So. Peach Fuzz and I recently confirmed that we much prefer the sound and feel of crunching leaves beneath our feet, than the crunch of snow.
The plane ride was smooth and uneventful, though landing terrifies me every single time. For the sake of my fearless daughter, I have to be brave. Courage is not an easy thing to fake.
During the first flight, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a 70 year old bush pilot who explained why it is necessary to de-ice the wings. (The plane would not be able to gain altitude with rough, ice covered wings.) He also told me about his days working as an iron worker. He walked the beams. Way, WAY up high. He had led an incredibly adventurous life. He was heading for the warmth of New Mexico for the remaining days of winter. The cold was finally getting to him. I guess it gets to most everyone at some point.
The plane ride was smooth and uneventful, though landing terrifies me every single time. For the sake of my fearless daughter, I have to be brave. Courage is not an easy thing to fake.
During the first flight, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a 70 year old bush pilot who explained why it is necessary to de-ice the wings. (The plane would not be able to gain altitude with rough, ice covered wings.) He also told me about his days working as an iron worker. He walked the beams. Way, WAY up high. He had led an incredibly adventurous life. He was heading for the warmth of New Mexico for the remaining days of winter. The cold was finally getting to him. I guess it gets to most everyone at some point.
As we sat on the plane waiting to exit into the Atlanta Airport, we had the opportunity to see My Friend being set onto the vehicle for transporting to baggage claim. I took note of the worker's dress: short sleeves and jeans. While they piled luggage around My Friend's kennel, I saw him begin to pant. Then I knew for sure; we had officially entered the land down under.
Peach Fuzz and I walked about 10 miles to baggage claim, not realizing we could have ridden the tram (WHAT is wrong with me?), and were shocked to find those Georgia In-laws waiting to greet us! It was such a nice surprise. They even had a welcome home sign! Signs make people feel special don't they? We totally weren't expecting them. Somehow I got in my mind they lived beyond 2 hours from the airport and even if I was off on that estimate, I'd NEVER expect ANYONE to voluntarily drive into Atlanta. They must really love us.
Peach Fuzz and I walked about 10 miles to baggage claim, not realizing we could have ridden the tram (WHAT is wrong with me?), and were shocked to find those Georgia In-laws waiting to greet us! It was such a nice surprise. They even had a welcome home sign! Signs make people feel special don't they? We totally weren't expecting them. Somehow I got in my mind they lived beyond 2 hours from the airport and even if I was off on that estimate, I'd NEVER expect ANYONE to voluntarily drive into Atlanta. They must really love us.
We had a lot of love that day. Mom and Craig volunteered to be our ride. While Craig looped the airport about a dozen times, Mom came in to help with the luggage. When we found her there in baggage claim, Peach Fuzz ran headlong into her arms yelling "Granna, Granna, Granna!" After a cheerful but quick reunion, my sister in law watched the kids while the rest of us gathered the dog, kennel, car seat, 6 pieces of luggage, 3 carryons, and 2 boxes that weren't sent on the conveyor belt because they were classified as "huge". (Gotta walk behind the velvet ropes to pick up things designated to the "huge" category).
After Mom got in trouble for letting the dog poop too close to the sidewalk and I got in trouble for letting the dog walk out of the airport since I was not able to engage my Superman lifting powers to hoist both the dog AND the kennel at the same time, we left out. Good-bye Atlanta. The in-laws opted not to join us for supper since we were going in opposite directions. We'll see them again in two weeks.
Want to know where we went for supper on our first evening back in the South? Huh? Cracker Barrel. Oh yeah. I had breakfast. A good southern breakfast. There were gravy and biscuits involved. I'm not gonna lie.
We got home late and tired. We found the car Dad and Judy graciously offered up for our use in the driveway with the keys in the ignition and a full tank of gas (they love us too).Then, we walked into our suite.
There is actually another bedroom equally as inviting available for our use, but Peach Fuzz needs her Mama lately, so for now, we'll share.
The following day while visiting family, Peach Fuzz and I drove around with the windows down all day. The radio landed on radio station after radio station. We danced and sang along while our hair tickled our faces. I had to get used to the idea of driving fast again. It didn't take me long. Especially with the wind in my hair. And by fast, I only mean 45-55 mph. Speeds I rarely dared to chance up in Alaska where there is a constant, solid sheet of ice covering the roads.
