We got to sleep in this morning, which was good for me sleeping off my allergy pill. I fixed my usual oatmeal for breakfast and then finished up my laundry and packing.
I have everything in my luggage except for 3 medium sized boxes of stuff for Nica. I’m going to send these to myself at Deanna’s house in AR today.
I ran into town to have lunch with my friend Peggy. I hadn’t seen her in over 16 years. I was surprised when she walked in with our friend Margaret! How fun! We sat and chatted so much that the waitress had to come back to our table 3 times just to get our order because we kept forgetting to look at the menus! We had a great lunch and sat there and talked for 2 ½ hours! It was so much fun to catch up. Next time I’m in town, we are definitely going to make a date ahead of time to together.
After our lunch chat, I went through Starbucks for a Chai Tea Latte. I just love those and don’t get them in Nica. It was very tasty and hit the spot since it was drizzly out side.
I drove to the UPS store and shipped my boxes. I also sent a package to my sister Pam. I had bought them something in NYC and couldn’t find it for our lunch yesterday. I knew I would find it when I started packing and sure enough I did! I had also gotten her something when shopping here. Since they live out in the boonies, it was easier to ship the package.
I then stopped by Mom and Gary’s to give her a wind chime that I had found in my storage unit. I thought she would enjoy it. I got to visit with them for about 30 minutes and then needed to head back to Sandy’s.
Stacey and Colten came over for dinner. Sandy and I tried our hand at creating some cannoli filling. We don’t know how to make the cookie tubes yet, but we like the filling better anyway. We layered it with graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. We’ll have to see how it turns out. No matter what, we’ll keep practicing!
I get back to Arkansas tomorrow afternoon and I will hit the ground running. Cathy is picking me up and we are going to chat about the team she is leading to Nica in Oct. I will be speaking about Nicaragua to a Kindergarten class on Friday morning and then getting my hair cut Friday afternoon. I have a car to borrow, for which I am soooo grateful! I will be house/dog/cat sitting next week. I hope to get some projects done while there. It won’t be long before I’m back in Nica and I need to be thinking ahead!
Tomorrow I leave Indiana. It’s bittersweet. I get used to staying here with Sandy and Terry. The longer I stay, the harder to leave. I just have to leave it in God’s hands to protect my heart from sadness and to I’ll concentrate on fun of being together with loved ones when I can.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I gave Deanna a call this morning. She’s doing well. Her grand-daughter was in a bad bike wreck and has had surgery on her hand, which was severed. She had a concussion, too. So scary. Deanna always forgets when I’m coming home. Even though she writes it down, she always seems surprised when I tell her. She’s a cutie.
Sandy had some early blood work done and then we went to Stacey’s and used the internet. I then borrowed the car and met my sister Pam and her husband Rob for lunch at Chili’s. We had a nice visit together and talked for about 2 hours.
Pam is doing pretty well after her breast cancer treatments. Rob is on disability from injuries from the car wreck they had about 6 years ago. They stay at home and live a quiet life. Pam has other health problems and they do the best they can. I’m glad that I got to visit with them. We keep in touch via internet, too. I was really glad to get to spend some time with them.
Sandy had to take a broken window to Seymour (a town about 20 miles south), so we took advantage of the trip and visited my uncle Jesse. He’s doing pretty well after his cancer surgery. I hadn’t seen him for years and I was glad to get to visit. Sandy and I also stopped at Dairy Queen and treated ourselves! I had a peanut buster parfait. I haven’t had one of those in years!!! It was very good!
We got home and had leftovers for dinner. I washed up some of my laundry and started packing my suitcases. It was evident that I can’t fit everything I’ve bought for Nica in the suitcases. So, I’ve started some boxes to UPS to myself.
We visited with Stacey and Colten a little while after Stacey got off work. Then we had a very quiet evening watching TV.
My allergies are getting bad again. There was even a front page story in the local paper about how bad they are for many people. I’ll have to take a pill tonight, which I don’t like to do, but will when needed.
It’s been a good day. Hard to believe that 3 weeks has gone by so fast. It’s hard for me to keep track of what day it is anyway. I’m glad that God has every second under control!
