Florence, Here I Come!

This is where I'm going this weekend! Over my four years at Auburn, I have really learned to appreciate Florence and all the good things there.

First and foremost, the majority of my family is there. Mom and Dad, Grams and Grandaddy, and my as-close-to-family-but-not are all there or close-by. I am so grateful for every minute I get to spend with them--especially with Grandaddy in light of the events of the past few months.

There's also my church family. They are a big part of my life that has been missing while I have been in Auburn. It's just not the same here and I have never felt like I really belonged. Maybe because I knew it was only temporary, but my church home is at 415 N. Seminary Street in Downtown Florence. I know when I'm there, I will be welcomed home with open arms and pulled down to the choir room to sing and gossip, of course!

I'm a little ashamed to mention this, but I love coming home and planning my meals! Mom has always asked me if I'm thinking of food all day. I do admit to planning dinner sometimes during breakfast! I love Saturday lunch at my Grandparents' house--always something good and always accompanied by ice cold tea. I can't remember when we started going over there for lunch, but I also can't remember what we did before the days of Saturday lunch. I love summer at Gram and Grandaddy's house because Grandaddy and I would sneak off and cut a watermelon. That's always been our thing. We would share if there were other people around, but it was really just for us. I know to look in the basement refrigerator to see if we have a treat for later that day! At trip to Florence is not complete without a visit to Casa Mexicana or Ricatoni's either! You just can't beat the food you grew up on!

Lastly, I can't wait to sleep in my bed. My bed has such special memories. Before it was in my bedroom at my house, it was in my bedroom at my Aunt's house. It actually belonged to my Great-Grandma Almond and was passed down to my Aunt and then to me. I slept in this bed at my Aunt's house for most of my childhood and it was what I wanted most from her house after she died. I guess I felt like bringing this bed home with me would keep a part of her with me always. I have other silly things with me all the time--the ring from her keys has been on my keyring for years--but seeing this bed when I walk into my room still makes me smile and remember good times of weekends past.

Another good thing about Florence is Emma is there! She's been with Mom and Daddy for two weeks since I was so busy last week with school and I was out of town at Tiffany and Will's wedding this weekend. I miss her like crazy! I hope she's excited to see me and will cuddle up to me so we can make up for lost time!

Well, I'm off to pack so I can get home to Florence faster. I'm leaving as soon as my class gets out at 11:15. I'm so grateful for only having classes four days a week this minimester. I'm looking forward to being in Florence alot during July!