Hello all, yes I know it has been awhile since my last posting. A lot going on right now. First off, my computer has died and gone to computer heaven. On a much happier note I have been doing a little bit of traveling. I went to Ohio for a long over due visit with my father and stepmother Caroline. While I was gone I kept a wriiten journal of my trip.



Thursday July 30, 2009

Up at 2:30 AM. Thats right 2:30 The reason being my flight was at 6:30 and I wa riding with Mike who works for American. He has to be at work at 4:30. Thank you Mike for giving me a ride to the airpot that morning, I truluy appreciated it. Got through security with little difficulty. We were late leaving due to weather in Dallas. Once we boarded the plane we were delayed again when the pilot realized that there was zero fuel on board. Arrived in Atlanta an hour and fifteen minutes late. I was going to call family in ATL, to let them know I would be passing through for about 3 hours. I am glad I did not do so, would have maybe an hour if that to spend with them. Had less than that on my way back to Texas. While in ATL I had to laugh, Airline officials were walking around the gate informing us that we would be boarding soon. I was laughing because there was no plane outside for us to board. What were we supposed to board? Eventually our plane did arrive.

I should have known something was up judging by how quickly the plane was loaded and away from the gate. You know that saying "To good to be true"? Shortly after leaving the gate we were informed of a ground stopage due to weather from the north. Which direction was I heading? North of course. A few minutes later more news, now there was a system coming from the west. Probably that same storm that delayed us in Dallas.

I have arrived in ohio, sleepy and thirsty. Got to the house only to have to rush upstairs to my old room (lived there for a year and half) change clothes, unpack and repack and leave for the lake. Had dinner at a Thai restaurant they had been telling me about, very very good. Got to the boat before sunset. Dad, Carolyn and I spent most of the night talking. Did not get to bed until after 1 am.



Friday July 31, 2009

Called E. today and left a message requesting a recipe for cake balls (its a dessert). Went to Meijer's (midwest version of walmart). Right now I am helping Dad make some modifications to the carpeting on the boat. I think we are going to Cedar Point Amusement Park on Saturday. Having a relaxing and enjoyable time thus far.



Saturday August 1,2009

Once again we stayed up wayyyyyy to late. This time almost 2 am before my head hit the pillow. Thursday night was spent solving the healthcare crisis, race relations, and our failure to pay attention as a nation when a warning sound has gone off. Friday night was an open/frank somewhat painful discussion about me and the direction I am trying to go in. Other issues were discussed as well. It is 10:30 PM, the old folks are out visiting friends in the marina, I chose to stay behind and write. Today was another good day, had a late dinner, grilled Salmon, rice pilaf, and salad. A VERY COLD BEER TO WASH IT DOWN. Spent most of the afternoon and evening at Cedar Point. Yeahhhhhh. Took pictures, had a blast. I think Dad now has a much clearer understanding as to why Texas is and has become so important to me and why I will never leave. Mom used to say never say never. She also would say never burn your bridges, you may have to walk back across one someday. Should would also say that there is any exception tomost rules.
There was a moment on Thursday night shortly after we arrived at the lake and got settled on the boat when something unforseen happened. I was on the dock standing along side the boat taking in the calm, quiet dark night remembering how much I enjoyed being here. I found myself missing Texas, and everyone back home. I'm not sure how to describe it. I was surprised by it. This was a new experience for me. Over the past two years I have gone through a lot. Some of it good, some not. As a result, the love, respect and appreciation for my family and friends here in Texas has grown beyond words. Dad and I tried talking each other into going on one particular roller coaster, but after taking a look at up close I quickly decided that there was absolutely positively NO WAY IN ____ I WAS GETTING ON IT! I am all for taking the occasional risk, but that ride, no. Go to cederpoint.com and look up the rolloer coaster "THE DRAGSTER", I think you will understand why. All I can say is 0 to 120 mph in less that 6 seconds.

Sunday August 2, 2009
This portion of the blog is being written on Monday night. We are back from the lake and I am about to go to bed, these old folks have worn me out. First though I have to finish writing and packing, returning home on Tuesday afternoon. Sunday in between one of multiple naps I was informed that there was a slight change in plans. We would not be returning to the house until Monday morning. I responded by saying ok, wake me up when dinner is ready, back to sleep I went. That is how I spent Sunday, moving from one spot to another each being more comfotable than the previous one.

Monday August 3, 2009
Left Sandusky, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie bound forone of my former homes. After we sopped at roadside stand where Carolyn bought fresh veggies, got on the road and I went sleep. Upon arrival back in Akron they showed me around town so that I could see all of the new growth that occured since my last visit. While this was taking place, I noticed something about myself. As impressive as it was, all of the additions and growth that has taken place, I had no deisre to move back there. Before anyone says anything I AM NOT NOR WAS I CONSIDERING LEAVING TEXAS. You know how sometimes you get that feeling when you visit some place new and exciting or you return to a special place you really enjoy. sometimes you tryto envisoin what life might be like if you lived there not that you were seriously thinking about it. While riding through Akron I felt nothing. I am not putting the area down. That is just the way I felt.

Tuesday August 4, 2009
I am home now safe and sound. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe to and from Ohio. Thank you for the precious gift of family. I'm home, good night.

Keep reaching for the stars while holding steadfast to mother earth.