Roadtrip! Family time.

The drive to Virginia was looong. What should have been a 10 hour drive took twelve, at least. The Friday before the three day weekend afforded us traffic in spades. Philly, D.C., and Baltimore were bumper to bumper during the Friday crunch for drivers to get home. My son, daughter, and I weathered the interminable road with “Guitar Hero” playlists, Dave Matthews Band, The Strokes, and an eclectic mix of music. We listened to a podcast of two YouTubers reading scary stories and giving commentary. We talked about so many things. We stopped many times for bathroom breaks and for nibbles. We arrived finally at about 7:30. Whew! We’re finally here.

We greeted my other son and his partner with hugs, spent time catching up, playing Ramen Yahtzee, (don’t ask), and eating pizza. By 10 I was ready to head to the hotel and settle in.

Today I am sinusy and tired. My eyes are dry and my throat a bit sore. I’ve been staving off the sickness that has been plaguing our community — did it catch up with me?

I sit in the hotel lobby drinking hot tea with honey, scrolling socials, and texting my sister. It is…