Fluffy Cows!

Back to My Beloved Routines

Returning from a recent trip, I was reminded of my need for routine. I’m not entirely happy about this, but I’ve come to realize that I enjoy—and need—my daily routines. They keep me balanced and healthy, and without them, I become uncomfortable, irritable, and a little neurotic.

Which makes travel hard.

Because who can do all the things while traveling? Eat healthy, exercise regularly, sleep well, stay hydrated, and finally (this might be TMI), ummm…the Bathroom.

So, you ask yourself: Is travel worth it?

Well, yes. Of course it is.

I remember years ago picking up my mom from the airport after she had returned from a trip. She was in her late seventies at the time. As we drove home, she declared, “That’s it. I’m not going on any more trips. It’s just too uncomfortable.”

Now, I kind of get it.

All this is to say that we started the summer with a trip to visit good friends in the High Plains. We arrived in Nebraska in the middle of a thunderstorm on a puddle jumper from Denver. With only three of us aboard, sitting in jump seats, our very young pilot informed us that he was going to try to fly around the storm, but there was a chance we might have to turn back.

WTH?

Just another exclamation point on what a shit show modern-day travel can be.

Later, after a safe landing and our arrival at Susan’s lovely home, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the backyard, as if God smiled at us to say, “See? I told you it was worth it.”

The next day, we took a short drive into South Dakota. As we left the open, flat landscape of Nebraska—where you can see thunderheads stretching across the horizon for miles—we entered scenery that was absolutely breathtaking and far beyond my expectations.

From the majestic Mount Rushmore to the scenic Needles Highway and Cathedral Spires, from the quaint small towns along the way to the incredible wildlife, every turn offered something new to admire. Bison, longhorn cattle, and wild burros roamed freely through Custer State Park, beautiful and unbothered.

There was so much to take in.

Each day, we experienced it all with awe and wonder. We also enjoyed great food, good wine, lots of laughter, and Love.

Eventually, we returned home—avoiding the puddle jumper by flying out of a different airport with “real planes”—back to California, with its predictable weather and familiar routines.

Yes, on the way home, I declared, “Let’s not plan any more trips for a while. Let’s take a break.”

I could hear my mother’s voice.

But already, that same voice is quietly sneaking in thoughts about what’s next…

But first, back to my beloved routines.

Have an awesome summer!

Much love and thanks to Susan and Jeff for the wonderful hospitality, laughter, love, and friendship–Rember, don’t pet the Fluffy Cows!