It's been a busy week. This morning we went to brunch with JoAnn and Wally to a place called Red's. Every time we've passed this place it's always been packed, many times people waiting outside for a table. Today was no different but thankfully Wally had called ahead for a reservation which greatly minimized our wait. Food was good; company was great.
Later Jack hit some golf balls, I read while enjoying the sun with Tanner and Sydney snuggled in the chair with me. We rode our bikes around the campground and discovered that each walk we take with the dogs is just a little over 1/2 mile. So, typically in a day we walk, with the dogs, 3/4 mile. That's 3/4 of a mile exercise we don't get at home. So, so much easier to open the back door and let them out to run on their own.
Tomorrow Jack plays golf with a bunch of people from the park and I'm going on a bike ride with Deb and a group of other people from the park. We are working on plans for a week in Key West next month.
A journal written about life, retirement and our journey throughout the United States in a 5th wheel, along with our two Shih Tzus, Tanner and Syndey. Written not for notoriety but for our sons, family and friends, so they know where we are at any given time. And particularly for ourselves. Finally, we get to slow down and smell the roses and we don't want to forget any of it. You are welcome to join us as we go 'Down the Road a Piece'.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Dog Sitting on Thursday Night Jan. 27, 2012
Jack and I offered our services to JoAnn and Wally tonight. They were going to Orlando to be with some friends from New York. We agreed, without reservation, to walk and pottie Winston and J.J., their boxers. Seems when I'm outside our dogs are always with me. And Tanner only barks at two things; another dog and another person. So getting to know another dog in the park is almost impossible for me. But Jack, on the other hand has gotten to know Winston and J.J. and they seem to really like Jack. Me, not so much. They associate me with the barking little ankle biter, Tanner. So, last night we walk across the street at the appointed time. Jack takes Winston, the larger of the boxers and I take J.J., the smaller one by 4 lbs. They are blood brothers and where you see one you see them both. Wally walks them throughout the park with both leashes in one hand. How hard could this be? J.J. took off like a bat out of hell with me behind him, my feet barely touching the ground. When I finally was able to catch a breath I asked Jack, "Which one of these dogs is the Alpha dog?" "Oh, that would be J.J.!" Isn't that something you should have told me before we started out, I think to myself, as I shout out to Jack, "Please slow down so that J.J. can catch up with Winston!" Jack yells back over his shoulder, "Trust me, slowing down isn't an option." Winston evidently enjoyed his new found freedom without J.J. bossing him around. Finally, mercifully Jack was able to slow Winston down. And with J.J. pulling me at almost a run we caught up with them quite quickly. Those two dogs acted as if they hadn't seen one another in weeks. They jumped on each other, played, and bounced around like two kids. It really was sweet to watch them. And once they were able to walk side by side they were fine; no more pulling. We had a nice easy walk throughout the park.
What I haven't mentioned is this.....when we first harnessed the dogs and started our walk, several of the park's residents were doing their evening walk. Of course, me being pulled like a New Years Day Float didn't go unnoticed by any of them. So, this morning when Jack and I took our two out for their morning walk a few of the neighbors were gathered at Fran and Dick's; she is the local beautician and their RV backs up against our RV. We were the subject of the morning conversation and their laughter still rings in my ears.
Here is a pic of Jack, Winston and J.J.
What I haven't mentioned is this.....when we first harnessed the dogs and started our walk, several of the park's residents were doing their evening walk. Of course, me being pulled like a New Years Day Float didn't go unnoticed by any of them. So, this morning when Jack and I took our two out for their morning walk a few of the neighbors were gathered at Fran and Dick's; she is the local beautician and their RV backs up against our RV. We were the subject of the morning conversation and their laughter still rings in my ears.
Here is a pic of Jack, Winston and J.J.
Sorry for the delay in posts
Okay. Here's the jest of my absence from the blogesphere. Remember my post about the craft show we attended at a place called The Villages? Well, at that craft show I purchased a gorgeous patio plant for our picnic table. I carried the plant, which was wrapped in plastic, at arm's length and with my right hand, my right arm taking the blunt of the work. Although I kept schmucking people with the plant over and over and kept apologizing for schmucking them over and over I really had no choice but to carry the plant as I was. What I had forgotten was that just a month ago I had been treated for a pulled muscle in my right arm. When a person feels good all pain in the past is forgotten. Stupid mistake....big, gynormous, mistake. The next day I felt as if my right arm took on a life of it's own. The pain was horrible. Although I dealt with the pain for a few weeks I knew I would need to see a doctor. By the time I got to the doctor I felt certain I was suffering some horrible disease, would need surgery and never have use of my right arm again. You know how those things go....Someone has an Aunt Maude who has a friend, whose niece's husband had a brother who died from the same symptoms you have. Oh for the love of God....I have arthritis in my shoulder. Just as everyone who lives long enough gets toe fungus many too, gets arthritis. Unlike my brother, Bill, who suffers extensively from RA my arthritis is "old age" arthritis. Okay. Move on. So, now that I know my arm will not be falling off anytime soon I will charge ahead.
