Well, for god's sake, I have entered my 49th year. Gladly. I'm generally one who looks forward with anticipation to today, tomorrow, or even the next year. I cannot believe how many texts, pictures, emails, Facebook comments, voice mails, and snail-mail cards I received. Maybe around 100 or so. Seriously, I was overwhelmed with all of your outpouring and goodwill. Many, many thanks for taking the time to send along your greetings.
As time with family goes, this was a very nice visit. You know, it's always good to get home. And we did that today...a 7 hour and 15 minute trip along I-84 from Boise to Portland. Clear, very cold day along the Columbia River. Amazing views. We had a chance to take our 14-year-old niece out to a nice steakhouse (Nope, no sireebob, no steak for me). And my mother is always excited when we visit. The only downer, per the usual, is my very bigoted, arrogant, and hypocritical stepfather. His "Bill O'Reilly is a Maverick" comment at the table during my birthday dinner was offered up to the breeze and whisked away on the winds. I just look at him like he is the true idiot that he is. I think he holds a KKK card in his wallet.
You'll never guess who we saw when we all walked into the Wild West Coffee Shop in Eagle, Idaho, the other morning. We walked in and up to the counter when I noticed the guy behind the counter sort of staring at my mom who was next to me. And then he looked at me and his eyes grew huge as he pointed his finger at me and said, "Oh my god, I haven't seen you in years!" And he hadn't. About 22 years to be exact. I was 26 the last time I saw him. He was my very first "roommate" when I moved out of my parent's home. We went to church together back then. And then he became my "special friend." He was also the first guy to ever.......well, I can't say that here, I'm afraid. I just couldn't believe it. In an unsuspecting place, never expected. But very welcomed. A nice smile, good energy, and it was nice to reconnect. I kept shaking my head in amazement. I've often wondered where he was and now I know.
So, we're home now. And tired of road travel. Mason has a grooming appointment in the morning, hubby is off to Seattle for the day and night tomorrow, and I am off work for another week. It's one of my favorite times of year. The flowers are definitely coming up, the pink trees are in bloom, and it's been 60 degrees in Portland for four days now. It doesn't get any better than that.
UPDATE: Oh yeah, and one more thing.....I had the chance to meet and converse a bit with a brother-sister Ice Dancing team from Great Britain on their way to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. John and Sinead Kerr are some very nice folks and I had the chance to see them two nights ago when they skated. Tonight and tomorrow night, the Ice Dancing continues and I'm hoping to see them again. It's so exciting after chatting with them to be able to actually see them on TV!
15 comments:
brother??? how could anyone NOT notice that it was your birthday, what with all the notes and jibes and reminders and updates?! ;-)
i personally had a wonderful time with you; i DO have to add that the SF was pretty much on his best behavior for you guys, so that's a keeper! the ole "maverick" can get lots worse..... you are special to warrant a change in behavior!
glad you're still alive, even at THAT age. *kisses*
Happy you're home safe!
You're my maverick! What a nice trip! I always enjoy our road trips so much!
Happy happy, belatedly. I've been lax in my internet related duties lately. Sounds like you had a good fete.
What a cool surprise to meet up with your old friend and to know that the reunion was good! Sometimes those reunions after so many years do not go so well.
60's and pink flowers! *sigh*
Welcome back . . . LOL
I just wonder what roomates can do ;)
Amazing how some people magically recycle into your life. For me, some have come back through Facebook, others through my blog. It's been a treat (fortunately, none of the ones I'd never want to meet again have found me!).
Arnie, no matter how many birthdays you pile up, I have a feeling there will always be something fresh and eternally youthful about you.
I'm really happy you guys had a happy and safe trip. I was curious over the weekend just how far away your family was so I looked it up on a map. I couldn't understand why you didn't fly. But I see it was a much shorter distance than I thought.
Don't know if you had time or occasion to find out, but was the former roommate and "special friend" out of the closet or had he retreated?
Wow... to just run into your "first". The universe is not afraid to surprise us.
I'm glad that you had such a great birthday and family visit. It's always nice to go home, no matter how long it's been.
What a coincidence that you ran into your old roommate! I've never had anything like that happen to me, but then again, I haven't really known people long enough for that to happen to me haha. Glad everything is good though :)
Glad you're all back safe and sound after a good time for your B'day. As much fun as being away might be, it is always good to come home.
Exciting meeting having met Ice Dancers to then see them on TV.
Loved the Kerr's program! That John is a hottie!
The only boyfriend I had before hubby is no longer living, so this scenario will never happen to me. I'd love to hear you write about the man you met again.
I'll echo Will's sentiment that you carry youth with you wherever you go. It's evident in your writing, and it's part of what makes you so appealing to so many. What's another birthday?
Welcome home! :) I love to travel... but there is so often something wonderful about coming home!
HUGS!!
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