When is a Vacation a Vacation?

I am on vacation right now.  And I am on vacation in my own house [well, the house that we rent that is!].  I am having a very peaceful and soothing time.  I am getting plenty of rest since I can sleep nearly anytime that I want, there's lots of food in the freezer that I can just pop into the microwave and best of all, there's no loud yelling or fighting in the house to stress me out!

How am I getting this marvelous vacation?   Originally, I was supposed to go to the beach with my adult daughter [whom I live with], her three sons [2, 5, and nearly 8 years old] and my parents to spend three days and two nights at a motel in Morro Bay, California.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?  I love the beach, the sight and smells that are uniquely oceanic, and the fresh fish at the restaurants.  One of my favorite restaurants is The Great American Fish Company.  They do a great halibut and rice pilaf and red cabbage salad.  As you eat, you get to look out at the ocean and Morro Rock.  It's great.

And then it happened!! 

Along comes an evil notice from the two oldest boys elementary school that says "We will be doing testing beginning April 23 through May 4th."  And this is the BIG tests, the CAT6 and all that really important stuff.  It only affected the oldest boy though, so I told my daughter, "No, you go, take the two youngest boys, take all the money and go spend the night at the motel that we have reservations for.  Go, I will stay here and take the boy to school on Monday and Tuesday and yes, pick him up at the end of the day.  He can take those important tests and we can ALL go on a day trip to the beach later."

Well, she went and here I am, home with only one child.  It is so peaceful!  I can't begin to tell you how wonderful the quiet is.  The TV doesn't have to be on all day long, there's no screaming and yelling and fighting, there is only peace and blessed silence.   I didn't even know how much I needed this break from my family.   I love them, don't get me wrong and I don't want to live anyplace else but here with them but WOW, it's just so quiet is all I'm saying. 

Yes, it's so quiet.  And tomorrow they will be coming home.  The noise and chaos will begin.  The TV will be on nearly 24 hours a day.  The three kids will be running through the house, throwing toys and trash all over, yelling and screaming and fighting, demanding attention, throwing temper tantrums, crying [and that's just me!  LOL]. 

Yes, I am looking forward to tomorrow because you know what? 

It's just TOO QUIET in here!