home at last...

OMG... I'm so glad to be home. Because...

:: I missed Sammy Noodle
:: I missed fruit
:: I missed my bed
:: I missed internet
:: I missed cool air conditioning. It's hot in Oklahoma, and in my in-laws' house

I had a great visit though. We got there late Friday night, and the doggies had a TON of energy they needed to get rid of. We, of course, could have crashed immediately after our 13+ hour road trip from Ohio. The in-law's woke up when we got there, which was really nice, and chatted for a while before they went back to bed. This gave us, them, and the dogs a chance to catch up like families do immediately upon arriving.

On Saturday we drove to Joplin, MO where a recent tornado landed and destroyed most of the small town. I watched from the backseat, the shambles of the town and said a lil' "Thank You God for not letting this happen to my family" kindof prayer. This town is just 45 minutes from Jesse's parents house.

On Sunday we did nothing. Everyone slept and I read A LOT. I forced myself to turn off the television and do something useful during my break from school. For the record... everyone needs to go and read 'The Hunger Games'. It is remarkable... at least I'm enjoying it :o)

On Monday we took Jesse's Mom to lunch and prepared for our canoe trip the next day. I've been looking SO forward to our canoe trip!!!!!!

Tuesday... cloudy skies. Boo Hiss Oklahoma weather!!!!! We went anyway and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We had the river to ourselves with the exception of one fisherman we saw on the way. IT WAS AWESOME to get outside and enjoy some sunshine! I was wearing very appropriate canoe clothing, a white linen shirt and skirt with a straw hat and LOTS of spf. 85 spf to be specific!!!!!

10 miles later, a few swims and sandwiches later... we went back home to our family and furry children. That night Jesse grilled some steaks! YUM!

The next day we drove another 13+ hours and pulled into our house around 9:45 pm. We checked for robin babies when we pulled in the driveway. I'm glad to say that the nest is empty... we provided a lovely home for them :o)!!! *I really enjoyed watching the whole process... I would love to host another clutch*

I was in bed by midnight and slept like a baby. I don't know whether it was:
a.) my comfortable bed
b.) my trusty high speed fan
c.) a cool evening that allowed for the windows to be opened  or
d.) because I was so dog tired?
Regardless... I slept really well. I needed that good nights sleep.

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and wanting to get some things done. The first thing on my list though was a bowl of cheerios with soy milk. Oh how I miss my cup o' cheerio with a banana when I'm gone. After that, I aired up my extremely deflated road bike tires and hit the road. I had no idea where I was going, but I wound up with a good 1:45 minute bike ride that I have desperately needed for a very long time. I ran into some hard-core bikers while out and they asked if I wanted to join them.... I was stupid and said "sure!". That was at mile 15. I haven't ridden since last summer and my freshman fifteen weighs me down at the moment. I was struggling to keep up with their lazy 17 mph pace.

They showed me how to get to one of the rail-to-trail trailheads without being too much in danger from high traffic areas. Jesse and I drove it this afternoon, and it is going to be great! When I was biking hard-core last summer, I would have to load up my car to get to any decent roads. Now, I can start and end from my house!!! WONDERFUL!

So... 23 miles... chipotle lunch... grocery store... blog. That has been my day. Oh... and a trip to our kennel to try and get a gi-normous wad of bubblegum out of Bella's front left paw. Poor girl was screaming BLOODY MURDER. :o( Now it's raining sheets which puts a damper on my pulling weed detail. My yard has weeds as tall as a toddler... I feel the neighbors judging me. Instead, I guess I'll go make a cozy spot in the couch and read while listening the the rain :o)

Love from me to you. And you. And you.