RAINER'S RAMBLINGS
Good to be home
By RAINER ARNOLD Union Sentinel Publisher

Last Saturday I got home from a short vacation and I must say it is really nice to be back home. After all, how can anyone not like people saying "Welcome Back" and "it is good to see you back" and many of them even giving you a hug. That is a great feeling.

But then, when I think about things a little more I start to realize that it is really great to be back home. Upon return on Saturday my wife and I went to a small St. Patrick's Day party at a friends home. That was nice and I had to tell all about why I did not go skiing like I said I was going to. See, Austria did not have a lot of snow where I was going to go skiing. So, I would have had to go much higher up in the Alps than I wanted to. And the slopes there were really steep. Now, I can ski, but I did not want to break my legs skiing above my limitations. And I must say, the steep and narrow paths above 7,000 feet made it easy for me to pass on skiing.

It was also nice to come home to your own bed and easy chair. I actually went to several homes over there and not a one had a easy chair in the living room. They just don't know what they are missing. I also slept so much better in my own bed than elsewhere.

It is also great to get back into the routine of life work and playing soccer. I actually had soccer practice yesterday and I am still tired this morning. I am back working, writing and making arrangements for a variety of stories.

It is great to be able to drive my own truck rather than a rental where you have to worry about getting a little scratch or minor dent. With my truck it does not matter much. It is also nice to know where everything is, but there are things I do miss.

Most of all, the fruits, meats and veggies over there are really fresh and flavorful. And since I love tomatoes I miss the ones they get from Spain. Boy, they are good.

I also miss the great meals at a reasonable price. Yes, food is actually cheaper over there than here.

And, believe it or not, most people like Americans. They may not like American politicians, but they generally like American people very well.

So, I must say, I was glad I had a vacation but I am also glad to be back. Really, it is great to be back in a routine that has become comfortable.