35

35 days into my return to the USA.  I still have moments where I can't quite believe I'm here.  I have many more moments when I wonder why I'm here.   And many, many more moments when I wonder what is next.  

I've not settled into a proper schedule yet.  Each day is a little different, depending on what needs to be done.  The first night Mom and Dad were gone, I couldn't believe how empty the house seemed.  My practical side kicked in and I started moving my things into the master bedroom, making the bed with my own sheets (micro-fleece...bliss), unpacking all of my clothes into the much bigger closet, and just settling in a bit more.  After a few days, I took all of the leftover meat products up to my sister's house.  The kitchen is now fully vegetarian!  

I spent several wonderful hours today reconnecting with two good friends in Lancaster.  It felt so strange to be driving in Lancaster again.  We had a great lunch along with good conversations.  As I drove home, I couldn't help but think that I am exceptionally lucky when it comes to friendships.  

I haven't quite figured myself out.  In some ways, I really like the solitude.  Maybe I should say, "On some days." Others it feels too quiet.  Life is a little boring when there is too much solitude and yet it's too hectic without solitude.  Fortunately, with my sister just around the corner, I've had a good balance.  I've been able to spend a lot of evenings with Joy and Anna while Jeremy is away.  It's been so fun to get to be with them.

Tonight, Anna proved herself to be a carnivore of the worst kind.  As she was crawling around the family room, entertaining herself with her toys, she found a stink bug and popped it in her mouth!  Our little love bug ate a stink bug!  Technically, I guess she didn't eat it because Joy noticed her doing this and fished it out of her mouth, but eww.  She made a very unappreciative face.  I can only assume that means they taste as bad as they smell.  She recovered her appetite as soon as she saw her momma's bowl of mint ice cream!

Anna is definitely getting ready to visit her grandparents.  She is prepared to try all sorts of new foods.  She clearly enjoys exploration and adventure and those little legs are ready to move quickly!  She also is ready to don appropriate apparel for camouflage in the bush, as you can tell by her pj's.