I can’t say that it’s good to be back in Florida, but it sure is nice to be home again. 
Mom is holding her own and I flew back yesterday. Returned to the nursing home, she still just lies in the same state of unkowing that has plagued her for the last 8 or so years. John [brother] has arranged for hospice to do whatever it is they do, and we wait. Maybe it’s because she had such a hard life during her formative years, but the woman has faced death more times than I’ve eaten at Black Eyed Pea, and repeatedly slapped it back down again. Her body may be conditioned to it, I dunno.
The flight was wonderful. I had calmed myself down by the time I went to the airport, and enjoyed every minute of the ride; both rides, really. It’s so beautiful up there, and looking out the window it was easy to understand why people become pilots. It’s just you and the horizon, seemingly forever.
At first I took pictures, but then kind of forgot I had brought the camera! So, these are from the first day. I drove straight from the airport to The Woodlands, where Mom is…
This is my brother, who took time off to come meet with me there:
Look at those eyes…
And his dog Scout:
My childhood friend Gwen also drove up to meet me. We hadn’t seen each other since the early 70’s:
And the two of us:
And finally, the little lady I drank coffee with every morning:
Thursday I was able to see my buddy Anthony’s new house; he graciously gave me a tractor ride [no, that is not a euphemism] around the property. The man’s barn is bigger than my house; nicer, too. 
The weather was glorious, and cool.
Friday saw me at a Rottweiler specialty out at the Equestrian Center in Katy, where my old friend Chance [CH Dyson's Promised Chance] won Best of Veterans in sweeps. That was sweet.
Pappasito’s fare was liberally consumed and Antney gave me lunch at a steakhouse Thursday. Saturday night it was Black Eyed Pea, courtesy my host Deb.
I stepped off the plane last night sick, thinking at first I just couldn’t equalize my ears, but soon the nasal faucet was running… and if not for NyQuil sleep would have been as elusive as a cool breeze in August. So, somewhere in Houston I picked up a raging cold. It was worth it.
There’s a lot I’m not saying, as usual. I wrote in my head constantly, and it’s all lost. Not that it would be readable…
{hugs}