There's No Place Like Home(wood)

So here we are at the Homewood Suites, our sweet home for the next 3 + months.  It’s not too bad.  We have a first floor suite.  It has a king-size bed in the bedroom with desk and night stand, TV and chest of drawers and closet.  The living room/ dinette has TV, couch, chair, coffee table, dinette table with 3 chairs and an end table next to the couch.  There is a bathroom area consists of a makeup area with counter and sink, mirror, some drawers, and a commode/bath room separated by a door.  There is a kitchenette with a refrigerator/freezer (pretty big, too), microwave, sink, dishwasher, two element stove and lots of shelf space.  Overall it’s pretty nice.  Oh, almost forgot the fireplace (gas) in the living room.

We hated to leave the home we had tried moving into, but a series of events made both Linda and I feel uncomfortable enough that we felt a move would be more appropriate.  T&C, our hosts, were totally open, welcoming and just wonderful in every way!  If it turns out that either of us returns to New Orleans sooner than expected, I think the other will go back to stay with T&C again.  At least we left that door open.

H2 has ordered his class ring!!  I guess that makes it official, he’s gonna graduate this year.  He’s pretty much decided to go ahead and get his Master’s while he’s in the study mode.  Linda and I are truly proud of all he’s accomplished while working full time, going to school full time, and trying to have a life, as well.

Next weekend we’ll be back in New Orleans for some wedding things with KenEllie.  Then the weekend after I promised Fr. John (our pastor) that I would preach at all the masses to give him a break, so that’s two weekends in a row that we return.  Actually I had told him that I’d come back once a month to help out.  I may have to rethink that offer, as the trip back and forth seems to get longer and longer the more often we make it.  It’s amazing how long 6 hours can be when you’ve driven it several weekends in a row.

Then (drum roll, please!!) it’s time for DEAL’S GAP, NORTH CAROLINA and the infamous Tail of the Dragon!!  The Smokies should be cool, crisp and beautiful this time of year and we’re looking forward to a great family outing.

And, by the way, we attended the Holy Spirit Wednesday Night Supper this past week which was held on Tuesday because of Wednesday being Ash Wednesday.  Every year they do a Mardi Gras theme.  This year they had an old time band and served both chicken and seafood gumbo.  DEE-licious!  I’m usually a little hesitant to eat “New Orleans” food anywhere else, but I gave it a try and was really surprised and glad that I did.  Then they followed it up with a really wonderful bread pudding.  It was great!  Standing room only crowd.

Please pray especially hard for Ellie’s dad.  He began having problems breathing earlier this week.  I get the impression (only my gut feeling, nothing concrete) that the doctors aren’t really sure what’s causing it.  We heard it might be a virus, but they have him on antibiotics, which I had always heard didn’t do much for viruses.  Anyway, prayers are asked for for him.  Thanks, and may God continue to bless you all abundantly!