Paula Thrailkill, standing second from left, enjoys an outing with her family at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – A transplant from New York state, Paula Thailkill finds that Madison always feels like you’re home.

A native of New York state, she grew up in Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls and Hyde Park, N.Y. Paula moved here 28 years ago because she “was lucky enough to meet and marry my husband, Dannie D. Thrailkill, when he was TDY in Endwell, N.Y. He always wanted to come back to Alabama and be close to family.”

Paula and late husband Dannie were married for 30 years. Their daughters are Cyndi, 33, and Robin, 31. “Cyndi gave us a grandson, Max, who will be 9 in July and Robin another grandson, Ray, 6. We’ve always lived in the same house on Sabel Circle,” Paula said.

“Alabama people are very warm and friendly. I’ve met many wonderful Christian people that have had my back many times,” Paula said.

Since 1988, she has seen Madison “grow leaps and bounds with new businesses. I don’t have to go to Huntsville, which for someone new can be a very interesting adventure as roads change names even though you haven’t turned.”

Paula describes local schools as “fantastic. Faculties work so hard to make sure our children get the best education possible with very limited funds.”

However, she didn’t like local drivers. “I was told too many Yankees had moved here. I guess that meant they were trying to move me out of the way, but we stayed,” Paula said.

Planting flowers and mowing are favorite hobbies, although she now asks others to help. “I like to work with my hands, on the computer and going out with friends,” Paula said. “We’re all so busy, but it’s so important to be with friends to find out what’s going on in their lives.”

She also enjoys road trips to New York to visit relatives and friends.

Although retired, Paula has no problem keeping busy because Max and Ray always have new ideas.

Charlie, her 40-pound blue healer, “thinks he’s a cat.” Her cats are Flirt, who likes to wink, and Trouble “who earns his name every day.”

When eating out, the Thrailkills head to Main Street Cafe, IHOP (Ray’s favorite), McDonald’s (Max’s favorite), Arby’s (Paula’s favorite for Jamoca shakes), Ruby Tuesday, Outback and Logan’s.