Sunday, August 7, 2011
It has been a while since I posted anything. Somehow it seems the days pass quickly and writing falls to the back burner. I am really sorry for not keeping up better. But let me see if I can quickly catch you up.
I could not have been more giddy when I saw the kids at the airport. It was so wonderful to be back on Texas soil. However that blast of hot air was all too familiar and I knew instantly that I was in the midst of a hot Texas summer.
I have to admit, the first stop on the way home was a What A Burger! My mouth was watering just thinking about it. Michael and I both had talked about craving a What A Burger so I had to have one. Terrible choice…fast food… but what the heck! When the first bite hit my taste buds it was heavenly! Not sure if it was because I was hungry from the flight or simply because it was home and familiar, probably a bit of both, but nothing had ever tasted so good! I devoured it! I have since had a second round with this wonderful taste of Texas.
It was strange being behind the wheel of my car. I had not driven for 6 months. The kids were teasing me and warning other drivers to beware. But honestly, after a few minutes of getting the feel again, it was a piece of cake. And now I think nothing of it. The first time I put gas in the tank I almost croaked. I knew gas prices had soared since I left, but seeing it on the pump made it real.
Also coming in the house for the first time in 6 months… Jennifer and Kendall had cleaned the house for me so everything was nice and clean. I was kinda disoriented... I felt like a guest. Maybe partly because I was not staying very long initially and could not allow myself to settle in, it would have made leaving that much more difficult. But I have settled in and it feels good to be home. But it will be hard when it is time to leave again.
Maggie was waiting for me when I walked in the door that first night. Although she was all over me… she would not look at me and behaved with a bit of indifference. She was thoroughly PO’d at me… without question! It took a couple of days for her to get over it… then it was like I had never been gone.
I have also consumed my weight in Mexican food. I never tire of the wonderful favors and smells of a good Mexican restaurant. That first Sunday home I met an old colleague from Fiserv, Natalie and her husband, Jeff, at the Jalapeno Tree in Gun Barrel City. Not my favorite place, but there are a couple of really good dishes. My brother, Jack and I, have had a couple of trips to Ojeda’s… which is excellent Mexican. And the kids and I have been to La Fuenta several times since my arrival. When I leave, I will have satisfied my hankering for Mexican food.
My BFF, Connie and I had Italian at one of our favorite places in Plano. That was my first shopping day once I got home. It was great being able to find clothes and shoes and other wonderfully familiar things. I loved every minute of the day… and I am not typically much of a shopper. I guess when you have been mostly cut off from doing it; it makes it more enjoyable when you get to. Either way… it was all good.
It has been wonderful going to my home church. I have so enjoyed Sunday school and the church services. It is great seeing everyone too. It really felt like coming home. The church in Shanghai has been such a blessing, but nothing like your home church.
I have so loved being with the kids and grandkids. Brooklyn and Austin have both spent the night with me. I walk up to Jennifer’s most every morning before it gets too hot and visit with them. The walking is in part exercise for me. But Maggie is loving it too. I watch the kids swimming in the pool and just being kids.
We went to Canton on First Monday. Although it was ridiculously hot, we still had a great time. We walked through the buildings with no A/C first and then headed to the A/C’d barn when it got too hot. I managed to find several things with my name written all over them. So all in all it was a very productive day!
I am loving being home so much I extended my stay… until August 8. That would be tomorrow. However, I will be staying a little longer.
I have taken care of some necessities while here too. A visit to the dentist… check, the hair dresser… check, and the doctor… check. While getting my exam at the doctor, we discovered a little problem that needs tending to. So I cancelled my travel plans for a little day surgery and recovery. It will all be fine once I take care of this… it just was not in my plan.
Poor Michael has had to batch it a little longer than we planned. And he had to endure a little typhoon as well. But we talk almost every day, so that helps. So say a little prayer for him… he is fairing ok, but he is under a great deal of stress right now. He has lots going on with work, but mostly he is there and I am here, dealing with my issues… so he is doing a bit of worrying, although I tell him not to.
So that is a quick summary of what has been going on with me… so remember me in your prayers… and take good care until next time.
PS… here are a few pictures of fun in the pool…
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