It's so quiet around here

I imagine many of you have been wondering if I fell off the face of the earth. My apologies for being so quiet on the blog!

As you can imagine, it was busy here in the Lewis household over Christmas and New Year’s — but now it’s quiet. Maybe too quiet? Both our daughters are now back in their respective jobs: Older Daughter in New Jersey, Younger Daughter in Illinois.

Having the girls home was wonderful. We didn’t do anything special, but they were just so gloriously there, if you know what I mean. They were both able to recharge their batteries and head back to their respective jobs refreshed and ready to tackle the new year.

Mr. Darcy, of course, thought it was absolutely bliss having new playmates at home. He learned all kinds of new tricks we’ll have to train him out of.

We took Older Daughter back to the airport on January 1. We took Younger Daughter back yesterday. No matter how festive they make the airport, it’s hard to watch one’s children fly away.

Don and I are used to a quiet household. After all, when Younger Daughter departed for boot camp last fall, we were by ourselves for three months. We adapted to being empty nesters quickly, in part because we’re so busy.

But when the girls left this time, little things jolted me. Older Daughter sat in this chair with her laptop on the table. When she left, the chair was still pushed back. Jolt!

Younger Daughter left a pair of favorite ratty shoes in the living room. Jolt!

The tea strainers both girls use when they’re home were left in the dish rack. Jolt!

Younger Daughter and I left the house at 4:30 am yesterday morning to get her to the airport in time for her flight. Then yesterday evening we had 20+ neighbors here for our weekly potluck. It’s not like we have no friends around. But still, we miss our girls. I’m just glad they’re doing so well in their respective careers.