On the Road Again

Well, we're on the road again; heading back home to California. I intentionally flew into Virginia on the 15th to attend the pinning ceremony on the 16th of a nursing student I was so privileged to precept and an LPN, Kevin, who bridged to RN. Crystal was an absolute pleasure to teach, she was a sponge who wanted to soak up everything and I am so incredibly proud of her. She was hired in the ER and I have no doubt she will be an awesome nurse. Kevin, whom I call my son, spent many hours in the ER with us, learning, helping, visiting, and eating! We laughed about my being his Jewish mama who always wanted to feed him.

Me, Crystal, and my best friend and work partner, Jenna

Me and Kevin

After an emotionally exhausting week of good byes, we enjoyed Mark's Change of Command Ceremony yesterday and hit the road later that evening. Mark worked all week, I spent most of the day each day in my jammies and piddled around the empty house, playing on my iPod or on the computer, reading, doing some hand sewing and just relaxing. We spent the evenings visiting with friends, out to dinner with some, just spending time with others. The fire dept had a dinner for us on Thursday night and we were so glad to have the time with the people we spent so much time with over the past four years.

Sista Brains
Saying goodbye to my best friend, Jenna, was the hardest thing to do. She and I are truly connected, sharing a brain cell, and we flowed as one at work. I am so looking forward to her and her son Ty coming to visit in August!!

The Change of Command was wonderful! After a week of cold temperatures, the sun came out and we had a beautiful sunny day for the ceremony. Mark was so handsome and it was great watching him with "his kids". The interaction was so indicative of how he leads and it was so obvious that he means a great deal to his crew. He choked up a few times during his speech but recovered well and continued on. He received a Coast Guard Commendation medal from his sector commander and I have to tell you, I know my husband well, and even I was impressed. Maybe it is because I am so used to him wonderful things, that we take it as just part of normal life! I teased him about being "homeless" until he assumes command in Vallejo and he quickly reminded me that I am homeless too until I find a job! Smart alack!




We are in Kentucky tonight, a short travel day to due to the time we put in last night. No pets on this trip, but we are in a UHaul and towing a car so mountains are slow and gas is expensive! We are taking the more northern route this trip and will travel through 12 states, including Colorado where we will spend the night with Tabetha, Jeremy, and the grand babies!


Goodbye Parksley, Virginia! It's been a great 4 years!