Chicago!

Well, surprise! The Gentle Giant is traveling! Our son, Aaron, is going to Chicago today to begin training on whatever orthopedic surgeons train for. We didn't know he was going today, and when he told us last night he would be driving, the idea occurred to me that Martin could meet him in Dallas and go with him, so that he wouldn't have to drive all that way alone. I mentioned it to the girls, and before I knew it, Sissy had bought a ticket to Dallas, and Becky had bought a ticket home from Chicago. He left today at noon, and I won't see him again until Easter Sunday. I am so happy for him, we both miss our son so much, and this will give Martin and Aaron time to spend together. So, I am single for the next 9 days! It is so very weird to be alone with the dogs, but I have peace and quiet for the next 2 days, and then it starts again. Speaking of that, Little Joe is still teething those big top teeth. It was like having a badger in the house. He is such a sweet boy, never any trouble, and I knew he was uncomfortable today when he cried and cried to be held. I don't think that is spoiling a child, he just needed comfort, but believe me, I felt all 26 pounds of him all day long! I did put him down for a moment to get the bread out of the oven, and the next thing I knew, he was in the potatoes on the bottom shelf of the baker's rack in the kitchen. Time for sure to "baby proof" the house! I am so thankful for my grandchildren, so thankful to be with them, and I wish so much that I could see the other 4 each day who live in El Paso. One thing for sure, it keeps me young to have them every day. I will report on Martin's adventures in Chicago, but so far, here is what happened. A very large woman got on the bus with super stretch pants, (martin says those poor pants were screaming for help) and a gold stretch muscle shirt, with no foundations underneath any of it. She smiled big at him, but he thought quickly and he smiled big at the guy across the aisle! She got the message and walked on to the back. When he got to Dallas, as soon as he got off the bus there, someone asked to use his cell phone, a couple of people asked him for money, and truth be told, there was a "drive-up" dope dealer right outside the front of the terminal! Cars were actually driving up to this guy, slipping him money, and he was giving them drugs! I had warned Martin that there could be some shady characters on the bus, and he said the bus was fine-it's when he got off that the action started. Fortunately, Aaron picke him up right away, and at this writing, they are spending the night in Oklahoma City. More tomorrow!