Homeward Bound

Our husbands missed us. I know this because at least two of the three indicated that they expected us to be on the road driving home before we were even out of bed. When I talked to mine he said, "So you'll be home by 6:00?".... oh, honey, don't give me a time! This was our last hurrah and I wanted to be open to whatever the day might bring. So I was a little snarky and said we might find a bar in Chicago to celebrate. I didn't mean it, but then again.....

The last day of driving was sunny and clear once again. We really did feel as though we were being given the red carpet treatment the whole way home. Well, with the exception of the gas station where all the pumps were out of order. Even going through Chicago was a breeze.

As it turned out, we did stop for one fantastic last dinner. Vivian's uncle and his family own the Popolano's restaurants so we stopped at the one in Chesterton, Indiana. Not to be cliche, but OMG. The food was outstanding. Stella had the Crespelle which was incredible, while Vivian and I had the Eggplant Strata. Soooo delicious. Seriously thinking we need a road trip back to Popolano's! I took home half my meal and ate it Sunday night for dinner while my family ate whatever. I don't even know. All I cared about was my strata. Hmmm.... who's free for a road trip to Chesterton on Friday?

Then it was back in the car for the last hour and half home. Even that went fast. We cheered when we saw the Michigan sign and Kristen made note when we hit the big hill just past Constantine. We cruised through Three Rivers with mixed emotions. Obviously, the greater part was longing to see our families and hear about their week, give them hugs and stretch out in our own beds. But a small part was sad to see the trip end.

I do take some comfort in the fact that we're talking about the next road trip already. Whether we can convince someone to buy a car in Maine -near Acadia would be nice- or we can find an excuse to head to the gulf to do a little research for a novel- I know there is another Operation ___ in our future. If it is Operation A, Vivian has already called dibbs on being Amelia...