Take the Long Way Home

It had been a couple of years since i'd been home. My last trip was, demoralizing, wrathful, and emotionally draining. So much so, it prompted me to swear to never again return to the place of my youth. So when a class reunion came up, it took quite a bit of coaxing to get me to throw in with my old friends. Though i had made room reservations back in January and had a car reserved, it wasn't until i found out that my Aunt and Uncle were going to be there that i knew i was really going to throw my arse in the car. I made one promise to myself for this trip and that was i'd only hang around people that made me, Happy!!!

I threw the family in the Rent-a-Wreck and headed out. I was so determined to make sure we

all had a good time that i insisted we take a little detour along the way.

Welcome to Happy, Texas. This simple divergence really set me off on the right foot. I know it seems silly, but this made me really happy. While we were there, a man out for a morning walk asked if we needed help. I told him that we were fine and just wanted to get this picture and he smiled. He took a few steps and turned back to me and said, "Welcome to Happy." I thought, Indeed.

We got to Alpine, running late as usual, and Donner got her nails done (Busy week before we left and fortunate enough to know people down home willing to stay late on Friday (Thank You Fred!!!)). We got checked into the hotel with just enough time to shower and get the boys pizza before the first night's activities.

I was completely taken aback by just how beautiful everyone was. All of these kids i had known had grown up. Suddenly, i began to feel old. It was a great night. I got to see Lavender Chick, Painted Groove Girl, Aura Mae, Kara and a litany of others that i hadn't seen in years. As an added bonus i got to visit with JENNIFER!!!!!!!!!!!! Who had some right interesting questions about Donner's benefits package. LOLOL

Here, i grabbed a photo-op with The Lavender Chick herself. She's just as charming and warm as she was when we first met. I guess i should have tried to hold her hand on that field trip in fifth grade. Alas, she's my friend and that's way better. Now, y'all go buy her Lotion cause it's just as perfect as she is and the Body Wash is something you can't live without!!!

Even my sister was a blast to hang out

with. Fun as it was, i still had a shopping list of things to accomplish in a weekend.

One of those items was to have a visit with my Aunt and Uncle. We moved

away from each other before Donner

and i got married. Therefore You might as well classify it as a moral imperrative. More on that later.

Finally, i would be remiss if i didn't give credit where credit is due, i managed to get a picture of the whole family together. Courtesy of Aura Mae, Celebrated Hair Magician, Talented Foodie, and yes it seems to be, Photographer too. It's pretty easy to carry a camera and get shots of people and events, but the hard thing to do is to get yourself in them. So, Thank You Aura Mae, you're wonderful and i appreciate you for doing this.

For most of the night, i let the guys run free with the camera, telling them only this: Don't drop it and get a picture of everyone, especially the couples. They did a pretty good job. Thank You guys. I know they probably don't get it, but by them taking pics it left me to spend more time enjoying the moment. I am surprised at just how friendly and fun it was. I wish i had gotten the chance to visit with Painted Groove Girl more and a few others, but if there is a next one, i certainly won't get so worked up about it.

One last thing, my favorite part had to be... Well some things are better left unsaid.

Until i address you again, Peace be with you, Dave

P.S. I am working to put my tortilla recipe. It's been crazy here, but when i do i certainly hope you get from it something you can use.