Can't recall if I've already stated this but it deserves repeating; I feel more safe and more at home here at Sandy Oaks than I do in Hunters Ridge in Warsaw, Indiana. There is no way I would walk the dogs, by myself, at night in Hunters Ridge. Here, at Sandy Oaks, from day one I have felt safe and secure at night. No one locks anything; bikes sit out at night unlocked, Jack leaves his golfs clubs sitting out; motorcycle with the keys in the ignition. It seems almost surreal. Now, are there pervs here? Sure. There is no place on earth exempt from pervs. It's just when you reach a certain age (old) you don't have too much to worry about. What you do have to worry about is forgetting where in the hell your camping site is. Oh, sure laugh. But trust me, it isn't funny. Once, ok. I can laugh it off. But twice, it's gets a little worrisome. Picture it....it's freaky dark. No moon. Just you, a flashlight, two dogs, a nightgown and a support bra that after the age of 50, ok, ok, two hairs from 60, is more of an enemy bra than a support bra. All you can think of is walking around aimlessly for hours until you accidentally happen upon your RV.
Can't recall if I've already stated this but it deserves repeating; I feel more safe and more at home here at Sandy Oaks than I do in Hunters Ridge in Warsaw, Indiana. There is no way I would walk the dogs, by myself, at night in Hunters Ridge. Here, at Sandy Oaks, from day one I have felt safe and secure at night. No one locks anything; bikes sit out at night unlocked, Jack leaves his golfs clubs sitting out; motorcycle with the keys in the ignition. It seems almost surreal. Now, are there pervs here? Sure. There is no place on earth exempt from pervs. It's just when you reach a certain age (old) you don't have too much to worry about. What you do have to worry about is forgetting where in the hell your camping site is. Oh, sure laugh. But trust me, it isn't funny. Once, ok. I can laugh it off. But twice, it's gets a little worrisome. Picture it....it's freaky dark. No moon. Just you, a flashlight, two dogs, a nightgown and a support bra that after the age of 50, ok, ok, two hairs from 60, is more of an enemy bra than a support bra. All you can think of is walking around aimlessly for hours until you accidentally happen upon your RV.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Top 10 things we've learned about retirement and living in an RV
1) Noseeums is one of God's cruel jokes. "Yes, my child you may enjoy beautiful weather much of the year but just to remind you who is in charge I am sending these little Noseeums to bite you in the butt (and anywhere else they can land) to remind you that life can not always be beautiful."
2) It should be against the law for RV manufacturers to put in full length mirrors. Who, over the age of 55, wants to be reminded of gravity?
3) Even after 40 years of marriage you can still learn something new about your partner.
4) The world is run by rules.
5) Rules are made to be broken.
6) It doesn't matter where you do laundry. The sock monster still finds you and eats a sock or two every time.
7) When once you spent an entire day cleaning the house it now takes only one hour.
8) Alone time? What's that?
9) There is no better sleep than sleeping in an RV during a thunder storm.
10) Having only one bathroom is a true test of compatibility.
2) It should be against the law for RV manufacturers to put in full length mirrors. Who, over the age of 55, wants to be reminded of gravity?
3) Even after 40 years of marriage you can still learn something new about your partner.
4) The world is run by rules.
5) Rules are made to be broken.
6) It doesn't matter where you do laundry. The sock monster still finds you and eats a sock or two every time.
7) When once you spent an entire day cleaning the house it now takes only one hour.
8) Alone time? What's that?
9) There is no better sleep than sleeping in an RV during a thunder storm.
10) Having only one bathroom is a true test of compatibility.
January 8, 2012 Beverly Hills, Florida
Our address for the next few months should anyone want it is: Sandy Oaks RV Resort (our name here) Lot #95 6760 Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Florida 34465.
