October 9, 2008

I guess it was from having to deal with Mom's schedule, but I have not slept more than six hours at a time in years. But I slept like a baby last night. And actually went the full eight hours! I felt really great.

When Donna came to get me (now in jeans to fit in better), we went to a small cafe in Mapleton. It was run by two of Larry's relatives. Chickie was the cook; I could see her but didn't get to meet her. Bonnie was the waitress and Ducky introduced me to her. Here was another place that I got no Looks. We were near the rest rooms, and a guy came out and saw me. He looked at me, but it was "All right! A fresh girl in town." Certainly Bonnie, who was very close to me, treated me just like any other girl in the place.

When we got back to Donna's home, one of her daughters, Tabby, came over. She didn't stay very long, but did take a picture of me and Donna and Mom together. I didn't really think much about it at the time.

Hailey started getting in my lap. For those who don't know me, I've never been good with kids, but recently I've noticed myself being drawn to them - especially the babies at church. It felt so natural to have a little girl in my lap and I think that was when it dawned on me that I really miss never being a mother. What a shock for me!

Then I got to go out and visit with Raz for a while. He was skittish with me, but as long as Donna was around, he tolerated me. He was abused by his previous owner, so is nervous with everyone but Donna. But that didn't stop him from eating carrots, apples, and sugar cubes from my hand.

When Bree got home, Donna insisted that she go clean her room up. It was a real mess. By supper time, there was no sign of progress - none.

We decided to run down to Walmart to get something for supper. I volunteered to make a meat loaf. Honestly, I didn't expect Donna to accept my offer, but she did. While I was mixing that up, she cut up potatoes (a very big part of Maine's economy) and put them on to boil. When they were ready, I actually made real mashed potatoes, which I hadn't done in many years. Both Dad and Larry took seconds, so I guess I did okay. There wasn't much left - barely enough for sandwiches the next day.

The amazing thing was that I got absolutely no Looks in Walmart either. Down here not only have I gotten looks, I've even been sir-ed. How marvelous it is to just be me!