Fun, Friends, and Back Home in Indiana

I spent most of my time in Oklahoma City with my son and with my mother-in-law. I totally enjoyed my time with them, also realizing I may not have my sweet M-I-L a whole lot longer. She is a sweetheart and I enjoy her company.

However, on Thursday night I had a really fun evening with a good friend of mine from the hospital where I used to work. She has been a friend for a long time, not just at work. I had spent time with her family on various occasions. She asked me to come for supper and spend the evening, but she lives about 40 minutes from where I was staying, and I really don't do well driving at night. So she said, "Just come and spend the night! We'll have a slumber party!" So I did!

Her 3 girls are an absolute delight. The oldest one, Cali, (in the middle), is so mature and very sweet. She helped her mom clear the table. And she got my room ready for me. She wanted to show it to me so we all went upstairs. She had made the bed, turned it back, and had my book and the TV remote laying by the pillow. She also showed me where clean towels were in the bathroom. (Later, when I was going to bed, she brought me a big glass of ice water--so I wouldn't have to go downstairs in the dark if I needed a drink.)

After supper (which was grilled T-bone steaks, baked potatoes, green bean casserole,salad and rolls!) the girls had a jump rope contest for me. I tried my luck, but let me just say--I'm out of practice. They all surpassed my ability.

They have a huge exercise ball, and they were showing me tricks they do with it. They are all sitting on the ball here, even though you can't see it. After supper, hubby made rice krispie treats--which thrilled all the girls. You can see the middle one, Kinsie, enjoying one. (I think she had at least three!). The youngest one, on the right, is Chloe. This is my assessment of the girls: Cali--sweet, mature, compassionate; Kinsie--fun-loving and laid back (not much bothers her); and Chloe--mischievous and a bit ornery--just like her mother. I told Joely that "pay back is rough". She said "I knew I would have one exactly like me--it's scary!

After taking the girls to school Friday morning, Joely and I had coffee and talked, and then I headed back to OKC. It was a totally fun evening.

On my road trip back, I got a book-on-tape from Cracker Barrel to keep me awake. I've done this before, and it keeps me from getting sleepy. This was "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks. It was a really good book--I enjoyed it.

However, there is nothing like getting back home. I have obviously gained a few pounds while I was gone, so it's back to the routine. I got back on Sunday about 3:00 pm and mostly unpacked, did laundry, and "chilled" in my recliner, caught up on blog-reading, etc.

So now it's back to getting in the routine. Yesterday was a gorgeous day! I got out early and rode my bike 3 miles. For seasoned bikers, I know that doesn't sound very impressive, but I'm definitely going to have to work up to longer distances. (The first and last 1/2 mile is on gravel and makes me a little nervous.) I did get a helmet, in case I take a tumble.