back home, but missing a few things

Loud thunder wakes me around 5:30.  All I can think of is standing in the pouring rain with my suitcase and big carry-on, and then, sitting on a train soaking wet for five hours.

But that doesn’t happen.  The torrential rain miraculously pauses while I wait for the 6:50 bus from Bourne to Providence, and then pauses again when I reach Providence and walk about 15 minutes to the train station. I am home by 1:30.  A rather effortless 7.5-hour trip door-to-door.

I am always happy to come home.

I like:

    Not negotiating what time to eat dinner. There is more than a two-hour gap between my mother's preferred dining hour and mine.

    Watching the TODAY Show in the morning as I answer emails.

    Being in my own space, surrounded by my own things.

    Getting the NY Times delivered every morning.

    Having a great sushi place nearby.

    Being able to walk to the corner if I’m in the mood for a good cup of coffee.

    Seeing people and cars in motion after nine pm.

    Knowing anything I want is within easy access.

But I will miss:

    The magnificent beach a short walk from my parent’s house, though I only went once the entire week I was there.

    Gigantic $10 lobster rolls from Dean’s.

    Ellie the cat, especially when she jumps up and nestles onto my lap.

    Driving a car.

    Buying fresh lobster meat for only $40/pound at the local fish market.

    Having central air and being able to sleep in a freezing 68-degree room.

    Wearing no make-up and having it not matter.

    Not being tempted to spend money every time I walk out the door.

    Being with my mom, and laughing, which we did, often.

    Seeing my dad everyday.   Yesterday, before I left, he said, “You have never looked more beautiful.  When you’re not here, I miss you.”

Despite all the bad weather, I’m glad for the week I spent with my parents.  I know it was mutual.