28 January 2007
The Florida gulf coast. I’d never before realised this trip used a path over the Gulf of Mexico waters. I’m pretty sure it’s always been over land, before. But, it was super cool to be able to compare the view out the window, to a map, and find the spot on the map I was seeing out the window!
After much uncertainty this morning, we were assigned seats on the flight we’d listed on and we were on our way home. I was even lucky enough to make it into first class! Kyle got stuck in coach, and even though I practically insisted, he wouldn’t trade–he wanted me to have the better seat. What a guy!
I read during most of the flight, except for the one little 60 Minutes clip I watched about a cool elephant orphanage near Nairobi—they take orphaned elephants (usually due to poaching) and raise the elephants—a really big deal, since elephants can only last a matter of a couple of days without Mother’s milk—until they are ready to go back to the wild–sometimes for as long as thirteen or fourteen years. Then, they go to “junior high” which involves a little more freedom in a location more like home. And when the elephant is ready, it simply doesn’t come back to camp one day. Elephants are so smart! The woman who began this program has recently been named a “Dame” by QE2!
Against all odds, we actually made it to Starr and Joe’s baby shower! The party would have been lovely without us, but it certainly made me feel better about my commitment to my friends, to be there. There were fewer folks than I’d hoped for, but most everyone seemed to have fun. The games went over pretty well—and Mary’s cake was awesome. Starr and Joe seemed happy and that’s really all that matters.
We stopped in Grapevine straight from the airport, so after the shower, we were really ready to go home. We went right back out after changing clothes and unloading the car, (a huge thank you to Ronnie and Tracy for babysitting for us) to get the dogs. So, Artemis isn’t thrilled to be once again sharing her domain with them, but oh well. She does seem glad that we’re home, however!
It’s been a hard couple of weeks. Now, to move past it all, and get ready for Scarborough.
<sigh>
~MB
