It was fitting as we drove out of the sunset one last time in the RV. The sun was beaming against the downtown high rises of Jersey City showing just what a little metropolis it has become.We pulled up in front of our place and quickly noticed the progress of the construction next door. The foundations have been poured and there weren't nearly as many big piles of dirt as there were when we left.
Jimmy unlocked the doors and when we both entered our home, we were thrilled. We love our place and always have. I guess the fact that we were away for almost 4 months made us appreciate it even more. It smelled like home and we quickly made it look like home as we brought in box after box. We really did accumulate a good amount of stuff while in San Francisco for three months. Once the RV was empty, our downstairs was jam packed with boxes and bags and luggage and clothes on hangers.
We agreed to let everything just be for the night. We wanted to relax on our comfy couch and veg in front of the TV.I put in a quick call to our favorite local pizza place. When I said the order was a pick up for Jennie, they said "Your usual?" Medium plain pie and an order of french fries?
I was stunned. It had been almost four months since we've been there and they remembered our order in an instant. This family run pizza place greeted us warmly upon returning home and as odd as it felt during that moment, I felt like we had never left.
But, of course we'd left. The air was warm and sticky in July as the Four Winds rolled down First Street headed towards the west coast. Now, in November, the air was cool and crisp and the leaves were an arrangement of all of the autumn colors.
We've returned with an appreciation for everything and are grateful that we had the opportunity to see as many great sites as we did.
When we were out to dinner with some friends on Saturday, one of them asked about the highlights of the trip home. Grand Tetons and Wyoming in general was my first response. Seeing Mount Rushmore was pretty cool, too. Of course, its always nice to see friends. Oregon, Wisconsin and Illinois treated us to some quality time with some great people which was definitely a highlight. The whole trip was an experience with so many great parts. It is difficult to pick just one.
In the 2 1/2 days we've been home, we've unpacked and have re-explored downtown Jersey City. A few new stores and restaurants have opened since we've been gone while a few old favorites have closed.
We've both noticed that driving our car feels downright weird, too. We can't get over how low we are to the ground. I guess we're used to driving the big ol' RV. I must say, it is nice to have a home that isn't on wheels, even if I found that lifestyle suited me well for the most part.
I'll miss traveling around and waking up in a different location everyday but I look forward to getting back into the grove of things at home. The holiday season is almost upon us and I've got big plans for Sassy Sweet Treats so I plan to quickly switch over from vacation mode.
We look forward to seeing our family and friends in the coming weeks who we've missed so much while we've been gone. We appreciate all of you that have read our blog at any point during our travels. We hope you have enjoyed reading as much as we've enjoyed writing.
Who knows if we'll keep this blog going as we return to normal life...you'll just have to keep checking back periodically to see!
*~Jennie~*
Home - is where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I come home - -she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time Before we were born
If someone asks, this where I'll be . . . where I'll be
