By the time that many of you read this, I will be in the final stages of taking off on a bit of an Odyssey. I hope to keep up with blogging, reading the blogs that I follow, Twitter, and Facebook, but I realize that is highly unlikely–so I apologize in advance.
I will be scrambling around, making sure I have everything in order for my five-week trip to Europe. I will have checked that I had my passport (three times), our leftover Euros from our last trip to France (two times), and my phone (three), my computer (two), and my emergency package of Twizzlers (six).
I will have also checked with my boys countless times to make sure that they were going to be good for their mother (and they will have assured me that they will each time). I will have watered the plants, both inside and out (and made my wife swear that she will try her hardest not to kill them while I am gone–she is great with the children in her care at the hospital, but pathetic when it comes to other living organisms).
I also will have pulled a couple of cases of wine from the basement for my wife to enjoy while I am gone. I doubt she will even make her way through a quarter of them, but she made me swear that I would choose some bottles for her consumption (otherwise she vowed that she would find her way to the cellar and choose what ever she fancied).
I will also have stored a few posts (at least) that I have scheduled for various dates while I am gone. I had visions of storing a couple dozen such posts, but I doubt I will have more than a few.
I will have asked my wife whether I had made the right decision to be away for so long–this will be the longest that I have been away from my two boys by far since they were born 11 1/2 and 6 years ago. And each time, she will have assured me that they will all be fine–sure they will miss me, but they will also be happy for me as I pedal through the vineyards of France one more (and perhaps for the last) time.
Above all, I will miss my wonderful wife (whose birthday is today)–my best friend, my partner in crime, whom I adore. She has encouraged me to take this trip and I can never thank her enough for all her support, not only now, but throughout our 15 plus years together.
I had no idea that this post would tend so far to the sappy, but I will close with a song that runs through my head every time I leave my family even for the shortest of trips. Written (and here performed) by John Denver, one of my wife’s favorite artists:
the drunken cyclist 
Safe travels! I hope you have a great trip. 🙂
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Thanks so much Jackie!
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Have a great trip!
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Would only be better if you were here, my friend!
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Have a fabulous time and don’t let on to YouKnowWho you’ll be in Europe 😉
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Ohmygod, I hope Ohmygod is not here (although it would make for more stories!).
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Have a wonderful, safe trip. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures when you return. They’re always very entertaining.
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Thank you so much! You made my day!
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Bon Chance!
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Cheers!
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Bon voyage! May your travels be uneventful when they need to be, and fun when they should be… Look forward to reading about your experiences
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What a great send-off! Thanks!
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Have a good trip Jeff. Are you coming through London at all??
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Sadly, no, not this time. One of these days….
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Enjoy your new journey!
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Thanks, I will try 😉
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Have a marvelous time. It’s hard to keep up with all social media. Be present & enjoy! Ciao
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It is hard to keep up with social media without traveling!
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Have a great trip- safe travels! I’m a sucker for John Denver, too- it’s a nostalgia thing 🙂
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I hear that song. I get weepy. That simple! Sorry we could not hook up this last time out. You guys around at Christmas time?
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We are! We never go anywhere 🙂 Well, at least not at Christmas time- Derek’s weird that way… So, would love to meet up if the opportunity arises- and if you are all coming out, you’re welcome to bring the family along 🙂
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Have a wonderful time!
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Thanks Cindi!
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Bon Vaccances! Let us know if you stumble into the Mosel : ) Looking forward to reading about your travels
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I will actually be up there at the end of the week. Are you guys up there too?
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At the end of this week? We’ll be there but around the 22nd…
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Huge bummer! Will be there Thursday thru Saturday this week.
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Safe travels. I’m so jealous I could spit. CHEERS! Enjoy!!!! 🙂
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Always spit downwind!
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Duly noted! Have fun!!!
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Colby, if I were not happily married, I might have to propose to you…..
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It’s story-harvest time in France! Have a great trip!
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Can’t wait to see the “Golden Coast” in all its splendour!
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Enjoy the trip. Five weeks may seem like a long time when you’re this side of them, but they’ll probably be over far too soon. Make the most of them while you can, and I look forward to reading about your travels when you get back.
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Five weeks does seem rather long at this point–missing the first day of school for the boys, and the second half of my wife’s birthday, but there is wine next to me right now, so not so bad.
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Sappy is sometimes good.
Have a great trip!
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Thanks Tom! Cheers!
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I did take time to think I should try to jump on one of the trips… But I’d hate to inadvertently create a new character in the OMG series. Have a great ride and great picture of Notre Dame. Always enjoy a different perspective.
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Ah, you could never be another OMG! There is only one of him thank goodness!
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Have the most wonderful time! Your heart-felt article touched me and brought a tear to my eye (I’m a sappy one!). Be safe and enjoy! Miki
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Thanks Miki for the kind note–I am a bit of a sappy one as well!
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Bon voyage!
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Thanks! Cheers!
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