Sistah Pat

That’s how I feel…smooth and rested and relaxed. Had a wonderful, peaceful retreat with friends. We left late Friday afternoon and drove up to Edinburgh. Rick and Pam followed us in their SUV. We set up the RV in our usual place across from the Outlet Mall and Pam and I left the guys setting up the satellite dish and went shopping. We hit Coldwater Creek and I was shocked that I didn’t find anything I wanted that I didn’t already have. They did have some summer shoes on sale for $2.99 and a 30% off sale on everything in the store so I got a couple pairs of shoes. I mean, for $2.00, who cares if they’re past the season. There’s always next summer (or the cruise!). Pam and I don’t go shopping together often because we have very different tastes and that quickly became evident. Pam hit the Levi’s and Bass shops and bought a couple of plaid vests, flannel shirts, and sweatshirts. I hit Liz Claiborne and Bon Worth and bought a pair of classic grey slacks and a pair of brown slacks and a grey jacket. When we were tired, we picked up Arby’s and headed back to the RV to find DH and Rick watching TV and trying to drink each other under the table.

We had a little bit of drama when Pam got in the shower and shampooed and lathered up real good only to find out that we didn’t have any hot water for rinsing. What a wimp! They must have heard her screaming all the way back to Louisville. Turns out DH had already winterized the RV and forgot to put some little plug back in so the hot water was running out just about as fast as it was heating. Pam had just enough hot to get lathered and then had to rinse in cold.

We got up early Saturday and drove about 45 miles to Bloomington, Indiana. It was a beautiful drive through the forest with all the trees brilliant in golds and reds. I love Bloomington. It’s a college town and we spent some time wandering through artsy shops and galleries and had lunch at a greek restaurant called The Trojan Horse.

After lunch, we headed over the river and through the woods to Oliver winery and proceeded to sample half the wines they offered. I bought three wines and Rick and Pam bought three. DH is more of a beer guy and didn’t get into the wine too much but he enjoyed the gourmet samples and wandered through the beautiful grounds and gardens.

We headed back toward Edinburgh but made a pass through Brown County Park and hiked through the woods for a couple of miles. It was really beautiful. Perfect weather. 73 degrees, blue skies, and falling leaves. The woods were absolutely gorgeous and so tranquil and quiet. I took some pictures but they’re on DH’s camera phone and he doesn’t have internet on his blackberry so I don’t know how to get them off the phone and online. Maybe I can figure it out tomorrow.

By the time we got back to Edinburgh, it was getting into the evening and Pam and I went shopping while DH replaced the plug in the hot water heater. Again, the differences in Pam and I became apparent very quickly. I bought a pair of black heels and a pair of brown alligator skin pumps and Pam bought a pair of hiking boots. I got a white tailored shirt with plum and rose pin stripes to wear with my new jacket and Pam bought two new pairs of jeans. I don’t know how we’ve remained such close friends for thirty years. We have a lot in common but we have a lot of differences as well. Again, we picked up Arby’s because we walked right by it on the way back to the RV park and had a gourmet dinner of Arby’s Ultimate BLTs and a lot of merlot wine. Actually, we had a lot of dessert wine as well. Pam had hot water for her shower but I don’t think she would have noticed if she hadn’t.

Sunday morning, we all went across the road to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. (Have you picked up on the total gluttony this weekend featured?) After breakfast, we drove down the road a little ways and hiked around a small lake in a local park, spread out a blanket on the ground, and shared another bottle of wine. I know…it was only 2:00 in the afternoon but it felt right.

Rick is an attorney and he had to be in court Monday morning so they packed up and headed back to Louisville Sunday evening. DH and I decided to stay another night so we had a wonderful, quiet evening to ourselves. We slept in this morning and walked back across the street for another gluttony breakfast at Cracker Barrel. It was nice to be feeling so relaxed and it was so good to be together. Just the two of us. I don’t have to work tomorrow but DH does so we headed back to town and got home about 6:00 this evening.

I feel so mellow. I went out and had another glass of wine in the spa and now I’m ready for bed. A lot of calories this weekend but I don’t regret any of it. Maybe I just won’t weigh myself for a few days.