We had a lovely vacation. Spent a couple of days in Gatlinburg, TN and then a few days visiting the family in Virginia Beach. It went so fast. We did quite a few things and I was able to keep up with the walking and activities for the most part. I was exhausted when we got back home but it was all totally worth it.

We spent time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park looking at sights and we were able to drive to Clingman’s Dome which is one of the highest points at 6600 feet in elevation. It opened April 1. I couldn’t walk to the observation tower here because it was too strenuous of a walk. But the view was amazing! We also went to the observation tower in Gatlinberg and I did climb to the top there for the amazing views.

I saw elk and bear. We did famous a famous car museum and then a wax musem. We had amazing meals! The drive through the mountains and the spectacular views are stunning even in April.

In Va beach we went to the art museum, an escape room and the Zoo. One morning the older girls and I sewed journal covers I had precut. i sewed a journal for the youngest. They had a great time sewing. We had a great time visiting and relaxing.

This week was back to reality. I enjoyed seeing the solar eclipse Monday. I didn’t get glasses but I saw the crescent shadow through a pinhole and one of my coworkers let me borrow her glasses for a look.

Work was either really busy or terribly slow. I was so off my usual game I wore a new shirt inside out most of the day Wednesday. PS NO ONE NOTICED, lol. I was able to squeeze in 3 workouts to keep the body moving and I spent lots of time doing laundry!

I have today to get the house back into shape and tidy up a bit. I will record a podcast this weekend. I set a new goal: I have by Sunday night to open my Etsy shop with a couple of listings. I want to sell little epp kits with papers and fabric to make one hexie flower. I have been working on the storefront and researching selling items on Etsy during my down time all week.

And a big surprise is that I won an air Fryer in a giveaway! I have cooked one Hello Fresh meal in it and made some lunches. I love it and a huge thank you to HySapientia for such a lovely prize! I was shocked I won and then I wasn’t sure that it wasn’t an oven mitt or apron. I have to learn more about using it but I enjoy how it cooks things already!

I feel like I am ready for a fresh start now that I am home and recovered from vacation. I was inspired to try new things and some fresh ideas on making/creating. I have been able to keep up my healthy eating plan with exercise, too. I really feel that sometimes we need to go to new places and have some adventures to heal from the everyday stresses of life/work. It was a way to engage in play and fun so we can come back to the everyday life we lead.

Have a great weekend!

Vicki