Oh, it's great to be home again!

Even though the elevator is still out, home is awesome! Justin picked me up at the airport last night and it was quite wonderful to see him! He looked different with his hair cut, but not terribly so. As the plane was coming into Jacksonville, I could see the lovely moon, orange in color, making me wonder how it would look reflected in the river. Of course, the moon was gorgeous from my balcony, although it had become more white than orange by the time we got home.

*

We had to lug the luggage (is that where the name came from??) up the stairs, with Justin doing a better job of lugging than I did! But, we made it, hopefully without waking the entire complex in the process. Immediately the cheese was unloaded and what didn't go with Justin went into my empty fridge. He was glad to get the Havarti cheese, claiming he needs to make some hamburgers soon to use the cheese on. Doesn't that sound delicious?

*

Justin and I sat and chatted for a long while after getting things settled here. He had lots to say and I fought my exhaustion as long as I could, not wanting to interrupt him. Even though we spoke often during my absence, there was still so much to talk about. He's quite excited about the plans at Victory to open a VPK program and their attempts to pay down the mortgage. I asked him if he considered transferring his membership over there so that he'd get a pack of envelopes. I love his enthusiasm! This was a great move for him in many ways!

*

Just now I heard a heron honking outside, the sound coming in loud and clear through the opened patio doors. There is no prediction of rain forecast so it's safe to sleep with the doors open. Just like in MN or WI where they keep windows open in the winter (or April!), I can keep mine open at night now. It was a lovely day today, temps around mid-70's and sunny.

*

Everyone is asking me about my trip, what the weather was like, what I did to pass the time. It's hard to remember all the things I did while gone, but the highlights would be spending time with the family, especially the boys; the LWMS Rally; visiting the Prange's; and later, the Schrimpfs. I have to re-read my own blog to remember all that I did----oops! My other big things were spending time with Judy R. in MN; going to Mini-apples with Lori, Lynn and the church ladies; cropping and having dinner with Linda (and 3 lunches!!)....I could go on and on, all of the events special in their own ways. Hanging out with my sisters and Mama, visiting with Dolly and watching a movie with her, plus climbing up and down steps in my spare time.........

*

My report also includes the crazy weather I experienced, starting with the "freezing fog" that I encountered upon my arrival, the sharp snowflakes that hurt my eye and ear, the freezing temperatures, thunder storms, and finally, to top it all off, an earthquake!!!! There was so much fun and enjoyment to be had, whether running the stores, dining, or simply sitting around the house. It would be so very non-productive to do that at my own home, but as a guest in someone else's, it's cool once in awhile!

*

Today I ventured down the stairs to see my friends at Great Hang Ups, off to the beauty shop, pick up some groceries, and then to dinner with some church friends before heading over to Bible study. I carried up only a few items for tonight, knowing that Justin will be here tomorrow to bring up the rest for me. His reward will be a case of Diet Coke if he wants it. That's why it's called "Coke Rewards"!

*

Trying to resume to "normal" sleep pattern and adjust to the time change, I will be heading to bed soon. I thought perhaps I'd see the moon come up but so far there's no sight of it. I keep banging my head as I crane to see if it's peeking at me. Who'd have thought that watching for the moon could prove so painful? Or that I'd be so slow to learn???