this pic is for Ellyn

my new toe-ring
a memento from Sedona

It seemed like everywhere we went, there were a LOT of kids around. Every child we saw reminded us of our own Punkin. I pulled the picture of her I carry around with me out of my purse at least a half dozen times during our trip, just to stare at it and smile.

We awoke early the last morning of our vacation and looked out for the last time to see the sun just beginning to light up the mountains.

An hour or so later we were showered, dressed, and all packed up again and ready for check out. There would be no breakfast buffet today. No siree. We had scoped out the area and found a restaurant to go to that wasn't too far off track. As soon as we were all loaded in to the car, we made a beeline for the nearest International House of Pancakes. They did have Belgian waffles! I scarfed up the entire thing plus two pieces of bacon, a cup of hot chocolate and a milk. (Did I mention there was no scale to answer to on our vacation?)

At the airport, we were again people watching. It was difficult not to hear the conversations of those around us. I found myself listening to a woman talking to two other women. They were all on their way to Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. The first woman was traveling alone, and had not met the other two women before that moment. The first woman, I believe it was Ginger Leigh, was a member of a band called "Vera Takes The Cake" and was discussing how she was just arriving from Switzerland (where she didn't have time to ski) and has been to Prague and Italy several times. The group categorizes themselves as Pop, but mixes some Rhythm and Blues and Blues Jazz into their songs as well.

I couldn't help but imagine what a different life that is, and how tame my life is compared to hers. I'm not complaining at all, and I'm not wishing for her life... It was just an interesting study of contrasts.

The flight home was uneventful and Hubby and I both took our turns dozing off. The ride home from the airport was nearly as long as the plane ride, due to some hideous traffic, but we finally made it.

Punkin and Shelley greeted us at home, hugs and kisses were exchanged all around and frozen pizzas were popped into the oven. We were hungry, but nobody was in the mood to actually go out to dinner.

Hours later, Punkin was safely tucked back in her own bed, I had unpacked all I was going to unpack, and I was still in denial about having to go back to work as I snuggled down with Hubby and my own pillow in our own bed.

Getting away from the routine and rut of everyday life is wonderful, but there is still no place like home.

        

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