Back to life, back to the present time

Jeff and I spent the break between semesters at home in PA and were welcomed back to Idaho by sunshine and 70 degree weather. It is incredible how the sun's rays can make my day. I guess I never noticed how much the winter really gets to me. This year I have really begun to count my blessings, especially when I'm lucky enough to wear sunglasses and flip flops.

Our week at home was a relaxing one. It poured rain for the first part of the week, but decided to change courses when Jeff met me there. I'm glad Jeff got to experience PA in the spring. It was beautiful with all the blossoming trees and green grass. He got to see how country it really is where I'm from. It was definite change from where he spent the first part of his week. Jeff was fortunate enough to travel with his pilot friend to Hong Kong! H

e was able to meet with a few different companies in order to set up some business dealings in the states. Most everyone in Hong Kong speaks English, so communication was pretty easy for him. He spent his time shopping at a huge swap meet, going to business meetings, and even getting to taste the freshest and most delicious sushi he has ever eaten! I think that is what I am most jealous of!

My dad had already left for his business trip to Italy by the time Jeff showed up, but I was really glad to spend a few days with Dad before his flight. I was worried that Jeff would be extremely jet-lagged when he got back to states, but he was in surprisingly good shape, even if he's gone to bed at about 9 o'clock every night since he's gotten home! Hopefully Dad reacts in the same way!

During our mini-vacation we went to Longwood Gardens and to the Book Barn. The Book Barn is located in a practically ancient barn that held thousands of used and antique books. It even had several flights of stairs that actually made me pretty nervous. I'm pretty sure that when dusk falls, the haunting begins. I'm glad we made it out before sunset:) But Longwood? It was beautiful! The conservatory was breathtaking! We saw bananas growing, a room full of awesome bonsai trees, and the most beautiful flowers! I've been there before but I can't remember it at all. It's fun to go home and play the tourist. It's all new to me, right Mom?

Oh and another highlight from my trip home? Bowling with Mom and Jeff. Yeah, I lost. Big time. And Jeff beat his all-time highest score with a whopping 187!!!

I got Jeff to strike a pose with me :)

Mmm! Bananas! See them?

Lovely