Merry Christmas from Starbucks :D

Well, Christmas is here!  I am ensconced in Colorado Springs, and for the first time since May, my van is unpacked and I couldn't be happier about it.  Aunt Joan/Jean is so happy to have me for Christmas that we're making a Thanksgiving dinner, how good do I feel about that? Tremendous!  Between the two of us, we'll be lucky to eat before ten pm, but we'll enjoy the process as well as making the memory of my first Colorado Christmas.  It's not white, but it's alright :D

It is easy to miss so much this holiday.  I have never lived in a new city for Christmas before.  I welcome the new experience, but my thoughts certainly wander to many cities and people that I wish I could give a Christmas hug to....probably you are among those I miss.  I came to Starbucks because they have Internet access and I wanted to post this among other things.  Should I admit that I played Bejeweled Quest before I wrote my post?  Probably not...

It's been really sweet listening to the girls chat with their regulars...it feels very familiar even though I don't know any one of them.  I'm glad I came because at this moment, I feel more  Christmas than I have this whole season, and let's face it, it's now or never so I am glad that I made the effort to go out.

Well, they are about to close, so I will as well.  I wish you a very Merry Christmas.  I will spend the day counting my blessings and expect that you are among them!  Much love,
Marian

On the Road Again

Well, I'm half packed for Colorado and tomorrow will be the finishing touches on many things, so I figure I might as well get this posted.  I'm half excited and half melancholy about the whole thing, and somehow Christmas has taken a back seat to what's going on in my life.

I finished part 2 of my deposition and I've got mixed feelings about that too.  It means that I have another day of fun filled questioning, but it also means that I get to come back to Los Angeles and see my family and friends here as well.  So, I guess it's alright.  either way, it is what it is.

Aunt Joan/Jean is excited about my coming, and of course, I get to visit the Warford's along the way so, I should get into the Christmas spirit somewhere along the way.

In the meantime, try not to worry.  I'll be okay....it's just another the beginning of a new phase of my life.  Frankly, after how difficult this past year has been, I'm more excited about New Year's than usual, but I'll tell you about that next week, Live from Colorado Springs...keep me in your prayers, I sure can use them :D

Countdown To Colorado

Is it true? Can it be that I am leaving beautiful sunny southern California where it was 78 degrees for Colorado Springs where it was  sunny 27?  Yes, I say to you, yes.  This makes about a much sense as the rest of my life recently, so thee you have it, I'm counting down to get out of town.

This week has yet some excitement of its own: a doctor's appointment on Monday and my deposition on Friday. Sandwiched between these two very different bookends are some activities that have become quite normal for me, packing the van and saying goodbye to family and friends.

While it is my intention to relocate to Colorado Springs, I have had some serious resistance to this, so I'm just telling myself that I'm going for the winter to see if I can handle it.  That has made it easier to say so long to many familiar places and people.  It is hard to believe that I have been here over half my life.  Enough said...I'm going.

My jewelry is coming along over at Encore Nouveau, and I am glad of that.  It may yet give me a great excuse to come back for a visit in Frosty February...in the meantime, I'm just glad to have my designs out and hope for a developing following.  More on that to come for sure.

I may not be able to post next weekend as I intend to be on the road.  When I get to Santa Fe, where I'll be spending a day or two, I will update you on my progress.  Colorado Springs is five hours from Santa Fe, so it will be a day trip from there.

Please know that as much as I wish you the happiest of holidays, I do not expect to get cards out this year, so spread the love around for me and consider yourself kissed!

Turtling

It's nearly one am and I am sitting on the couch at Jim and Lorraine's.  The house is quite still except for a couple of kittens chasing whatever they're chasing at the moment.  It will be a while before my foot lets me go to sleep, so I've decided to post a day early.

Things have been difficult lately and I find myself wondering how long this period of my life will linger?  I know for a fact that life changes whether or not you want it to, and in this case, I want it to very much.  I want to unpack the van and find some things that have disappeared into regions otherwise unaccessible.  Then again, that's more work than I can do in one session....it will wait for me.  I want to get my bed out of storage, and I want to sleep in it.

The other day, one of my sisters said that I was sort of like a turtle, carrying my house with me.  I must say I like that term better than traveling, which sounds more casual than I've been.  I certainly like it better than other words that describe this period of transition for me.

I have been trying to wrap my head around the move to Colorado.  As soon as I decided to commit to it, my jewelry finally got picked up by a shop.  Now, I am kind of muddled.  Making enough jewelry to put in a shop is an investment worth making, but you can only spend money once and on the back of my last trip east, it's a stretch.  Moving, as anyone can tell you, is an expensive proposition.  So, the question becomes: Invest to stay or invest to go....hmmm....Whichever way you shake it, it comes out expensive.  This is not the place to go into finances, but disability is not a prosperous situation.  In fact, I have in mind to write a thorough piece about it once I finish any of the projects already in motion...jewelry, moving, Fluffy's book...nothing too complicated.

I suspect that most people, like me, think that they are protected in case of accident or injury.  Actually, that's very rarely true.  At best, most people have a little grace time to batten down the hatches if they can't work anymore. In many ways, I am a very fortunate women.  I can (and do) a variety of things to fill in the gap, keep myself entertained and productive.  I have always been a busy person, and I've been working (in some way) since I was eight years old.  The notion that I am retired is still somewhat foreign to me, though I am getting the hang of it.  So, like the turtle and the hare, I'll keep plugging along, and in the end, it will be just fine.  In the meantime, this turtle is tired.  Sorry if this post isn't as chipper as others, but it is very hard to tell when a turtle is excited.

AT&T Strikes Again

I know, I know, I complain about AT&T too much, but it's only when they mess me up.  That's the truth of it...anyway...

I couldn't get on line last night for nuthin' so here I am, a day late and more than a dollar short.

This week, I had the pleasure of showcasing my jewelry in a boutique in Burbank!  It was very exciting and I sold a couple of pieces.  The store, Encore Nouveau, on Magnolia between Buena Vista and Hollywood Way will be carrying my line for the month of December (YEAH) and presumably, indefinitely as long as it earns its keep.  My excitement and preparation dwarfed my excitement about Thanksgiving, which is really hard to believe since it is my favorite day of the year.  I only made yams and used the quickie method on that... hopefully, no one will hold it against me. 

I was surprised at dinner to realize that this is my last holiday meal here for some time and it made me a little melancholy as I looked at my dear friends and both my brothers...I don't know that anyone was aware of my misty eyes, I cry so easily when I'm in pain, and people -well- they just let me.  I feel so humbled by their graciousness.  So I did what I should have done, I ate my full body weight and spent the next hours wishing I had shown just a little restraint.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Encore Nouveau requested new tags, so of course I made them...it only took a couple of days...they came out pretty cool.  I'll need to rework them again, but they'll do for the moment.  In the meantime, I had to dust off my designing brain and get to work because I haven't made anything new in a while.  If you've seen me in the last couple of months, then you know first hand that my stock was dwindling. 

I did have to hit a gem show on the quick, the closest one was in San Diego so I spent a day there.  Then I had to get more clasps, as I was down to two (very not good) and so I went to my favorite "no walking required" vendor and got a couple of dozen of them.  In the end, I spent more stocking up than I sold at the debut, but what are ya gonna do?  At least it's out there, and someone else is selling it for me-that's a good start to any day.

