Hubby has been off for a week of much-needed time away.  That last Sunday before going back on Monday is always dreaded.  Kind of like an all day reminder that “the party’s over”.  Note to self, don’t forget to buy the lotto tickets this week!

As I mentioned in my Happy Anniversary  post, our younger set of kids have been in Ireland for the past couple of weeks.  We didn’t hear from them the first few days and yes, it was concerning to this mother’s heart.  I just needed to know their flight landed safely AND hear it/read it from them.  The assuming thing has never worked well for me.  Nor has the no news is good news.  Give me concrete.

And finally, a few days into their trip AND into ours, an “UNAVAILABLE” showed up on my caller ID….and it was them.  It was very refreshing to hear their voices and learn of their experiences thus far.  We have now talked several times and even did the Facebook video once. (similar to Skype)

No matter how hard I try to be a normal adult friend to my kids, the “mom” just comes out.  I can’t help it.  I found myself asking about their car, the roads, the traffic.  Did they see sunshine?  How was the food, were they taking their probiotics?  Were the people kind? Did they feel safe in their bed and breakfasts?  And then after twenty questions, they broke their silence on a secret.  The ultimate “don’t” they “did”.  Worse than running with scissors.  They picked up a stranger, at a bank no less, when exchanging for euros.  They crammed her into the back of their tiny rented car with their mega luggage.  They drove her to the Cliffs of Moher, as they were going there anyways.  She was a graduate student from the states, backpacking alone through much of Europe.  She would eventually return home to teach.  She wanted to know more of the tornadoes of Oklahoma and Missouri.  They spent much of that day with her.  She could have been an axe murderer.  But I talked to them after the fact, so if she was, she spared them.  Thank. Goodness.

I still struggle some days, wrapping my head around “social media”.  It is because of Skype minutes and Facebook that we were able to stay in communication with our traveling children.  And because of Facebook, twitter and WordPress, that I have met each of you or reconnected with you!  Scaling the path of resistance can lead to broader horizons.  I have never been to Ireland.  But I have now seen a view of it through a castle window via Facebook video.  I have not picked up a hitch hiker in many moons.  But I have found you through my daily travels.  And hopefully none of you are axe murderers, either.  I miss you when I am gone.

I have much catch up to do now.  Thanks for listening to my ramblings.  HaPPy Monday to each of you! 🙂  Join me in trying really hard to be nicer to people!  Even on days when it’s a struggle. ♥

p.s.  One other thing I found humor in while talking to the kids.  On their ride to the cliffs with their axe murderer, what song would come on the radio of their mini-car but, “Okie from Muskogee”.  Who woulda thunk it in Ireland? What a lovely place! 🙂