This past weekend was one of the first in a while that I really enjoyed living in Maryland again. It happens from time to time - usually in the fall when I drive out to Sugarloaf Mountain or Catoctin Mountain Park. But there was nothing special that happened this weekend to make me like it more here. I stayed around Laurel and caught a little of the Laurel Main Street Festival. Then I hung out with my mom, brother, and sister to celebrate Mother's Day. The best part of the weekend was Sunday night when a big thunderstorm rolled through. We didn't get as much rain here as in other parts of the area, but there was enough thunder and lightning to give that little tinge of excitement that makes you want to stand out on the front porch and watch for a while. It was right around that time, standing out on the front porch watching the rain hit the street, that it occurred to me how comfortable I felt. It was that kind of comfort you have when you feel like you're home or in a safe, familiar place. I hadn't felt like that in years.