Much Needed Vacation

Well, late tonight it's off to the great Upnorth of Michigan for our yearly retreat to my mom and dad's cottage. It's been a rough two days around here. As you probably know, we had to put our Jazzy dog down on Thursday. She was old and right at that point where the vet felt very soon she'd be getting very sick. To avoid that, we did what we knew was right for her. To allow her to suffer would have been to save ourselves the grief that was unavoidable anyway. So the Mr. took her in and she was peacefully put to sleep. I keep thinking I'm done crying because we have been discussing this for months and made the decision in a perfectly reasonable manner, yet here I am bawling. I have her picture as my screen saver and I think, "I should get rid of that, it's making me cry every time I use the computer." But then again, I'm not ready to do that quite yet.
So I guess it's a good time to take a breather from the all too real real world right now. The cottage has been soothing our souls since daboyz were little kids. We have great faith in its ability to smooth out a year's worth of rough edges and the mourning of a silly old dog. Our plans consist of sleeping, reading and eating. We're cutting it short this year, usually we get about 8 days in our personal paradise. This year Jay is working and doesn't have enough vacation time to spare so we're not getting our full time, but we'll take what we can get. The important thing is family time away from the things that pull at us on a daily basis. We all need a vacation in a very real way this year.
So you guys have a safe and wonderful week. Pray for us as we travel the four hours each way to Lewiston, MI. Remember Arlene this week, and especially on Arlene Wednesday. You can know I'll be joining you from on location up north.
With a sad heart in need of rest, I'll say so long for now. See you the end of the week. Have a blessed fourth of July.
Love you guys,
s

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

upper left: our jazz on up north last year
bottom right: the cottage porch swing