Well, things move quickly. I leave Friday night to make the 2,800 mile journey to deliver my daughter and grandson to their new home. We planned on traveling through the northern part of Texas, but I am considering alternate routes now that the Governor has decided masks aren't necessary. Don't want yokels giving me crap if I stop for gas wearing a mask.

Even better, I plan to hit a couple breweries while out there and will bring some stuff back for friends. My plane ticket home includes two free checked bags up to 70lbs each. That's like 120 16oz beers.

My youngest wants to go for the ride with her 3yo nephew and 7-month pregnant sister in an economy car. When asked why, she says she doesn't want to be stuck home having to entertain her mother for a week. My wife has never been left alone more than a few hours her entire life. Between growing up in a large family, surrounding herself with friends in her twenties, then me and kids, she has always been in company. And she prefers it that way. It has been an adjustment for me. I only had one sibling, everyone in our house stayed away and did their own thing. I went out and did things alone a lot in my twenties. When I got married it was a shock to find that I could never really get time alone. Luckily I have had the kids as a buffer when I needed time to myself, but in a year that won't be an option any more.

With Spring hurtling towards us the projects around the house are looking a bit more appealing. If we don't get any surprise snow storms this month I plan to start building a new fence around the whole property. It's not large, just under an acre, but expect it will take a couple months to complete. Years ago I put a fence around a small section of the yard one weekend, but used shortcuts. The fence lasted five years before it started to rot and lean. This time I want to do it right so that it lasts. Part of it where it runs along the neighbors driveway and entertainment space will be a privacy fence. The rest will be rails with hog-wire backing to keep the dogs contained. I've been dreaming of this fence ever since we first got dogs, so it will be nice to finally be able to let them loose in the yard. As a bonus it will help keep the deer from our bushes and gardens. And our large dog loves to hunt rabbits so that will help the gardens as well.

Work is still talking of a June return, so my days at home are numbered. I am going to miss the extra time around the house in the summer, but it will also be good to see my coworkers again. And have time to listen to my audio books.

And soon, mountain biking and kayaking. Glorious!

What can I say? Life is good.