Our time in the southern climes in nearing its end. Our friends and neighbors in South Dakota have endured the second heaviest snowfall winter on record. While we’ve been praying for rain in the Texas Panhandle, they’re praying they don’t have to shovel another foot of snow again.
We spent a very comfortable time in Daughter’s house and now we have to gather our stuff up and vacate the premises. One thing about house sitting her home is we’ve been here so often in the past, it seems more like home. She’s a minimalist decorator so it’s easy to keep clean and dusted. Hubby and I have really enjoyed the hot tub this winter. It sure warms up the achy bones on cold winter nights.
What we won’t miss are the days when the winds are blowing so hard you can’t stand up in them. The sky turns brown with top soil which reminds me of the Dust Bowl. I feel the effects in my throat and sinuses even though I don’t go outside when it’s like that. It still creeps inside and affects both of us. We’ll pray for rain here even though we’re up north.
I will miss the iced tea stores and the friendly people who populate this part of the country. I’ll miss the church we attend, and the people who go there. I’ll miss some of the over-the-air TV stations they have here but not at home. I’ll miss the cheap gas (compared to home) and the large produce sections of the grocery stores. I’ll miss all the wonderful restaurants around here, especially Mexican food and barbeque. Rapid City is sadly missing good places in both those cuisines, or at least we’ve yet to find them.
If all goes well, we plan to be back next winter, and I’m looking forward to it. It will take less time to get into a routine because we’ve already established one. I’ll bring fewer long-sleeved blouses and a couple more capris. I’ll bring my dough roller so I can make pizza more often. I hope we travel a little more and visit more historical sites and museums. I’ll make a list of things so we’re better prepared, although I have to admit, I’m taking home more books and clothes than I brought. The shopping here is great!
Next week is a full one for us because we’ll be visiting Daughter and SIL again, then visit with Mom and Dad for a few days. Mom is celebrating her 90th birthday next week. We’ll take her to the donut shop and celebrate a couple days later.
Oh, and I’ll miss my favorite donut shop.
So good-bye Texas and look out South Dakota. The Kjars are coming home soon.
My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure swellings, and in quiet resting place, Though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation. Isaiah 32:18-19
you sound alot like us. We are so excited to be able to back in the fall and see everyone, come spring, I practically beg the days to go by so we can be back home again. We will call when we get to Rapid area, and I always know Craig will give us a buzz if he/you are in the area of Pierre. Safe travels. The Otts