Everything You Don't Want to Do When You Travel

The day started off well enough. I was up at 7:30 a.m., which is unusual for me, and on the road by 9. I am generally a night owl (definitely not a morning person) so I found myself drowsy as I was driving. I realized that I had devoured (wanted to say drank or drunk, but don't know which is correct) the last diet coke. Generally, I get decaffeinated everything. I'm not a coffee drinker. So I decided to wait until I needed gas, then run in to get some non-decaffeinated coke. Worked like a charm.

The newest GPS I have gives me the option of putting towns as destinations. I had mapped out a route that paralleled  I40. What I should have done was just marked the last town (I think) because I drove from 9 to 5 and only wound up in Little Rock. Was I going around in circles?

There were some highlights of the day. I crossed the Mississippi on a very small narrow bridge. Was astounded at how extensive and expansive the bread basket of our country really is.

The ride was pleasant, but what I had not counted on was the heat. Whenever I've gone out west, it's been in the spring which meant we could find a place to stop and eat lunch in the motorhome/trailer--relax for a while. When I went in 2010 with Jack, I could find streams and little lakes to give him a break from the car. Plus, my general rule was a day of driving a day off (for him) until we got out west. Then we stayed longer in different areas and explored in the truck.

I started to get a little sad and teary thinking, "I miss Rich. I miss Lizzie. I miss Jack." I had changed from the book to music so I went back to the book. I wondered whether I was running to something or away from something. Memories come with me so neither would work.

I really thought I'd be in Oklahoma, tonight, but it wasn't to be. I'm at a KOA--kind of expensive (twice as much as last time), but it does have a pool. As soon as I pulled in and hooked up water and electric I threw my clothes on headed for the water. It felt so good. It really relaxes my back. I killed two birds with one stone because after that I jumped in the shower and shampooed my hair so I felt very refreshed.

The next hurdle was figuring out how to work the TV though I doubt I'll be watching any. Figured I might was well bite the bullet. Looked through all the stuff from the dealer--no TV manual. I looked on the internet, but I didn't know the answer. I fiddled around and finally got it going. I have lots of DVDs with me so when I want to watch one, I watch it on my computer.

The microwave was next. Got that to work. I have rarely camped in the summer so I have rarely used the air conditioning or the heat. When I have gone to Charleston with Susan, it was in the Jayco and things seemed easier. Since we had full hook ups, I generally used an electric heater and it was just fine and QUIET! The air is on, now--can't hear myself think. It took me a half hour to shut the darn thing off so I could turn on the microwave. I don't know what I did and don't know how to do it, again. Again, no directions. At one point the furnace came on.

Well, that's enough complaining for the day, huh? Went through towns with populations of 123 and 250. My upper back is killing me--tension, I think. Oops, I said I wouldn't complain. I may just stay another day and then get on I40 until I reach New Mexico. I'd love to do this trip, again, in the spring or fall when I can stop at the Wild Life Preserves I passed. I'll decide in the morning.

Judy Was the Baby. Buddy (no.1) was the brother I grew up with.

Sure wish I had a picture. Just one--my little nephew, Chaise, gave me a tiny little flip flop as a present when I left my sister's in New York last May. It can't be an inch long. When I was last up there he was two, I think, and every time he looked at me, he screamed, "I want to go home!" This past time, he warmed up, immediately. When I got home I told him I kept his present on the window over my sink so I would smile and think of him every time I looked at it. Now I send him a picture every day. (small things amuse small minds).

I added this before taking off this morning.

This is my sister, Judy. We had such a good time touring the Amish country in Pennsylvania last may. We were so busy I took very few pictures, I'm afraid to say and didn't blog about it, either.

Sorry. The Devil Made Me Do It.