As for this week, I had expected to head out, but when was the last time I did what I was planning?  I couldn't tell you that, but I can tell you that I will stick around long enough to make back stock for Encore before I head east for the winter (How very strange!)  So, I remain in Los Angeles, where the temperatures have dropped into the forties (WHAT) and I think it's all my fault because I just have to get used to the cold.
I can't say that I mind being here, so I might as well finish up the Fluffy book while I'm at it.  Very ambitious for a person who has not been able to concentrate on one thing all day (sad, but true) and who knows, I just might get something done...no promises.  Talk to you next week, assuming AT&T can get its act together...

And So It Goes...

Here it is, Sunday, again so it must be time to post.  This week was quite unremarkable.  I had my last QME, which stands for quite medieval examination or qualified medical exam depending on who you're talking to.  Their purpose is to confirm or deny my doctor's diagnosis-this is truly a special experience that I hope you never have to undergo.  So, my official business here in Los Angeles is done!  Yeah!

On a happier note, my jewelry line has been picked up by a Burbank shop, Encore Nouveau, on Magnolia Blvd at Lima St. (between Buena Vista and Hollywood Way).  they are very excited to be featuring my line, as am I.  This coming Friday (did you say Black Friday? yes, I did) they are hosting an event to introduce me as Artist of the Month, for the month of December.  How cool is that?

After all the stress and strain of life recently, it is so refreshing to be dealing with my jewelry.  For the past couple of days, I have designed at least five new Crystalrxs.  It really took my mind off of the other things going on, and that was certainly welcome.

I have been asked if I have a website, and sadly, the answer is no.  I had one but I took it down when I just couldn't get it together.  I will let you know when that changes, but considering that I have such a busy month ahead, I'm not expecting to even attempt it until after the first of the year...so more on that later.

I will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday at Jim and Lorraine Stewart's so I expect to be more stuffed than the turkey!  Friday, I get to Vanna White my jewelry line at Encore Nouveau, and Saturday I expect to pack and load for a trip to Nevada.  It will be nice to see Sue and the girls.  I will try to post again before I head out, but in the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!  We do have a lot to be thankful for, personally, I'm compiling a list so that I remember my blessings instead of just my frustrations-which are ever present in my mind.  Be well, and have some turkey for me :D

Ah, Sunday

This week was so busy, not interesting, but busy.  I went to two doctor's appointments and spent a couple of days recovering from them (ouch).  Enough of that! I spent this week between Jim and Lorraine's and Kevin and Rosalyn's.  Fluffy has stayed at Kevin and Ros's, since she is so distressed by all the cats at Lorraine's, and Coco has been with me since he is distressed by being separated from me.  As for me, I am distressed at having my animals all over the place.  I am so grateful that this period of adventure is coming to a close.

I have committed to spending Thanksgiving at Jim and Lorraine's, and Christmas at Aunt Joan Helm's.  I have quite a bit of logistics to pull off that transition to Colorado but I will get to that next week because this week I have to get ready for my first ever Jewelry Show!

Whoo hoo!  Encore Nouveau, 3322 W. Magnolia Blvd., in Burbank is featuring me as the artist of the month.  I can't tell you how excited I am!  I need to tag about twenty pieces tomorrow and then drop them off for display.  Oh, total excitement.

It is extremely exciting to think that I get to share the jewelry prescriptions that have gotten me through these last two years.  If you're in town, come on down.    Ladies night out is the Friday after Thanksgiving, where I will be ensconced at the boutique to Vanna White my wares.  I'll give you more details next week...

I Have Returned

Yes, I am back in sunny but chilly southern California.  I can't tell you how good it feels to be back, even though I know it is just for the month.  I have decided to move to Colorado Springs.  Hmm, that's still hard for me to say to myself...

I have been living in southern California for nearly thirty-one years, it is certainly part of my DNA by now, but reality is my friend and reality says it is time for a change.  So change I will.  I plan to share Christmas with Aunt Joan/Jean Helm and settling in from there.  I am a little fearful of winter, since I've had so little experience with it.  Nonetheless, I expect to finish my business here on December 17th and head out.  I could say that I'm excited, but I don't like to lie.  I do think that it's the right thing for me right now, so now it's just a matter of logistics. 

I Voted, did you?

Yes, I made it back to California to vote in the election.  Any other traveling person would have voted by absentee ballot, but oh no, not me.  In my own defense, I can honestly state that I had planned to be back for the second part of my deposition (Oh, Joy) in October, but...well, plans changed.

I will be in California for at least ten days for various doctors appointments and other business of living.  Whether or not I stay for Thanksgiving has yet to be decided and I am in no condition to make that decision at this moment.

In my heart, I want to write a much worthier post tonight, but I'm just too exhausted and I don't want to put this off because I hate to worry people.  So, sorry for the lame post...I promise to do better later in the week.

And Now For My Next Trip....

Well, it is a contradiction to experience the loss of a loved one, and enjoy the love of all those who have gathered to pay their respect and lend their support.  The truth is that I am so proud of my family!  People stepped in and out as necessary to ensure a smooth and proper chain of events that Mom would surely have enjoyed.  I'll miss her, but I know she is in a better place.

On Friday, my sister and I went to rescue "Grandma's roses" but that story is too personal to share at this time, besides, I haven't left the state yet...what is the statue of limitations on rose bushes?  Another time, I'm sure to share.  In the meantime, the van is half loaded and I am looking forward to heading west.  I will be in California for the election among other things and perhaps, just perhaps, I will have a tale or two to share with you.

The Best Laid Plans...

Well, it may surprise you to know that I am posting from Valley Stream, NY.  "What?" you say, she said she was going to New Mexico, then California.  True that, so what's up?  Fact is, I am trying to make light of sad, sad, terrible news...

Mom had a heart attack on Tuesday, and died on Friday.  The good news is that I was able to get there in time to kiss her goodbye, and hold her hand.  Now, it's time for the rites of passage...

The other good news is, I get to see so many people that I love this week, and that is enough to hold on to.

As for the book, it will be there next week, when I will dust it off and get excited all over again.

DoubleYeah, God!

What a week! Frankly, I can't remember the week at all, yesterday was a week all by itself.It started off like any other day, the morning routine, when suddenly the phone rings. A parent's worst nightmare has begun. One of my beloved nephews has been in a terrible car wreck with a fatality. Not him, Thank God - that poor family, I think for a quick minute...How is he? He's a mess.

Okay so that's not what I was told, that's what I heard, which is an entirely different thing. For those of you unaware of the people involved, I'll give you the scenario: Three friends leaving a party at a very exclusive private home driving a long private street somewhere in the middle of no where. Somehow they hit a tree. Avoiding a deer? Maybe, maybe not...speeding? Certainly, the driver is unconscious, the passenger was DOA and the nephew in the back seat is also unconscious.

The nephew rouses enough to dial 911 before passing out again and the police use the cell signal to locate them on that private road where they never would have been found...all of my hair is standing up on end! They take the driver to the hospital by ambulance (with video footage via the Internet viewing of the local news) and airlift the nephew to the hospital. By the way, one local paper stated that they were both airlifted, but no so.

The details are sketchy, the condition is serious...not critical... prayer calls go out, Thank you very much all who responded, and for the first time in my life, I went to the store bought a chocolate cake and ate it. I still don't get that...I'm not a huge chocolate fan like some of the people I know, but I made three meals out of it...but I digress.

The nephew had at least two major surgeries as the day progressed with the last one to relieve the pressure on his spine that was causing him to be numb from the bellybutton down. Does this bring back memories for me? Can you say, "Are you kidding me?" Of course you can.

Two rosaries and three hours later, the call comes in, he made it through the surgery (Yeah) and should be waking up soon. This morning the call comes in, he's alert, talking, and has some increased sensation. (Double Yeah) Thank you God!

