While both of my siblings came home for Mother’s Day for mom, my sister Ashlee stayed behind for extra family time.
The original plan was for her to be here for a full week, but that ship has since sailed.
And you may be wondering why I’m saying it like that, allow me to explain our current workload at the house.
Mom has undertaken a handful of projects that require more hands and consequently more work at an inconvenient time.
All of those projects don’t even include Mike’s continued physical therapy appointments twice weekly!
Mom has us re-painting a bedroom and bathroom along with an assorted batch of small tasks indoors and out – including all manner of landscaping and gardening.
Naturally, all of that adds up to extending Ashlee’s visit in order to accomplish as much as possible.
While I appreciate her being home to take care of things so I can focus on our annual graduation coverage, I know she’s itching to get back to her apartment.
Well, and some of that itching might just be due to the uptick in mosquitoes, too.
But, we’re combating that as best we can by keeping the lawn trimmed short and mom even sprayed mosquito repellant after our strangely rainy weather last week.
Even with such a workload, we’re finding small pockets of time to enjoy some sibling bonding.
Ashlee even brought her cocker spaniel Popcorn with her this time because he doesn’t do well without his “mama.”
Popcorn is our Penny’s brother so the two of them play around a lot while Harlee tries to join in as best she can.
However, Ashlee didn’t pack for an extended stay so we’re getting quite the stash of dog toys and treats in person and delivered by Amazon.
And I’ve given up on trying to keep their toys all separated at the moment, but I do anticipate having to lend a hand dividing them up when Ashlee is ready to leave.
Tentatively, we’re shooting for her to return home sometime this weekend and I’ve got my fingers crossed, too!
After all, if her visit gets extended any more, she might have traumatic flashbacks of the six weeks she spent here during fair and rodeo season.
But, we’re doing all we can to mediate that!
Overall, we’re just trying to get as much done as we can before it’s entirely too hot to be outside during daylight hours.
Once we’re at steady 90-dgree heat with little to no breeze, I know for a fact that it’ll take a lot of bribery to get me risking another sunburn for mom’s project list.
And we all know that I’m not an early riser or morning person, so the window of opportunity only grows narrower as the weeks progress into the summer season.
By the way, the first day of summer is officially designated as Thursday, June 20, and I’m not ready for it at all!
I’m also praying, crossing my fingers, and taking every opportunity to hope that we don’t have to endure a harsh drought this year.
