Our trip to Alabama to spend Christmas with the Haynes family was a last minute decision. We had planned to have a quiet time at home doing not much, but with Gayle's Mum being in such poor health we thought it wise to drive back to Wedowee to visit her, who knows how many more Christmas's she may have.
The decision was made, we would drive, leaving Christmas Eve straight after work. Personally, I would rather drive any day as opposed to flying, and Gayle was glad to relax in the passengers seat, surrounded by pillows and blankets. We loaded the Jeep and hit the road just after 6.30pm, missing most of the east bound traffic on I10 ou
t of Houston. This trip was going to be special, we had our two girls, Maggie and Millie, with us. Maggie had not up to this point been a good traveller, she would be in an agitated state just going to the bark-park, going to Alabama was going to be a test for all. Millie, on the other hand, was relaxed and almost asleep by the time we turned off Nth Shepherd Dr on to I10, she wasn't going to be a worry. Maggie resigned herself to the fact that this wasn't another trip to the bark-park and all the huffing and puffing wasn't going to change her situation. By the time we reached the outskirts of Houston she'd pretty much given up and was dozing away with Millie. We had no issues with them for the whole journey, they were glad to get out for a walk and toilet break when we stopped, but just as glad to get back in the car.
t of Houston. This trip was going to be special, we had our two girls, Maggie and Millie, with us. Maggie had not up to this point been a good traveller, she would be in an agitated state just going to the bark-park, going to Alabama was going to be a test for all. Millie, on the other hand, was relaxed and almost asleep by the time we turned off Nth Shepherd Dr on to I10, she wasn't going to be a worry. Maggie resigned herself to the fact that this wasn't another trip to the bark-park and all the huffing and puffing wasn't going to change her situation. By the time we reached the outskirts of Houston she'd pretty much given up and was dozing away with Millie. We had no issues with them for the whole journey, they were glad to get out for a walk and toilet break when we stopped, but just as glad to get back in the car.Our drive was uneventful, stopping often to stretch our legs, once for an hour sleep, Gayle had packed food so we didn't have to worry about finding places open to eat at. We arrived in Wedowee late morning Christmas day, tired but happy to be with Gayle's family.
The Haynes farm is now 42 acres of rolling pasture. The girls took an instant liking to the wide 
open spaces, running, chasing each other, rolling around, enjoying the freedom that only the country can give. I took many walks with them up hill and down dale, they seemed to have boundless energy, exploring everything as corgis will do. It was a delight to watch two happy dogs at play. Once back at the farmhouse they would crash on the floor and sleep for hours.
open spaces, running, chasing each other, rolling around, enjoying the freedom that only the country can give. I took many walks with them up hill and down dale, they seemed to have boundless energy, exploring everything as corgis will do. It was a delight to watch two happy dogs at play. Once back at the farmhouse they would crash on the floor and sleep for hours.Four days of happy and sad times with the family. Gayle's mum, Nel Haynes, was not at all well. We spent time each day with her, doing what we could to give her some cheer. I observed the love of a daughter for her mother, as Gayle tried to make a frail woman's life a little more comfortable - rearranging the pillows, getting an extra blanket, placing flowers in a vase, bringing strawberry thickshakes from the local Burger King. Life for the elderly in a nursing home isn't easy, but Gayle demonstrated her deep love and affection for her mother in both word and deed. I saw a beautiful part of Gayle's character in action, she is a fine woman.
New Years eve we packed our gear, loaded up the Jeep, let the girls have one last run in the field and hit the road for home. Houston may not be the most picturesque city, but it's home for Gayle and I, we're happy here. It was great to see the downtown high-rises come into view as we came along I10, we glad to be home, tired and ready for our own bed. A New Year awaited us, filled with challenge and promise, '09 was going to be a good one.
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