A Brief Respite

Everyone needs a respite from their day-to-day life. A break from the daily routine, an opportunity to rest, relax, see something new, and gain a fresh perspective. We don't get that opportunity very often. The Bean and I go away together, or The Bibbed Wonder and The Bean go away together, or The Bibbed Wonder and I can go away together, but we rarely get to go away as a family. There is simply too much responsibility here for that to happen. So, the fact that we were able to go away as a family for a few days was a welcome respite from our busy routine. 

None of this can happen without someone we trust implicitly. Erica was kind enough to volunteer to take on our responsibilities for four days. She milked twice a day, covered a market, packed orders, and cared for The Heavy-B and my birds. I did not worry about anything at all. Erica is very capable and more diligent than I am. I knew everyone would be in good hands. We are so grateful to have someone we trust who is willing to step up and help us out, because honestly, taking on our responsibilities is a big ask. She did an excellent job, and I cannot express my appreciation for her. 

We spent four nights at a vacation rental in Berkeley Springs, WV. It was overall a wonderful experience. There were, of course, a few hiccups. It wouldn't be us if there weren't. I loved Berkeley Springs, and much to my surprise, so did Eric and The Bean. We all agree we would go back. We are even discussing the possibility of a mountain home, but once the magic of the weekend wears off, that will pass. Eric will not regularly leave the farm, and he will not want to take on another property to maintain. I know my husband well, and a second home to maintain is not on his list of true desires. Perhaps when we retire, it will become a serious thought. For now, I know that he genuinely enjoyed his weekend away because he is entertaining the possibility of a mountain home. 

Our cabin was lovely. It had everything one could ask for, except air conditioning. This was my first experience with a vacation rental, and I never thought to check that it had air conditioning... sigh. It's 2026, and I just assumed all vacation properties would come with the basics, which in my world include central air. There were fans everywhere, but in the midst of a heat wave, all they did was move hot air around. I messaged the real estate manager through VRBO and inquired, "Is there no air conditioning?" Impressively, she responded within five minutes and had mobile units delivered within twenty minutes. The mobile units made it tolerable, but not truly comfortable. However, no one complained, and despite the hiccup, we enjoyed our stay.  

Honestly, dear reader, we didn't do anything exciting. We arrived at our cabin on Thursday afternoon and spent the remainder of the day by the pool. We went out to dinner at a nice restaurant called The Proof, then returned to our cabin and sat on the deck, enjoying the quiet. Jordan brought a friend with her, and they spent the evening playing pickleball and laughing as only teenage girls can. 

Friday, we slept in to a glorious 9 a.m., and the girls slept until 11. We then spent the day at the springs and took in the sights around town. Eric was an absolute trooper about shopping at the little boutiques and antique stores. I was trying to cut things short because I know he doesn't like to shop, but he was opening doors and leading me into stores with a smile on his face. The girls were hot and wanted to go back to the pool, so we spent the remainder of the day poolside.  

Saturday, we floated on inner tubes down the Cacapon River. I am not a water person. I can't swim, and not being able to see or touch the bottom sends me into a minor panic attack. The float was supposed to last four to six hours. We did it in three and a half hours using ping-pong paddles. Yes, it sounds funny, but they truly help speed things along. I only had one minor panic attack when I was out of my tube and couldn't touch the bottom for what felt like forever. Eric was calm and patient with me and helped me back into my tube. 

The second minor incident occurred during a short stretch of rapids laden with rocks. The water was maybe four feet deep, only two or three in some spots. I got out of my tube to walk over rocks, fell, my tube landed on top of my head, I struggled like a turtle on its back to stand up on the slippery rocks, I hurt my knee, I almost cried because I was so sick of being on the river, but finally made it through the rough section. I was told not to get out of my tube again, which was sound advice, although somewhat insulting. After the rapids incident, Eric tethered me to Jordan's tube and floated off by himself. The Bean and I were both ready to dunk him. However, I believe he had had enough of me and my water phobia and needed a break. I was never so happy to see a sign that read "Kayaks and Tubes Enter Here." We were all sunburnt, tired, hot, and over floating on the river. We went back to the cabin, showered, and spent the evening watching the local fireworks display. Nobody even wanted to swim or sit in the hot tub at this point. 

On Sunday, Eric and I got up around eight, showered, and went to the local farmer's market. It was a lovely little market that was well attended. Surprisingly, there were no soapers, dog treats, or candles. There was a lot of "art" and creations, produce, honey, jams, breads, but no sourdough, meat, and eggs. It had a great vibe. Honestly, the whole town has a great vibe. We then grabbed a sandwich and coffee at a local cafe and went back to soak in the springs. In the afternoon, we returned to the cabin, picked up the girls, and went to the cutest retro theater to watch Minions Vs. Monsters. The Bibbed Wonder loves a Minions movie. We ate at a local pizza place and spent the evening playing pickleball with the girls.

We arrived home around ten on Monday. It is good to go away, but oh, so sweet to return home. Buster is pouting and mad at me for leaving him. He always does this. He's happy to see me for a few minutes when I return, but then remembers he's upset that I left him and avoids me for a few days. Sigh. I have to suck up to him, offer extra treats, and beg him to cuddle with me on the couch. He's currently still holding our vacation against me. 

Everyone else did well and isn't upset that we went away for a few days. I came home feeling refreshed and ready to jump into the work week. I think Erica was relieved to see us. She declared she will never have any dairy goats or a cow. I think we destroyed her disillusionment with an ideal farm life. In her defense, it's a lot to take on when it's your full-time gig. She was balancing her job, kids, home life, and our responsibilities. It is not for the weak; that is for sure. She did an excellent job, and we are endlessly grateful that she was willing to take it all on. I don't think I will be asking her to cover for us again anytime soon. Between our now busy market schedule, preparing for Shaker Woods, and the upcoming mazes, we won't be able to go anywhere until well after the holiday season. By then, we will be preparing for the upcoming baby season. This little getaway was indeed a brief respite that I am thankful we could take. 

On this overcast Wednesday, stay safe, be smart, get away when you can, be grateful for those who are there for you, don't do a four- to six-hour float down a river, read ALL the details about a vacation rental, and keep washing your hands.