V is for Romantic Vacation

     With Kenneth being a dairy farmer, vacations have never been a normal thing for him.   Unfortunately, cows have to be milked twice a day, every day, all year long, so getting him away from the farm has always been like pulling teeth; I had to drag him kicking and screaming.  Okay, maybe I exaggerate just a little, but let's just say he didn't go very often. 

     When our son was little he and I together would occasionally talk Kenneth into a short vacation and the three of us would get away for 2 or 3 days.  After Tim grew up, Kenneth and I would sometimes try to get away for our anniversary for a nice romantic weekend.

     Once I can tear Kenneth away from the farm, we always manage to have a wonderful time together and much to his surprise, the farm always manages to get along just fine without him.  Even though they have always been too short, we have managed to have some really nice romantic vacations together.  This is the story of one of those romantic weekends that didn't turn out quite as planned.

     We had reservations at a nice hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN.    We checked in the first day with plans to stay 3 or 4 nights.  That night we walked around the shops and ate a nice dinner in one of the local restaurants.   Bright and early the next day we headed out of town to Dollywood.  It was a beautiful day but really hot and if you have ever been to Dollywood you know it is miles and miles of walking up and down hill.   I'll note here that this was several years ago and we were much younger.  All in all, we had a fun day and took in all the sights and sounds of Dollywood.  We were having a great time together and laughed and talked as we headed back into town after a long day.  We were hot, tired and very hungry so the first thing we did upon reaching Pigeon Forge was find a place to eat.  We decided to go to the 50s style diner that is right in the middle of town on the main strip. 

     We had been seated, had ordered and received our food.   It was so cold in there I was shivering, but even that couldn't put a damper on my happiness.  And then it happened.  In the blink of an eye a perfect day went from magical to horrible.

     All I did was try to get up out of my chair and the pain hit me like a knife stabbing my spine.  Not only was the pain excruciating but I couldn't straighten up.  So much for a romantic vacation.

     I wish I could say it got better and we were able to finish our weekend, but that didn't happen.  Sadly, we had to come home early with me laying in the backseat because I couldn't straighten up and couldn't stand the pain sitting up.     Not exactly the romantic getaway I had planned.

     This wasn't the first, nor the last time my back problems have upset plans, but it was definitely the most disappointing time.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat