Staycation

     Last week mom and dad were on vacation.  They decided this time around to stick close to home and do a bunch of stuff nearby that they've talked about doing but hadn't gotten around to.  As much as they wanted to keep active it was also about relaxing and trying to catch up on some rest, which I'm always for.
     Their week included sleeping in, something dad's not real good at, hiking and lots of walking, catching up on reading, taking in a movie (they said you've gotta see Hereditary) and stopping to take a few deep breaths.
     They made sure to quench their thirst with, among other things, a seasonal on-tap favorite Blue Ridge Blueberry Wheat (a little lighter, very refreshing and not overly fruity) during a stop at Top of the Hill in downtown Chapel Hill, which called for an approximately 8- to 9-mile walk altogether so there was no driving, you know, just in case.
     The week was mostly all about relaxing, taking it easy and making it as stress-free as possible. My personal favorite part was just having both of them around more often than usual, and I was not disappointed.

What's not to love about sleeping in?

I was in heaven all week!

Yup, this sums up oh, say, half the week or so?

Mom noticed this hitchhiker on dad's backpack during a hike along the Eno River. 

Spending an afternoon at The North Carolina Botanical Gardens included sights like this little critter...

...and lots of these.

Mom and dad came upon this guy hanging out about shoulder-height along a trail in the woods.

These Venus Fly Traps were also found at the NC Botanical Gardens.

Are these things not amazing? And can you believe dad's phone took this?

     Sadly, dad had to get back to work and back to his old grumbly, bitchy self.  I loved having both of them around all week, but all good things must come to an end.  The weather ended up pretty much perfect all week. They got in some exercise, I got lots of attention, and I think the relaxation, though short-lived, was beneficial.