A work-schedule change for me this past week had me working every day as our winter without winter continued. Temperatures were about 15 degrees above average with plenty of sunshine.
The long, hectic week may have added some stress; but it was all worth it, as I was off for a short trip by myself for some much needed solitude. I am a bit of an introvert by nature and there are times when I really just need some time by myself. A big part of me feels guilty for feeling this way. But thankfully after 35 years of marriage Carl understands and knows that it's just who I am.
To make it easier for Carl, I've taken four of the dogs with me, who have been great traveling companions. Once our trip began, and I found that rhythm of the open road, I could feel myself start to relax -- Of course having good music to listen to helps and added to a sense of freedom that I needed and hadn’t felt in awhile.
Our destination was beautiful, eastern Tennessee.
I've not visited here in about 3 years, so we were past due. I've rented a dog-friendly cabin on a llama farm of long time friends for a couple of days.
I may have come to get away from people, but today I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with our friends over lunch. After some shopping, the rest of the day has been spent relaxing and taking pictures of the dogs.
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| ~Josh~ |
Todd is of course having a wonderful time! He is constant motion running and barking at everything.
His terrier battery is fully charged, and there is plenty of reserved power!
Charlie is enjoying himself by relaxing,
For Jake and Josh their inner puppies have emerged and the years have melted away as they have forgotten all about their arthritis, just for a few moments to bark at the horses, donkeys and the llamas too.
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| ~Jake~ |
Its been a good day for all of us!
Wow, that sounds wonderful! The grass is so green and all the pups look so happy! I bet that reflects how happy you are feeling. I'm an introvert too, so I get it.
ReplyDeleteThat perfect peace - alone.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the dogs are having a good time!
You found a good place to recharge your batteries.
What a beautiful place to rest and relax. Looking at the photos of the contented dogs, it's doing you all the world of good. So glad you've found time for yourself, Kim.
ReplyDeleteHello, this is my kind of retreat. The farm animals and llamas are wonderful. Of course, I love your dogs. What a great getaway, glad you and the dogs had a fun time. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that Todd has things under control.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat this was to read, see, hear about . . .
ReplyDeleteLove this post . . .
Love knowing you and the kiddos are
relaxing, barking, enjoying the sunshine!
What a wonderful break. Sometimes all we need to cheer us up is to get away somewhere new, relax, enjoy...and have a good bark :-) Nose licks and love from Moth xx
ReplyDeletei'm an introvert too. and solitude is nourishment to me. no less important in my life than crystal clear water and breathing. :)
ReplyDeleteand to see all those great smiles on each beautiful face. oh my! this trip was a super vitamin for them.
AND for you!
and what a pure joy this post is!
love you dearest bean.
and God speed in your travel home.
That sure looks like a relaxing place to get away to. Seems that the pups enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you all to have a break from the routines of life. I know just what you mean when you say you enjoy some time by yourself. I think it does a marriage good to take some time away, unfortunately my hubs does not agree and even comes along to sit in the car while I go for a short time of strolling through the little towns around that I like to walk around. I wish he liked strolling with me, then it would make sense for him to come along! I envy you your brief reprieve and think I will work on getting hubs to understand the need for some free time.
ReplyDeletewe all deserve a bit of me time, hope it's done it's job?
ReplyDeleteTime out, alone, away from the norm, sounds like heaven to me.And for your doggies that came along, maybe they all enjoy a change too. Enjoy your few days, and with wonderful friends, just the best.
ReplyDeleteI love your copilot.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
This looks wonderful, Kim. I haven't been in Tennessee since I was 17 but have kept memories of its beauty. Enjoy your quiet time - you're in good company and have Todd to keep everything in line.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic. I don't find travel with the dogs relaxing, but glad you do!
ReplyDeleteWe thought perhaps a scottie on a Llama farm might be asking for trouble. Glad you've had a restorative break. Gorgeous countryside.
ReplyDeleteThat is great news about all, Kim. Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time for woman and dogs. What a lovely place and I'm sure you enjoyed the non-winter winter weather.
ReplyDeleteOH Kim, what a wonderful get away you had with the dogs. I would love to go there, so great. Always nice to get away.Hugs Francine,
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful is that farm. Beautiful Tennessee. We can tell you have enjoyed your time there. And how fun for the dogs too:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so beautiful there! It does not look cold and dreary at all. So glad you can get away,, and give yourself some healing time,,, and so good for you to have such a loving husband who understands!
ReplyDeleteBreathe in some of that wonderful air for us,
love
tweedles
What a beautiful trip - with great company! SIGH.....
ReplyDeleteSounds absolutely wonderful. I am overdue for a me getaway, it can be just what the doctor ordered.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful traveling companions, enjoy yourself and safe journey home.
Hugs,
Jo
Good for you! It certainly looks like a little bit of heaven on earth. So beautiful. The earth is truly magnificent.
ReplyDeleteI know the pups enjoyed it as much as you did. Nice to know that a change of scenery helped Jake and and Josh forget their pain for awhile.
Take good care,
Gus' Mom
What a lovely place you went to - and taking the dogs with you was clever - you would have worried about them if you'd left the responsibility to Carl. You have a "Good Bloke" there, understanding your need for a break. I do hope it does the trick for you. Your give so much to those darling dogs of yours. Thank you also for your comment about the "helpemup" harness. Fortunately Kiwa has recovered, but I am glad to have tracked the source, should we ever need one. Enjoy your time out.
ReplyDeleteThis post really resonates with me as I treasure my alone time! It has taken time for my husband to get it...but he is much more understanding of it now than he used to be. My sister lived near Knoxville for awhile and the place you went reminded me so much of that! It was gorgeous and secluded...just what us introverts need. Loved all the pics of the dogs... it is quite evident that they were pleased with their getaway too! I am glad you were able to get away...you deserve it!
ReplyDelete