Home Again

So, a week and a half ago, I packed myself up and went on a road trip to see my parents and my friends in the DC area. I took three days to get up there, taking a little side trip, and thoroughly enjoyed the driving time. One of my favorite parts of the trip was driving over the Blue Ridge, most specifically over Skyline Drive, where it started to snow. Between the vivid colors of the trees surrounding me and the snowflakes dancing around in front of me as I drove, it was heaven. The temperatures weren't too bad the first few days, but a cold front came through last week and I turned into a Careysicle. If it weren't for Uggs boots, I would be one miserable girl!

I spent time with my son, Tommy, and his roommates and buds. They are a very gracious bunch of young men, who seem to accept a mom in their midst for a few days without getting jittery or annoyed. I always enjoy seeing them, and my time with Tommy is *never* long enough, no matter how long it may be. I'm so proud of him, and he's such a great guy. I met his ladyfriend, Ashley, for the first time, and positively fell in love with her.

I spent a wonderful night in Hagerstown, MD with my dear friends David & Elizabeth Alberding. The best part of that visit was meeting their beautiful little girl, Riley, for the first time. Now, I admit it...I'm a sap, and I'm a total sucker for baby toes. Riley, bless her little baby heart, seemed to understand that and allowed me not only to cuddle her, but to play with her cute little toes. Well...as long as Mom or Dad were fairly close by, that is!

I've decided I'm stealing David. (Sorry, Beth!) The man can cook like nobody's business, and he made the best chili in the world. I still want a second helping...

I was only able to see a few friends this time around, I didn't even get to visit my sister in Maryland. I always feel bad when I'm not able to spread myself around the way that I'd like to, but the theme of this particular trip was to have time to myself. I was able to accomplish that to some degree, but I wish I'd had a lot longer to see those friends I have not been able to see for so long. I will, however, be back and that will definitely happen next time :).

I wrote two new songs while on the road, with one I think that is going to be a new favorite. I definitely really like the lyrics, and am looking forward to sharing them with you once they've been polished up a bit.

I got back to Florida last night, and was glad to be home. I'd missed my guys, who batched it while I was gone. Last night's dinner was carryout, but tonight I made a homemade dinner. We're all kind of sitting around in a food coma....!! (I think the dog and cat missed me, too.)

Tomorrow, I intend to sleep late, and go out to dinner, with a tiny bit of shopping in between. Why? It's my birthday :). Damn, that year went fast!