Heading back home

Later on today I will be on my drive back to Arizona. I expect to be in my own home sometime Thursday; Friday at the latest depending on the weather. Snow is expected north of Chicago tonight. If I make it to Missouri the coldest weather will be behind me for at least two days.

I am so glad I came this C'mas. It was a real joy spending time with Ethan and Erin. Those two are quite the pair. Erin is a doting and loving mom and Ethan is a happy child who loves to cuddle and listen to you. He's also quite the photo model. He seemed so at ease in front of my camera.

I definitely have the travel bug (especially road trips) from my father, who loved spontaneous weekend road trips to new places whenever he could take the time off.

I saw Ethan for the last time yesterday when Erin came over with Ethan. I took them out to eat at a local restaurant, the Texas Corral. It's modeled after the national chain Texas Roadhouse but it's owned by a Hoosier from Highland, IN. Food and portions are very affordable. We had an early dinner there.

Erin and I got along much better this time. She didn't seem so defensive toward me although I was nervous about Ethan falling or hurting himself when I was around. She's quick to blame me for every boo-boo Ethan gets. If he gets hurt in her presence she's OK, though. Little toddlers always get into trouble and they require constant watch. Ethan's cuts and bruises were all standard little bumps he got from falling on his own. Nothing was long-lasting though.

I didn't do all the things I had hoped to do. I only made it to Chicago once. I only saw Eric twice and we barely spoke. I never got together with Linda. That all will have to wait until this summer, when I'm thinking of coming back again.

I got to spend quality time with Carol, though, who is always so easy to talk to.

Oil prices are predicted to rise to $4 by the end of the year and hit $5 by the end of next year. A barrel has already risen from $88 two weeks ago to $92 today.

Weather driving up here was nice. I hope I have the same good weather going back, driving against the main winds. The school's already called me for a job today but I had to cancel. I will take the rest of the week off so that my drive isn't too hectic. Just making it to St Louis tonight will cut my trip down to 280 miles, making for a 1750-mile trip broken up into three days. This is assuming weather and vehicle give me no issues.