Where do I begin? I do know that God answered my prayers for a safe trip. For a few hours on Monday, January 2nd. I have to be honest; wasn't too sure we would make it in one piece. Or for that matter, make it at all. Let's put it this way; our high blood pressure medication must be working. Otherwise both of us would have had a heart attack.
Awakened early as we wanted to be on the road by 8:00 a.m. There was snow on the ground but since Jack was able to drive the 5th wheel up a mountain last year in the snow I wasn't too concerned. That is until we were headed to the garage to pick up the 5th wheel and a car in the other lane did a 360 in front of us. Panic set in. Woo-woo-woo....breathe, Janet, breathe. Jack can do it. 5th wheel attached and we head out. Roads are slick. I ask Jack whether we should wait until the roads are cleaned, salted or the temp rises to 70 degrees. He laughs and comforts me telling me that everything will be fine. Yell, well, I wouldn't exactly call the day fine. I would call it Depends aren't just for old people and where in the heck is the Valium kind of day? Monday, January 2nd, on 465 and I65 around Indianapolis is a day I won't soon forget. We and many, many others learned that day, firsthand, how Indiana budget cuts can be deadly. Areas of I65 were nothing short of a skating rink. We hit Indy around 10:45 and the salt trucks had not yet been out. Numerous vehicles were in the ditch, in the median, even in holding ponds. We came upon a pile up (I counted 16 trucks, cars, etc.) right after it happened. Car parts were strewn everywhere; people standing dazed outside of their damaged cars. I saw a mother crying, quietly comforting her small child. It was as if time had stopped and life was moving in slow motion. I really had never witnessed anything like it. You knew it was only by the grace of God that you weren't sitting somewhere in the middle of the pile up. Jack maneuvered slowly but expertly through the destruction bringing us out safely on the other side. While we faced a 16 car pile up on our side, another, smaller pile up had occurred simultaneously on the other side of the highway. We learned later a man had died. I read on line that the highway department had not been prepared for the weather condition that "had not" been forecasted and did not react as quickly as they should have. You think? We traveled through numerous total white outs where seeing the car in front of you was impossible. When pulling a 15,000 lb. RV you cannot stop on a dime. We knew if anyone was stopped in the road, we were in deep trouble. I prayed a lot that day and thanked the good Lord (and Jack) when we finally saw the sun breaking through in Tennessee.
Evening of January 2, 2012
Our first overnight stop was in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We stayed at a KOA where we have stayed a few times before. Had we not been so tired and our stay was only for one night I'm sure we would have found another place to park. A total dump with a very expensive rate. It will be our last stay there.
January 3, 2012
The morning sunshine was beautiful; it was cold day but the warm sun made everything just seem better. Our second stay was another KOA in Forysth, Georgia. The difference between night and day. Their rate was $20.00 less than the night before and the park was beautifully kept, clean and cared for by people who took pride in their work. An hour or so after we set up there was a knock at our door. One of the employees held a box of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as an offering to us, and thanked us for staying with them! That was a first ever but their act of kindness (and good marketing skills) will stay with us for a long time.
January 4, 2012
Our final leg of the trip went without event. Took us a little over 6 hours to find our new place of residence.
I had butterflies just picturing what may lay ahead of us. Even though we weren't moving to this RV park permanently, the idea of spending 3 months next to barking dogs, another RV so close we wouldn't be able to sneeze without someone hearing us didn't sit well with me. All I could think about was spending days next to Bubba, a big ole' bear of a guy in a wife beater t shirt, a plumber crack, no teeth. I had myself in such a tizzy I was ready to turn around and go back home. Jack made me promise to keep an open mind. I promised but my mind wouldn't stop reeling from the "what ifs".
We chose Shady Oaks RV Resort for several reasons. 1) Close to a 47 mile bike trail 2) Had great reviews and 3) Has no no-seeums. Having no no-seeums was enough for me. I still carry the scars from last year's bites.
January 8, 2012
We have been here now for 5 days. Our site, while smaller than some is really perfect for us. It holds the motorcycle, bikes, trailer, 5th wheel and truck with room to spare. We sit on a corner lot directly across from the recreation center and new heated swimming pool. But what makes this place unlike any we have ever stayed in is the people. When we pulled in to back in to our spot so many people came out to offer help and to introduce themselves. If it hadn't been for one neighbor I'm not sure I could have been of any help to Jack backing in. Trees sit on both sides of the drive which makes for an extremely tight backing in area. But Jack got it and we quickly, between neighbors introducing themselves, got set up.
