I have never been a fan of storms.  The thunder makes my skin crawl and I start to pray for it to end.  I marvel at those who think storms are the neatest weather conditions.  I guess it’s kind of like those who love scary movies and those that don’t.  Guess which side I am on?

Lately, we have had a couple of really good storms.  The worst part of being in a fifth wheel is raindrops are magnified and you start to think you have rocks falling on your roof.  Storms that are accompanied by wind provide a double whammy.  The trailer starts to rock back and forth wherein a stick and brick house perhaps the windows may move just slightly.

The last two storms, Mitchell has been away on business and I was alone.  The first time the storm came it was two o’clock in the morning when I was awakened by the sound of thunder and the pelting of rain on the roof.  I got out of bed and went to the couch and was deciding what to do next as the trailer began to move with each gust of wind.  Do I stay, do I go to the car or should I go to my mom’s?  I felt like a child cowering in the corner.  I decided I would stay and ride it out.

I guess I need to get used to this as for when we start to travel and we won’t always be having perfect weather.  However, if there is the slightest hint of tornados, hurricanes, or sandstorms, I am the hell out of dodge.

I never wanted to go back to the house I just sold.  I wanted to remember it the way I left it.  Even when my daughter came to visit and she wanted to show her boyfriend where she was brought up I just gave her the car keys and said we would meet up later.

Unfortunately, we thought we had notified all entities that would need to be informed of our forwarding address.  Not an easy task if anyone has moved.  Thankfully, the USPS forwards mail for sixty days so we could see who was missed.  The other evening we needed to purchase an item and my husband wanted to use Paypal.  As soon as he hit the button, he realized he never changed our address.  We couldn’t contact the seller.  We contacted Amazon and they said they would contact the seller with the new address.  You guessed it!  Delivery was sent to our old home.

The dilemma was upon me.  Oh well, suck it up and get the package.  Pulled up to the driveway and knocked on the door.  Through the window, I could see the white tile was replaced by a dark wood floor.  The door opened as the new owner was holding her newborn as I explained who I was and why I was there.  The walls were now wearing a white color and the money spent on having it painted was for naught.

As I grabbed the package, I could see all the toys on the floor and the furniture was sparse.  I thanked her and as I drove down the driveway it reminded me of when we first moved into the house, six months pregnant and a child under 2.  It took us years to get it the way we wanted and I know they will have many years to make it into their home and someday they may sell it and have to say goodbye.

In the next few weeks, Valentine’s Day will be upon us.  For most, it’s a day one looks forward to, almost.  When I was younger, I was used to getting Valentines from my dad.  I still have many of them to this day and I cherish each one.  Each one had a handwritten message.

This day wasn’t much fun when I didn’t have a boyfriend.  Then when I married, I looked at this day a little differently.  I wondered why people had to be told on a particular day you are to profess your love with dinner, flowers, and cards.  Retailers love it and people spend a great deal of money.

I am fortunate to be married to a man who tells me he loves me all the time.  I get “just because” flowers and cards that randomly show up.  I relish the fact a day doesn’t dictate when he should show his love.  I give him a pass on that day.  No roses that have been jacked up by double, no card and no fretting about a dinner reservation that needed to be made a month ahead of time.

All I need is a hug, a kiss and an I love you and this girl is on cloud nine.