State-Side

We made it safely to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, part of a group of islands that belong to Spain.  While the ship is in Tenerife, there’s not much for an OR nurse to do.  Instead of wandering around & probably getting into trouble J  I decided it would be nice to go home for a bit.  I was lucky enough to get the whole month of July off & took the opportunity to catch up with life back home. 

I was able to spend the 4^th with my family in Independence, seeing relatives I hadn’t seen in years.  We grilled out, had corn on the cob & even McElroys’ potato salad!  Indee’s parade was in the morning & fireworks were in the park by the river.  

My family at the 4th of July parade

Dad & Uncle Bob canoeing the might Wapsi

Dad rented us canoes to take down the Wapsi, a fun trip even if there wasn’t a lot of water.  We spent a great afternoon on the 4th just floating down the river, getting out to cool off when we needed to & seeing a lot of wildlife (vultures, a bald eagle & some deer)  I got to say though, Iowa is a lot hotter than Africa!   

I spent a lot of time just relaxing & watching the birds at the bird feeders in my parents’ backyard.  Hung out with friends & watched TV- though it was strange, I haven’t seen a commercial in over 10 months.  I took our dog for walks & Dad & I explored one of our favorite places, Backbone State Park.  I even went to this place called a "mall" its kind of like a market, but there's no bartering & didn't smell like rotten fish & fruit- what an experience in itself!  I even got used to being able to drive places again, where & whenever I want!

The family models their new African aprons

After a couple lazy days at my parents’ house, Mom & I drove to Colorado for a week to see family & friends.  I realized how homesick I was for Colorado when the mountains finally came into view & I drove on familiar streets.  I had to keep telling myself that I didn’t have a home there at the moment.  I packed in as much summer-in-Colorado-fun in one week as I could.  I went to a Rockies game (we lost L), spent time at the barn with my favorite 2 & 4-legged animals, went for a hike in the mountains & had dinner with some amazing friends.

Eri & I at the Rockies game

Horsing around at the barn with Steely

We hike up Devil's Head

My time home wasn’t overly exciting or thrilling, but I didn’t need that.  I needed peace & quiet, long-long hot showers, home cooked meals, the opportunity to recharge & gear up for the next stage of this trip.  All too soon, it was time for me to fly back the ship.  I am ready.