WoooHooo!

It is official--for the first time in 14.5 years, I get to spend the night alone without kids or husband!!!!!  I should feel bad (I haven't seen two of my children--who are staying with their grandparents--for four days), but I really do not. 

Tonight I've messed around on the computer, recovered a chair cushion, watched a movie (an oldie--Dead Poet's Society), and started to work on my homework for two on-line classes I'm taking.  I had to stop since I felt a little guilty enjoying a glass of wine while writing about the sacraments and about Catholic doctrine.  I haven't gotten to that chapter yet; however, I think there are rules against doing such things.  I'm off to bed to read a book (The Catcher in the Rye) or watch another movie.  I'm sure I'll make it about five minutes before my wine-induced sleep takes over.

My Ultimate Fantasy May Come True

I think (though I am almost too nervous to post) that my ultimate fantasy may come true tomorrow.  I've asked my husband to do this for me for years.  I have not been alone in my own home for more than a few hours since my oldest child was born--back in the 1990's.  Frequently, I travelled to Illinois with my three children (and no husband) to visit all of our family for either one long or a couple short visits.  I've hinted, asked and begged my husband to take them for a weekend . . . WITHOUT ME.

Guess what?!?!  I think he is actually going to do it!  I could be alone in my own home from noon Friday until Sunday afternoon!!!!!!!  My plans include hot uninterrupted baths, reading, and a bottle (or two) of wine.  Not one more expectation.  Just me, myself, and I.  Not inviting friends.  Solitude.  If only I could get my husband to take the dog . . .

Lincoln Museum

My parents and my husband's family live about 250 miles apart.  One way to drive between the two goes right through Springfield, IL.  I grew up reading a bunch about our 16th president; the Springfield area is the place to visit for such interests.  A museum has been built in recent years, but we are always in a hurry to get from one grandparent to the other.  We have never stoppped.  Since my kids were staying with the Peoria family for a week--I used this opportunity to drive down to this much-touted museum:  http://www.alplm.com/education/home.html .

It was one of the most amazing places I've visited!  I could ramble on and on about the place, but for simplicity's sake--just visit it.  My father, daughters (12 & 13), son (6), and I all found elements we enjoyed.  The volunteers were top-notch.  It was spotless.  It was busy, but the ambiance was one of total respect--particularly in specific areas of the museum.  I read a free Kindle downloaded book about the president on our way to Illinois.  Now I cannot wait to read a quality book about him.