We went out to dinner with our neighbors, Joann and Wally Friday night. He was a bus driver in New York City for 32 years. She worked in the school system for over 25 years. I can't wait to hear their stories. They seem to know everyone here and anything we want or need they can tell us where to go. They introduced us to an awesome Chinese restaurant in a neighboring town. Saturday they took us to a place called The Villages, an all inclusive retirement community complete with grocery stores, doctors, a hospital, shopping of all kinds and many nice restaurants. Everyone there seemed to own a golf cart. Didn't see many cars on the streets but saw tons of golf carts. People use them to go to the store, the theater, anywhere and everywhere. The all inclusive little city was made up of villas, condos and homes of all shapes, colors and sizes. I loved it. They were having their semi-annual upscale craft show and the designated streets were packed with wall to wall people. It was a lot of fun in spite of the crowds.
It seems, though, that since we pulled in to our site we've been busy every minute. The park has lots of entertainment planned each week. We can be involved or not. It's like one of our neighbors said, "If you get bored in this place it's all on you." Tomorrow we do plan to start a bike trip on the 47 mile trail. While the park does have planned bike trips we are choosing to go on our own right now. It's been awhile for me and with my luck I'd get leg cramps or butt pain about 3 miles in. Thinking I'd better go with Jack the first few times. We've taken no pictures to speak of at this point. I told Jack that he was going to have to get his "artistic flare" going again. He's the picture taker. I'm so short I seem to always capture crotches and boobs. I did take a few tonight while Jack was cooking dinner. The moon was beautiful.
One more thing before I forget.....I love to snorkel and around here it appears that guided tours and snorkeling with Manatees is a heck of a way to make a living. Offers everywhere. They all seem to have one thing in common in their offers of snorkeling; they take a video of you snorkeling with the Manatees. Today I reminded Jack how much I was looking forward to snorkeling although I would prefer to find a company that let the customer take their own pictures. I do not want to be video taped fully clothed let alone in a wet suit or worse yet, a bathing suit. Jack quickly added, "Oh hell no. People would have a hard time telling which one was me (referring to himself) and which one was the Manatee!" Funny guy!
Chances are I will only be blogging once or twice a week. Since we are staying in one place I won't have too many exciting new things to share everyday.
Where do I begin? I do know that God answered my prayers for a safe trip. For a few hours on Monday, January 2nd. I have to be honest; wasn't too sure we would make it in one piece. Or for that matter, make it at all. Let's put it this way; our high blood pressure medication must be working. Otherwise both of us would have had a heart attack.
Awakened early as we wanted to be on the road by 8:00 a.m. There was snow on the ground but since Jack was able to drive the 5th wheel up a mountain last year in the snow I wasn't too concerned. That is until we were headed to the garage to pick up the 5th wheel and a car in the other lane did a 360 in front of us. Panic set in. Woo-woo-woo....breathe, Janet, breathe. Jack can do it. 5th wheel attached and we head out. Roads are slick. I ask Jack whether we should wait until the roads are cleaned, salted or the temp rises to 70 degrees. He laughs and comforts me telling me that everything will be fine. Yell, well, I wouldn't exactly call the day fine. I would call it Depends aren't just for old people and where in the heck is the Valium kind of day? Monday, January 2nd, on 465 and I65 around Indianapolis is a day I won't soon forget. We and many, many others learned that day, firsthand, how Indiana budget cuts can be deadly. Areas of I65 were nothing short of a skating rink. We hit Indy around 10:45 and the salt trucks had not yet been out. Numerous vehicles were in the ditch, in the median, even in holding ponds. We came upon a pile up (I counted 16 trucks, cars, etc.) right after it happened. Car parts were strewn everywhere; people standing dazed outside of their damaged cars. I saw a mother crying, quietly comforting her small child. It was as if time had stopped and life was moving in slow motion. I really had never witnessed anything like it. You knew it was only by the grace of God that you weren't sitting somewhere in the middle of the pile up. Jack maneuvered slowly but expertly through the destruction bringing us out safely on the other side. While we faced a 16 car pile up on our side, another, smaller pile up had occurred simultaneously on the other side of the highway. We learned later a man had died. I read on line that the highway department had not been prepared for the weather condition that "had not" been forecasted and did not react as quickly as they should have. You think? We traveled through numerous total white outs where seeing the car in front of you was impossible. When pulling a 15,000 lb. RV you cannot stop on a dime. We knew if anyone was stopped in the road, we were in deep trouble. I prayed a lot that day and thanked the good Lord (and Jack) when we finally saw the sun breaking through in Tennessee.
