Our Adventures.......

Going Home

Well, as the saying goes.....all good things must come to an end...and my travelling adventure is about to do just that.  I go home tomorrow from Ohio to Alaska (yes, by plane - believe me....if there was a train...I'd be on it!).  Along the way I have learned a few things.....number one...I'm not as wierd as I think I am.  Other families leave unfolded laundry on the couch for a few days (or more), other kids eat dinner out of the microwave, and other people are hooked on tv shows that they tape when they can't watch them....there's many more.....

Everyone I stayed with took me in as family, which was a real treat.  I was blessed to "meld" into their family for a week or so....no wild side trips, no hoopla...just life.  I want to thank them all for that.  They took care of me and were just as happy to see me as I was to see them.  I have terrific friends and family.  They all deserve some thanks....

Garrett and "the boys" - Thanks for letting your home be our home....and being so gracious about losing a few shooting compeitions! Ha!  Shooting and hunting were certainly some of the highlights.

Melissa and Sara - It was the first time I was ever able to visit one of my students - it was a real treat!  I taught Melissa how to crochet while I was there...hopefully my grandmother's legacy will grow even further!  I had fun masquarding as a college student by day.......And by default Sara gave up her room to share with Melissa while I took Melissa's room for myself...thanks guys....you were awesome!

The Doyle Family - Fed me several times and even took me on a tour of the local attractions while Melissa was at school one day.  They and their 7 kids (yes, 7!) welcomed me into their home more than once!

Rick, Kelly, Riley, Rogan and Kaitlan - I finally got to read and nap in the warm sun in Sacramento!  They had to put up with a few days of complaining about the cold weather....but the sun finally shone (although too cold to get into their beautiful pool).  Kelly and I talked for all day long for a week straight (no surprise to those that know me well!)!  Rick and Kelly are the kind of friends you dream about....I am so blessed to call them that.  The kids were wonderful and I was able to crochet Kaitlan a few Barbie blankets which she treasures....and that truly warms my heart.

Tom and Linda Carter - My cousins who let me sleep late every day!  My time clock has been off-kilter the entire time I've been in Ohio....and they don't care!  Tom very patiently taught me some new crocheting techniques and that will truly further my grandmother's legacy!  I spent Thanksgiving with mine and Linda's family (her 2 sisters, their kids...and their kids!) at her house...and it was awesome to see everyone - they're all grown up!  I even got to spend a couple of hours with Marilyn there!  Oh, and I got to eat "low fat" while there........the scale is groaning these days!

Galen and Nita Schwartz - My other cousins who also let me sleep late! Their son is here from Korea (Air force assignment) and his sleeping schedule is more screwed up than mine!  Galen took me shopping my first day here....which shocked the world....and they have taken me out to dinner/lunch several times.  Nita and I have played cards every night - which is a real treat for me!  And they have just let me hang out while they are at work.

Everyone I have stayed with has had wireless internet (except Tom and Linda who I told are missing out on great technological advances in the world) which has allowed me to stay in touch with all of you and email like crazy.  I have kept in touch by email more than anything else - so being able to use my laptop has been awesome.  Everyone also had unlimited long distance....saved me from using up my calling card over and over....believe me...it took a lot of phone calls to organize this trip!  But the most touching.....everyone I stayed with claimed the time went by too fast and wished I could stay longer......I thought so too.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the support I have had from home.....I know I have mentioned my mom and Reeder over and over again....but you wouldn't believe all the errands and details they have attended to for me.  My friends Debbie, Kathy and Leah who have shown the caliber of people they really are - I am blessed to claim them as my friends.  Gordon and Laurie who took in Oscar for a month without blinking an eye....and I never had one ounce of worry for Madison who loves being with her dad, other mom and brother and sister.  My brother who helped me manage funds from half way across the world....and my sister-in-law for bringing my new niece into the world (can't wait to see her!)  Finally...that girl...Madison....my "favorite" - she makes me smile and it has been so fun showing off pictures of her to everyone along the way.  She has been doing what a 10 year old girl should...playing, laughing and enjoying life...I wouldn't want it any other way.  By the way...she's only 10 for a couple of more weeks......

SO...that's the longest blog in blog history I think.  But I really needed to "put out there" what all my amazing friends and family have done in extending their hospitality to me.  Thanks for everything...oh, and for those faithful readers (even those who don't leave comments - EVER).....it has been fun telling of my adventures along the way.....don't worry.....all of you blog addicts...it's not going to end with me going "home" ... I will continue to tell about life and once I get hooked up with Leah....PICTURES! Yea!  So for now.......Love, Rhonda

see ya soon!

9:00 AM, Nov. 28, 2007 .. Posted by lifelongalaskan

Thanks for the shout-out, Rhonda. You're awesome, and you have good friends because you deserve good friends!

We're really looking forward to seeing you and Madison again. Won't it be nice to be home for Christmas!!

Gotta go help pack up the hotel room.
Love ya!
~Leah