RAINER'S RAMBLINGS
By RAINER ARNOLD Union Sentinel Publisher

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a Ramblings about having family come to visit. How it was nice to look forward to family overwhelming one's house. Well, the have come and gone back to Scotland. Afamily friend from Germany was also here for some of the same time the family was here.

Therefore, I had 7 people staying at the house. Well, let me tell you it was fun. Really, I had a good time and they all did as well. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed watching them have fun. I guess that means I am getting older.

They played and played and even did some work around the house and yard. Two of the grandkids even washed my truck. But most of all, they enjoyed the hot tub and the jet skis. After all, they do not have those things in Scotland. Incidentally, they have very few places in Scotland where you could even use a jet ski.

Anyway, the day they left, actually, I was relieved. Not because they were leaving, but because all went well and very little was broken. No fights, no arguments just a good and relaxing time. That is what family and friends are all about.

Now, after they left, the house seemed empty. It was quiet and I actually had time to myself. I could get back to sitting in my easy chair, watch the TV shows I wanted to watch and slowly get back to normal.

They have been gone almost a week now and I have spoken with them via email and all is well. I am glad to have my house back and I am glad I have my life back. But I am also looking forward to their next visit. On the other hand, I may go and visit them in Scotland next. Maybe I will have them entertain me for a few days like I entertained them here for a week or more.

Either way, I will look forward to seeing them again.