Going Home

I went back home to Oregon for a couple weeks to pack up our five bedroom home and visit with the kids, and grand kids. It was a lot of work and very exhausting, but I had some great friends keeping tabs on me. I packed over 260 boxes filled with memories, antiques, family heirlooms and just stuff. We also moved most of the outdoor furniture and indoor furniture.

While I was home I did have a chance to get together with some dear friends. I went to Cyndie and Rame's home for a BBQ. I rode with Dev and Rog up to their home in the boondocks of Grants Pass. They have a beautiful ranch up there. Although, if you knew Cyndie she would never strike you as a farm girl. We had a great night up there, shuckin' corn, and spending countless hours laughing. Dev is very animated and tells amazing reenactments of stories. The kids had a great time swimming, doing nails, playing on the tramp and just running amuck.

I also got a change to have a couple dinners with Natalie. My son, Nick, and her son, Alex, have been friends since second grade. Her daughter, Maryssa and Faith have been friends since Kindergarten. Natalie and I enjoy a passion for cooking, and before I left to Florida we enjoyed sharing many yummy meals together.

Kali just started back bar tending at a small bar in Central Point. I went out a couple times to play some free pool and watch my daughter, no wonder she makes great tips, everyone loves her.

One night we took a break and Jerry brought over his two guitars, drums, microphone and we played until 3:30 a.m., it was so much fun. All the kids had a great time just letting loose. Kali and Jerry have amazing voices, it was fun hearing them sing together.

On the last night of our stay we threw a BBQ at the house. It was like a revolving door that day with visitors. My ex-in laws, Jerry & Dana, came to visit, whom I still adore very much. They have not seemed to age. Then many of Kali's friends stopped by. It made me feel old for the first time. Sarah came bringing her baby, Ayrabella, Kayla is pregnant with her second and brought Marissa, Crystal was there with Dayton and Kali brought Dominic out to play after his nap. These were all gals that spent countless hours growing up at the house and they are all mothers now, where did the time go. We had fun just visiting and watching the kids play.

It was hard to say good-bye to everyone. Walking through the empty rooms was a strange feeling for me. I know once Crystal and Jordon move in, the house once again will be filled with memories of fun and laughter.

On my way back home I stopped in Oklahoma to see Misty and Shannon. We have been chatting on the Internet and by phone for the last year. It was so great to meet these two in person. They are so much fun. Katie and Faith had a great time together doing nails, swimming and running around Celebration Station.

It was fun visit, but it was nice to get back home and get back into a routine. And I really missed the big guy.