Take Me Home Honey!

Today, I find myself running to buy groceries, fill up the car and go to the bank. All of this in preparation not for a hurricane but for the "cold" front headed our way tomorrow. Sounds funny as I think about it. Let me back up for you...

I believe it was early 1990's when Tom was asked to go to Chicago to start Kodak One Hour Processing. We bought a house in the western suburbs, Geneva-St Charles. Then came winter!!! I had never in my life seen such cold harsh winds, snowdrifts, and utility bills as I did there. Before this time, I loved going to ski resorts. Loved the clothes. Loved sitting in the lodge sipping a peppermint adult beverage of any kind. I quickly learned, Baby, this aint no Aspen. The first storm came thru and the snowdrifts blocked the opening of all outside doors. Blew over our very heavy gas grill on the deck. You could not see where the driveway ended and the road began. Our first winter in Chicago had begun. I called Mother, Judy, and Kim. Help Me! lol

The first thing I learned when you live in Chicago is you need a snow shovel, a snow blower and when you could find one available, a guy with a truck with a big shovel on the front that you could $ to take care of it.

Getting 5 yr old little Dave ready for school was like something out of The Christmas Story. Layers upon layers, coat, gloves, hat with ear flaps....I can't put my arms down! I recall every morning layering gloves, scarf and hat with snow shovel in hand I headed out to attack the driveway so Tom could pull his car out. It was a 3 car garage but I only shoveled enough for one car to get out. lol. sprinkle salt and move to the walkway. I had never experienced such harsh cold winds in all my life. I use to love the fluffy magical flakes falling out of the heavens but during that time this Southern Girl wanted to shoot them out of the sky with a Remington 1100 20 gauge.

Though I cursed Chicago on many occasions I loved the opportunities, experiences and friendships all three of the kids experienced because we were there. There is always a positive in every situation if you look for it. Had we not been in Chicago we would not have discovered the intimate Jazz Showcase in downtown Chicago and the fantastic performers who came thru town. I remember the kids meeting Diana Krall before she ever became famous, Christian McBride and many others. Charlotte loved being a cheerleader. We had so much fun going to her competitions and then the creme de la creme they won State. Brian played basketball on a travel team. He was a great center. Had we not been in Chicago he may not have discovered his true love, jazz. Dave still has Jimmy as one of his best friends. They met on the first day of Montisorri School when they were both only 5. Tom won accolades within the industry for his role in implementing Kodak Pictures.

But, back to this big bad storm we have coming in tomorrow it reminds me of "THE" day in Chicago. The temperature was below 0, I had a scarf over my nose and mouth, hat, two pairs of gloves, coat, snow boots, and blower in hand while the mighty winds, sleet and snow were having their way with me. That was the day when Tom drove in and with my snow blower raised in the air I shouted out "Honey, if you love me you will take me home!". Home meant Texas. That was the last winter we spent in Chicago.

Tom shows me everyday how much he loves me. I can't wait to light the fireplace tomorrow and make a pot of something especially yummy for my hubby. He deserves it.

Moral of this story: You can take the girl out of Texas but can't take the Texas out of this girl!

D