I’ve recently returned from a visit to the Texas town where I went to high school. It is not nearly as far west as Oregon, but, in many ways, it still embodies the spirit of the old west.

I am a seasoned traveller and always follow the admonition to take a picture of my luggage before checking it.

Someone we know and love is a photo bomb expert.

I went especially to spend time with Mother.

What wonderful visits we had over lunch and watching Jeopardy!

And, she’s a hoot!  When the optometrist asked her to read the chart on the far wall , she read, “Please silence all cell phones.”

And three adorable dogs (That would be my bed.)

so Joannie could get away for a few weeks of summer fun.

Started most days in Joannie’s courtyard with dogs, hummingbirds, mocking bird music, coffee, and the SJ online edition, during which, Gracie assumed her favorite position on guard at the front gate.

Had a lovely time in the “Home of the World’s first Rodeo,” now a born-again boom town in the petroleum industry.

In that regard, I got to meet an adorable family who moved there so their dad/husband, a welder, could capitalize on the opportunity.

I went for a walk most very-early mornings while the temps were still below 100 degrees.  During one, I noticed this sign on my old high school:

I believe about the only prohibition in the early 60’s was chewing gum.  And the only surveillance was the watchful eyes of the faculty.

Plastic bags are soon to be banned.  This is a good thing in this community. I picked up 23, by actual count, on a walk through the cemetery across from the high school.

Went to church here every Sunday:  The Methodist

I love the Common Lectionary.  It means that we share the same lessons on Sunday morning.  Usually gives us a good topic for Sunday-afternoon conversations, if only to say, “Why on earth did Paul write that?  Jesus never said anything like that!”

Too soon, it was time to leave.  Joannie said I must be very happy to be going home, since it is always good to go home. I told her my feelings about leaving were very complex.  I will miss many things — family, friends, Mexican food.

I laughed too loudly when I spotted this gift-shop item in the airport as I waited for my flight to Denver:

No, dear.  Not yet.  Bless your heart.

I love a window seat.  Flew above the Columbia River Gorge with views of Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens.

It is always good to come home.  But my feelings are complex.