Going "Home"

The kids and I will be loading up the mommy-mobile and heading back to the Upstate tomorrow to visit my parents. It's my first trip back since July.

I'm ready to see my parents. Mom has had some health issues and had a pacemaker put in last week. I know she misses us - especially the little ones.

I'm hoping for some one-on-one time with Dad. Since Mom's been banned from riding in the bumpy pastures for awhile, maybe that will be my opportunity. It's calving season on the farm - one of my favorite times!

I live on the coast now. I haven't noticed much if any change in leaf colors here. Don't know if that comes later or if it just doesn't happen here. I look forward to seeing some pretty fall colors.

I hope to be able to spend a little time with my nutty cousin MeMe.

Maybe I'll get to sit on the thinking rock in the middle of Happy Hollow.

I'm NOT looking forward to having to deal with my ex while we're there. The distance from him has been wonderful!

We were going to come back home on Saturday via Small Town so that Rosemary could see her BFF and I could see my buddies B & B. Unfortunately, it looks like her BFF is coming down with the flu. Chances are good that we'll skip the Small Town visit this time around. You might be amazed to know how much of a relief that is for me. Considering that I resisted leaving the place for such a long time, I have NO desire to go back yet, even for a visit. None. Is that normal?

Yes, the farm is always "home" in the bigger sense of the word. It's land that's been in the family for, like, forever. It's my parent's home. It's been Thanksgiving and Christmas destination my entire life (although that may change this year).

But really, home is where the heart is. While my current house is not a permanent home for us, this city, this church, this environment has quickly become our home. I'll be happy to go "home." I'll also be very happy to come back home.