The aftermath of travel

The wife and I returned Tuesday from a 12 day, slightly over 3,000 mile trip. We had a good time but there are always ongoing things while people are gone.
1. There are several newspapers to read. (We subscribe to the Casper Star-Trib and USA Today and our motto is: an unread paper is a terrible thing to waste.) I finished the CS-T's this afternoon and start on the USA Today's tomorrow.
2. Mail: There are three major kinds-letters, magazines, etc. of interest; bills; junk mail. Guess which two we get the most of at the end of the month. Most of the bills are paid, however, there are several that can wait. We did hear from a few friends.
3. Uncut grass: ours was on average around 6 inches to higher in some spots due to rain while we were gone. I thought I needed a hay baler rather than a lawn mower. It took two tanks of gas and two hours versus 3/4 of a tank and 45 minutes. I had to raise the blade twice.
4. Unwashed clothes: We're slowly working on this one.
5. I'll get the car serviced next week or whenever.

However: However, it was worth it all.
We visited several friends and many relatives in the Midwest.
We saw our niece's HS graduation, senior piano recital and her soccer game. We saw her brothers and met one of bro's girlfriend.
We were able to visit both of our mothers (both in their 90's)
Our immediate family was able to spend time together (the first time since Christmas). This includes Stooey, the dog, who wasn't always happy to see us unless we were feeding him. The son reports Stooey gained weight while we were there.
A friend and I went to a Twins game.
We stopped in LaMars, Iowa, ("Ice Cream Capital of the World) and had ice cream sundaes at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor.
I had Runzas twice in Nebraska.
Defininitely worth it!