As I waited in the lobby of the airport, and the time inched closer to 12 A.M. San Francisco time, I started wishing Glenda from the Wizard of Oz would appear. Since she would be in San Francisco, I am sure she would have a little bit of a different appearance and accent.  Her voice may even be a little deeper. Maybe she would ride in on a surf board and say, “Hey man, you’ve always had the power to go home- just click your Steve Maddens together and say, “There’s no place like home.”  She’d leave me with a “Far Out” and I’d magically appear in Demopolis. Glenda didn’t appear but we finally boarded the plane on our way back East.

I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and have been blessed to visit some neat places. San Francisco was beautiful. By far, my favorite experience was walking across the Golden Gate bridge. Cars zoomed by mocking the speed limit of “45”, a mere suggestion. It was also sobering crossing the bridge- phones were available for emergencies and suicide hotline numbers were posted- a reminder of what others come to do when they visit the Golden Gate bridge.

After walking across the Golden Gate bridge, we took a ferry back into San Francisco. It was my first ferry ride. I kept thinking about that old song-“Life goes on day after day; hearts torn in every way. So ferry’ cross the Mersey; Cause this land’s the place I love and here I’ll stay.”

Later in the day, we made it to Pier 39 for lunch. Before grabbing a bite,  we got to see where the seals hang out and sun. They lie on each other as they sun bathe. Every once and in awhile one of the seals will start fussing and others will join in. I found it ironic. There were plenty of other places for them to sun bathe but they chose to lay around and on each other-and seemed to complain about it but did not appear to want to leave their spot. Maybe they were all family and were having a normal family dispute but loved each other so much they didn’t want to leave- we all are like that sometimes with the ones we love.

For those that knew me when I was 12, remember my hippie faze. No, I was not into what you may be thinking; I’ve never even smoked a cigarette. I did have a fascination with bell bottoms, incense, and tie die. I had beads on my closet door and a flower poster from Spencer’s. I also had a green lava lamp.  I even had a bottle with melted wax. I liked to dress from the time period. So, while visiting San Fran, I had to visit Haight and Ashbury. It was neat seeing where Janis Joplin once lived, as well as, the Grateful Dead. It’s not the “scene” it once was. There were still a few on the street that looked the part but appeared to be living on the streets. I was there in the morning so I did not have a chance to browse a shop that I just knew I’d find some clothing from the 60’s- most stores did not open until 11 am which made perfect sense. This was a crowd that would still be asleep.

The sights and foods were great. I am so thankful for the experience. I may go back one day. Who knows?

When we finally reached Houston after our first flight, I was starving. We had been up for 24 hours. I don’t sleep too well on planes. As we got to our next gate area, a Chick Fil A appeared from heaven, and we were able to enjoy breakfast. Our flight to Birmingham was small and only lasted over an hour. I was relieved and ready to be back home.  After we reached Birmingham, and our car at Budget- the lady behind the counter smiled warmly and said “Ya’ll be careful.” The word “ya’ll” was music to my ears.

I was so happy to be home. I had missed my child, my family, and Demopolis. Today, I’ve been gladly doing laundry and watching Chuck Chicken with William Michael. Travel is great- it opens you to new experiences and people. You learn more about the human race but more than anything, it reminds you of what a blessing your life is. Although we live in a small town, we have so much more than a lot of people I’ve seen over the past few days. The 60’s in San Francisco was a time of “peace, love, and happiness”-something that I don’t have to travel to find- Dorothy was right- everything you need is in your own back yard.