After last weekend’s long journey to Illinois, it was good to break away for a weekender at our beloved Loyd Park. We needed to reconnect with nature, unwind, and create lasting memories with our little Duke, who likely won’t be with us much longer. Spring’s lengthening days and warmer temperatures beckoned us to Site 8, a favorite spot surrounded by lush trees and edged by a small creek. The park was abuzz with activity as fellow campers set up their sites and gathered around flickering firelight. We had the opportunity to visit a group of friends we’ve known for years and enjoy a small bite of sopapilla cheesecake topped with cherries. We returned to Cloud 9 for a late-night Date Night supper before falling asleep while watching TV.

Next morning, we arose later than usual to face an agenda-free day. After coffee and a call to Jon’s mom, we watched “CBS Saturday Morning” and read The New York Times. Jon then finished a work project while Cliff began searching for sod companies. After brunch, we took a long walk around the camping loop, marveling at the abundant wildflowers and the greening of spring. A long afternoon nap led to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with the evening news, followed by a fine dinner of grilled pork chops, steamed cob corn, and broccoli by the campfire. We ended the evening watching travel shows about Italy, dreaming of transforming our bistro into a rustic Italian garden.

Sunday found us engaged in our typical pursuits: watching “CBS Sunday Morning,” reading The New York Times, enjoying breakfast cocktails, brunching under the pavilion, napping through the afternoon. Sadly, we also made an appointment with the vet for Duke’s last visit. Come Tuesday afternoon, our lives will be changed, as we become empty nesters.