I've been the chief chef, laundress, chauffeur, and putter-awayer here for many years, but that changed as the nest started emptying. Ryan moved to Fort Collins in 2013 and has proclaimed that he's never moving back east. Justin has been in college for the past four years, but it was only about an hour away, so this has helped me to very slowly adjust to this empty nest thing. John and I have gradually learned to live as a family of two. Sometimes it's quiet, but it has also meant a lot less cooking and laundry.
All four family members have been home for the past week for Justin's graduation. It's been truly wonderful having everyone under the same roof, but I was a bit shocked at the amount of food that was prepared and consumed, and how fast the laundry hamper filled up. How quickly I had forgotten!
The house has gradually emptied over the last day; Ryan left Newark airport at 5:00 am yesterday for a math conference in Calgary, and we waved goodbye to Justin a few hours later when he left for his internship at Mainframe Whitetails in New York state. John is winging his way to Manchester, England this morning for business, so I'm on my own. It's been a little sad and lonely (for maybe 15 minutes!) but now I'm reveling in the alone time to completely plan my Summer Book Bingo reading, doing plenty of actual reading, and finishing some knitting. There will also be Thai food for dinner and quite a bit less cooking and laundry. I might even make time to strip and paint the front porch floor, but I'm living on the wild side and putting some fun first!
That's a big change in just a matter of hours. I love my alone time but sometimes, especially when Dale is working with the band at night, it can get a little lonely. I hope you enjoy your time and gets lots of FUN things done!
ReplyDeletethey do eat a lot! I have my son home for two weeks and my daughter and fiance were here for the long weekend. I still have laundry to do and the frig is overflowing with left overs (not complaining).
ReplyDeleteI don't have any kids - but I know if I did, this leaving the nest thing would be quite hard on me!
ReplyDeleteLinda in VA
There is a bit of a transition when you're alone after having someone with you all of the time. Sounds like you know how to go about making it a good time.
ReplyDeleteI've really grown to love the empty house (Holly is here, but still!)... but it was just a few years ago that I spent my first night alone. Looks like you've got some great activities planned. In addition to doing what I want when I want, there is also popcorn and wine for dinner. and VERY little TV!
ReplyDeleteI am always utterly amazed when my kids come home . . . and they eat SO MUCH and have SO MUCH stuff with them and create SO MUCH fuss and bother! (I love every second, but it is amazing to think we ever all lived together that way. . . ) I always feel so empty when everyone leaves again. I adjust. But there is an emptiness. (Until I look at my little laundry pile, and let out a big sigh of relief!) XO
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