One of his friends sent me the sweetest message, he told me that my nephew was getting the best care available in the state, and proceeded to explain how he knew it. I typed "Thanks" into my reply and fell into a deep, much needed sleep. Today has just been weird, which is because I am weird.

Nonetheless, I will be disembarking from the Warford's over feigned protests - they are really ready to have their own routines back, though they love me and want me to come back...which I will on October 16, for a publishing workshop put on by the New Mexico Book Association. I am so excited.

In the meantime, I will be at my aunt's in Colorado Springs, where she has not entered the twentieth century never mind the twenty-first, so if it is more than a week before I post again, do forgive me. I will endeavor to find an Internet cafe but as some of you know, I got hacked at one of them in New York so I'm just a little skittish about the whole thing.

As for the family, I must admit that I am so totally proud of my family. The way they made themselves available when needed, the way they communicated without hysteria, they way they supported the immediate family affected by the accident. I am so impressed and sometime tomorrow my hair should no longer be pointing straight up - but no promises. As for my animals, they caught my emotionality and are totally driving me crazy...but it's a short drive :D Talk to you from Colorado.

Finally, An Internet Connection

I'm sitting outside the Colorado Springs Public Library accessing the Internet from the parking lot while the library is closed.  This is certainly a unique experience for me.

Last night I struggled with the Blackberry to post from my phone, which I have an app for.  Evidently, posting to my blog from the phone is meant to be a two sentence deal. if you write more than that, it needs to be read from bottom to top. ?  It was certainly frustrating and ultimately unsatisfactory, but I'll let that go for now.

I am visiting Aunt Joan (Jean Helm) and she is certainly my mother's sister.  It is really remarkable how alike they are.  I have always had a special place in my heart for Aunt Joan, but since Mom is so remote, it is particularly heartwarming to spend time with her.  She has given me so many gifts, I will have to leave some behind for lack of room in the van. 

I have a completely new wardrobe, a complete set of dishes and so many earrings that I should probably grow another pair of ears :)  All of this was waiting for me upon arrival.  I was here for a couple of days in August, and promised to return after house sitting for the Warford's- so it's safe to say that she was expecting me. 

My foot has been better behaved here in Colorado Springs than anywhere else.  Out of the week I have been here there has only been one afternoon that I couldn't walk, not that it wasn't sore, just that I wasn't miserable.  Compare that to most of the other places I've been, where I had the exact opposite mobility factor and you can understand why this has moved to my number one choice for relocation so far.  It is a real pleasure to be able to go to the grocery store and other otherwise normal activities for an hour or two without being miserable for the rest of the day.  I still want to check out northern California and see Oregon, since I have never been there, but at this point, I am very ready to get my stuff out of storage and stay put for a while. 

 I can hardly wait to show my book at the New Mexico Book Association (NMBA) on the 17th.  Half of the NMBA is made up of published authors and illustrators, the other half is exclusively publishers.  It is not unreasonable that my book could get picked up right there (assuming it is good enough) or that I would get specific suggestions for making it publishable.  I am so excited!  Wish me luck!

I will be leaving Colorado on Friday, stopping in Santa Fe for the NMBA workshop, then heading to Los Angeles for part B of my deposition and two or three doctor's appointments.  Certainly, these locations have better Internet access for me, so I will let you know how it goes.

As for my nephew, he is out of the danger zone and his recuperation is proceeding as well as can be expected.  He has a long road ahead of him and can certainly, he can use all the prayer he can get.  I never intended to use this blog for such personal information, even without names, but I would have been hard pressed to write of anything else that day.  I won't be posting on that anymore and assume that it is appropriate for all parties.  I did have to make a correction to that post, though I wouldn't expect you to reread it, I just fixed my error. 

Anyway, I am ready to head back to the house and thank the Colorado Springs Library for their free Internet access.

Okay, this is going to take some getting used to. I guess I'm supposed to write three sentences at a time? I must be missing something...but, I did post gn

It tuRns out that to blog from my Blackberry, I have to text messAge it. This took me way too long to figure out! Now, if this works I'm going to sleep.

I Need To Write

October Already?

Wow! Time sure flies when you're writing Fluffy! I have been editing it and editing it. Simplifying the text for the five to seven year old bracket. It is so much fun! I've added about half the pictures that I need and I am trying to find an illustrator. I have no idea how to do this, but hey, I don't know how to do most of the stuff I'm doing these days....why should this be any different? In the meantime, I have really enjoyed being here at the Warford's. We are very comfortable with each other, and it feels just like home, except the meat is burned...it has been nice to house sit for them and focus on my writing and it has been nice to have them back,they are such fun.

Susie is getting better, day by day. She is back to her usual self, except she now takes naps that last more than 15 minutes. She is playing the piano, gardening, and has her honeydew list well in hand. It's nice to see her back on her feet!

I had a repeat customer here in New Mexico from when I was here last year. That felt so good, I can't tell you. Not much money, but you have to start somewhere.

I have laid out my calendar for the next couple of weeks-I don't want to rush into anything, you know? anyway, I'll be leaving New Mexico for Colorado springs to see Aunt Joan Helm. I expect to stay a couple of weeks. On Oct 17th the New Mexico Book Association is having a workshop on publishing, so I'll come back for that, and then head to Los Angeles about the 20th.

I may stop in Tuscon to see the Wallaces (Trina's family) but I haven't had much success catching up with them lately, so we'll see about that. None the less,I expect to be in the Los Angeles area through Thanksgiving (assuming folks aren't sick of my face :) That's about all for now, talk to you next week!

Fluffy's First Adventure Begins

I am so excited! This morning I finished my first complete children's book based my my actual cat and our great adventure. It is so cute, I can hardly wait to print out the final copy with the pictures and all.

Since I am on the road, I don't have a printer with me, so I'll need to take my thumb drive over to Kinko's or something to print out my first copy! I just know this is going to be a really good thing in my life!

On Tuesday, Jack's writer's group is having a workshop on publishing. How cool is it that I can go with my finished book in hand. God loves me! Oh I can't tell you how cool this is.

How great would it be if Fluffy ended up being the answer I've been looking for? I can write a new book on each of the places we've been to and we could go everywhere (except England-where they quarantine animals for three months). The possibilities are endless! What fun to have something to get excited about, however it turns out. It has been so long since I've felt excitement like this. Nice :D If you want to hear it, give me a call...

Just Thinking

Sitting on the portal at Jack and Sue's, I came to realize that this period of traveling has allowed me to refine and define what it is that I really want. In a sense, I knew I would know it when I saw it. Now I could explain it quite clearly to a realtor or other to actually find it. Since the van is going into the shop on Monday for some sensor or other (yeah, I know, I said I wouldn't fix it) it is a good time for me to figure out my next steps.

I have stayed in so many beautiful homes, I am honored to be welcome in so many wonderful places. Nonetheless, I know that I don't want anything that big to take care of. I don't have it in me anymore and I don't like a mess so I'm thinking something small and open.

I have become aware of the fact that I am not only NOT a New Yorker anymore, but I am in fact, a Californian. Why this surprises me so can only be explained that although I have lived in California more than half my life, I always considered myself a New Yorker.

I remember telling Dad that I was bi-coastal nearly fifteen years ago and it makes me smile. His response, "I don't want that much information Marian" I still believe he thought I was saying that I was bi-sexual, his hearing was never that great. He was certainly confused when I laughed about it. If you knew him, then you know that there was no point in trying to explain, his mind was set and the subject was closed. He would have been ninety this past Saturday. It's nice that I can smile when I think of him, that's a lot of healing right there :D

Anyway, I am just starting to devise a plan for the end of September and the beginning of October. I really want to begin looking in earnest, rather than just visiting and thinking in a global sort of way. I need to be in Los Angeles for Oct 23, for part two of my interrogation, I mean, deposition. I'll probably need to go back for a doctor's appointment sometime between now and then, but only the Shadow knows for sure.

