Sunday, March 4: I had a nice, peaceful night but when I did wake I would think about all the things I needed to do when I got home. The stars and moon were out and, even though it was cold, it wasn’t nearly as cold as it has been the last week.

I woke up early and drank my coffee then started getting ready to head home. I cleaned the toilet and flushed the black water tank out really well so I wouldn’t have to worry about emptying it later.

Misty had her last time on the leash in the woods and ran up a tree. I had taken her up to trees all along but she never even scratched one until today. Up she went to the extent of her leash, then she actually made it down without getting too tangled in branches.

We took off down the road earlier than my norm. Before getting to the bottom of the hill and Highway 14 I came across a flock of wild turkeys on the road. I slowed down and took a couple of pictures. I have never seen wild turkeys before. They even gobble gobbled.

Not the best pictures but I was moving and shooting through the window.

The trip down out of the gorge was scenic but with a lot of curves. Then I was back on I-5 heading north. I have never liked that drive from the Portland area to Seattle but since I was on my way home it was bearable. Until I got to Tacoma, that is, and the big mess by Highway 16 and the Tacoma dome. I couldn’t believe it. Sunday before noon and we all came to a screeching halt. Welcome home!

I got home around 1:00 and put Misty on her leash and unlocked the door. Misty wasn’t too sure if she wanted to go all the way in the house. She had her back paws outside and front ones inside and was just looking around. I had to go to the bathroom extremely bad so pulled her in and shut the door.

The house smelled a bit musty but, besides all the mail and things on the dining room table, it felt good to be home. Misty wasn’t sure what was going on. She went from room to room and sniffed and looked and did a bit of meowing.

The past week of driving had taken its toll on my back again so I was having a lot of pain. I took some Excedrin and a muscle relaxer and sat down for about 20 minutes then started unloading. I got the food, dirty clothes, and a few other necessities (pillows) and started a load of laundry.

Misty was still checking things out and couldn’t figure out what to do with all the room to move around.

The gas fireplace was going but the furnace wasn’t. I saw parts boxes on the table but the thermostat was totally off, so I didn’t mess with anything.

Then I took a nice, long, hot shower for the first time in 5 weeks. The shower in the camper barely trickles water out, especially when on the water pump. I know my hair and scalp hadn’t been totally washed and rinsed the entire time, plus the water quality everywhere was just awful.

As I was coming out of the bathroom I heard Courtney coming in the front door. He had his HVAC friend with him to check out the furnace. I hurried to the bedroom to get dressed. I guess Courtney had it fixed but just hadn’t given the furnace enough time to start up. Nice of both of them to make sure if was working.

And now it is raining and the planes are taking off overhead and the sun is coming out and it feels like home. Misty agrees.

Next up – Spring Training in one and a half weeks!