The Changing of the Guards

I bought my very first car this week, I mean like, paid for my very first car.  Dads are great people!  Anyway, as fun it is to get a new set of wheels (and it is quite exciting!), there is something difficult for me about selling the old one.

I drove my old blue Taurus into the car wash to soap her down one last time (hopefully) before some new owner takes her away.  I thought about all of the memories that happened in and around that car... Three years at college, carting friends around town.  Road trips.  Camping trips.  Great stories.  Hilarious jokes.  She's brought me to and from work many times.  Taken me to camp.  Got a few of my tears in her seats (Don't tell the new owner!). She was lent out to friends and family during my time in Europe.  I've eaten a lot of meals inside.  The cup holder knows my Dr. Pepper can well.  Inspiring sermons. Housed my closet one summer.

Goodness, I'm just so thankful for her!  We've held hands and went through life together for 6 years!

Holding hands with my dear old friend

 And by now, you all are thinking ... Jaime, it's a CAR! Geez!  But part of my life is trapped in that car.  It will be forever.  Those were good times.

I'm still getting to know my new car.  The way it shifts, takes curves, and the cruise.  I know I'm going to love her someday too.  I'm excited at all of the new adventures we'll have, but right now, she's like the new college roommate who you don't know and you can't figure out why your old one had to transfer upstate!  I know we'll be best friends by November though... after I've spilled ketchup on the leather seats a couple times ...

Making the introductions

Here's to more good times...

The Ice Cream Shoppe on the Corner

I've been doing quite a bit of traveling lately, just short trips, weekend trips.  I stood up in two weddings in August, both of which were a pile of fun in their own ways. 

                                         

My Bestie, Amber, at Ann & Lee's Wedding

My Papa and me just before wedding #2!

Both weddings were out of town and so, on top of other random travel (to all parts of the state!), I am ready to stay put, at least for a few days.  Don't get me wrong, I love to connect with friends, see new places, have fun experiences, but there is something about getting back home from a great trip.   Mmmmm.  It's just good. Tradition at my house is to make pancakes for dinner when we arrive home from out lake cabin in northern Minnesota.

It's seems like this summer's welcome home activity is a family trip to the ice cream shop on the corner!  I mean, of course we go there multiple times a week as well, but it's extra delicious right after being away for a day or two.  Yes, we are regulars there at King Cone in Amherst, WI.  Their hand-dipped ice cream in a waffle cone pretty much solves every problem you could ever have!  It would definitely solve world hunger and if it were delivered to peace treaty negotiations, we could achieve world peace rapidly as well!  The smile and greeting from Ben upon arrival means that we are truly home again! 

Do you have a comfort place?  A welcome-home place?