Homecoming

Back Home Again in Indiana

I’m a Hoosier transplanted to Arizona. Though I love my southwest home, after “Autumn in Arizona” http://seamslikeastory.com/autumn-in-arizona/ I needed to experience fall for real. A three hour plane ride and I was back home again in Indiana. http://seamslikeastory.com/fly-away-thoughts/ Several things made this trip important to me:

A Wedding

John (not his real name) was a student in my first grade class and, nine years later, was also a student in my husband Ed’s high school biology class. I remember him as a lively red-haired little guy. By the time he was in high school, “lively” would be a mild term. Ed saw through the antics and challenged this bright young man to live up to his potential. After he graduated from high school, John joined the Marines. Ed and I kept in touch, often taking him out for lunch when he was home on leave. We’d lost touch for a while, and were excited to receive an invitation to his wedding this fall. Of course, we had to go.

The wedding was in a former dairy barn now seeing new life as an event venue. On a crisp, clear afternoon, the drive through the country brought back memories. The old structure was immaculate, but kept the original barn feel. The ceremony, happy hour, and dinner were simply charming. It was fun to see John and his bride begin their new life together.

Marching Band

What would homecoming be without a marching band? Our granddaughter, now a sophomore in high school, is a proud clarinet player in the marching band. We timed our visit to make sure we could see her perform at an exhibition before the Indiana semi-state band competition. We bundled up, sitting on blankets to warm the metal bleacher seats, and thoroughly enjoyed the display of bands from large and small schools. We knew from experience (both of our kids were in marching band) how much work the kids, band directors, and parents had put into their performances.

Persimmon Ice Cream

A visit with Ed’s 86-year-old mother would not be complete without a drive through the countryside where the scenery brings up stories from her childhood.

We always stop at the Jiffy Treat before we take her home. We didn’t see Jack and Diane (two American kids growing up in the heartland). You might see them down the road at the Tastee Freeze (John Mellencamp grew up in a small town just south of here) But it’s persimmon time in Indiana and I had the most wonderful scoop (ok, two) of homemade persimmon ice cream. Oh yeah, life goes on….

Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, and Hay

The pictures speak for themselves. It was a beautiful trip. We spent our last night at our friend’s farm. I got my Fall Fix, but we made it back to Arizona just in time. The weekend forecast for Indianapolis…40 degrees, rain possibly changing to snow.