So, while we're away...

One problem with being gone for so long (or so short depending on how we actually stay away), is taking care of things that we'd normally be home for. For instance, we could stop our mail, but the post office only allows us to do that for 30 days. Now, I'm not saying that we'll be gone for 30 days, but if we are, what would we do?

Fortunately, this problem has been solved. Our nephew, Jason, and a friend of his will be working in the area over the summer and plan on living here. That takes care of the mail issue, the feeding of the fish problem, the mowing the lawn problem, and other assorted things that may come up.

So, while we're away, there are a few things that Jason needs to be aware of:

1. The toilets in this house tend to overflow every now and then.

Should this happen while we're away, please use the old towels we leave you, and make good use of the plungers in each bathroom.

2. If you're not careful, the bathtub will clog and water will seep down into our walls.

When you take a shower, please make sure you do not have the water shooting out at full blast; otherwise, you will end up standing in a puddle of water. Also, please make sure the shower curtain is fully closed and pressed up against the wall. Though we meant to install a new tub and surround this year, we simply couldn't afford it. Sorry, dude.

3. The toaster should remain unplugged at all times, unless you're actually making toast.

Really? Do I have to explain this one?

As other items crop up, I'll be sure to let Jason know about them. Until then, this is a good start.

P.S.  Jason: Abe wanted me to remind you to please clean up your beard shavings after grooming. Should you not have a beard next summer, please disregard this P.S.

The older the kids get, the more I question how long we'll last

Now that Pearl is 14 and Abe is 12 (nearing 13), the more I'm second guessing this whole idea. If they can't be relied upon to do simple household chores, how are they going to help around a campsite?

Normally, asking the kids to help around the house has been easy. "You have a number of things that don't belong in the den." Stuff is moved. "It's your night to do the dishes." Done. No questions asked. "Your bike is outside the garage." Seconds later, it's been wheeled away. Yeah, those were the days. Now that they're getting older, such requests are not so easy. My poor tongue is puffy from having to bite it so many times. Really? How many times must I ask for one of them to clear something off the kitchen table? I'm trying so hard not to nag, but it's getting increasingly difficult. The teenage eyes stare at you (or at their phones), no response is given, no action is taken.

So, as much as we're planning the activities we know we want to jump into, we're thinking that perhaps we should also be realistic in case we need to plan a trip without the kids:

1. Where are the nearest bus stations along our route?
2. Do such stations have buses that travel to the northeast?
3. What about airports?
4. What would it cost us to mail, uh, I mean, fly a kid back home?
5. Who will be around to collect any kid, should we need to resort to such drastic measures?
6. How much money could we save traveling with one or two fewer teens?

Such questions need to be asked....just in case.