I'm thinking of heading north through Colorado (yes, I did promise Aunt Joan/Jean another visit) and then continuing north west to the coast. I suspect that if I take the secondary roads I just might find exactly what I'm looking for.

I have been thinking of doing a weekly rents somewhere up north so I can leave the animals while I house hunt...I need to do some research on that though. Any recommendations? So, I guess that's it. I know what my next step is, so thanks for letting me figure it out.

For those of you interested in the animals' well being, Fluffy has actually hunted something bigger than she is and took like three days to digest it. She had the weirdest expression on her face and her stomach was full right up to her neck...should I call this one: Fluffy Makes Her Own Thanksgiving Dinner? Coco has finally gotten Ginger to play with him. Ginger is bigger than Coco and pretty timid even if she is a two year old. It's funny to watch because he is so intimidated by her size. He's been running around a lot and has actually lost a few pounds-which I kind of think I found, but that's another story.

By the way, if you are a reader and aren't a follower, I have no idea that you are checking in. And if you are a follower, did you know that you can make comments?

New Eyes for the Desert

It seemed to take forever to drive out of California this time, one of the last things I did before leaving was drop off the garage door opener at my former residence. I should have anticipated it, but the animals were so happy when I pulled into the driveway, and so very upset when we pulled back out! Coco jumped into the driver's seat and absolutely refused to budge out of it. If he could have, he would have physically prevented me from going one inch away from our former home. I felt so badly for them because, I too want to go home. It is such a different experience to travel without a humble abode awaiting my return. It took a little getting used to, and I confess that I am chomping at the bit to begin my house search in earnest.

Nonetheless, I am headed to New Mexico for the month of September to visit with Jack and Sue, then house sit for them, with another visit upon their return. I am look forward to this. Of course I want to visit with my dear friends, but I also want to spend some time with myself, writing and collecting myself from twelve thousand miles of driving across this beautiful country as well as laying down my emotions from so many heartfelt experiences visiting family and friends-many of whom I hadn't seen in decades.

There is a lot to process but when I crossed into Arizona that all changed. Perhaps it was that the speed limit went from seventy to seventy-five, or that the roads were repaved to a smooth sweet finish, rather than the single lanes with construction of my previous passage...perhaps it was the glorious weather, cool clear and sunny? Perhaps it was the feel of the new tires and realignment? Perhaps it was all of these things, but it was a beautiful drive.

I have never been a fan of the desert, but this trip could change all of that. All through eastern Arizona the black-eyed Susans smiled as far as the eye could see. Coming into Flagstaff, the trees were in full leaf with every shade of green dappled in the plants and grasses. For the first time, I saw true beauty in the southwestern colors of the rose colored hills contrasted by the sage in full bloom. Crossing into New Mexico, the landscape stretches out, you can see the mountains and ridges in the distance. I felt that I could drive forever, which is a good thing because I had quite a drive yet to go.

I have arrived in Santa Fe, at the home of Jack and Sue Warford. I don't have much to report but I am safe and sound. My feet are swell, in both meanings of the word but I have plenty of time to relax and recover. In the meantime, I intend to begin my research into relocating anew, and prepare an itinerary for October beginning with a short visit to Aunt Joan Helm in Colorado and going northwest to see where affordable housing leads me. It is possible that I will need to return to California for doctor's visits, but that will only shift my departure point as this phase of visits with family and friends comes to a conclusion. I hope to be ensconced in my new abode by Thanksgiving, and that means I have some homework to do...good thing I'm good at it :D

But I'm Already Retired?

Yup, I got new tires today so once again, I am retired. Just in case you were wondering, I put 12,000 miles on the van...but New York is only 3,000 miles? Okay, so I took the indirect route :D

True to memory, this entire country is beautiful. Even when the people are not so much...this trip I heard more politics than ever before and less middle ground than ever. It's a sadness...

Anyway, I am gearing up for a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico where I should be for all or most of September. A combined visit with house sitting. Fluffy's favorite west coast residence, she's a bi coastal cat now you know.

Where'd She Go?

This week went by in a very curious way...the moments went by so slowly, the days so fast! Here it is Friday and all I have to report is that I did as I should have.

On Monday, I went to the examination that brought me back to California. It was the most painful medical exam I have ever had and that's saying something! It wasn't until Thursday that I could go further than ten steps in any direction...I won't bore you with the novelty of it all, I'll just say that today I did the smallest of chores and called it good. If you're looking for me, I'm on Lorraine's couch...if this is just too exciting for you, blame it on the folks that want me to report at least once a week so they know where I am. As for me, I'll be back in the swing of things soon.

Home Away from Home

Since returning to Los Angeles yesterday, it has been brought to my attention that my blog has had too many lapses and I must concur. Please allow me to explain.

In starting this blog, it was my intention to do two things: 1) to reassure those concerned of my whereabouts of my safety and 2) to provide myself with an overview of the journey that leads to the next phase of my life. I also was concerned that I not turn it into a pain report or some other drivel of the physical realities of my days. As a result, I limited myself to reports of activities that were interesting in some way, and I must confess, there were some days that I was just too busy experiencing the beauty of the world around me to whip out my computer. Then came the virus.

If you are under the impression that l lost some weight on this trip, you know exactly what I am talking about, for alas, the hospitality and generosity of my hosts has been such that no such thing has happened and as a matter of fact I have found some weight that I was not looking for, regardless of what that phantom post said.

Alas, other issues arose that I had not prepared myself for and that is the matter of days spent talking comfortably in some one's home, which leaves little to report and the reality of a necessary recovery day following each travel day, as well as the random lack of access to the internet. Later, I encountered the obstacle of being present to assist with difficulties too private for this blog. A more experienced columnist would have ready interesting tidbits or pre-written stories to fill these gaps, so my inexperience is revealed. No harm, I have learned my lesson and endeavor to correct my bad behavior as I prepare myself for the next phase of my journey to adapt.

Having said all of that, I am sitting at Lorraine and Jim's with Fluffy at my side, who has nearly forgiven me for leaving Jack and Sue's. Who can blame her? It was a cat's dream come true and Fluffy's west coast favorite. While Coco is relishing in his personal favorite - Lorraine and Jim who only spoil him a little bit...okay, a little bit more everyday. What more could a dog want?

Nearly Home

So much has happened since my last post that I hardly know where to start...so I'll start at the beginning. Alice is such an incredible hostess that I found myself there for more than a month! Knowing that I need a couple of weeks to drive west, I left NY/NJ and stopped at Mom's for a kiss goodbye and found her in distress. So, rather than an in and out, I stayed long enough to get things straightened out and left with such a heavy heart. At that moment, if I was able to stay I would have for an indefinite period of time. Nonetheless, I met Barbara and Louis at, where else, the Broadway Diner and headed off into the west.

My next stop was at my long lost cousin's, Beth Anne Gerhart, whom I haven't seen in at least thirty years. It was so wonderful to meet her and her family! What charming people, I am so glad I took the time to stop, certainly there is a closer relationship in the future.

I hopped up to Interstate 80 since I haven't taken the northern route thus far, It was so beautiful! We are certainly blessed! I drove with a mind full of wonder with little regard for time or place, this is a luxury I wish for everyone. At some point, I had to choose a route and since I was caught by surprise, I headed towards Denver. No reason, I guess it sounded good.

