So, as some of you know, I recently was hired for a real job. Since I have been "temping" for a while (actually, a long ass time!), I wanted to do a couple things before my first day at the new job. I gave notice at my temp job, and was let go early and had a few days off before starting my new position on the 21st.
With quick work, The Hubbie and I made the plans to see as many people as possible in this time frame, as I may not get any time off for the next year or so. Lil Deb and The Colonel topped the list......
Hubbie took two days off from his work, and we let Lil Deb in on the plans. After running around screaming in fits of excitement, she calmly said "I have so much to do!". Shortly after that phone call, she began her prep work for the overnight excursion we were taking to her house. You see, instead of simply riding the vacume around the house and calling it good, Lil Deb had to gut the entire house, clean every inch inside, and then clean every item as it came back into the house! I would classify it as "Spring Cleaning gone Wild!"....Anyway, there really was no reason what so ever for this mad rush of frenzied domestic upheaval, as her home is always in perfect order anyway (no matter when)!!!
So, the night before, we packed early, ate supper early, and went to bed early. It was like Christmas. We thought the sooner we go to sleep, the sooner it will be time to head out on our trip! Well, that just didn't seem to work. See, Oscar had seen the bags we packed, as well as the new toy we put in his overnight bag, and simply could not sleep. After about a million trips outside with him, and telling him over and over we would leave in the morning, he finally fell asleep.
5:00 am. Hubbie deep in the morning crossword, I packed the truck, took Oscar for his walk, and ran through the inventory to ensure we were on track. At 6:20 am we were on our way! Just four hours from our destination, and the excitement was peaking!!
It is an amazing drive. The surroundings move from lush Northwest Rainforest, to rocky crests and water falls, to the windy river and eventually desert landscape. Every color of the rainbow is represented, and the beauty of nature is overwhelming. We even saw the windmills that are slowly being placed to change our power use to something more eco-friendly.
As wonderful as the drive was, it was best when The Colonel gave us directions via the phone to get to their house! We arrived to open, loving, welcoming arms (as usual)! Of course, the yard and the house were immaculate, but the most wonderful thing was their home. The Hubbie and I walked in, and we were instantly comfortable. You know what I mean, it isn't just a house, it is a home, and a wonderful one at that.
We poured our first cocktail of the day, and relaxed in the back yard playing "catch up" with our stories. After laughter galore, and maybe just one more cocktail, we started investigating some of the treasures that Lil Deb and The Colonel have in their home. From money printed before George Washington, to safes probably used in the "Wild, Wild West", to Indian grass and even chop stick holders. We even got an impromptu slide show from when The Colonel was just a little ol' LT in that skirmish over there in Vietnam!
They are my most favorite two people to spend time with. They have the kind of lives that are story book fascinating! I simply began walking around, pointing at items in their collections, and was given the tale of it's being as well as how it came to be a part of their lives. I was in heaven!!!! We even took a little tour of the town, which of course had to include a stop at the very best french fry place in the county! (I am not sure why, but when Lil Deb and I get together, there is always fried foods and cheese......Hmmmm..).
They live in this delightful little town! The yards, the sidewalks, the parking lots, and even the streets were all clean. Everything was wonderful. It was like being in Mayberry! Everyone there was friendly, and everything was so quiet! I think one day I could move there...
After hours of chatter, laughter and wondering through their little museum, we had supper. Of course we ate far too much, and of course The Hubbie then started to fade. The drive, the excitement, the good food, the good friends and the good drink all took their toll. Off we went to get a little shut eye.
The next morning we had breakfast at a "Hotel Buffet" which of course was just like any other hotel buffet. We chattered back and forth, and picked up where we had left off the night before, just in time to have to leave to head home.
I always find it sad to leave good friends. The thing I try to focus on is how much I love them, and how wonderful they are. I know that does not make leaving them any easier, but it does help me to know they are just a phone call away. So, to my wonderful, fabulous Lil Deb and The Colonel - Thank you for a wonderful (yet short) trip, and Thank You for being you! The Hubbie and I love you both so incredibly much that we could not imagine having to endure life without you!!! Big Hugs to you two!!!
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