Evening of January 2, 2012
Our first overnight stop was in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We stayed at a KOA where we have stayed a few times before. Had we not been so tired and our stay was only for one night I'm sure we would have found another place to park. A total dump with a very expensive rate. It will be our last stay there.
January 3, 2012
The morning sunshine was beautiful; it was cold day but the warm sun made everything just seem better. Our second stay was another KOA in Forysth, Georgia. The difference between night and day. Their rate was $20.00 less than the night before and the park was beautifully kept, clean and cared for by people who took pride in their work. An hour or so after we set up there was a knock at our door. One of the employees held a box of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as an offering to us, and thanked us for staying with them! That was a first ever but their act of kindness (and good marketing skills) will stay with us for a long time.
January 4, 2012
Our final leg of the trip went without event. Took us a little over 6 hours to find our new place of residence.
I had butterflies just picturing what may lay ahead of us. Even though we weren't moving to this RV park permanently, the idea of spending 3 months next to barking dogs, another RV so close we wouldn't be able to sneeze without someone hearing us didn't sit well with me. All I could think about was spending days next to Bubba, a big ole' bear of a guy in a wife beater t shirt, a plumber crack, no teeth. I had myself in such a tizzy I was ready to turn around and go back home. Jack made me promise to keep an open mind. I promised but my mind wouldn't stop reeling from the "what ifs".
We chose Shady Oaks RV Resort for several reasons. 1) Close to a 47 mile bike trail 2) Had great reviews and 3) Has no no-seeums. Having no no-seeums was enough for me. I still carry the scars from last year's bites.
January 8, 2012
We have been here now for 5 days. Our site, while smaller than some is really perfect for us. It holds the motorcycle, bikes, trailer, 5th wheel and truck with room to spare. We sit on a corner lot directly across from the recreation center and new heated swimming pool. But what makes this place unlike any we have ever stayed in is the people. When we pulled in to back in to our spot so many people came out to offer help and to introduce themselves. If it hadn't been for one neighbor I'm not sure I could have been of any help to Jack backing in. Trees sit on both sides of the drive which makes for an extremely tight backing in area. But Jack got it and we quickly, between neighbors introducing themselves, got set up.
We went out to dinner with our neighbors, Joann and Wally Friday night. He was a bus driver in New York City for 32 years. She worked in the school system for over 25 years. I can't wait to hear their stories. They seem to know everyone here and anything we want or need they can tell us where to go. They introduced us to an awesome Chinese restaurant in a neighboring town. Saturday they took us to a place called The Villages, an all inclusive retirement community complete with grocery stores, doctors, a hospital, shopping of all kinds and many nice restaurants. Everyone there seemed to own a golf cart. Didn't see many cars on the streets but saw tons of golf carts. People use them to go to the store, the theater, anywhere and everywhere. The all inclusive little city was made up of villas, condos and homes of all shapes, colors and sizes. I loved it. They were having their semi-annual upscale craft show and the designated streets were packed with wall to wall people. It was a lot of fun in spite of the crowds.
It seems, though, that since we pulled in to our site we've been busy every minute. The park has lots of entertainment planned each week. We can be involved or not. It's like one of our neighbors said, "If you get bored in this place it's all on you." Tomorrow we do plan to start a bike trip on the 47 mile trail. While the park does have planned bike trips we are choosing to go on our own right now. It's been awhile for me and with my luck I'd get leg cramps or butt pain about 3 miles in. Thinking I'd better go with Jack the first few times. We've taken no pictures to speak of at this point. I told Jack that he was going to have to get his "artistic flare" going again. He's the picture taker. I'm so short I seem to always capture crotches and boobs. I did take a few tonight while Jack was cooking dinner. The moon was beautiful.
One more thing before I forget.....I love to snorkel and around here it appears that guided tours and snorkeling with Manatees is a heck of a way to make a living. Offers everywhere. They all seem to have one thing in common in their offers of snorkeling; they take a video of you snorkeling with the Manatees. Today I reminded Jack how much I was looking forward to snorkeling although I would prefer to find a company that let the customer take their own pictures. I do not want to be video taped fully clothed let alone in a wet suit or worse yet, a bathing suit. Jack quickly added, "Oh hell no. People would have a hard time telling which one was me (referring to himself) and which one was the Manatee!" Funny guy!