Of course, I swung by Aunt Joan's in Colorado Springs since I was in the neighborhood. I had stopped on my way east but she wasn't home. This time, she was. We had such an amazing visit! If you remember how funny she is, then I don't need to explain why I was so reluctant to leave after three days.

New Mexico is eight hours out of Colorado Springs, so here I am. Sue is struggling through her radiation but you couldn't tell by looking at her. She looks better than I have ever seen her! Given my need to be in LA this weekend, I will have to plan another visit when I can stay longer.

My next stop is the Wallace's in Tuscon, AZ. I don't really know how I am going to stay more than twenty minutes since their dog will eat Fluffy for breakfast and it will be too hot to leave her in the car or garage, I will at least say hello and head for the Stewart's for a belated birthday celebration.

I will be in LA for at least a week, but not much longer since I am itching to find my new place and call it home. Then again, they are quite good at keeping me entertained so we shall see...

I Always Knew There Was a Bank of Marian!

It's hard to believe that it's been two weeks since my last post! In our last episode, the family reunion was over and I was contemplating moving on, but Alice did a remarkable job of keeping me here. While reclining on her couch, I somehow managed to take a few day trips. I spent a day or so with Helen and her family. I actually got to spend Spencer and Emma's birthdays with them. It was so nice to spend some time relaxing and getting to know them a little better. Of course the hospitality was excellent and I refuse to decide which birthday cake was better :D



Alice and I took a nice trip to Georgia to see Patrick, Jodie, Ian, Devan, and Liam. En route, we found a town called Marion, Virginia, did we stop? Of course we did...it was a very quiet town. Beautiful trees and green as far as the eye could see. We drove through town and decided on a local diner. After a simple but delicious meal (at a very reasonable price, I might add) I picked up a jar of honey with a chunk of honeycomb in it. Alice got one two and we headed out. By the time we gassed up, we realized that we didn't get nearly enough honey and headed back to the diner for more, that's when Alice decided to ask what the label meant before we headed on - besides, it wouldn't do to never know why it was honey made in Teas...as it turns out we bought honey in the town of Marion that was made in the Teas area of Sugar Grove...we had to go see this, so we did. Believe it or not, Sugar Grove is pretty much all dairy farms. Could this be the place that has everything I need? It was so funny, we really got a kick out of it. Just one more thing though, there were more churches in Marion than we saw people during our entire tour of the city...and there was only one house with a for sale sign, ONE. No, I didn't take the information, that would just be too freaky.


Our visit with the Georgia Hopkins went by in a flash! I don't think I've ever gotten more hugs and kisses in my life, it was so sweet. Liam woke me up with a hug the first day, then Devan sang to me while the house came to life. The day went by too fast, and we couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more!

Of course, we enjoyed the local cuisine, namely barbecue, ribs with all the trimmings including stews and beautiful Georgia peaches. Wow, what a meal! The peaches and pecans followed us home and are still being enjoyed today.

Oh a whim, we called Andrew and Sue to see if they'd like a quick visit on our way home. Not only did they make us an amazing meal, but they did their level best to get us to stay. Alas, Alice had class on Monday so we headed back with full tummies, happy hearts and all the home grown tomatoes we could carry.

This week, I am going to see Mom again, and Gypsy Noonan is coming into town. I am considering going to a reunion for a job I held oh...thirty years ago. Then, I head to Delaware to see Uncle Paul and Aunt Joan before heading west for my return trip.

Would You Believe We're Related?

What an excellent family reunion! There was a completely different cast of characters at this affair than at Michael's on the Fourth or Andrew's in Ohio. Between the three events, I now know about ten more relatives than I did before starting this adventure. In fact, some of the people I met, I knew as a child - which hardly counts since that was a very long time ago.

During dinner, a beautiful lovebird landed on the table. We caught it and gave it food and water -which probably saved its life. Kathy Trotta's daughter took it home and is fervently praying than no one claims it. I can't blame her, before she called dibs, I was mentally adding it to my traveling family.

Meeting Herbie, Linda, Steven and family (Uncle Herbert's two sons) actually left me speechless, no exaggeration. It was remarkable to me how much Steven looks like his father, and Herbie - who I knew better than Steven growing up, did not look anything at all as I remembered him. Janice and Tommy (Ann and Al's daughter) brought the video of Aunt Ann's 8mm films including the family reunion in 1970 at Tallman State Park. I was all choked up by the end of it, after seeing Mom (so pretty) and Dad, (so young).

The quality of the video was not great, and it was sometimes difficult to identify who it was exactly. I found myself shouting out identifications, and I think I scared Janice just a little :) but, when I saw Kevin - who was maybe three, my memory opened up and well, it made the trip for me. Uncle Al, who has his own copy of the video, really enjoyed watching it with the new audience although I suspect that it was nice just to see all those images of his family again.

Meeting Janice made me sorry that I hadn't made a greater effort to see her when she was at Jean's in Culver City - certainly, I will in the future.

Now that the reunion is over, I guess I need to nail down my plans for the next month...so many choices, I am truly blessed :D

Foot Soaks $5

My family is full of gracious hosts! Some, already honored in previous posts, and some, yet to come...Alice welcomed me four days early and catered to my every need. She was four hours done with the school year and nonetheless amazing.

The thing about being back in New York is that I get to see the family in groups rather than the ones and twos that I have become accustomed to. It is amazing and overwhelming. For me, it is way too easy to blow out my foot when my heart is recording all the images/sights and sounds of life before me. These experiences are my lifeblood, and when I am far, far away I replay them to remind myself of the vast amount of love in my life and in the world. It is too easy to forget this when the news cranks out the worst of humanity twenty four hours a day...but I digress...

Michael hosted his annual Fourth of July Extravaganza, among the family members and honorary family members in town for the festivities were Patrick with his son Ian, Chris with both Conor and Ryan, Helen with Spencer and Emma, Don and Lisa with their three boys, and of course, the local contingency.

On July 3, I went to a barbecue at Kathy Trotta's (aka Foulon) and got reacquainted with some folks from way back in high school. I stopped by Michael and Terrie's on my way home which, my foot decided, was not the best idea I ever had. I had a great time, but by the time I got back to Alice's my foot bore more resemblance to a sausage than any other thing. When I woke up at eight, the situation remained and I went back to sleep.

By two o'clock, I could walk a little, and I headed out to the festivities a little crankier than I realized...oops. It was so hot that it was steamy, not my favorite weather but when Michael plopped down a gigantic bucket of cold water in front of me, "Foot Soaks Five Dollars" I would have wrestled anyone to the death for first soak. Ten minutes later, I was a new woman AND I found my smile. It was in the bucket the whole time :D Which reminds me, I owe Michael five bucks.

Gone to New York

Leaving Michigan was hard. It's not just the little piece of heaven that Cathy and Greg call home, or leaving Cathy and Greg, it was trying to catch the cat! Fluffy did not want to leave. Who could blame her? Not me, or Coco either. She was so pissed about it she told me off and then hid under the seat for the entire drive.

Cathy mapquested the trip from her house to Alice's (Long Island, NY) and on the road, I mapquested the route from Cathy's to Helen's (Randolf, NJ) which should have been on the way. Travel time: 10 hours Okay- I left Cathy's about four, and that should work. I wanted to get in at about six am so we could have a cuppa tea before she went to work so I dawdled a little bit. The route selected by mapquest traveled roads I'd never driven before, but then i always went to NJ from NY so, okay, new roads, cool!

