On Saturday, September 11th, TC called to check on me. He was also calling to see if I'd like to go with him to Orange. Both Alec and Emma were away for the weekend. My father drove down from Cumberland on Friday night and took the kids to Lisa's house. From Lisa's, Alec was going on to a party a Circle R Ranch. During he summer, Alec worked there for a couple of weeks. This was an end of season party. Emma would be staying with Lisa for the weekend and Jim would be picking them up in Sunday evening. The kids were managed without any effort on my part! Yay!

My original plan was to sit outside in the sun. I was incredibly tired of being in the house. When I discussed it with Jim, he said I should go if I wanted to go. A trip to Orange would be a great escape! I was so excited about surprising Jennifer. She'd been in touch with me and she was following my recovery. On Sunday morning, I called TC at 4:30 AM to make sure he was up. He was and he arrived at my house around 5:50 AM.

Everyone says I'm a talker - well TC can give me a run for my money. When you put the two of us together, I don't think there is a moment of silence. TC and I took turns sharing our stories. We went from one topic to the next without looking back. Needless to say, the ride to Orange went quickly. 

We made good time and TC was the first to sign in at student manifest. I've never had so many great hugs! I think it was good for everyone to see that I was up and about without crutches. I had a small brace on my left ankle and the big black monster on my right. The only shoe that matched up with the "monster" was a black chunky heeled sandal. It looked ridiculous, but the combination allowed me to walk without too much trouble.

I was so bummed out that I didn't get to surprise Jennifer! While she was on the way to Orange, she called to check on me and Jim had told her that I was headed to the DZ. She is such a wonderful and thoughtful friend. It was great to see her again. 

At some point, I noticed that I had received a call from my sister-in-law.  When I called her back, I found out that Alec was messing around and he cut his knee. He required immediate medical attention and my sister-in-law had to take him to the hospital for his first STITCHES!  I was worried about him, but there was nothing I could do for him from Orange. I was four hours away, and Jim was two. 

Things weren't working out well for TC either. The weather was not cooperating and he was running out of time. We had to leave Orange at 4:00 PM because he had some friends from Columbia coming to visit him. Poor TC! He didn't get to jump. I was so bummed for him! If he could have stayed a couple more hours, he would have gotten up.

There wasn't enough time to visit with everyone. It seems like time passes more quickly at Orange. Although it felt to short, visiting Orange was just what I needed - I completely enjoyed the day!