Mom and Dad left for Columbus, Georgia today. It’s their 33rd wedding anniversary! I can’t imagine being married as long as they have.

Dad got the idea late last week to take Mom to Columbus for the day. There’s a Pizza place there that Mom liked and he thought that they could get away and relax a bit. He asked me to find out the going rate for a room in Columbus.

Now, in my family we all have our talents. Driving each other crazy at times is not really a talent, it just comes with the territory. Dad’s talent is “McGyverisms”. I base this term on the fact that he can make contraptions like Richerd Dean Anderson’s character from the ’80s TV show. Mom’s is technology. She can do things with a computer that I didn’t even dream possible. My husband’s talent is planning details. He can make a camping list that includes everything you’d need for a weekend trip and keep you prepared for a natural disaster at the same time! My talent is trip planning!

So I crawled onto the computer and invited Mom to sit next to me as we perused the possibilities in Columbus. The Bed and Breakfast was abseolutely oppulent, but I needed to stay under $150. The “Days Inn” and “Motor Inn” were what Dad suggested. However, I quickly dismissed them for lack of luxury. We settled on the Marriott Courtyard. It’s pretty, there are king sized beds available and there’s a pool to soak in. Dad’s main concern was the air conditioning. (Their room at the house is NOT air conditioned) Mom liked the pool and the fact that there was a restaurant on site.

So I made the reservation and enrolled Daddy in the Mariott’s Point Program. I wished them a safe adventure this morning and asked them to drive safely and call once in a while. Two of my three children begged to go along and there were runny noses and teary eyes as they waved goodbye.

Already the house is different. Some people might think that my husband and I would embrace the absence and do something special. Nope! Life carries on as the kids watch Noggin and I wait for my niece and nephew to arrive for babysitting. The only change is that Mom isn’t here for morning tea and cenversation. I’m the only one over 10 here and I already miss having another adult around!

Mom and Dad just called. Dad took off into the wild blue and didn’t take travel instructions with him. They can get to Columbus, but they have no idea where the hotel is! I told them I’d mapquest it and tell them how to get here as they go closer. Mom says it’s a good thing I’m here or they’d be sleeping in the Van!