When I got there (according to the directions) I was in the completely wrong part of NJ - uh oh, so I quick re-did it and sure enough, a new route that was two hours away was pulled up. This would cut tea to a quickie, so I went directly. Got to that location, it was no where near where I needed to go! Tired and pissed off at myself for not using the freaking atlas, I stopped a cop who politely told me that I needed to be WAAAY north of here, so much for tea - and I headed north. By noon, I was so mad, I can't go into it. Suffice to say, I stopped at Barbara and Lou's (unannounced and unexpected) and Louis prevented a complete and total melt down.

It was after 2:00 and I was out of patience, the animals were hot and tired and I was still no where near Helen's, I went to Alice's - with apologies to Helen, and although I was days early for this visit, Alice was her gracious self, even though my feet were beyond swollen and I was a total cranky butt. Total driving time 14 hours

A good night's sleep can do wonders and so I am wonderful, the rest of the swelling should be gone by Christmas :D the animals are fine, Fluffy may speak to me sometime later in the week, you never can tell, and Coco is just happy to be anywhere besides the van. Tomorrow we visit Mom, and Barbara but Alice is driving, and we'll be at her house at least through the family reunion 7/11.

Michigan Is Under Construction

Driving from Ohio to Michigan is a straight shot up the I75, as I left Ohio, of course, it was raining. Fluffy believes that I am in charge of the weather, and she filed her complaints loudly while anxiously moving from her carrier to under the back seat, looking to Coco for reassurance. Coco is just happy to be on the road, and looks out the window with anticipation of - I have no idea, what. I am a little too close to the memory of the storm on the way in, but the National Weather Service has no disturbing reports and I carry on.

About fifteen miles out, the road construction signs start, which is okay, I guess. Then we go down from three lanes to two, two to a dead stop. I actually put the car in park and listened to a complete news program on the radio. After not quite forty-five minutes, we begin moving again and now we are moving! Speeds here have nothing to do with the posted signs, which I believe are considered decor around these parts. Wait for it, construction, stop, wait, start, fly. Repeat. By the time I got to Cathy and Greg's, I had parked on the freeway three times. I am not exaggerating.

Cathy had directed me to take a particular exit, to avoid construction, and that is the only reason that I wasn't in construction for the entire trip, but it was surely worth it! Cathy and Greg's house is two steps beyond gorgeous. Not only are my animals welcomed, they are immediately adopted and indulged as only animal lovers can do. Fluffy took this opportunity to spend her days and nights hunting chipmunks and squirrels, even if she had never seen a chipmunk before. I don't know if she caught any, she isn't saying - though she has been talking quite a bit, but Lorraine isn't here to tell me what it means.

For the next four days, I am fed all of my favorite foods, which I didn't know Cathy even knew, and of course, they are prepared wonderfully. I am so delighted that I listened to Carin, who told me that I had no excuse not to take advantage of this set of circumstances and visit everyone on my journey. My only claim to doing this right is that I listened to her, and took the opportunity to see Andrew and Sue, who made it possible for me to see Patrick and Jodie (and family of course), who all encouraged me to see Cathy and Greg. I guess I'm getting better at listening, but the fact is that they are the ones who have made my trip so amazing and I am so grateful! What a pleasure to renew relationships and maybe even make some new ones.

Michigan is so much more beautiful than I remembered. As lovely as it is, I could not describe my happiness in spending time with such incredible people! I last saw Cathy and Greg at Carin's wedding, which was fantastic but went by in a wink. I so enjoy spending time one on one with each of them, it is an opportunity I have never had before and will, surely, make certain to do again. It occurs to me that each leg of this trip has been amazing in its own right and though I am reluctant to move on, I am excited to see everyone. Fluffy and Coco may object to moving on but they don't get a vote, they're only animals.

You would not be surprised to know that Cathy took me house hunting, and believe it or not, there are many homes in my price range here that bear serious consideration. None as gorgeous as theirs, but hey, I'm a beginner. Cathy now has my vital statistics for a permanent residence, so who would be surprised if Michigan ended up being my new home...only me. Potential residency count is now two: Colorado Springs and Michigan. Can you say winter, boys and girls, sure you can...:D
Next stop New Jersey, after a rest stop in Pennsylvania of course.

Family Reunion Part I?

Five days at Andrew and Sue's beautiful home turned into a family reunion of sorts. It really worked out perfectly, I arrived Wed. afternoon and got settled in by Andrew who scooted off to work after a short visit. I ensconced myself in their RV since all their bedrooms are on the second floor and I don't do stairs. Sue came home about an hour later and we had a wonderful visit as she prepared dinner for the three of us.

Thursday and Friday, they worked and I rested my feet and took some short drives to investigate the area. It is certainly green and lush, surprisingly, the rain did not bother my foot as I had expected - a welcome surprise. During the day it is a bit of a sauna, but air conditioning makes it very bearable.

Coco and Rosie (their golden) got on right from the start, and Fluffy who escaped upon arrival, dutifully reported to the RV at bedtime, thought Andrew and Sue never saw her for a minute the entire visit. I do believe they think I have an imaginary cat :)

On Friday, with very little notice, Patrick, Jodie, Ian, Devan, and Liam arrived in the wee hours for a welcome weekend visit. It is the first time I've met the boys and they warmed up immediately and we had a wonderful visit that went way too fast. They left Sunday afternoon, reluctantly, and it is a testimony to the quality of the visit that no one was prepared for them to leave so soon! It was so good of them to make the trip from Georgia, and Sue and Andrew were excellent hosts. The two guest rooms were perfect for Pat and Jodie's family, and being in the RV worked out wonderful well for all.

Monday, I got to have a wonderful visit with each of them, and tomorrow I head to Michigan to visit with Cathy and Greg. It has been near twenty years since I last was in Michigan, and I look forward to it. For the first time, my next leg of the journey is less than a five hour drive. Nice!

Indianapolis 70/70

Leaving Colorado was probably premature. I could very easily settle nicely 50 to 100 mile west of Colorado Springs. I will certainly be going back to investigate housing there. God, such beauty! I swung by Aunt Joan Helm's to surprise her on her birthday, but she wasn't home-so I left a sweet note and carried on. I hopped onto I70 and made a bee line for Kentucky...at least that's what I thought.

It took all day to drive through Kansas, and by the time I stopped for dinner-everything was closed. Oh yeaha, this is Kansas and with a two hour time change my eight-thirty was their 10:30 and the only thing left open was Arbys. I gave it a shot, and let's just say that Coco loved all of it. He had nuclear farts the next day but what can you do?

I grabbed a few hours in the van and woke up to open the windows...God Coco, take it outside. He was smiling in his sleep, I just know he knew that he was blowing wind...yuck. No more Arbys for us!

Being as I was awake, and having been talked into Ohio as my next stop, I powered on down the 70 into and through Illinois and into Indiana. It began to rain in that way that is so puzzling to Californians. It was sunny, hot as could be and raining a hot fast drizzle. In my rear view mirror I saw the biggest thunderhead I have ever seen. The national weather service started issuing sever weather warnings for the area I was going through and I started to freak out just a little bit.

I was traveling 70 on 70 and the storm was moving at 55 so it should stay behind me all the way. Every time the report was issued, they changed the location just that much closer to where ever I was and it really started to pour. It got really dark, and the truckers started hauling ass. I took this as my cue to do the same, and all rules of the speed limit were abandoned by everyone as we all raced ahead of the storm. The wind was with us, and I got excellent gas mileage, but as the day wore on-I became more than a little frightened. At one point the storm was announced to be ten miles behind me! So much for their calculations of how fast it was moving...

