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<blockquote> <p>I remember the thread last summer about what parents were planning to do with the vacated bedroom--turning it into a guest room, a study, having younger sibling move in, etc... Looks like none of the redecoration took place!<<</p> </blockquote>
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<p>It did at our house. D arrived home late last night and is now sleeping on a mattress on the floor of her mother's new study.</p>
<p>i actually offered my bedroom to my 17 year old cousin while i'm gone, but as far as i can tell he hasn't slept in it at all. i can tell because my room is nice and clean and my bed's actually made. :)</p>
<p>When we arrived at the airport yesterday morning we ran into 4 other families also awaiting their children (plus, Momrath's son was there with friends!). Son weathered his 31 hour trip with minimal difficulty and the duffel bag arrived with him! We waited until we got home to "debrief" about school (the hour long car ride was spent hearing about the trip and relatives he just visited with) so that son#2 (whose essays are almost done) could hear the details. </p>
<p>The basics- really enjoying his schoolmates (quirky, openminded, fun loving, interesting, disparate, welcoming) and professors (also quirky, good humored, helpful, challenging, clear in their expectations). Biggest adjustment- to the "isolation" (to be expected, going from a city of 20,000,000(?) to a town of 10,000!) and the food (bland).</p>
<p>Best question asked "What do you do on a Tuesday? On a Sunday?" Generated an hour of interesting answers...</p>
<p>Changes noted? Still ironic and funny. Chattier, looser. I think he has reinvented himself a bit socially-- </p>
<p>Looking forward to the rest of the vacation!!</p>
<p>Roby:</p>
<p>I'm so pleased for you and for your S! It looks like your S is growing into the person he is meant to be and this is a very interesting person to know. Enjoy his stay at home.</p>
<p>Marite,</p>
<p>Since my own trip home from college was a 15 minute ride down the Mass Pike my parents saw me a bit more than I see of my son. There was no less re-invention of self, however!! </p>
<p>My friends here had said that the greatest parental enjoyment comes from watching the siblings re-unite. So true! They didn't want to be more than 15 feet apart all day!!</p>
<p>With wishes for a safe holiday season..</p>
<p>Roby</p>
<p>"Dungeness crabcakes (a la Chesapeake Bay)"</p>
<p>Had to comment on this: oh, so lucky!</p>
<p>Wonderful stories everyone.</p>
<p>willywonky: In Alaska with Maryland roots, salt water in my veins, red salmon in my soul! Trust me! The crabcakes(picked from live Dungees fresh from Southeast Ak) were worth it! Almost like home.</p>
<p>Sometimes I don't appreciate what I have here on the eastern shore of Maryland! Thanks for the eye-opener, crabbylady. ;)</p>
<p>I just learned about this place today, and loved it! I decided to register today too...anyway, the reason of this post...</p>
<p>Did anyone realize member "mini" was going to India for vacation? As we all know, the tragic tsunamis crashed into the country of India....I hope all is well for her.</p>
<p>Dukeofhazard:</p>
<p>First, welcome to CC. Mini is actually a "he" and a homeschooling dad. Check out his latest post on Robyrm, Momrath... from Seoul on his way to Madurai. He's carrying a check for $7k that he raised in a couple of days from CC and his network of homeschooling parents and some others.</p>
<p>Thank you for that....I was just connecting the dots...glad to hear he is well. Thanks for the welcome.</p>