I put quote marks around “home” for a reason, which is that I always consider where I get my mail, hang my hat and sleep at night to be home.

Tomorrow, though, the sun will rise in the east but I plan to be on the road traveling in the other direction, heading for Amarillo.

My bride and I lived in Amarillo for 23 years before moving to North Texas to be nearer to our granddaughter. We retained many dear friends over the years, just as we did in our prior Texas stop in Beaumont, where we lived for nearly 11 years before relocating way up yonder. This trip will be brief, but it’s one I am anxious to make.

I used to joke that we made the trip between the Metroplex and the Panhandle that we could identify with every water tower, cattle crossing and wind farm on the 300-plus mile journey. I think it’s still the case, although I won’t be looking specifically for those landmarks.

It’ll be a good day for me. A change of scenery also cleanses me. This one will produce the same effect.

But … let me be clear. I’ve never learned the lyrics to “Amarillo By Morning.”