I started sweating it. I was down to a quarter tank and now the National Weather Service was advising-get this- it is advised that you go into the center of your home and stay away from the windows and remain on the first floor...oh, S***, I don't have a first floor, and I don't even have enough gas to weigh down the van. I was so happy for every rock in the van (of which I have many) and put the pedal to the medal. My speedometer only goes up to 90, so I drove 90 - ha!
I drove to one eighth of a tank, which happened to be back in sunny showers and pulled into a gas station. Filled it up, and found a Days Inn that accepted pets. The only problem is that the pets did not accept the Days Inn. If it smelled that bad to me, I can only imagine what they got out of it.

I took the Therma del Sol bath oil which as a very strong peppermint note and filled the bath tub. This settled the animals down, but I put my pj's over my clothes and watched the storm pass over Indianapolis. There were more than twenty-five lightening strikes simultaneously hitting parts of the city and sirens were everywhere. It really was like a scene out of a movie! The storm passed and I passed out. I slept like a rock and the animals didn't budge though I didn't wake up until eleven-fifteen. It was okay though cause there was no possible way I was taking a shower in that room, it did serve its purpose though...I lived to tell the tale, so much for taking in the sights though...maybe next time I'll see what those states look like.

If you're thinking that I was headed toward Kentucky, you would be correct except that I missed the exit and was no way going back so...I'll go see Steve, the true American hero in a week or so...or something like that. I'll have to go back to my map and figure out how to get him and Patrick into some part of this trip.

I drove another hundred miles or so to Andrew's, and here I sit, well fed and looking forward to a great visit over the next few days.

Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fridge?

When I left Santa Fe yesterday it was 94 degrees, the coolest it had been for the entire stay, this morning I happily put on jeans and a tee shirt and headed up Colorado 550. Boy am I glad I saved it for morning! It was so beautiful!I Ohhed and Ahed my way for at least fifty miles, then it began to rain-and it was still so beautiful!

The road ascends for at least twenty miles at a clip (or as I used to believe-goes north), then winds around any number of times and desends for more or less the same distance (or goes south-putting you right back where you started?) on the second or third incline it was raining steadily, but the road was hot from the sun. The rain began to whisp into small clouds off the highway, which looked a little like angels dancing. As I wound up the mountainside, the whisps thickened into a low level fog and coming around a particularly tight turn became full on fog.

I have never seen fog formed this way. I have seen it roll in like the ocean across the valley when I was driving up to see Trina and Bill in Morgan Hill. I have seen it descend on a hillside while driving across the the Rocky Mountains, but forming from the ground up? That is too cool! Actually, I was so enthralled by the experience that I forgot to be nervous about driving such a winding mountain road. The rain turned to fog, then hail, then SNOW! Oky, only for about five secondsand then it reversed the entire process as I descended the mountain. Someone forgot to tell the weather here that it is June. It really was fun, but also exhausting.

I found a cabin/motel that allows pets and checked in. I am 85 miles east of Colorado Springs. If I had Aunt Joan/Jean's number I'd see if she'd enjoy a visit. I may try anyway.

My Kingdom for Some Milk

I know you thought I was gonna say "tea"...but I have tea, I jut left the milk at Jack and Sue's...how long have I been drinking tea with milk? Oh yeah, forever...I just forgot.

I'm reporting from the Quality Inn in Durango, Colorado. I have a room with two kings, one for me and one for the pets...I am sort of wondering why I have a hotel room tonight when I've only driven for six hours or so. There isn't a good answer, but there is an answer. I especially wanted to drive Colorado 550. It is the most beautiful drive I have ever taken in my life (last August) so since I was in the neighborhood...

I left Santa Fe at about 2:00 as planned. Lorraine will be proud of me because I stopped at a car wash so that I no longer have an adobe car, and headed towards NM 550 which turns into Colorado 550. For some reason, I headed south to go north (no, I don't know why, but I did) and an hour or so into it, the map showed that I'd get there so what the hey...

It is not surprising that it took me forever to get through New Mexico (I am laughing at myself right now) and when I crossed the Continental Divide I remarked on it to Fluffy, who really didn't care. When I crossed the Colorado border both animals were sound asleep so I didn't even comment. It was well after seven and I wanted to see this part of the trip so, I found a room and here I am. A hot bath will do me a world of good, and I have Therma del Sol bath soak. What more could I need?

Tomorrow, Colorado 550 and at breakfast, I promise to make an itinerary for longer than one day. Honest Injun :D

Don't Leave Without Me!

Fluffy did not want to be left behind. And it is a good thing because she is fast and I am slow...which is to say that I couldn't have caught her without her cooperation. Next stop, Colorado...this should be beautiful, whether or not it is interesting... My next post will be done from my cellphone, so don't worry if I haven't got it down yet, I promise you I am trying :D

Lost In Disneyland

I think just about everyone has gotten lost at Disneyland or someplace like it. It is the strangest feeling to be both delighted - because you are in a wonderful place, and afraid - because you have no idea where you are or how to find your way out. This is Fluffy's current situation.

We are staying at Jack and Sue Warford's and they live in the most incredible place! There are trees, fields of wild grasses and a little pond or two which they call by a fancier name, acequia (?). Nonetheless, Fluffy went out yesterday morning at about eight o'clock. she was delighted to be outside after so much time in the van or a single room, and she has always gone in and out but...Jack and Sue have a wonderful dog, Ginger, whom they love like a child.

Fluffy does not trust Ginger one bit, and, in fact,will not come anywhere near where she might be. If you are thinking: Isn't Ginger always at the house? Well, then you have figured out Fluffy's dilemma. She wants to come in -at least to eat and leave again but she's more afraid of the dog that she knows is here than the coyotes that I warn her about or the Great Horned Owls that she hears in the distance but can't identify.

So you see, I too am lost in Disneyland because I love where I am but I cannot find the animal I came with..I'll let ya know when she's back...

What Message?

Okay, so my phone is out. It seems so weird that after AT&T finally forwarded my calls to my cell phone, my cell phone died....no coincidence you say...hmmm...Verizon is FedExing me a new phone by 10:00 tomorrow, then I get to charge it, bring it to them so they can transfer my phone book and then return the nonworking phone. Do I know how to have fun or what? Please don't worry, I will be back in communication very soon.

In the mean time, Jack and Sue almost as happy to see me as I am to see them :D and, of course, I'll take this time to put my feet up (what I do best)

I Feel Like A Spy

Sitting in the back of the van amongst the trees, darkness surrounds me...the cat walked on her harness and leash. She was so curious about all the animal scents...I can hear the tiniest of sounds and I feel like a spy, except a spy would know how to work this phone, and I don't...next stop, Santa Fe.

Nevada Rollercoaster

Hmmm, where did I leave off? Never mind, I wrote that post in my sleep anyway...so, I enjoyed the visit with Carin, Thayne, Leo and Suzanne immensely! Coco thought he was in Doggie Disneyland. Frodo (Carin's dog) was happy to shepard Coco around the dairy and introduce him to the cows and Coco was only too happy to pee on each and every blade of grass. He was ecstatic, and slept with a smile on his face all week. Fluffy got off to a rough start...Frodo, it turns out is trained to attack anything smaller than him (a doxie) which put Fluffy in the category of mouse. I'm sure you can sympathize with her regal cat horror, that is until...Thayne plowed the grounds around the farm disturbing the field mice (who decided that the garage complete with rabbit food was THE place to be. Fluffy had a mouse party, and frankly, I have never seen her happier.
I had intended to spend four or five days in Fallon, but the hospitality as well as the additional visits by Jennifer, Denise, her two girls (Lilly and Haley aka Cute and Cuter) and their roommate Colleen made a week go by in a blink.

