As much fun as these past few days have been, as good as it was to see my friend Jewel and visit my favourite kitty, Thelly, and as wonderful as the Resort/Casino was, and the food and the drinks and the shopping . . . as fantastic as all that was, it's good to be home. It'll be good to sit in my own blue rocker/recliner while watching the American Idol results show tonight, eat food out of my own refrigerator, bathe in my own tub, and sleep in my own bed. Sometimes I think the best part of a vacation is the part where you arrive home.

Jewel and I got up early this morning - Jewel had an appointment somewhere, and I took the time to shower and pack. When she got back, we killed some time out on her patio, indulging in our vice, before heading out to have Chinese food at Wei's. We had originally been thinking of just doing a brunch somewhere, or maybe afternoon tea, but suddenly Jewel remember Wei's, and that was it. She's been mentioning this amazing Chinese place in her e-mails for months, now, and I'm really glad she remembered it! Now, I love Chinese food - all Chinese food! The very best I've ever had was in China Town in SF during '02 JournalCon, and I didn't think anything could possibly beat that. But, Wei's has! Wei's rocks! Wei's is the best Chinese food EVER! Wei's. Food that makes your tummy smile.

After lunch, Jewel and I said our goodbyes, and I headed back up north. I stopped once again at the Topanga shopping center, and hit the Lane Bryant store. I was hoping to find some new gear to wear to Curves, but there was nothing. Just nothing. I ended up with only a long linen skirt, a sweater shirt, and a blouse. (Listen to me - only!) Frankly, I think I was really shopped out by then, because I didn't even want to go into the Steve Madden shoe store, and I had no desire to pop into Express. I was back on the road by 2 p.m., and with only a brief stop for gas in Buellton, I was pulling into the garage around 6:30.

My timing was perfect! I was able to get everything out of my car, unpack my suitcases, put stuff away, take a shower, have dinner, and sit down to watch the first half of Survivor and the second half of American Idol. As per my usual routine, I was in bed by 9 p.m. and asleep sometime after ten. My bed felt good! The bed at Pechanga was nice - really nice! - and the Aerobed at Jewel's is okay, but there's just nothing better than my own bed. Nothing.

It's good to be home.

Reading: The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold.

Classic Book: Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

Previously: Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Listening to: Nothing.

Writing: Nothing.

Gratitude: Home sweet home.