Driving Home

I am sad to say farewell to my friends and glad that I had an extra day with them since the Library is closed on the 4th of July, even though there are classes in session. I miss Drew and Kiel, and I am anxious to finish the corrections on my dissertation and get that submitted. Not that I want to jump back into busyness, but I can't stay detached for too long - rent comes due whether I am working or not!

On the drive out, I was surrounded by so many tractor trailer trucks that I thought for sure our economy must be thriving. I start early, hoping to avoid as much traffic as possible. I will still end up in Buffalo at the 5 o'clock rush hour. I gingerly turn Tom on and hope for the best. As I remembered from last year, traffic is sparse. I count progress by how many states I have left behind, and soon find myself out of Michigan and into Indiana, then quickly into Ohio, the longest state in the Union according to the boys. Even at noon the traffic is not heavy. I don't even encounter much construction delay.

The closer I get to home, the faster I seem to drive. Only cruise control stands between me and a ticket as I burn up the pavement flying home. I am delighted that I will be there in plenty of time to return the rental car and unpack before my energy runs out. Drew calls me when I reach Pennsylvania. I am happy to be only a few hours away. We make dinner plans. Kiel is at Andrea's enjoying swimming and a cookout.

One last little bobble with Tom. For some reason he hates Buffalo and is constantly trying to redirect me from the Thruway to the slow and frustrating old route that still parallels the major 4 lane. But I am wise to his machinations, and stick to my guns. Silly techno dumbhead. Quick as a wink I am hugging a frantic wild Sugar who has missed me and moped about in my absence. She licks me and jumps all over, wriggling with delight that I have not abandoned her.

I smile, then walk out the door to return the car and get dinner. Not to fear, faithful puppy. I will return. And this time, before nightfall!