The tour is finished. I arrived back in Port Orchard on Sunday afternoon and was instantly immersed in real life. No one was there to cart my luggage or take my order for dinner. In fact, as soon as I unpacked my suitcase I was off to the grocery store.

It always takes me a while to get into the feel of being home again. To ease into the transition, I have a small ritual I go through after a long absence. I wander from room to room and lovingly touch my favorite things. It’s my way of saying, "I’m home, I missed you, and I’m so pleased to be back." Just before dinner Wayne opened a bottle of merlot, and we sat and cuddled for a while. My head was on his shoulder, and we didn’t need to talk. It was enough just to be together. Ah yes, it’s good to be home.