Chances are I will only be blogging once or twice a week. Since we are staying in one place I won't have too many exciting new things to share everyday.
 |
| You can see our truck in the foreground on the right. |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEARS FAMILY AND FRIENDS!! Another year gone; another year older............Of course I am very, very thankful to see another year. It's just that I'd like to see it 40 lbs. thinner and 20 years younger and have the knowledge I have today.
Last evening we enjoyed dinner at Stacey's with Jim and Linda coming home to bring in the New Year together. I can't count the times the four of us have spent the New Year Eve together. Many. When they moved to Dallas I was so depressed that first year I think I went to bed before midnight. This is the first year they've been back in Warsaw so we could not leave Warsaw any earlier than January 2nd. I love them to pieces and wanted to celebrate with them. However, last night reminded me of a lesson I learned years ago but through time had forgotten. The hard lesson learned but forgotten smacked me in the face like a flying fish. Do not ever, ever play Eucher with Jack Miller as my partner. I will not, cannot, have never, will ever count cards; too much for my brain. I want to socialize while playing cards. I want to hear about the kids, what's on sale at the grocery store, is Demi and Ashton really getting a divorce. In most card playing circles this activity is frowned upon. Jack Miller knows I am the way I am and most always takes me as his card partner so others don't have to deal with my inattentiveness towards the game. But last night I pushed him even too far. Don't think he'll be playing cards with me anytime soon. Probably never. Oh well. Tell me, though, do you really think Demi and Ashton will get a divorce?
Tomorrow is D day. Today is crazy day. Last minute laundry. Last minute cleaning. Last minute packing. We had 234 lists to complete before leaving. We are now down to two lists. Trip to the 5th wheel with groceries. Everything's loaded now. Of course there are always last minute things to take. The dog beds for the truck, my purse with things in it that would rival anyone's purse on Let's Make a Deal. Books to read, maps to look at, reservation confirmations, dog treats, pillow, etc. etc. etc. Check the weather forecast. Calling for snow flurries and colder temps. Okay, snow flurries I can handle. The further south we can get I'm hoping the snow flurries will vanish. Since I don't believe in goodbyes it's hugs and kisses for our sons, as I fight back the tears stinging my eyes. I don't want anyone to know my sadness about leaving my sons and family behind. This too shall pass. In a few weeks I know I'll feel better. But now knowing I'm not going to see them for months hurts. Collapse in to bed and say a prayer for a safe trip.
Last evening we enjoyed dinner at Stacey's with Jim and Linda coming home to bring in the New Year together. I can't count the times the four of us have spent the New Year Eve together. Many. When they moved to Dallas I was so depressed that first year I think I went to bed before midnight. This is the first year they've been back in Warsaw so we could not leave Warsaw any earlier than January 2nd. I love them to pieces and wanted to celebrate with them. However, last night reminded me of a lesson I learned years ago but through time had forgotten. The hard lesson learned but forgotten smacked me in the face like a flying fish. Do not ever, ever play Eucher with Jack Miller as my partner. I will not, cannot, have never, will ever count cards; too much for my brain. I want to socialize while playing cards. I want to hear about the kids, what's on sale at the grocery store, is Demi and Ashton really getting a divorce. In most card playing circles this activity is frowned upon. Jack Miller knows I am the way I am and most always takes me as his card partner so others don't have to deal with my inattentiveness towards the game. But last night I pushed him even too far. Don't think he'll be playing cards with me anytime soon. Probably never. Oh well. Tell me, though, do you really think Demi and Ashton will get a divorce?
Tomorrow is D day. Today is crazy day. Last minute laundry. Last minute cleaning. Last minute packing. We had 234 lists to complete before leaving. We are now down to two lists. Trip to the 5th wheel with groceries. Everything's loaded now. Of course there are always last minute things to take. The dog beds for the truck, my purse with things in it that would rival anyone's purse on Let's Make a Deal. Books to read, maps to look at, reservation confirmations, dog treats, pillow, etc. etc. etc. Check the weather forecast. Calling for snow flurries and colder temps. Okay, snow flurries I can handle. The further south we can get I'm hoping the snow flurries will vanish. Since I don't believe in goodbyes it's hugs and kisses for our sons, as I fight back the tears stinging my eyes. I don't want anyone to know my sadness about leaving my sons and family behind. This too shall pass. In a few weeks I know I'll feel better. But now knowing I'm not going to see them for months hurts. Collapse in to bed and say a prayer for a safe trip.