Volcano update, and a short entry about things from home I miss

First of all -- it looks like my friend Janay will start to head back to Canada tomorrow (and should make it back for her son's first birthday), and thousands of people have been able to make flights today. Hooray... and whew... for the moment.

Second of all -- all of this focus on airplanes, travel, location, and talk of home, as well as the (fingers-crossed) arrival of my mom later this week, has gotten me thinking more about "home" than usual, as well as the things I miss or wish I could have here. They include:

* A few more of my clothes. You might wonder how long it would take to grow weary of four pants, two long sleeve shirts, three short sleeve shirts, two tank tops and a few sweaters. I will tell you... about three months. As of this week, I officially can't stand all of my clothes. I don't even like the kids' clothes! The up side to this is that I am amazed at how good John and I have become at packing light. We can fit everything we need for all five of us to spend four nights away in two carry-on pieces of luggage and two backpacks (and that includes necessary stuffed animals and dolls). When I think of how I used to travel (weighed down) and how I travel now (light and free)... well, it's a pretty great change.

* Some of the things in my own kitchen. It's weird to cook in someone else's kitchen. While parts of a new kitchen are wonderful (I have never used a food processor and now can't imagine not having one... it makes making crusts and bread SO easy), there are other things from home I miss. My big knife. My large red enamel pot which I use for everything from roasting to soups to Rice Krispie bars. My espresso pot. My spices. My own rolling pin. Weird, huh?

* A few more games and puzzles for the kids. While I am so pleased how well they are doing with so few toys, and while we were thrilled to see puzzles and games here in La Maison des Chaumes, there are moments it would be nice to have a few more up our sleeves. I *like* the lack of other toys, for the most part. Things are so nicely uncluttered. The kids make up games with each other and with bits of nature. And the toys they did bring -- Lego, a few ponies, and their favorite stuffies -- are so well loved.

* A few more English language "chapter books" for Jack. We have been BLAZING through books here and  while we were hugely helped by the books in this house, the care packages from Sara and Mom, as well as visiting the "May girls' library" of Lauren, Claudia and Penelope, there have been nights here when we have truly had nothing for Jack to read. So we reread the favorites, or have him read to Kate and Liv. But I think John and I both love snuggling in to take turn reading those chapter books to and with Jack... and having a few more on hand would be nice (or should I say "will be nice", as I think Mom has a few more packed in her luggage if she makes it).

* Bikes. Since the arrival of spring, I have REALLY been missing having bicycles for all of us, and the lovely trails around our house in Lethbridge. We decided we aren't in France quite long enough to merit buying bikes here (plus it's soooooo much hillier), but with this great weather and the lovely lingering sunsets, there have been many moments of wishing we could all take a quick spin on bikes. Soon enough, I suppose.

But what I think we all miss most of all from home are the people (and as much as I love the wine, cheese, bread and market here, I am sure the same will be true when we head back home). I know it will be hard to leave, but we will be able to do so knowing we are going back to good friends and family a drive away. And that is quite a good thing for all of us, I'd say.