Back in the Bluegrass

Well, here we are – 8 a.m. on a Thursday, and guess what? We’re back in Kentucky. The second we crossed that state line, it felt like home wrapped us in a hug… then immediately smacked us with a brisk 58-degree morning chill. Don’t get too comfortable, though—my weather app is already predicting high 80s for the rest of the trip. So basically, Kentucky’s pulling her usual: sweater weather at sunrise, sweatbox by lunchtime.

Now, I can’t tell you exactly what the next two days will hold (besides the obvious running around like headless chickens). Still, I do know this—come tonight, El Jimador better clear us a table because I’ll be knocking on their door like it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. A plate of Pollo Bandido and my Kentucky Margarita? Yes, ma’am, that’s the good Lord’s work right there.

Saturday is going to be heavy with Jimmy’s memorial. My heart’s not ready, but I also know it’s needed. Until then, I’m clinging to the lighter moments—like soaking up time with all the kids and our little sunshine, Miss Harmony Raye. She just turned two in July, which means FaceTime with her is pure comedy gold. In person? Even better. That girl’s personality is already larger than life, and y’all know I hate missing these milestones. Florida sunshine is lovely and all, but it sure doesn’t kiss away the sting of missing your grandbaby grow.

And before I can blink, there’ll be another sweet face to miss—little Miss LakeLynn. She’s set to make her big debut on my birthday, can you believe that? The best birthday gift I could ever ask for, even if she’s arriving via scheduled C-section and not wrapped in a bow.

We’ll head back home Sunday, but the sweet part is, Thursday morning, Harmony and her crew—Noelle and Little Michael—are driving down to visit us in the Sunshine State. So, basically, I get almost two whole weeks of giggles, snuggles, and toddler sass before the long wait sets in again. That goodbye’s gonna sting something fierce, but y’all know me—I’ll bury myself in candles, designs, and margaritas until the countdown to the next hug begins.

So here’s to Kentucky mornings, family dinners, and finding joy in the middle of the bittersweet. And if y’all need me tonight? I’ll be at El Jimador with a margarita in hand, raising a glass to family, memories, and the crazy, beautiful mess we call life.

“Listen, margaritas fuel my soul, but Etsy sales pay the bill… so go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it, sugar.”