Kvalley....when is your DH returning???

[kwormann]

Julie, I think of you often, I can hardly stand to be away from my DH for 4 nights when he goes on business trips!

[KValley]

First of all, can I absolutely hug you for thinking of me when you have had so many other things going on?!? I am so touched!

AAIIGGHH! He returns Sunday, 3:15 pm. I can't believe it's been 5 weeks already. His dad flew out Saturday to spend this last week with him- Thursday-Sunday they will be in Paris- my FIL has never been. Can you just imagine what a great time they are going to have! They are staying at a little hotel DH and I stayed our last trip there, so it's great picturing where they will be and imagining them exploring the cafes and restaurants in the area.

I'm so glad he went- our friends are in their 80s and it is likely we will not see them again. I know that his help- his mere presence- was a blessing to them.

I was so dreading these 6 weeks alone, without him, but I realized early on that this would be one of the few times in my life that I would have such uninterrupted ME time and I've honestly enjoyed the solitude- even the loneliness- knowing that it is temporary.

I won't miss checking the locks on the doors three times every night before going to bed, or taking out the trash, or making the bed, or walking the dog EVERY day, or mowing the lawn, or remembering the checkbook, or hiking, eating, sleeping alone. I just can't wait to have him back!

GROS BISOUX for keeping me in your thoughts.

:) Julie

[kima]

I have been thinking of you too Julie- you and Brendan will have so much to catch up on. The longest Ron and I have ever been apart is 6 weeks-he took his then 16 yearold son to Africa!! I stayed home with our two young girls. I missed him terribly but really came to appreciate what single mums go through every day. They are my heroes (Iwas raised by one as well!)
Well I digress. Paris- it i sthe number one place I want to see. When I do go I know who to go to for travel advice! Enjoy your reunion- I remember you mentioned you were going holiday together- in Canada right? Can't think of a more romantic country!;)

[Laura B]

Julie, I know how you feel! Two summers ago, my husband spent 11 weeks in Beijing. The first week was somewhat traumatic for me, thinking about how long it would be until we saw each other again and worrying about how he was. However, like you, I really did enjoy the solitude. Last summer we spent 7 weeks apart while I was in Australia and he was in Oregon (our trips overlapped by a few days so we JUST missed each other). I think little pockets of time apart are essential in relationships (at least they are in mine), but I never want another 11 week break!

Hope you have a great reunion! :)

[Jogren]

Julie, it's your fellow Pacific Northwesterner! I remember you saying that your DH was going to Europe without you. We discussed my recent trip to Italy and thought about where we'd go during future trips. I'm glad that your DH will be returning soon - you'll have so much to catch up on. I'm always appreciative of a little "me time", but you miss those guys after awhile! Hang in there!