Sandy had some early blood work done and then we went to Stacey’s and used the internet. I then borrowed the car and met my sister Pam and her husband Rob for lunch at Chili’s. We had a nice visit together and talked for about 2 hours.
Pam is doing pretty well after her breast cancer treatments. Rob is on disability from injuries from the car wreck they had about 6 years ago. They stay at home and live a quiet life. Pam has other health problems and they do the best they can. I’m glad that I got to visit with them. We keep in touch via internet, too. I was really glad to get to spend some time with them.
Sandy had to take a broken window to Seymour (a town about 20 miles south), so we took advantage of the trip and visited my uncle Jesse. He’s doing pretty well after his cancer surgery. I hadn’t seen him for years and I was glad to get to visit. Sandy and I also stopped at Dairy Queen and treated ourselves! I had a peanut buster parfait. I haven’t had one of those in years!!! It was very good!
We got home and had leftovers for dinner. I washed up some of my laundry and started packing my suitcases. It was evident that I can’t fit everything I’ve bought for Nica in the suitcases. So, I’ve started some boxes to UPS to myself.
We visited with Stacey and Colten a little while after Stacey got off work. Then we had a very quiet evening watching TV.
My allergies are getting bad again. There was even a front page story in the local paper about how bad they are for many people. I’ll have to take a pill tonight, which I don’t like to do, but will when needed.
It’s been a good day. Hard to believe that 3 weeks has gone by so fast. It’s hard for me to keep track of what day it is anyway. I’m glad that God has every second under control!
Monday, September 24, 2012
We got up and out early, starting with going to Stacey’s house to babysit Colten as we as jump on that internet!!! Sandy had a doctor’s appointment early and then Rob had one mid-morning. I was there for backup in case Sandy wasn’t back before Rob had to leave. But the timing worked out fine and I got to grab a 20 minute nap while waiting for Colten to wake up. Rob got to experience my terrible snoring, though. My reputation is continuing. I sure wish I didn’t snore, since it’s not good for me and it’s annoying for others, but I just can’t help it.
Anyway, after working on the internet a little more, we packed up Colten and took off for our errands. We grabbed Arby’s to eat in the car, since Colten was being a little stinker and we didn’t want to chance a scene in the restaurant.
We stopped at Walmart so that I could get a couple of shirts with longer sleeves, since it’s getting a little chilly here. Sandy stayed in the car hoping that Colten would fall asleep. As I was coming up to the car quietly in case the nap was in progress, I noticed Colten sitting upright waving at me.
Sandy got a call from Terry to meet him at Dad’s old house to help with putting some insulation in so that the drywall guy could be ready to start in the next few days. I watched Colten while Sandy and Terry worked inside the house. Colten and I watched the squirrels run and play and climb trees. We played tractor in the dirt. Colten then got a broom and helped sweep, until the broom handle bonked him on the head. Then he got Papaw’s work gloves on (picture floppy fingers) and a rubber mallet and started banging anything that didn’t move. He was a busy guy!
We got home and fixed dinner. Stacey came over to pick up Colten, who was quite a pill.
It was a beautiful day. It feels a little strange sometimes to be at Dad’s house with all the memories of living there while in high school and then in my 20’s when I rented from him. Then he moved back in and lived there the last 30 years. Now the house is down to studs, including the attic space, and being rebuilt. A big tree has been removed in the front. A lot of clean up work has been done and more will be coming. I’m glad that Sandy and Terry bought the house and are fixing it up. It feels a little like Dad’s memory is still there. I think it’s important to me since Dad and I weren’t close. I feel like I need more time to reconcile that he’s gone.
God has been revealing so many things to me in these 2 months in the states. I try to be aware every day to take in what He is showing me. I don’t always understand it, but I’m trying to remember it. He is amazing and I love following Him.
Anyway, after working on the internet a little more, we packed up Colten and took off for our errands. We grabbed Arby’s to eat in the car, since Colten was being a little stinker and we didn’t want to chance a scene in the restaurant.
We stopped at Walmart so that I could get a couple of shirts with longer sleeves, since it’s getting a little chilly here. Sandy stayed in the car hoping that Colten would fall asleep. As I was coming up to the car quietly in case the nap was in progress, I noticed Colten sitting upright waving at me.
