Home, Sweet Home….

Our self described elimination tour has come to an end. We made an honest effort to consider other states for our last stand, spending time in west coast locales, fertile northwestern farm country as well as the gorgeous western mountains. We had no problem eliminating blue managed states, a shame as several enjoy normalcy in their outstate locales in spite of being governed by idiots. Sharon and I have spent considerable time in the southeastern US, my childhood home turf, but they have failed to sway us , given our preference for four distinct seasons. Without belaboring the point we have returned to Missouri where we both have a considerable investment in terms of public service and our circle of friends. If this isn’t enough, we are home to the Chiefs, Cardinals, Royals and now……Buc-ees!

Specifically, we have purchased a home in the southwestern edge of Springfield in Battlefield. This home checked a lot of boxes, a big 3 car garage and in-ground pool being among our wants. Our new castle is bigger than our last, beautifully landscaped on another spacious corner lot. We have a penchant for all brick and a large rear patio for our outside kitchen and lolling about in the early mornings with coffee and the dog. Soon enough a new Lab, to be named Malachi or Kai for short will be joining us. We gave other Missouri towns and communities a hard look but our support system in Southwest Missouri brought us home.

Sunday, I am undergoing a MRI to assess the damage to my already re-built right shoulder in another fall, tripping over a concrete pad edge in Tennessee. Obviously, I have not mastered a reliable fall technique, complicated by the brittleness of age. A surgeon is on for a consult Thursday, and barring a near miracle, I’ll soon be under the knife again. We have not abandoned the RV lifestyle, just delaying it a bit. Our recent adventure identified several locations that were appealing making them destination locations for later trips. Exploring is in our DNA.

Enjoy what looks to be a terrific fall, with the color parade just getting going. Evenings are cooling down and mornings are delightful, inviting coffee around the fire pit. Be safe and enjoy our blessings, especially in Missouri, home sweet home.

SR