homecomings

Back from Nashville late last night. We flew in from Dallas late, with a drowsy air crew who had been on bumpy clouds all day. They didn't even serve us a drink, and we caught them both dosing during the flight.
Some of our fellow travelers were from Houston, they'd driven to Austin last week, then flown to Vegas to wait out the storm. (Odds are, they are still in Austin today.)
After being on two long flights over the last two weeks, it's just good to be home. I picked up Keni from the doggie hotel this morning, arriving before they even officially opened. He came right up to me, tail waggin. The staff said he was an angel, but he seemed 'stiff and sore'. His hips are old in dog years, he's my old best friend. He's asleep in the cool hallway now.
My Dad decided to postpone his birthday party until August due to 'Rita. Steve's train home was cancelled due to 'Rita'. He's now working his way home in a rental car. (My boyfriend doesn't believe in airplanes unless they are headed to Europe. )
Annalise is asleep.
The house is quiet.
Next year, Annalise will likely be living in Nashville, at the school we just visited. She'll be ambling around that tiny campus, making friends, playing her guitar and starting her own life.
Today, we're home.