Sandy got a call from Terry to meet him at Dad’s old house to help with putting some insulation in so that the drywall guy could be ready to start in the next few days. I watched Colten while Sandy and Terry worked inside the house. Colten and I watched the squirrels run and play and climb trees. We played tractor in the dirt. Colten then got a broom and helped sweep, until the broom handle bonked him on the head. Then he got Papaw’s work gloves on (picture floppy fingers) and a rubber mallet and started banging anything that didn’t move. He was a busy guy!
We got home and fixed dinner. Stacey came over to pick up Colten, who was quite a pill.
It was a beautiful day. It feels a little strange sometimes to be at Dad’s house with all the memories of living there while in high school and then in my 20’s when I rented from him. Then he moved back in and lived there the last 30 years. Now the house is down to studs, including the attic space, and being rebuilt. A big tree has been removed in the front. A lot of clean up work has been done and more will be coming. I’m glad that Sandy and Terry bought the house and are fixing it up. It feels a little like Dad’s memory is still there. I think it’s important to me since Dad and I weren’t close. I feel like I need more time to reconcile that he’s gone.
God has been revealing so many things to me in these 2 months in the states. I try to be aware every day to take in what He is showing me. I don’t always understand it, but I’m trying to remember it. He is amazing and I love following Him.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
I got up early and spent some quiet time with my Bible, since we weren’t going to church. The boys slept in and then had breakfast. I had my usual oatmeal.
Terry was keeping the boys for the day while Sandy and I went to Stacey’s babyshower. Sandy and I picked up Mom and got to Stacey’s early. I jumped on my computer to take advantage of the internet!
Stacey’s friend, Christy, did a wonderful job setting up the shower. Stacey got some really cute things for the new baby boy coming in November. I had been wanting her to have a girl and had threatened to give her girl stuff, but I was nice and found some really cute boy things. I brought him a red teddy bear with Arkansas embroidered on it and a little red Razorback football. I found a cute striped sleeper with a monkey on it and little monkey faces on the tops of the feet. There were lots of nice presents for the boy. Colten also got some ‘big brother’ presents. It was very enjoyable. We dropped Mom back off at home and then headed back to Sandy’s house.
The boys were still here with Terry. They were enjoying the 4 wheelers. Sandy and I walked through the woods a bit. I took some pics on my phone of the ‘Man Cave’, which is a nice treehouse built in the woods by Terry. It actually makes a good deer stand when not being occupied by the kids.
After our walk, Sandy and I took a dip in the hot tub and then got showers. It was really nice.
Sandy made a pear crisp from a basket of pears left on her door step, while I grilled burgers outside. We had a yummy dinner. I had bought some creamed spinach in a microwave bag and so I ate that also. I love good healthy stuff!! But I have to say that the pear crisp was fabulous and that makes up for any unhealthiness!
I did a little studying of a book on my Kindle. It’s so handy to have that thing! We watched some football. I went to bed later than I wanted to, but I don’t want to miss any time visiting with Sandy, either. I wish I could spend more time with my sister Pam, but it’s hard to get together. We will see each other on Tuesday!!
It’s my last Sunday in Indiana with family. The week will go by fast and then I leave on Thursday. That’s the hard part of living in different places. But it’s all good, as long as it’s what God wants me to do.
Terry was keeping the boys for the day while Sandy and I went to Stacey’s babyshower. Sandy and I picked up Mom and got to Stacey’s early. I jumped on my computer to take advantage of the internet!
Stacey’s friend, Christy, did a wonderful job setting up the shower. Stacey got some really cute things for the new baby boy coming in November. I had been wanting her to have a girl and had threatened to give her girl stuff, but I was nice and found some really cute boy things. I brought him a red teddy bear with Arkansas embroidered on it and a little red Razorback football. I found a cute striped sleeper with a monkey on it and little monkey faces on the tops of the feet. There were lots of nice presents for the boy. Colten also got some ‘big brother’ presents. It was very enjoyable. We dropped Mom back off at home and then headed back to Sandy’s house.
