I'm going to . . . You're not going to believe this one

This past Sunday morning, I packed the car, with the help from Todd and began the long 12 hour trip home. Tears streaming down my cheeks as I pull out of the drive-way waving towards the windows of the house that I can't see through, but am hoping the kids are waving back at me. By the time I reached Indiana the tears had stopped, but not my desire to be back with my girls and grandchildren in Michigan.

The trip was - for the most part - uneventful. Derrick's parents had given me The Hiding Place by Corrie Tin Boon on CD and I enjoyed every minute of it. I made only one stop to fill up with gasoline and a quick potty break - and oh, there was one more stop - the "door ajar"light came on shortly after I had just passed Buffalo so I pulled over on the highway and re-arranged the back luggage and re closed the door. I returned to my seat anxious to get going to continue listening to my story - only to discover the light "door ajar" was still on. I got back out - opened the door that didn't seem to be ajar in any way, reshuffled the stuff inside and re closed the door. That's when I realized that it was the window and not the door. I never open the window in the back of the vehicle, so I'm not sure how it popped open after so many hours of driving but it did. Soon I was back on the road.

I decided that since I had made my trip is such record time I would stop by Shannon's house and meet Charlie, Madeline's new dog. It's really quite hard to find your cell phone in a purse the size of a small suitcase, find the number on the contact list, watch for cops - you get ticketed in New York in you are caught talking on a cell phone - and watch out for the cars that are passing because you're paying too much attention to the story on CD's. Finally, I turned off the CD player so I could concentrate on the phone call. Soon I arrived at Shannon's and enjoyed a serving of homemade vegetarian pot pie while we waited for Madelin, Andy, and Charlie to get home from the park. Soon they arrive and I meet the sweetest dog I think I've ever met - excluding my three (Punkin, Lola, and Checotah) of course. And then there is Calvin, Carl, and Stella - Rachael's dogs - And of course there's Brewster, Lori's dog - And then Molly, Ryan's dog - And I can't forget Walter, Natalie's dog. But Charlie is a really sweet well behaved dog that Madeline just adores. I remember some time back when I was visiting at Rachael's house and her nanny didn't seem to mind the two big dogs running around in the house. I made some comment to her about the animals and she told me that you can tell what kind of person the owner is by the way their dogs act. Interestingly enough, I've found that statement to be true! Except for poor Tina and her dog Liesel.

I arrived at home late Sunday evening. Bob wasn't at home so I hauled everything into the kitchen and then began carrying each box, suitcase, etc to the correct room. It didn't take long to put everything away and I was soon ready for bed. Five thirty A.M. came much too soon on Monday morning, but I managed to pull myself together and head for work. Upon my arrival to my office, I opened the door to see a beautiful gift basket sitting on my desk. I picked up the card and opened it. It was from my boss - "Welcome back" was on the inside of the card. My week was extremely busy, but rewarding. I took the basket home and Bob and I enjoyed unwrapping the clear plastic wrap and looking at the treasures - an antique hummingbird feeder and food - a suet feeder and food - a copper bird feeder and food - Bob and I will both enjoy this thoughtful gift.

Monday morning, I checked the blogs that I read to see if there was any new news. There was nothing new with my girls, so I continued looking at the other blogs I read. I noticed that on Tamara's blog she blogged about a ridiculous low round-trip price ticket to Moscow. I thought to myself - that's a great deal - in the back of my mind I was wishing I could take her up on the offer she put out to - I'm sure it wasn't for me - why she only knows me through her mom and my daughter, Rachael.

Later that morning, I checked my e-mails and there was one from Tina. I clicked on the message and I couldn't believe what I was reading. Tina had just informed me that Rachael, Katya, and Jack were going to Russia. Tina suggested that we both go too! Tina had already called her daughter and had all the accommodations, meals, and entertainment taken care of. All that was needed was a "yes" from me. I wanted to stand up and jump up and down, but I needed to get back to work - so I quickly e-mailed Tina to let her know I would talk to Bob when I got home from work and get back with her on Tuesday.

Once I got home I called Rachael and we talked about what all would be involved with going. It sounded so complicated. Not only did I need a passport (which I already have) I would have to get a visa. I had no idea how to go about getting a visa and then I would have to drive to JFK because that's where the cheap flight originates from. I was too tired and decided that I couldn't go. On Tuesday I couldn't get my mind off the chance of a life-time to visit Russia. I mentioned the opportunity to my boss and he told me to change the committee meetings to another day, notify the pastors, and go! Bob had told me I should go the night before - but I wasn't sure. I wanted to, but I was a little apprehensive about flying. Then I remembered the e-mail I received from my friend Cathy in California - she was right - I would fly again.

I got home on Wednesday evening much too late to call Rachael and let her know that I wanted to go with her and the kids to Russia, so I e-mailed her and then I e-mailed Tina too.

Rachael purchased my ticket today - Tina's daughter purchased her ticket today and we will all be traveling to Russia (Rachael had already purchased her ticket and the children's). I'm so excited!!! I can't believe I'm going to Russia!!! What am I going to wear?