The Superior Express -

By Teraesa Bruce

Our washing machine broke down. I swear if it’s not one thing, it’s another! I had started a load of laundry and came upstairs for something and noticed the smell of burnt rubber. The smell was coming from the basement, and at first, I was worried the dryer was trying to catch fire. Nope, it was the washer. Currently, it is in several pieces on the basement floor. Upon inspection, George found the pump was leaking and we could no longer get parts for the thing.

Robert made it home last Tuesday evening, swishy breaks and all. He said they work fine, but they “feel different.” He promises me they are in working order, and he got here safe so that counts. If it were me, I would trade that truck off for a front-wheel drive vehicle with good mileage, but it’s not my choice.

We left Friday evening to pick up Jacob from the airport. His flight from San Diego to Phoenix was delayed, but he thought would still have time to connect with his flight to Omaha. Unfortunately, he did not. After sitting on the tarmac for an hour before taking off, he arrived in Phoenix just in time to see his ride take off without him. It was late, so we decided to stay in Omaha. He was booked on the earliest available flight for Saturday, which wasn’t until after lunch, which meant our family Christmas scheduled for that evening would have to be postponed.

We made the best of the situation, got some shopping out of the way and found one of Jackson’s Christmas list records. We even visited with Jackson and Nicholas for a while at their mom’s house. All this time, Jacob’s flights continued to be delayed, and he was getting frustrated, as were we. The only place we could find open to eat dinner on Christmas Eve was a steakhouse, and after dinner, we drove around looking at Christmas lights and drinking burnt-tasting truck-stop coffee. It was after 11 p.m. when we decided to find a warm place to rest for a bit. After another overnight in Omaha, we arrived home at nine a.m. on Christmas Day.

After a nap, I made our traditional Christmas breakfast, eggs, bacon and pancakes. We then opened gifts and watched a movie. The boys, Dad and step-mom, Dean and Mel, were here for a visit on Monday. Mel seems to think she is imposing on us and feels bad for doing so. I’ve told her she is not and that they are always welcome, but that doesn’t seem to calm her nerves any.

We had our family Christmas Monday evening. Unfortunately, my brother and his family were unable to attend, but we made do without them. It was a nice evening, with lots of food and laughter. From here on out, family Christmas will be held on the 29th, which is Dad’s birthday. It should be an easy date to remember; hopefully, we won’t have to worry about airport delays.

Thanks to the bitter cold, and all the running around, I feel like I am coming down with something. I’m doing my best to take extra good care of myself and not let it get me because I have too much to do to be sicky. I am picking up Jackson and Nicholas on Friday, and they will have to be returned home Sunday, and Jacob has to be back at the airport early on the third. He is headed to Texas for a year.

Robert is leaving today, and I’m not sure I will get to see him before he heads east for his schooling and new duty station. I am not ready for more change, but I’ve made it this far. I used to joke that since we had four kids, we should have one on each coast, one north, and one south, so we could vacation with the seasons at our children’s homes. That was a bad joke, be careful what ya wish for. It just might come true.

Goodbye, 2022. It’s been fun, but not real fun. Hello, 2023. If ya don’t mind, come in quietly and have a seat in the corner, it may take us some time to adjust. The last couple of years have been a little abusive, lol. X’s & O’s.