The boys were still here with Terry. They were enjoying the 4 wheelers. Sandy and I walked through the woods a bit. I took some pics on my phone of the ‘Man Cave’, which is a nice treehouse built in the woods by Terry. It actually makes a good deer stand when not being occupied by the kids.
After our walk, Sandy and I took a dip in the hot tub and then got showers. It was really nice.
Sandy made a pear crisp from a basket of pears left on her door step, while I grilled burgers outside. We had a yummy dinner. I had bought some creamed spinach in a microwave bag and so I ate that also. I love good healthy stuff!! But I have to say that the pear crisp was fabulous and that makes up for any unhealthiness!
I did a little studying of a book on my Kindle. It’s so handy to have that thing! We watched some football. I went to bed later than I wanted to, but I don’t want to miss any time visiting with Sandy, either. I wish I could spend more time with my sister Pam, but it’s hard to get together. We will see each other on Tuesday!!
It’s my last Sunday in Indiana with family. The week will go by fast and then I leave on Thursday. That’s the hard part of living in different places. But it’s all good, as long as it’s what God wants me to do.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sandy was up and had walked a bunch of laps in the woods, washed sheets and done other major housework early. Terry always makes bacon, eggs and biscuits on Saturday mornings. I can’t have those things, so I opted to stay upstairs relaxing until they were done with breakfast. Then I came down and had my usual oatmeal.
Curtis, my nephew, brought out Isaac and Conner to go to the library with us to see an exhibit there. We were going to be keeping the boys overnight. The exhibit was of different things to show some history of Columbus. My Dad had a ton of handmade wooden items to represent some of the companies that have been in the city for many years. He also did extensive research in the archives of the library about Columbus and businesses. When he died earlier this year, his collections were given to the various companies, the Historical Society and the Library. Sandy got a call that a few of his things were going to be on display at the event at the Library on Saturday. We went to see everything. It was a small event, but interesting. The boys enjoyed seeing Papaw’s stuff and they also got to touch the hides from different animals. A funny moment was when Isaac, who is getting pretty good with spelling words and sounding out new words, was reading the labels on some old bottles. He asked Sandy what ‘laxative’ spelled and meant. Of course, little boys that it was funny. But later in the weekend, Isaac actually used the word in a sentence. Smart kid!
We ended up passing the 2 boys over to Stacey and Rob in the parking lot for the day. Sandy, Terry and I took the long way home through a lot of countryside, including driving around a couple of lakes. The trees were hinting that they will be turning colors soon. It was a very nice ride. Of course, Sandy & Terry live in the midst of 15 acres, so their place is nice to view, too.
We weren’t home long before Sandy and I headed back into town to stop at Target to look for a booklight for my Kindle. They happened to have just what I needed and had it 75% off! They only had 2 left, so of course, I bought them both!
Then we proceeded to pick up Isaac from Stacey’s house and then went to pick up Conner from his friend’s birthday party. We brought the boys home and they rode 4 wheelers with Papaw while Sandy and I walked through the woods.
The boys got to play in the hot tub and then we had dinner and relaxed inside for the evening. It was a very nice day.
Curtis, my nephew, brought out Isaac and Conner to go to the library with us to see an exhibit there. We were going to be keeping the boys overnight. The exhibit was of different things to show some history of Columbus. My Dad had a ton of handmade wooden items to represent some of the companies that have been in the city for many years. He also did extensive research in the archives of the library about Columbus and businesses. When he died earlier this year, his collections were given to the various companies, the Historical Society and the Library. Sandy got a call that a few of his things were going to be on display at the event at the Library on Saturday. We went to see everything. It was a small event, but interesting. The boys enjoyed seeing Papaw’s stuff and they also got to touch the hides from different animals. A funny moment was when Isaac, who is getting pretty good with spelling words and sounding out new words, was reading the labels on some old bottles. He asked Sandy what ‘laxative’ spelled and meant. Of course, little boys that it was funny. But later in the weekend, Isaac actually used the word in a sentence. Smart kid!
