It felt like home again when we got to the familiar atmosphere of DFW: most people speaking English, the smell of Tex-Mex food in the air, and the Abilene-bound American Eagle flight delayed for two hours. Yes, back to the familiar.
It was a week without internet and with very little television. No phone calls but an occasional check to make sure everyone was all right.
Does that count as fasting?
We didn’t even have a newspaper. Didn’t know until today how much better our week was than Mel Gibson’s. Didn’t know what progress had been made (or not made) in the Middle East. Didn’t know if the Cards, Angels, Rangers, and Yankees were winning or losing. (That’s right: no SportsCenter.)
Just a week with my Beloved and a couple friends. It was wonderful.
But so is home. And — following that little two-hour delay — we’re here.
By the way, I didn’t realize until today that I’d published the previous post twice. As someone pointed out, that’s what you can expect from a guy on his 50th birthday! 
I started to delete one, but I don’t know how to transfer the comments. It shall remain, then, as a Blog Boo-Boo.
Welcome back — we missed you!
Just to help you catch up, the Cubs swept the Cardinals in 4 games over the weekend and promptly traded Greg Maddux to celebrate. In another tough year, the fact that the Cubs are guaranteed to win the season series agains the Cardinals is really about the only bright spot……but a good one regardless!
Glad you are back safe. My other preacher friend from Neosho is celebrating his 50th on the left coast with a convertible. Thank goodness he has no hair to worry about.
Welcome home! We missed you but I’m glad you had a great vacation. Love you!
Welcome home weary travelers. Big Papi had another walk-off homer, but who’s counting - that’s only 5 woh’s in 13 attempts over the past 1.5 seasons.
Welcome home Mike! Hope your week was as relaxing for you as it sounds. You were well missed here (as seen by my multiple visits each day hoping that you had posted). Blessings as school, etc. gets back into swing.
Welcome Home ! I am glad you had some much needed R&R. Are you now eligible for a AARP membership?
It must be incredibly frustrating having to sit in an airport for two hours when you could drive there in three if you only had a car handy.
Yes, I believe that is fasting.
Having spent several hours in D/FW airport a week and a half ago waiting for an American Eagle flight from Dallas to Abilene that kept hop-scotching from gate to gate, I can feel your pain and frustration. Then there was the 30 minute or so wait in the Abilene airport for the single plane in the terminal to deposit it’s treasures for all of us to pick up in baggage claims.
But all’s well that ends well. Hopefully both for y’all and for me. For me, I had the chance to visit with my mom and sister for the first time since Katrina and for you all it meant arrival back home.
Glad you were able to get away and glad you are home. We, as your blog congregation, have missed you and we’re glad you’re back.
Welcome home. Ris used to have a special word for the early affects of aging, sometimers. I have been experiencing sometimers for several years now (and I am only 38) and it only seems fair that when people turn 50 they should experience it as well. I like this email because I have never referred to myself as “only 38″, see what goodness has come from you turning 50. Thanks for your aging support.
Where did you go? I didn’t get that part. Anyway, it was a great time to miss several Cardinals games. Ugh! Glad to see you posting again.
Welcome home!!!!!
Withdrawal symptoms were beginning to set in!!!
You didn’t mean to double post? I thought it was because you had gotten so many comments on the first post and it automatically happened! Anyway…welcome home - I’ve missed your insight - it is like a drink of water to a thirsty man (or woman)!
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