Day 36

This has been one long day. I woke up at 6:00 and got ready to travel back home from Tiff's house. I left there at around 7:10. I packed up Opie to bring home too. He was such a good traveler. I took away his food and water last night because he would be in a carrier, in the car, all day and I didn't want him to make a mess in there. He slept most of the trip and never made a sound. The carrier is built with little zippers that can be opened so that I was able to reach in and pet him while I was driving. The carrier rode in the passenger seat and also has built in velcro straps so that I can "seatbelt" it in. How cool is that?  
The trip started out very nicely. Made pretty good time, the sun was shining and the temperature was warming up. I had lunch at the half-way point - a chicken sandwich and diet coke from Mickey D's. Once I left there, however, the weather did a drastic change. Clouds rolled in, the wind picked up and pretty soon it was pouring rain. I turned on a local radio station and there were reports of heavy storms, hail, high winds, and tornado warnings. It was a pretty intense storm and I drove through that for the rest of Kentucky. Along with the storms, the temperature dropped 20 degrees. My newly manicured toes were now cold in my sandals and I debated whether I should turn on the heater instead of the air conditioner. I was not dressed for the change. I made it home by 4:30 safe and sound. I had a great time, but it's nice to be home too. 
I was a little concerned about introducing Opie to all the girls. I put him in the bathroom with food, water, and his litter box. He ate for a bit and then crawled through the gate I used to block him in and he just walked in to introduce himself to the dogs. Overall, it has been a much smoother first meeting than I anticipated. He is not really interested in them and will growl at them if they get their noses too close. All of them are not quite at ease yet, but I'm surprised that they're all together and they are surviving! 

I've gotten some nice emails and notes from Wade today. I have kept him informed about each of my rest stops during my trip. Telling him where I stopped, what I ate, etc. We have driven this trip so many times, that we know the stops and roads very well. He is still trying to relax and let his back heal although he says that it's a little bit better. He still needs prayer for healing and relief. 
I got home tonight at 4:30 and went to bell rehearsal at 6:00 and a church board meeting at 7:00. I was done by 8:00 and came straight home. I am looking forward to just relaxing now and enjoying all my four-legged friends here tonight.