Week 4 was a leisurely part of the trip. We rode the California Zephyr from Reno to Chicago. Once in Chicago, we rented a car and drove to Wisconsin to spend a few days with my mom and dad. They are doing well. Our visit with them was probably the best part of our trip. All too soon, we had to head back to Chicago, turn in the car, and climb on the Texas Eagle for the trip home. 

Soon after we were underway, we learned our trip was not to be without adventure. Thankfully, we were able to ride the train the whole way, but due to track work, passengers between Longview, TX and Taylor, TX had to detrain in Longview and pick up a bus. We got to ride the “alternate” route which took us within 15 miles of our Central Texas home. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone, but Mr. L said he hoped we’d take that route, thus speaking it into existence.

We arrived in San Antonio three hours late, caught a cab to the house, and gratefully sank into bed. The next morning, I assessed the grass growth for the month and decided it could wait if it had to. Thankfully, it did not rain as forecast, so I mowed the lawn. We met friends for dinner and drove back to Central Texas on Memorial Day, arriving in time to talk to both Walter and Zelda outside. The game camera revealed they had both been regular visitors all month. I was particularly relieved, because we hadn’t seen Walter for a month before we left. 

On Tuesday morning, I picked up the indoor herd from boarding at our veterinarian’s office and brought them home. Then I mowed the lawn. Vacation was definitely over.