Light at the end of the tunnel

Tomorrow immediately after work I head out to Michigan with Shannon. TheMarty will join us Thursday after he gets off of work. It's really one of my most favorite times of the year, I can't imagine doing anything else around the 4th of July. I don't remember if this is my fifth or sixth year joining Shannon and her family for the 4th. What I do know is it's one of my happy places, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I know that every day we've spent together in Michigan has made us closer and better friends. Except that one time, last summer, when she tried to kill me on the jet ski, but I also know never to get on a jet ski with her again. I plan on telling Shannon every single sordid detail of my date Saturday night, and I know she's looking forward to hearing them all. I plan on going to Steak and Shake, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, the movies - all of the things that make this weekend what it is. Weekend, ok, that's an inaccurate definition, as we'll be there from Wednesday to Monday, but that's my kind of weekend. I know I'll have at least one moment where I sit back on the deck, look out at the lake and say "Hello, summer, I've missed you." I also know that I will fall asleep to the sounds of the frogs (and possibly the rain at some point) in the channel. I know that I will play lots and lots of games - the fun relaxing kind, not the kind that mess with your mind. I know that I will be nowhere near any computers, so please enjoy your vacation from me. I hope that you will come back after this mental-health break.