There is nothing more rewarding than returning home after a nice vacation. Sure, the vacation itself was terrific: great company, wonderful conversation, renewed friendships, delicious food, fresh air, nature's beauty and invigorating exercise.
Escaping all the chores and routines at home are what vacations are all about. You don't have laundry all over the house, don't have to go grocery shopping, don't have to take care of the pets, don't have to cook meals and on and on.
The fact that you don't have to do these things is precisely why its so much fun to pitch and help out when your vacation is visiting family and friends at their homes. A special dish, homemade biscotti, even stacking the wood! A great adventure even though it's not an exotic destination.
The Pacific Northwest is full of great things to do, especially when there is family to visit. Multiple hikes and a climb to the top of St. Helen's were on the list of to do's this summer and they were accomplished during our vacation. What a great time we had visiting, helping, eating, drinking, exploring, celebrating. A perfect vacation.
What is so rewarding is when, after all the fun and freedom from responsibility, you return and realize that you really like your home, love your backyard and garden, your routines and hobbies and wouldn't trade them for anything. Except possibly a similar home in Italy! Imagine having lemon and olives trees along with all the rest of the orto, and a wood-oven for pizza and bread....
