Yes, We're (Gasp) Home

As the plane touched down yesterday, I said, "Lukas, we're in Holland!" To which he cleverly responded, "Hooray, we're HOME!"

The funny thing is, there were actually moments during our trip, where I longed to be "home". We may not be able to walk to our neighborhood Starbucks for a Grande Skinny Latte Machiatto at 6 A.M., but if you are outside at that time of day (or just about any time of day, for that matter), you will not be bombarded with the sounds of dump trucks, delivery vehicles, and the constant hum of traffic. Nope. You won't hear anything but your own breath, and the occasional bird. How's that for tranquil and serene?

And now, my wishes have been granted -- we're home. But as the saying goes - The grass is always greener... If only it weren't cold, rainy, and dismal here. Now I have to get back into the Northern European mindset - There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

Taking the dog out yesterday afternoon was a chore in itself. It's not easy to convince yourself to get your coat on and go out into the cold, wet, and muddy surroundings, just so the dog can get his daily exercise... especially after spending a week in Florida! I mean, we live on a farm, where he can roam freely outside. But I know that's not the same. For a dog, there's nothing better than going out into the fields and orchards for fresh country air (translation: air with traces of manure), complete with the occasional sighting of the often elusive pheasant, and other game birds.

But add to the bad weather the physical and mental exhaustion from the long journey, and you can get a sense of how motivated I was. In any case, today's going to be better. It has to be. I have a full night's rest behind me, and kitchen direly in need of food. Which means grocery shopping. Nevermind that I don't yet speak Dutch, and have had many an embarrassing moment at the supermarket cash register. The show must go on.

So now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look on the "sunny side"... if I can find it.