So we were at home for 6 weeks. I don't know how I worked before because I'm retired now and never seem to get everything done. I'm busy, busy, busy. The first week home I spent getting medical stuff done. Richard and I both got crowns, yea that was fun. There was no pain, we have an awesome dentist, Arborwalk Dental Care, but it's still icky dental work. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy and ultrasound and let's just say every part of me was checked out and that is why we have to be home in April and October. All turned out GOOD!! I'm happy to know I'll be able to enjoy this adventure for awhile.
That wasn't the best part of being home. The best part was spending time with old co-workers and family and spend time I did. Some I met at restaurants, some I was able to cook for. I finally have the time to do some cooking and I really enjoy it.
I spent time with some former managers from Jackson County:
Pam, Becky and Liz.
I had a long lunch with my Co Field Support Managers, Brenda and Marla. What a catch up day that was at Cracker Barrel and then another day with my favorite circuit manager, Shannon. I'm always hopeful that the system will change and things will get better but it doesn't seem to be going that way. What I've learned in my travels is CPS (child protection services) are the same in every state. They are underfunded, understaffed and overworked. It's very sad when you consider the vulnerable population they serve.
I cooked for some foster parents that I've always been inspired by, Heather and Robert. They have adopted 15 children and currently have 13 in their home. They have fostered over 100 children and continue to show their advocacy passion. They mentored my daughter when she decided to begin fostering. They often rub people wrong because of that passion but they are good hearted folks. Rob especially sometimes forgets his filter but after many years I recognize it as commitment and genuine concern. Most CPS workers have it and want what is best for children, but they are limited by the courts and upper management due to funding and accountability.
I cooked for one of the specialists that I supervised, Carole and met my training consultant, Pam for breakfast.
These were all folks I used to work with and I realized during this 6 weeks that as happy as I am, I really miss those guys. They are not family but when you spend 20+ years with people, you really love them like family.
Speaking of family, WOW. So much is going on!! We began planning my dad's 90th birthday party.
One nephew graduated from high school and one niece graduated from college with her master's degree. So proud of Luke and Meghan.
My sister and brother in laws 51st anniversary. Happy anniversary Linda and Ron.
I also got to see the beautiful drawings that my sister Starr is doing. They are remarkable.
So like I said, "I don't know how I fit work in my life. On top of that Richard started painting the house. He had planned on doing it over the 6 weeks. He only got the front done and it looks really nice. He'll work on the rest over our next visits home.
So we're back on the road again and after just one day I realize how wonderful it was and why I missed it. It's just Richard and I and we have nothing we have to do or no where we have to be. Does this means we're just lazy? Whatever, it's bliss!!!!
We left Missouri May 31st ultimately headed to Rhode Island where my Dad is, but we're going to make it a 2 week trip. While we were on the road in the morning we looked at the reservation and realized we were supposed to be checking in on May 30th. We left a day late. We were so upset with ourselves. We called this park in Carlyle, Illinois and let them know we were on our way and to ensure we would have a spot and we have an awesome spot.
So we are back enjoying our adventure. We can't believe how quiet and peaceful this life is. We just feel so blessed and happy.
Yesterday we explored some of the area. We ended up eating at a little cafe called "Bills Cafe." It was in Sandoval, Illinois. It was very old. Billy was the cook and a Vietnam Vet. There were about 7 people in the restaurant. It was obvious that they all knew each other. They carried on conversations like it was one big dining room. "Hey Big John, what can I get you?" "Just cook me up a mess of eggs and bacon." Across the room, "How are your peach trees doing? Did you lose any in that wind?" The waitress dropped a piece of toast and the woman yells out, "Don't worry, I have plenty on my plate." They all went back in the kitchen before each left to say goodbye to Billy. Ahhh, small town life. The food was great and the coffee was the very best. The sum of the ticket was less than $10.00 and the coffee was much better than Starbucks!!!
Today I got to try out my new washer and dryer. It was so exciting to me. I did two loads and didn't have to spend any time in a washateria. I loved it. It is the best form of "glamping" and I am loving it!!
And of course we have plenty of time to do one of our favorite things!!! Shame on you with dirty minds !!!
We leave here next weekend, will spend some time in Indiana, Pennsylvania and our destination is a park in Massachusetts. We had a difficult time finding a park in New England and the prices are terrible. Almost every place was around $1,000 a month. That's Massachusettes, Rhode Island and Connecticut. We checked them all out last December when we were up there. We settled on a pretty nice one in Massachusetts. It's about 45 minutes from my Dad's house so it will be convenient. I'll check in after we experience Niagra Falls in July!!!! Stay cool! It's already a hot one but with 2 air conditioners we are cool cucumbers!!!
