My May 2026 Mini-Vacation

Many of you know during my high school years, I was raised by my grandparents in the hills of Pennsylvania. Looking back, I realize we didn’t go on vacations. Our lives revolved around work. We took care of five acres of yard, huge flower and vegetable gardens, and apple and plum trees. The love of gardening and a strong work ethic took root in me because of the life I shared with my grandparents.

My husband is wired the same. Allen worked for years in maintenance and heating and air conditioning. He knows how to do everything to keep our mowers and home running smoothly. He sees an issue, he fixes it. There isn’t a day we don’t start out with a list of things that need to be done. I remember Gram saying, “You have to have something to show for your day.” We usually do.

We love the pictures friends share with us when they go on cruises or take trips in the U.S. It’s as if we are there with them. I confess, a few weeks ago when Allen let me know he wanted to get away—I shuddered. My plan was to keep working on a manuscript. But if you know and care about the heart of your husband, you put his needs above your own. I know the only time Allen slows down and relaxes is when he is away from home. So we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go to Nashville, Indiana. And I am so glad we did.

The best part of this trip was the fun-loving people we met—waitresses, shop clerks, shoppers—all with the same motivation of genuine kindness, overflowing with servant-hearted, positive attitudes. We met a gentleman with the most intricate train display.

He explained, “My greatest joy is seeing the excitement in the faces of the kids. I wanted to create a place for kids to be kids and enjoy the trains.”

One sweet shop owner directed us to a place where her grandsons took care of amazing greenhouses. A great café with choices for homemade soups, sandwiches, and something I haven’t had since I was a kid—sassafras tea. What a memory. The flowers take your breath away.

Funny things happened that I don’t mind to share. I went into a dress shop that packed clothes so tight onto the racks that you truly felt funny picking a hanger off the rod, for fear you’d never get it squished back into its space. I don’t like to shop, but I did find some things I was looking for and needed to try on some of my dresses.
The shop keeper unlocked a hidden wooden door, and I walked into the most unique dressing space ever. There was half a mirror leaning on the left wall and a full mirror on the right wall. The water heater took up most of the space. Some type of air freshener sat on the floor. I giggled as I read the request printed on a piece of posterboard in big black letters:

Please don’t poop or pee in here!

Of course, that sign caused me to check out the floor! No evidence of a breach! I’m still laughing!
I met a sweet lady in that shop. While I was in the dressing room, she and her husband were chatting with Allen on a bench in the shade. Later that day, we met them again at one of our favorite coffee shops. Yes, I shared the dressing room story with my new friend. I used to work with a nurse who would say, “If it’s funny tell it!” Sue was right.

Now we’re back home—rested and happy that we took a mini-trip. We mowed the yard first thing. The next day, Allen scrubbed all the bird feeders and globes. (My rose-breasted grosbeaks are here.)

I went to the kitchen and tried out a new date nut bread recipe from a book I purchased from Iris’s book shop. I’m thankful to be able to cook in my own kitchen, drink pour-over coffee, and enjoy our home with all of our birds, red fox, and wild bunnies. I love to go away for a short time. But I do love my own home. I’m getting ready to put clothes on the clothes line. I’ll be tilling up my seed bed in the next few days. I’ll be helping Allen mulch the flower beds.

I love the life God gave us. I often feel my piece of this world is Glory land. I guess in so many ways, I am much like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. For me, there’s no place like home! And by the way … my Gram’s name was Dorothy.

Enjoy your vacations and when you get home take a good look around at all God has given you. Cherish your memories. Enjoy how quick strangers become friends, and whatever you do, don’t do it in the dressing room!

Be safe. Enjoy vacation and know I love you all.

Donna