We ended up passing the 2 boys over to Stacey and Rob in the parking lot for the day. Sandy, Terry and I took the long way home through a lot of countryside, including driving around a couple of lakes. The trees were hinting that they will be turning colors soon. It was a very nice ride. Of course, Sandy & Terry live in the midst of 15 acres, so their place is nice to view, too.
We weren’t home long before Sandy and I headed back into town to stop at Target to look for a booklight for my Kindle. They happened to have just what I needed and had it 75% off! They only had 2 left, so of course, I bought them both!
Then we proceeded to pick up Isaac from Stacey’s house and then went to pick up Conner from his friend’s birthday party. We brought the boys home and they rode 4 wheelers with Papaw while Sandy and I walked through the woods.
The boys got to play in the hot tub and then we had dinner and relaxed inside for the evening. It was a very nice day.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sandy got up early and washed all of her laundry from NYC and what was here from her husband being a bachelor for a week. Once she was done, I started on mine. We had left the suitcases downstairs by the laundry room and it was easy to just throw them right in. A great start to the day!
My great-nephew Colten, age 2, was delivered around 6 am from his daddy. He seemed like he had grown a mile in the week that we were gone. He was trying to be helpful with the laundry. Although, for some unknown reason, he decided to pee in my open suitcase. Thankfully, Mamaw caught him just in time. That little stinker!
About noon we headed into town for lunch and went to Wendy’s. Colten was wanting a cheeseburger. I can get grilled chicken and baked potato there, so it was a good pick for us.
We headed over to Walmart to pick up some quick items so that we could get back home. Colten was being a little toot, so we didn’t spend much time in the store. I think he was showing us how much he missed us.
Sandy and I went for a walk in her woods. She needed to work on some peppers from her garden and some persimmons from the trees. I worked on typing up some notes for my blog.
We had chili for supper and it was very good. It had been a little bit cold and overcast for the day and chili hit the spot. Sandy made some healthy cornbread and it was soooo good! Stacey came out to get Colten and we al got to enjoy each other’s company for the evening.
Sandy said it didn’t even feel like we were gone a week. We just picked right up with everything at home. I told her that is how my life feels sometimes when I go back and forth from Arkansas, Nicaragua, Indiana and such. It can be a weird feeling sometimes.
We went to bed early and tired and it felt wonderful. God gave me a good day.
My great-nephew Colten, age 2, was delivered around 6 am from his daddy. He seemed like he had grown a mile in the week that we were gone. He was trying to be helpful with the laundry. Although, for some unknown reason, he decided to pee in my open suitcase. Thankfully, Mamaw caught him just in time. That little stinker!
About noon we headed into town for lunch and went to Wendy’s. Colten was wanting a cheeseburger. I can get grilled chicken and baked potato there, so it was a good pick for us.
We headed over to Walmart to pick up some quick items so that we could get back home. Colten was being a little toot, so we didn’t spend much time in the store. I think he was showing us how much he missed us.
Sandy and I went for a walk in her woods. She needed to work on some peppers from her garden and some persimmons from the trees. I worked on typing up some notes for my blog.
We had chili for supper and it was very good. It had been a little bit cold and overcast for the day and chili hit the spot. Sandy made some healthy cornbread and it was soooo good! Stacey came out to get Colten and we al got to enjoy each other’s company for the evening.
Sandy said it didn’t even feel like we were gone a week. We just picked right up with everything at home. I told her that is how my life feels sometimes when I go back and forth from Arkansas, Nicaragua, Indiana and such. It can be a weird feeling sometimes.
We went to bed early and tired and it felt wonderful. God gave me a good day.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, Sept 20, 2012
It’s Travel Day back to Indiana. Our visit to NYC has been fun. Sandy is anxious to get back home to her comfort zone of living in the midst of 15 acres and taking care of the house and grandkids. But she has had a great time and is very proud of herself for making the trip and getting a little vacation time.
We didn’t have to leave the hotel until noon, so we lounged around the room and ate our last breakfast. I had oatmeal and Sandy had left over tortellini. We finished up the last of the packing and moving things from one suitcase to another trying to figure out if we were okay on weight. We did good. We watched some HGTV of homes worth millions of dollars. Some were pretty and some were weird. I just kept thinking about how many families could have lived in those homes of over 10,000 square feet.
