I came to Austin intending a writer’s retreat while Jared did his Jared things.

And I got some things done to this end.

I think Austin was as much about me getting away from what’s hard, as anything else.

Abby is still not doing super well. I personally think the end is near.

We received terrible news about another dear friend today, someone we’ve been close to for a decade.

I’m still recovering from losing Trixie, truthfully.

And, home life is different because Porter and Liam are off at college now.

I think I really came to Austin just for the change of scenery and to have a minute to breathe.

Tonight’s adventure sees backroads to Vidalia, Louisana.

I have actually been to Vidalia, Louisiana before. I have even been through one of their drive through liquor stores, which served open container drinks, actually.

I remember a gorgeous view of the bridge between Vidalia and Natchez, Mississippi, over the Mississippi River.

So, we are staying in Vidalia tonight and I hope to get a photo of that bridge in the morning.

Then it will be backroads of Mississippi up to Laurel to I-59 before returning to being a grownup, to come face what we will find at home.

I’m not overly religious, but I do think God looks out for us sometimes. In this case, I think this is one of those times, for me. I needed to get away to think.

Abby is stable, but I do not think she has very long, truthfully.

And I spoke to my dear friend of over a decade for the last time yesterday.

Nobody ever said adventure is without heartache. I think that is part of the point.