We got a good visit in with Dad, Judy, and Big Mama that day. It was a good day.
The weather has been gorgeous (rain and all). The temps have been gradually dropping off day by day. Today, we reached 33 degrees. As it turns out, I am not immune to 33 degrees temps, though I probably do tolerate it better than most who've not been in Alaska all winter. When I was spending time outside with Peach Fuzz, a neighbor who stopped by to chat said I was probably the only woman in the neighborhood outside today. I felt pretty comfortable. Mostly.
Since I've been home I've felt the occasional chill in the air, which is something I rarely felt in Alaska. One is not merely chilled in The Last Frontier. In Alaska, you skip the goose bumps. The cold air goes directly through the skin, straight for the bones.
The following day while visiting family, Peach Fuzz and I drove around with the windows down all day. The radio landed on radio station after radio station. We danced and sang along while our hair tickled our faces. I had to get used to the idea of driving fast again. It didn't take me long. Especially with the wind in my hair. And by fast, I only mean 45-55 mph. Speeds I rarely dared to chance up in Alaska where there is a constant, solid sheet of ice covering the roads.
We got a good visit in with Dad, Judy, and Big Mama that day. It was a good day.
The weather has been gorgeous (rain and all). The temps have been gradually dropping off day by day. Today, we reached 33 degrees. As it turns out, I am not immune to 33 degrees temps, though I probably do tolerate it better than most who've not been in Alaska all winter. When I was spending time outside with Peach Fuzz, a neighbor who stopped by to chat said I was probably the only woman in the neighborhood outside today. I felt pretty comfortable. Mostly.
Since I've been home I've felt the occasional chill in the air, which is something I rarely felt in Alaska. One is not merely chilled in The Last Frontier. In Alaska, you skip the goose bumps. The cold air goes directly through the skin, straight for the bones.
In conclusion...
This post may seem sorta selfish by the way I left my bread winning hunk of a man out of it all, but I plan to update on his whereabouts soon. I love 'em. And I am bound to get especially sweet on him again in his absence.
Glad you made it safely. Hope it warms up for you. You've had enough chill. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Well, dern there's my old bedroom on the internet for all eyes to see there int it? Just kiddin. It looks reeeeaaalll nice, Ma. Good job. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been a part of the reunion and pinched Peach Fuzz on the cheeks, but it won't be too long, hopefully.
Ethan and I will call Chuck sometime soon and check in on him. I know how much he likes an interesting phone conversation here and there. I hope he's not too jealous if he's reading this... I am a little. Your descriptions of our southern world are pretty vivid. I miss it there. Even the cold, believe it or not. I miss all of y'all most of all though. Mmmkay. I'm gonna get off of here now okay bye.
Good job on the blog! We sure are glad you guys are back. Now, we just need to get Chuck back home:-)
ReplyDeleteNice post and wonderful having you home. I love you. Love you too Sunny girl.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww. Glad your home. :)
ReplyDeleteThe first paragraph made me smile, about how you put up a brave front for your daughter. This is exactly what Mom used to to, as she hated flying (especially taking off) as well.
I'm jealous of your "warm" temps. Also driving with the windows down. Oh and Cracker Barrel. Haven't been to one in years.
Oh and I meant to ask: random, but have you ever been to Bob Evans? This midwestern gal misses Bob Evans too.
ReplyDeleteHappy you made it home safely!!
ReplyDeleteLove me some Cracker Barrel. I always have breakfast
"Old Timers" includes biscuits and gravy....mmmmm
Have fun with Peach Fuzz!! :)
Thanks Susan. I know you are devoted Alaskan so you are sweet for understanding my need to be home.
ReplyDeleteI know Sunny. It won't be long! I know you'll come home when you can. Yes, I have to get Chuck a verizon phone and send it to him then ya'll will have to call him.
ReplyDeleteThanks Phyllis! And Mom! And Connie!
ReplyDeleteKatie, I have NEVER been to Bob Evans. There isn't one around here.
ReplyDeleteMiz Liz, It was the Sunrise Sampler for me! Gotta have that hash brown casserole.
Oh man. If you ever head to the midwest, pick up some Bob Evans biscuts...They are hands down the best. :) I swear.
ReplyDeleteWill do.
ReplyDelete