“Oh, you’re up?” I asked after my ever so slight but clearly effective nudge. “Sorry, hon – didn’t mean to wake you…” cough.
Man…we had a week. The ’empty’ in our nest got big and loud and the best of us… Why is everything more dramatic in the middle of the night? I mean, what is that about? And since I’m asking questions anyway… why is it, while most of the time my focus is on the joy and excitement surrounding the holidays; other times, my focus turns to bus stations, airports, departure times, quiet bedrooms, and empty kitchen chairs?
So… it was late, last Tuesday night, and Dom conveniently woke up… cough (I need to get that tickle in my throat checked;)) and he listened. He listened and knew that if he didn’t share in this moment, it could be a very long, very sleepless week for the both of us. He let me drag him through my mood – allowing me to wallow in this place. After 25 years he knows that the best way to get over something is to move through it…together. Now, he didn’t go so far as to join me in my pacing, however, he opened his eyes and kept them open until I was comfortably reclined again. He was in the trench and staying until this thing was over. His presence, and the promise of nature, got me through it.
Dom had the bright idea to get us out of dodge. Despite all the projects we have lined up in preparation for the kids’ homecoming, he said, “We’re going to Lake Placid.” I fought the idea for a minute, as the checklist of home repairs and holiday shopping was ticking through my head, until it was clear he would not take no for an answer. History has shown that fresh air and mountain views are always our best medicine. There’s nothing more curative than a long walk around a small sparkling lake; views of snow covered mountain ranges, and the chance to be nestled in the arms of Mother Nature… ahhhh, how she comforts.
So we got through the remainder of our week, packed up Champy and a small overnight bag, and headed North. It was indeed just what the doctor ordered. We spent Saturday relaxing with a pot of coffee, some lemon biscotti, good books, and a little football on the telly for the big guy. When it was time to move – we moved. And despite a couple of newborn blisters, it was everything we had looked forward to. We took a stroll around Mirror Lake, did a little Christmas shopping in the village, and went back and got ready for dinner and a movie.
We dined at one of our favorite restaurants, Lisa G’s. We shared an order of their famous Greek wings, I had the most tender and spicy falafel, and Dom enjoyed a thin crust pizza for one, with eggplant, ricotta, roasted tomatoes and rapini. So good, so good. We washed everything down with a blueberry-lemonade and passed on the dessert knowing that Swedish Fish and Peanut Butter M&M’s were in our near future. From there we drove to the Palace Theater in the village, but before entering this quaint, antique of a building, we noticed a cozy, smoldering bonfire just a few doors down at one of our favorite stops on the strip. We scooted down to warm our hands and smell the deliciousness of the fire before taking our velvet seats at the movie. We sniffled our way through Enough Said, took a minute to make our way back to the car, then headed back to our place…
…for a perfect night’s sleep.
Ciao!
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