I've been a few places in my time, but I've never made it to Louisiana. Sounds like I might have to do something about that! I'm just glad you had fun and I"m glad they had dancing or what would you have done?

So, Gwen, how would you feel about all the rest of us descending onto your home? Sounds like you would be a great person to visit! I'm packing now!

"Whatever tomorrow brings, I"ll be there-with open arms and open eyes"

Good Morning Margaret

Happy to see you got back okay andeverything was okay at home. Sounds klike you had a good time. Maybe when you go Dancing this week you can teach your friends theCajun Dancing, as I am typing I can hear the music & see the feet &
the skirts flying. It is such a contagous rythme. I know you will enjoy your Dancing this week.

Must go and get Jim up.
Take Care will talk again
Bye Eleanor
Cloud and sun today 60F
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dancing" as I am typing I can hear the Cajun music and see the feet, and skirts fling.

Margaret I am so happy that you had such a great vacation. You deserved it! Keep enjoying life it is too short. Glad you didn't have any damage in the storms.Do you still have Henry's Mule? Gypsy