Whoa Dude ! Can't remember when there was time to create a post for this glob.
It all started with loading the Good Times Van with three weeks of necessities for a Christmas-cross-country-trip, three dogs and their accoutrements, and HansMan and his $hit, crap, 'stuff.'
Since there still isn't much time to dedicate to writing, here is a list of what I've observed, heard, learned, etc. so far:
1. It's a long way from Grand Junction to Bartlesville. Especially when there are three jobs to be done in between those two points.
2. It always rains or there is construction when it's my turn to drive.
3. Even though there is a full size bed, a pallet on the floor, and two captain's chairs for the dogs, all three want to sit in my lap. At the same time.
4. Are we having fun yet ?
5. Finding needed items in the van is not an easy task when 'someone' has rearranged everything in it.
5a. Coordinating house sitters so that they all aren't at the house at the same time is not an easy task. (One reported that someone else had been in the house. (Finally, figured out they were all there at some point during the day/night, but at different times.)
6. There are no La Quinta's (pet friendly) where we need to spend the night.
7. Finally found a pet friendly motel in Garden City, KS, of all places ! That's where my youngest daughter and I "drownded" a Honda Accord one year. That's a wholenother story.
8. Waving as we passed Pioneer Woman's Ranch meant we were almost there.
9. Seeing the skyline of Bartlesville was a welcome sight.
10. Invading daughter and son-in-law's house with boxes, bags, luggage, and dogs causes a wee bit of C~h~A~o~S. Not to worry, hugs from Parker and Wyatt make everything 'ok.'
11. First morning, awaken to soft tickles on face and sweet kisses from Parker.
12. Second morning, awaken to a head butt from Wyatt. (The reddish/bluish/greenish tinge around my eyes is festive.)
13. Open gifts and wade through a sea of wrapping paper while grandkids play with first gifts opened and the boxes they came in.
12. Re-load van and head south with two-and-one-half weeks of necessities for a Christmas-cross-country-trip, three dogs and their accoutrements, and HansMan and his $hit, crap, 'stuff . . . AND two grandkids ! What ? We've added children to our travels !
13. Celebrate another Christmas with youngest son and his family.
14. Celebrate can be used loosely where the dogs are concerned. No matter how many times I tell HansMan that June Bug doesn't play well with others, he still doesn't get it.
15. Dog fight with youngest son's dog, Jake. Dogs sleep in van. HansMan almost ended up there, too.
16. Learn that adding peanut butter to chili recipe makes it scrumptious.
17. Two grandkids picked up by mom and dad. Tell Texas family good-bye, and re-load van and head south with two-and-one-fourth weeks of necessities for a Christmas-cross-country-trip, three dogs and their accoutrements, and HansMan and his $hit, crap, 'stuff.
(See item #4)
18. Stop in small town close to Itasca, TX, to see cousins. Learn that there are others who collect Santas and that she has about 750 more than I do. Fill up jugs with well water. A delicacy for HansMan.
19. Continue south to Austin for another job. Coordinate that and visit with high school friend and her husband. Learn that adding mashed potatoes to yeast roll recipe makes them scrumptious.
20. Enjoyed seeing the libary of her husband/famous author. (Hint: Holes)
21. Less than 24 hours, on the road heading east to GA.
22. It's a long was from Austin, TX to Valdosta, GA.
See item #4.
23. Decide to take "scenic" route along coast. Good idea except for the fact that the ferry was closed and we had to back track about 90 minutes. So, that's what those signs along the way meant. Who knew ?
24. No problem. HansMan found 20# of fresh shrimp and I shopped at roadside junk sale and found collectable glass items.
25. Arrived in Valdosta . . . to be continued.
Better you than me.
I'm a homebody for all the reasons you listed and more.
:)
Posted by: Ami | December 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM
whoa. That's a lot of tough traveling! Hope the ride back home is easier! I know you love it though.
Posted by: Sayre | December 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I need a rest after reading this post.
Posted by: Peter Willowtree | December 21, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Merry Christmas you traveler you!!! Be safe n Happy New Year too!
Posted by: Janis | December 21, 2011 at 03:44 PM
Swampy, you wear me out! And yet, you accomplish the seemingly impossible---surviving such a roadtrip---AND look, you brought WT out of the woodwork!!!
I have the puppy who does not understand that not everyone likes to play, and that especially some dogs don't like to share their toys.
Posted by: Puppysitter | December 22, 2011 at 01:04 PM
I am reminded of a trip by brother .. racing to get to the ferry someplace on one of the great lakes. When they arrived there was nothing. A local said, "What? that ferry has been closed for 30 years."
So much for tourist bureaus.
Posted by: Pamela | December 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM