On Wednesday evening, November 14, 07 we arrived back in home and what a delight it was to get back home for a week and 1/2. As we were traveling the song “Wide Open Spaces” came to mind and the feeling of being back home started playing tricks on me. As we passed familiar sights my soul leaped for joy and I could not help the rush of sheer joy that washed over me. I felt like a very dried out sponge absorbing every little detail that I possibly could.

By the time Thursday morning rolled around there was no sleeping in for me, I just had to get up to savor the day. I flung open the blinds as fast as I could and began my little cleaning routine. I had the place cleaned in no time and then I was ready to kick back and let the rest of the day unfold.

Our first big meal that day was our favorite BBQ in town. The chopped brisket sandwich was calling me along with their fabulous fried okra. If I close my eyes, I can almost taste it. We also had the cobbler for desert. I’m a peach cobbler kinda gal and Hubby is my apple cobbler guy so that’s what we had, our favorites.

Normally right after a meal at a restaurant Hubby pays the bill and we leave. This time we just sat there taking in the old familiar feel of that place. And I still remember Hubby’s words to me as he said “I’m just taking this all in”. In some weird sort of way, It was during those “taking it in moments” that we began to feel like we were “Home”. Gasp, did I just say that, Hubby and I are definitely feeling pulled between two places to call home. And I told him that if he ever took me back to live that I would be perfectly happy staying there the rest of my life.

I did something while I was there that I’ve never done in my entire life. I got in a truck with a stranger. Please let me explain – Ya know, Hubby still can’t believe I did that, even after my explanation as that is NOT like me at ALL. So here’s the chain of events. Hubby had a dentist appointment in town and it was quite a procedure and was to last 2 hours. So, the day before his appointment, I took my nails off as he was going to drop me off at the mall and I was going to get a fresh set of nails and perhaps get into trouble for the other hour I had on my hands.

Hubby dropped me off at the entrance of the mall and away I went to the nail salon. I signed in and had just a brief wait. My name was called and I was seated right next to another gal who got there moments before me. We struck up conversation immediately and I truly felt a kindred spirit with her. It was as if we knew each other our entire lives and our conversation just flowed mixed with laughter. We finished up about the same time and she asked would I like to join her for lunch. She was not fond of doing the food court and asked if I would like to go across the street to Red Lobster. Sure I said, I have another 45 min. until my husband is finished at the dentist office.

Away we went out of there chatting all the way to her vehicle like two sisters would do. I got into here truck without even the slightest hesitation and we both began to laugh about this. She started the truck, put it in reverse and backed out. We drove towards the mall entrance and stopped at the red light. As the light was turning green, my cell phone rang. It was Hubby calling to say he was on his way. She said “Have him meet us at Red Lobster”. Unfortunately he was not in a Red Lobster mood as his entire mouth was numb from his little procedure and he needed to stop by the drug store to pick up some meds. She turned her truck around and headed back to the mall entrance where Hubby was to pick me up. When her truck came to a stop I got out and then is when she said my name is “Theresa” and I introduced myself to her as well. That all happened so fast and I’m not even sure of her name now. I just know it starts with a “T” and that’s all I remember. I keep thinking about her and wish we would have swapped information so that we could have remained in contact with each other. I’ll say, Theresa and I sure did have a “GOOD TIME” while it lasted.

Thanksgiving morning dawned and we were like two children on Christmas morning waiting on our big turkey meal. We had reservations at the same place we have been going the last two years and this making our 3rd year there. We left the house at noon and we were seated by 12:30 where we enjoyed a wonderful 2 hour Thanksgiving dinner. Below is the only picture I took to my dismay but let me tell ya, that ballroom was fit for a king.

We had beautiful dinner music by talented musicians who played violins, the piano and flute.

Hubby finally got his wii and all I can say is we have had more fun with that wii than any of our other games in the past. We’ve always been Nintendo, Game Cube and the like buffs but now, I can’t even imagine dragging those old games out anymore. Hubby and I have enjoyed tennis, baseball, bowling and golf from the comforts of home and I’ll say I’m having a little TOO much fun. I say that as both of my arms are equally sore and my legs are so sore too. As much as I enjoyed baseball my arm can’t take another game right now, that pitching did a number on me. It’s a good thing I’m ambidextrous as I can switch arms when one hurts too much. Our favorite games at the moment are tennis and golf.

It’s weird that I didn’t take pictures in TX as Hubby would always make sure I had my camera with me. I think we were absorbing more than taking pictures.

Now that we are back home (up north), I feel like we can finally begin to settle down. There is so much to enjoy here and I know we are going to be taking in a lot in the months to come.

Below is a picture I took of downtown yesterday. The holidays are upon us and the town is coming to life with Christmas décor.