I’m back from my trip to the Smokies. I had an incredible time with my daughter. We did some hiking, painted stained glass, perused the Thomas Kinkade gallery ( we both love him and I have 3 paintings) and had some good food (chicken almond quiche and strawberry salad was my favorite). We also hung out at the hot tub, pool and fire pit. We walked outside the condo last night and got to see the fireworks display from Dollywood closing down the park.

As I fell off to sleep each night, I thought about what a different person I was there compared to home. Much firmer boundaries are called for before they drag me down with them. When I came in, I took mom my leftover shrimp scampi and retired to the den to relax and watch Fletch 1 and 2. In the past I would have checked in for the gloom and doom. Not this time. I can tell she is miffed. I have something personal to do every day next week aside from the 7 appointments I need to attend for them. I call it project Freedom. I’ll stand firm. I’m feeling too badly when I don’t.

It usually takes 2.0 hours to get home but it took 4.5 due to heavy traffic. I pulled off at Ruby Tuesday’s and had some shrimp scampi and strawberry tea. Good stuff.

I hope everyone has a peaceful week.