I did get to visit Honey Lake which was certainly beautiful, but was eliminated as a potential residence due to road conditions. I got a little itchy to get back on the road, but Carin gave me a talking to and I must confess, she convinced me to slow down and enjoy the moments - which I certainly did! Laura called on Thursday and we planned to get together for her birthday tomorrow but, it was not to be. I'm still not sure why, but I wish her a very happy thirtieth and hope she enjoys herself however she chose to spend it.

After eating everything that didn't eat me first, also known as Lilly's fourth birthday party, I headed back to California to get my car smogged to complete it's registration. I am not going to explain why I left Ca. without doing this first, you just have to know me...Fluffy, who has become quite the traveler, has earned the privilege of entering and exiting her carrier at will. She enjoys climbing all over the van and visiting with Coco in the back seat. At about three in the morning, I was driving down 395 which had become a two lane highway. Fluffy climbed up the passenger seat back to survey her kingdom from the top of the neck rest. After some time of going up and down the windy hilly road, an eighteen wheeler with it's brights on was clearly visible for miles. Fluffy, so new to driving was certain that she was going to be cat scrap and let out a yowl that could be heard into the next county. I am not certain how she reached this particular pitch while jumping backwards to hide under the bench seat where she remained until I removed her this evening. My guess, Fluffy does not like roller coasters, so no Disneyland ticket for her.

Anyway, it turns out that there are NO smog stations off the 395 south so I headed east toward the Arizona border and found a smog station in beautiful downtown Barstow. If you are not familiar with Barstow, consider yourself lucky, all you need to know is that it is in the middle of the desert and people live there on purpose (though I am not sure why).

While the young man with the irregular Mohawk, more v than centered, put my car on the apparatus, he had the left wheel touching the metal plate that supports the car. As he accelerated to the necessary mph, patches of rubber flew off the tire with clouds of choking rubber smoke. "Stop" repeated loudly did nothing to alter his procedure until other words were added. I will not repeat these magic words for fear of confusing those of you who do not speak fluent French.

To make a long story short, the owner of the shop is replacing my tire and yes, it did have to be custom ordered, so I am writing you tonight from the Budget Inn-conveniently located right next to Denny's and twelve blocks from the tire store.

Tomorrow I am either going to Tuscon or San Diego, yes I realize that they are not even in the same state or direction but Gypsy Noonan is in from Alaska until the 15th and is staying in San Diego and I have already RSVP'd for a stay in Tuscon so you can see my dilemma? I'll have to let you know how it works out, in the meantime, believe it or not...drum roll please...AT&T actually managed to get my home phone calls forwarded to my cell phone (only one month late) but if you have deleted that number it's fine with me since it come directly to me without any AT&T fingerprints or charges...talk to you soon.

Remembering Memorial Day

Having spent a week in Nevada visiting my sister, Suzanne, her daughters and grandchildren - complete with the cutest little dogs you ever saw, I actually remembered it was Memorial Day this morning.

If I could, I would go to my father's grave this morning - though I am in the wrong state for that - nonetheless, I appreciate what he did to support our freedom and democracy. It is not that I think he is the only one who did so, thankfully many have and continue to do so, it is just that that is where I start. Remembering my father putting on his John Phillip Souza album and shouting "Rise and shine, it's a beautiful day!" at some ungodly hour...he really wanted us to appreciate our freedom and those who paid so dearly for it, and I do! It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate it...perhaps I am not so busy wondering if I will get a pimple today...be that as it may, I would like to thank all of the people that have spent some or all of their lives keeping us free! Happy Memorial Day!

I am sorry to report that I have not figured out how to post to my blog from my cell phone, but I do promise to be more diligent in finding a link or signal so as not to worry ya'll.

I did get to check out and eliminate Honey Lake from my list of destinations. It certainly was beautiful, but the mail is delivered to the mailboxes on Rt. 395 and the main roads heading in and out of the community are hard packed sand...both of which are deal breakers for me...so the journey continues...

All Ready, Except AT&T

Ah, so close...ready to go, just one box to integrate into the van. The district has invited me to join the board for retirement recognition on Thursday-and off I go...except for one little thing-my phone.

I have had the same phone number for over twenty years, so yeah, I want to keep the number. For a small fee, AT&T will forward all of the calls to that number to my cell phone. A virtual phone if you will. This was a tremendous relief to me until it actually failed to happen. Since Friday, my phone has been giving an out of service message, and I dare say that some people are really worried about me....thanks AT&T! Here I am embarking on the most adventurous move of my adult life and they need to trip people out? Aye yi yi...
yeah, I've spoken to them a half dozen times, and according to the robot it's all fixed except that it isn't and if it doesn't get fixed within a day or so, I guess they saved me the money because it won't be worth doing after all.

In the meantime, I am enjoying Lorraine and Jim's hospitality and tightening up the van inventory. I have found a small city that I really am interested in living in, northern California, so it's my next stop. I'll fill you in when I work out the details...this is going to be fun!

Fluffy, the Traveling Cat

Fluffy is my cat. She has become a traveling cat, though she did not get to vote. She likes her carrier, she just likes it to stay in one place. Now she is okay when the vehicle is moving but when it stops she complains loudly. Will this make me run red lights, no, but it might make a good excuse. "NO officer, I saw the light, but the cat told me not to stop." Would make for an interesting hospital visit, no? Anyway, Fluffy is acclimating to the adventure pretty well. Coco, on the other hand is in heaven. He's always loved traveling, but now he has his best friend with him.

As for me, I am getting the van in to shape for traveling. Deciding what you really need is a little complex. I'm staying with my friends, Jim and Lorraine, who are geographically close to my former home. However, this allows me to get in a few practice runs in with the setup and the animals, and I'm getting the kinks out. Next, I'll need to make an actually itinerary.

Another POD?

I am writing from my kitchen floor because all the furniture is in a POD. This POD system is amazing! They drop it off, you fill it, they take it away and store it. When you want it back, let them know and they bring it where ever you want them too. My new way to move.

Richard and Kevin worked until the POD was stuffed to the gills, and it will be picked up in the morning.However, the yard furniture didn't make it in, one of the kitchen chairs is still here and assorted pieces that I probably could live without, but that one kitchen chair? No, I think I need to get just one more pod, a small one-true, but in for a penny, in for a pound I guess. So the packing continues and I guess I get to keep the lawn furniture after all...

Throwing Away Broken Belief

What an amazing job my brothers did for me today! I knew I had a ton of stuff, but it turned out to be two tons. Oh mercy me, I am so blessed to have so much stuff - but please...anyway, during the course of this very long day, I actually threw away a broken belief...I'm hoping that's true in more ways than one. The way that it is definitely true is that one of my students gave me a beautiful Belief as a Christmas gift. I needed to throw it away.

Over the past year or so, a housekeeper accidentally broke it - so I glued it back together and it was fine. Today, it broke again and so...I threw away my broken belief. Considering the adventure I am embarking on, I do believe this to be a very wonderful thing, even if it is only symbolic...which I don't think it is. How cool is that?

Should Belief be thrown, unceremoniously, cast into the can? Or buried in a shoebox with a written broken belief? This is a cool idea...I think I'll sleep on this idea and throw it away tomorrow.

For tonight it is late, and I had a really big day. I surly earned a great night's sleep.

Thanks for checking in...how about letting me know that you did? I'd like that :D