We checked out at the front desk and the doorman got us a taxi to the airport. Very quick and uneventful. We went across town and over some streets and eventually highways that we hadn’t seen. The weather looked a little cloudy, but mild. Sandy was a little worried about the plane ride, since she doesn’t fly much and doesn’t like it. But I told her it should be fine.
We got to the airport by 1pm. Check in at curbside was fast and easy, security was fast and easy. I hadn’t flown out of JFK before and was happy that everything was close by, since I didn’t want Sandy to have a bad experience.
We found a Chili’s to have lunch. We had the hot spinach/artichoke dip and I had grilled salmon, rice and broccoli. Sandy had a spicy grilled chicken breast, rice and broccoli. We were both happy with our meals. We could relax and sit there as long as we wanted, since it wasn’t too busy. We talked about our trip and the things we enjoyed doing.
As we were walking to our gate, I grabbed a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks. I love those and haven’t had any since getting back in the states 4 weeks ago! It was really good. We got to our gate about 3pm and they were supposed to start boarding at 3:30. A flight that was supposed to leave at 3pm from our gate was delayed waiting on their plane to show up. I thought we would be delayed waiting for them to leave, but their plane arrived and then the passengers had to wait for the new flight crew to show up and do their safety checks. They were still waiting at the gate after we boarded. It was interesting that Delta boarded 3 flights all at the same time from our gate. Once we walked through the doors, the long walk way just kept going. There were turn offs for the 3 different flights. One of the door people told me that they liked my haircut. I thought that was random but nice.
We got on the plane and it was before 4pm, which was our takeoff time. The plane was only half full. We got settled in and Sandy was trying not to be nervous. She was doing pretty well. There were 3 seats in our row. Seat A was on the left, then the aisle, then me and then Sandy by the window. A guy named Joe sat in seat A. He was from Brooklyn and was very outgoing and friendly. We had a great time chatting with him. He was on his way to Louisville to look at houses. He is thinking of relocating from NYC to live a slower paced life and look towards a family in the future. He got a kick out of how opposite his life in the city and Sandy’s life in the middle of 15 acres in the country is. He couldn’t believe that she can only get dial up internet and that she can’t get cable TV. Using an outdoor TV antenna blew his mind. When he asked why I had moved to Arkansas 22 years ago, I told him I wanted a slower paced life. He incredulously asked ‘more laid back that Indiana??’. Haha. Then I told him I now life most of the year in Nicaragua and he didn’t know what to think. He was really funny and I enjoyed hearing about his life and his rescue dog and such. It made the time pass by much quicker while we sat on the plane for 2 hours before taking off.
The Captain announced that the airport was using one runway for the traffic that would have used two. It took a long time to get airborn, but once we were up and above the turbulence, we were okay. Sandy was a little more relaxed by then, too. Since the plane was half empty, I moved to the seats behind us so that I could stretch out and so could Sandy. I moved back next to her for touchdown. The flight was fine and we made it to Louisville only hour late. Joe said he would friend me on facebook and I encouraged him to look up the Voice of Hope Ministries website to see how his donations (he likes to support good causes) would feed many, many children. I hope to hear from him so that I can hear more about his house search and relocation. I love meeting people while traveling. It’s a little gift that God brings into our lives if we would just pay attention.
Terry, Sandy’s husband, was waiting for us at the airport. We loaded up the car and then headed for a steakhouse for dinner. Yum! I was in the mood for a plain old steak and baked potato. I got some greenbeans for my side item and was very satisfied. We then headed home. It was almost 10 when we got home and we all headed for bed. Sandy and I just left our suitcases downstairs by the laundry room. No sense in hauling them upstairs just to bring the majority of stuff back down for washing.
I read a little bit before falling asleep. It was a nice trip, but it doesn’t seem like we were gone a whole week. Life starts back as normal tomorrow for Sandy and I resume my vacation in the states. I’m so thankful for God’s blessings of the trip.
