Refreshments

Visiting my parents this week was a good idea, no no no, it was a GREAT idea! It was a 600 mile drive, I thought that alone would suck all my energy out. Then I had to play chauffeur all week, not really what I expected (Can we get another Jeep for my parents anyone?). I was hoping to have a few days off of driving. Also, I was hoping to sleep in for a long time and take plenty of naps. Sleeping on the couch prevented sleeping in and taking naps was prevented by busy days of hiking. Then my left ear was deaf. Then my left knee was giving out on my again, something I’ve had problems with for years on and off. All I really wanted was to rest up, store some energy, and get ready to knock out the next 23 states.

That’s exactly what I got. After that description you might be wondering, “How so, sounds like it was pretty busy.” Well, none of that mattered. All that mattered was seeing my parents, having someone very familiar around, having the comforts of home like eating popcorn while watching the Red Wings with my mom and dad. My mom never gave up on me giving a surprise visit in Gatlinburg. After all, she even brought the two required spices to make my favorite chicken fajita pizza.

Before parting this afternoon we had lunch at the Cracker Barrel, a first for me eating there. Then began a small project, organizing my car. Seeing my parents gave me an opportunity to send all sorts of stuff back home. My car is the neatest it has been since I left home, granted it will never be as clean as it was on September 8th. Then I even got my ear taken care of. For those few days I got to be me without a care in the world. I didn’t have to be worried about being “on.” I let out a few burps, was able to tease my parents, and got some hugs from them. Time to hit the road again, onto the next host. I’m ready to go. I’m fresh, full of energy that I haven’t had in quite some time and I am buzzing with excitement. Buzzing, just buzzing.