Re-discovering the Home Front

My initial reaction to getting home from what I call “THE Trip” was to savor the routine of life – with the ease of finding things without digging through a suitcase, the comfort and familiar feel of the bed and chairs, knowing the location of the grocery store without a map, and the attention both given and demanded by the pets.  It was home.

As I answered questions posed by friends and neighbors about our journey through the Pacific Northwest, I recalled the beauty and impressiveness of the countryside along with the various events, museums, and places we visited.   It sounded so exotic and adventurous in the telling that I was ready to go back for a repeat visit.  However, that is not going to happen any time soon!!!  Then, I met a couple, Vanessa and Andre, who are visiting from Brazil.  After listening some details of the trip, they asked if I had any suggestions for what to visit here in Southern California.  My mind went blank.  With an almost physical jolt, I realized that I need to give my home front the same investigative attention that I did to making our 35 day trip memorable.  So, I am now challenging myself to find and visit the exotic and adventurous locations and places right here in my everyday world.

From the beautiful sunset viewed last night over the ocean from our balcony…. 

To a view of the San Gabriel Mountains off in the distance as I went for my early morning walk….

 

Home is pretty good….I just need to observe it more closely.