We didn’t have to leave the hotel until noon, so we lounged around the room and ate our last breakfast. I had oatmeal and Sandy had left over tortellini. We finished up the last of the packing and moving things from one suitcase to another trying to figure out if we were okay on weight. We did good. We watched some HGTV of homes worth millions of dollars. Some were pretty and some were weird. I just kept thinking about how many families could have lived in those homes of over 10,000 square feet.
We checked out at the front desk and the doorman got us a taxi to the airport. Very quick and uneventful. We went across town and over some streets and eventually highways that we hadn’t seen. The weather looked a little cloudy, but mild. Sandy was a little worried about the plane ride, since she doesn’t fly much and doesn’t like it. But I told her it should be fine.
We got to the airport by 1pm. Check in at curbside was fast and easy, security was fast and easy. I hadn’t flown out of JFK before and was happy that everything was close by, since I didn’t want Sandy to have a bad experience.
We found a Chili’s to have lunch. We had the hot spinach/artichoke dip and I had grilled salmon, rice and broccoli. Sandy had a spicy grilled chicken breast, rice and broccoli. We were both happy with our meals. We could relax and sit there as long as we wanted, since it wasn’t too busy. We talked about our trip and the things we enjoyed doing.
As we were walking to our gate, I grabbed a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks. I love those and haven’t had any since getting back in the states 4 weeks ago! It was really good. We got to our gate about 3pm and they were supposed to start boarding at 3:30. A flight that was supposed to leave at 3pm from our gate was delayed waiting on their plane to show up. I thought we would be delayed waiting for them to leave, but their plane arrived and then the passengers had to wait for the new flight crew to show up and do their safety checks. They were still waiting at the gate after we boarded. It was interesting that Delta boarded 3 flights all at the same time from our gate. Once we walked through the doors, the long walk way just kept going. There were turn offs for the 3 different flights. One of the door people told me that they liked my haircut. I thought that was random but nice.
We got on the plane and it was before 4pm, which was our takeoff time. The plane was only half full. We got settled in and Sandy was trying not to be nervous. She was doing pretty well. There were 3 seats in our row. Seat A was on the left, then the aisle, then me and then Sandy by the window. A guy named Joe sat in seat A. He was from Brooklyn and was very outgoing and friendly. We had a great time chatting with him. He was on his way to Louisville to look at houses. He is thinking of relocating from NYC to live a slower paced life and look towards a family in the future. He got a kick out of how opposite his life in the city and Sandy’s life in the middle of 15 acres in the country is. He couldn’t believe that she can only get dial up internet and that she can’t get cable TV. Using an outdoor TV antenna blew his mind. When he asked why I had moved to Arkansas 22 years ago, I told him I wanted a slower paced life. He incredulously asked ‘more laid back that Indiana??’. Haha. Then I told him I now life most of the year in Nicaragua and he didn’t know what to think. He was really funny and I enjoyed hearing about his life and his rescue dog and such. It made the time pass by much quicker while we sat on the plane for 2 hours before taking off.
The Captain announced that the airport was using one runway for the traffic that would have used two. It took a long time to get airborn, but once we were up and above the turbulence, we were okay. Sandy was a little more relaxed by then, too. Since the plane was half empty, I moved to the seats behind us so that I could stretch out and so could Sandy. I moved back next to her for touchdown. The flight was fine and we made it to Louisville only hour late. Joe said he would friend me on facebook and I encouraged him to look up the Voice of Hope Ministries website to see how his donations (he likes to support good causes) would feed many, many children. I hope to hear from him so that I can hear more about his house search and relocation. I love meeting people while traveling. It’s a little gift that God brings into our lives if we would just pay attention.
Terry, Sandy’s husband, was waiting for us at the airport. We loaded up the car and then headed for a steakhouse for dinner. Yum! I was in the mood for a plain old steak and baked potato. I got some greenbeans for my side item and was very satisfied. We then headed home. It was almost 10 when we got home and we all headed for bed. Sandy and I just left our suitcases downstairs by the laundry room. No sense in hauling them upstairs just to bring the majority of stuff back down for washing.
I read a little bit before falling asleep. It was a nice trip, but it doesn’t seem like we were gone a whole week. Life starts back as normal tomorrow for Sandy and I resume my vacation in the states. I’m so thankful for God’s blessings of the trip.
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