It’s the middle of July, and I’m tired. As in . . . just worn out. I have no energy for a clever “r-e-p-o-r-t” post, so none of that for now. I’ll just say that the relentless rain, thunderstorms and tornadoes, deer and rabbits, and well . . . the ongoing state of the world . . . continue to exact a toll on my patience and my psyche. I’m sure the same is true for many of you. Maybe different weather patterns and different garden pests, but . . . generally same-same for all of us, I’m sure.
We just returned from a whirlwind trip to Cheyenne. Four days (including two long travel days) that were absolutely packed with things-to-do and people-to-see. The memorial service for Tom’s dad went well, with Tom delivering a lovely and heartfelt eulogy. It was good to get together with his family.
We stayed in a charming AirBnB home just down the street from Tom’s mom’s house – which is the same house Tom grew up in after his family moved to Cheyenne. Tom enjoyed re-living many of his childhood adventures in the neighborhood, and even took me for a walk of his old paper route. So much changes; so much stays the same.
Cheyenne is gearing up for their annual Frontier Days celebration (the “daddy-of-em-all,” always the last full week of July), so everything was spiffed-up and ready for the Big Event. Lots of memories there! I have always loved standing at the state capitol and looking down Capitol Avenue, festooned with Frontier Days regalia . . . to see the old Union Pacific depot at the other end of the street. Tom humored me with a walk to the capitol building (only blocks away from our AirBnB) in 100-degree weather so I could enjoy that view again. (The photo of the street above shows the view of the depot from the capitol grounds.)
Best of all, we got to spend some time with my sister and her husband. They truly provided a welcome respite – and a lot of laughter – in the midst of some heavy days.
So. Now I’m ready to rest and regroup here at home.
It’s good to have a big (and dreaded) event over and done with, y’know?
Onward!
I’m glad you got to spend time with your sister while attending something not-so-fun and are back home. It always makes me chuckle when people out west say “At least it’s a dry heat”! One hundred degrees is just plain hot (which we’re supposed to hit today, and it’s accompanied by plenty of humidity).
A change of pace (even if super fast), and time to say goodbye and remember great times with family. My condolences to you both. Cheyanne looks to be leaning into it’s Western history. We might have to visit one day as Smith would love that old west feel.
My condolences on the loss of Tom’s dad. May his memory be a blessing to you.
I hope you can rest, relax, and recharge in the second half of July.
As for rabbits ………………until two days ago I never saw a rabbit in my yard. Yesterday while Steve was watering the flower bed he heard “yelling”. We have a nest of baby bunnies under the spreading yew. They don’t even have their eyes open yet, but they sure do have LUNGS! After ascertaining that they WERE bunnies and not mice, I covered them up as they were. I checked on them later in the evening and all is still well.
I can understand all of your feelings. Time to rest and regroup (and maybe do nothing at all). Thank you for sharing those views of Cheyenne. Best Regards to Tom. I still miss my mom. And sister time can be just the best.
I have a picture of me beside that boot – from the Washington to Alabama drive of 2020. How nice to have time with your sister. Wishing you some time to regroup and restore.
We are away from our heat for a few days “on the coast”. It’s so good to have everyone together – even if next we’re all going “home” to 100+ days.
I’m really glad to know that you’re back in your own space and this is all behind you. And it sounds like it all went fairly well (plus bonus points for time with your sister) so there’s some relief in that, too. Now if we could only get relief from the oppressive weather and state of the world . . .
Things do feel extra-hard right now, don’t they? And dealing with family stuff on top of the general state of the world is not easy. I’m glad you were able to find some bright moments on your trip, and I hope things get easier for all of us in the coming days.
I’m sorry to hear about your father-in-law, my thoughts are with you during this tough time. But that boot!
Glad you had some bright spots during that trip. So nice to see you with your sister!! Welcome home. Onward, indeed!
Remember,
Everyone
Patently
Owes themselves
Rest and
Time away.
Welcome home.
Welcome home! I am so very glad that your sister provided some needed respite! XOXO
Welcome Hone! Great picture of the two of you. 🙂
I’m so glad you got to spend some good time with your sister, Tom’s family, and Cheyenne (I don’t think I ever did anything more than drive through it when we lived in Casper) – and welcome back!
I’m happy to read that you were able to enjoy yourselves a bit during such a solemn occasion. Welcome home!
Glad to read that you and Tom are back home again. Also, so nice that you were able to have time with your sister!! Your post makes me wonder: does anyone have a paper route these days? I doubt it!!
I’m glad you found some bright spots in an otherwise difficult time. Family dynamics, especially at times of loss and grief, can be challenging. The photos of Cheyenne take me back for sure. I do recognize the view of the State Capitol. I recall our first summer there when the rodeo came to town. Oh boy – my husband who loved horses growing up was in seventh heaven. It was all new to me.