In about 12 hours I'll climb back in the Kia for the drive back to Baker Rd. It's almost exactly 1,200 miles and Google Maps says it's an 18-hour drive. But that assumes you never stop for gas or food, and I've learned a more realistic estimate is about 22 hours behind the wheel. I won't get a motel room on the way home. I'm careful to pull over and sleep in the car when I need to, and not having Pam with me makes the cost of a room seem excessive. She'll stay a few extra days and fly into Eugene Monday night.
I've got three books on my iPad to keep my mind occupied through the most boring stretches, and driving at night for much of the trip means semi's will be my primary roadmates. And they're good about staying right except to pass. Leaving at about 4 p.m. local means I'll do the L.A. basin after the evening rush hour, so that, too, will make the trip easier.
With the various stops included I think I'll arrive home well after dark Friday night. Nobody is waiting for me and nothing good/bad happens if I arrive earlier/later than that, so I'm not under any pressure to keep rolling if I'm getting too weary. Hey, I could get a room without breaking the bank.
It's been a very good visit. I was thinking driving back to Steve & Michelle's from Josh & Aubri's last night (dinner with their fam) how blessed I am to have good kids with whom we have such an easy relationship. I can't speak for them, but I thoroughly enjoy their company, and the conversation can be light or deep with the same ease. Not because we agree on everything (certainly do on most things) but because the underlying foundation is love and respect.
It's a special joy to see these four, each caught at the dinner table last night:
Emily, the youngest of the group, is just over 1 year old and, IMO, a cutie. Steve & Michelle love on her, and so do Grammy and Grandad (although she's still not sure he's OK).
Her older brother Jason is 4, a bright and verbal kid who's learning to swim, loves cars (yes!), and works on making good choices.
About four miles away Aubri and Josh are parenting Caedon into...goodness, who knows? But he's gonna be something. He just turned 11 and has boundless energy, a most cheerful disposition (if he's not laughing something is wrong), and a very bright mind especially interested in all things science related.
And then there's Megan. If you have a 14-year old girl this is what you want her to be. She's kind, gracious, sees others' needs and works to meet them, is both bright and artistic, and decidedly NOT caught up in the too-typical teen girl fascination with all things pop culture oriented. Sweet girl.
There's more that could be said in this blog post, but the above hits the most important stuff...family.
Family.
T'ank you, Fadder!
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