Inga descended out of the golden orange back-lit sky on Southwest Airlines last Saturday evening and alighted at Love Field in Big D for a 3 week Christmas break. Despite her protests that she was rumpled and wrung out and just wanted to go home rather than catch dinner out - she exuded high energy as she filled us all in on life amongst the Oregon Ducks. With her signature emphatic arm motions and hands flying about as she detailed each and every story while we waited for her belongings to appear upon the back of the silver serpentine luggage delivery belt. Now that the dinner table is once again set for four, Inga's conversational zeal has noticeably amped up the talk during family meals.
With a year and a half of higher education and added perspective, these are the things that she has noted since her arrival back in Texas from the misty and gray northern latitudes of Eugene:
- Wow! I can see the sun all day! Even until 6 PM. I was so surprised to look out the window of my Boeing 737 and see a sunset and daylight when I landed in Dallas - I had forgotten.
- Just look at all the milk in the refrigerator! I don't have to carry a single gallon for blocks as I walk home from the store to my fridge.
- Free laundry!
- Why do the dishes now? - Look there are still clean ones in the cupboard [Dad: The rule in my house is do the dishes now anyway]
- This is incredible how well supplied this kitchen is!
- The dog looks old and has gained weight. I think I'll give him a treat.
As the rest of her High School friends finish their exams, her local social season is gearing up. Friday is broomball (sort of ice hockey with sneakers and brooms instead of skates & hockey sticks) at the ice rink in The Plaza of the America's Tower in downtown Dallas. An annual tradition among the Sachse High Theater Department and many of the returning thespian alums. Saturday night is an informal reunion at the Lakewood neighborhood Karaoke Club with others from the Class of 09. Sunday has been declared as the 2nd annual Carnivore Tour, a long day trip to feast on genuine Texas barbecue. She and Grant will be doing the trip to Cooper's on Main Street in Llano, Texas, just the two of them; parents are distinctly not invited. Inga craves hearty, smoke infused meats after months around the tofu and vegetarian dominated tablescape of Oregon's largest college town.
Grant wrapped up mostly 4 days of Christmas parties at school today (Thur. Dec. 16th) along with some exams I am told. Not that he has said anything aloud, but he obviously enjoys having his sister back home.
The road goes on forever and the party never ends.
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