Yuma, Arizona

My hubby and I used all of our vacation days last year, moving from Texas and working on freelance projects. So family visits were due as soon as we could use vacation days this year. We planned to go see his parents in Yuma, Arizona. The Chamber of Commerce couldn't have ordered better weather. The blue-blue skies held no clouds and temps climbed to 75 each day. It was a pleasure to stand out on the street and not be hot or cold.

Mark has been eager most of our marriage to rent a recreational vehicle, even though he knew I wouldn't be thrilled about it. One of the first things I told him when we started talking about getting married is that I didn't like camping, and I wasn't a good cook.

But I decided if it would make him happy, I would at least try staying in an RV for a few days. So we picked up the RV in Phoenix and drove three hours to Yuma. It wasn't so bad, really. The RV made me thankful for our home, the bathroom with lots of hot water, the closets, the dishwasher and the comfy mattress.

The best part about the visit was being with Mark's parents. They are a lot of fun: quick-witted and interested in making jokes and singing harmonies. What strikes me is how much they love each other. Nancy has to take lots of medicines after open heart surgery, and Bobby patiently gets them organized for her and fixes her meals. When I had a chance to encourage him, I said, "You sure are a good husband." He replied, "She deserves it."

Wow--how many couples would let illness drive them to bitterness or complaining? Bobby acts as though it's an honor to care for his wife.

With a role model like that, I'm sure my husband will be sweet to me in years to come. So, I guess it was worth it to try the RV. Maybe I will brush up on my cooking skills next.