#23 of 31 Slice of Life...Moms Always Know

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for hosting the Slice of Life Challenge.  Visit their site to read more slices and leave a comment or two.

I thought tonight's post was going to be something entirely different (which means I know what I'll be writing about for tomorrow's post.)  I arrived at my parents' house just a bit ago.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, they are on their way to Florida, where it is MUCH warmer.  I asked them if I could hole away at their house for 5 or 6 days so that I could get some writing done.  I knew if I stayed home, I'd worry about home stuff.  So here I am.

As I made the 2 1/2 hour drive, it occurred to me that I don't think I've ever been by myself for a week.  That tells you what a sheltered life I've lived.  I'm looking forward to being on my own time schedule and answering only to myself.  Plans are loose for hanging out with my cousins and sister, Tuesday night is spaghetti night with Uncle Jack, and other than that, my time is mine.  I'm not only going to get my writing done, but I'm going to explore and discover (my OLW) some new things around here.  My alma mater, Kent State, is right down the road, and I'm pretty sure it's changed in the last 30 years (yikes, I'm old).  Plus all the discovery will give me fodder for future posts this week.

But that's not the point of tonight's post.  I walked in to the most pleasant surprise.  I knew Mom would have the fridge stocked, because, basically, it always is.  She still hasn't gotten used to the fact that it's only her and Dad, even though we've all been out of the house for many, many years.  Her house is always spotless, so she's ready for company at the drop of a hat.  What I didn't expect was this pile of treasures sitting on the kitchen table.

Mom knows I've been especially stressed lately.  So, she left me this little care package, just as if I were at a real Bed and Breakfast.  Here's what I got:

Welcome to Arvin's Bed and Breakfast

• A new tea mug and a box of herbal teas (I drink a lot of tea)
• Some wine coolers (I only like wine that tastes like Kool-Aid)
• A Groupon for an hour massage (I can't wait to use that)
• Some sticky notes and a highlighter (I guess that's for the work I'm going to do)
• Nice smelling bath stuff and a pouffy sponge (More pampering)

Since my kids are all grown up, I know that it's difficult to watch your children struggle.  Band-aids and kisses no longer solve the problems like they used to.  I guess moms of 51 year-old women still worry about their children too.  Mom knew that I needed a little pampering right now, and she knew just what I would love.  She took the time to gather all of these things for me even though she was busy getting ready for her own trip.  So, I'm going to enjoy these treats this week, get lots of work done, and take some time for me.  Thanks Mom!!