going home...

when I headed for home last Friday, it was a huge relief.  last week was semi-brutal; I was tired, and my voice was more tired.  but as I headed across the metroplex and then away from the city...  toward Granbury, then Glen Rose, then Hico - listening to wonderful back episodes of This American Life - the sky opened up and I felt my whole psyche breathe deeper and respond to the beauty of driving through rural Texas toward the setting sun hanging in a vast sky.  that part of the country is so beautiful to me... it's nostalgic, and it's home.  no matter how long I live in the city (and love it), I'll never deny that a part of my being needs the openness, wildness, and sense of freedom that can only be gained from getting the freak out of traffic and going where cell phone reception is very very spotty.




one of the best parts of this trip was my husband's surprise appearance. I thought I was going to be solo last weekend up there, but he took off and showed up at the house Friday night. after being out of town working all last week, it was SO GOOD to see him. I'm so honored and lucky to have someone who'll go to such lengths just for me! the last time he made that 4.5hr trip alone, it was to tell my parents he wanted to marry me. my mom got to try on my ring before I did...

we had such a good time up there. M and I are both so blessed, in that we actually 'like' our families. we watched football and talked politics - it's always colorful and people don't necessarily agree, but it's wonderful to be able to trot out ideas and opinions and hash things out a little with people who're still going to love you no matter how you feel about the war. :) my sister-in-law has started a new bible study, and her enthusiasm was inspiring. we saw all of the grandparents and celebrated mom and my brother's birthday, and watched M blow bubbles and laugh like crazy. speaking of her, here's a little sampling:

mo with uncle m:




out on the mule, wearing the mickey mouse shirt marmee gave her:




examining the contents of aunt lulu's cosmetic bag:




and this girl is CRAZY about animals. I mean it - she was concerned all weekend about the kitties and dogs eating, and would've stayed outside all day if someone were patient enough to take her:




we really wish we got to see these people more often. as I said before... we like 'em.


*****


speaking of birthdays, M's mom's birthday was last week. we celebrated with a lovely, tasty dinner at Backstreet Cafe, out on the patio. happiest of birthdays to both our momz!


*****


because I'm sure you're dying to know, this is what 30 chapters of an accounting course looks like:




it takes... oh... 11.5 hrs to read. water is a friend.


*****


thinking about driving to Hico and looking at my pictures from the weekend made me want to hear this song by Midlake, called Head Home:




and I'm out.