Vacation Entry--Day 7

I've actually been home from this particular vacation for two weeks now, but I have just a little more to say regarding our last day's drive. Our last night was spent in a nice hotel on the outskirts of Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles' song Take it Easy. So early the next morning, we decided to take a little time and visit the little town that made it all happen, and even the little corner, where it happened!
The first few blocks down Main Street were downright depressing. Abandoned motels (which could be fixed up really cute, I might add!), run down houses, empty churches, sleazy bars and restaurants--it was all there. Then, I saw a change as we approached "the corner". After parking, we walked toward the "corner" and observed other tourists taking pictures of the sculpture of the cowboy on the corner, backed by a huge mural that covered the side of a building. A gigantic route 66 sign had been painted in the middle of the intersection. Two darling gift/sundries shops were on two of the corners. A restored hotel was down the street.
Of course, we shopped. Lonnie bought an Eagles poster from a concert long, long ago. In fact so long ago, the price for the concert was listed at $15!!. We also bought a 2 CD set of the best of the Eagles. Which we promptly started reading about and playing on the remainder of the trip! Brought back so many memories, their songs were really great--even poetic! While drinking my "venti" sized cup of hot tea, I wrote a few lines of poetry of my own:

I won't last long
with this much tea.
I won't last long
with out a pee!

And down the highway we sped--eager to get home!! Or to the next rest stop!

Vacation Entry--Day 6

We finally got on the road this morning (actually noon) after a delightful breakfast on the patio at Uncle Bob and Aunt Jody's. Before we left, they introduced us to their Wii Fit plus. I think we will have to get one! I never laughed so hard in my life. Especially when Lonnie tried the bird one using Uncle Bob's statistics--He about wore himself out and couldn't get that bird off the ground!! Looks like a fun way to get in shape--and boy do we need that!!

Our drive has been great so far. We drove through some "toad stranglers" as we crossed New Mexico and part of Arizona. (Serious rain storms for those of you from California!) And even this evening, we are surrounded by a beautiful lightening show. God's amazing handiwork!! We still have 8 hours or so before we get home. Can't wait! We will see the kids on Sunday!! It's been a great trip. Lonnie and I are still friends!! I got tons of shopping done for school. We saw the most beautiful scenery and storm clouds. We hung out with family and friends. Even went trout fishing!! As good as it was, I am very excited to get home!! Just like Dorothy--there is no place like home!!

Vacation Entry--Day 5

As I begin this post, I am reminded of travel journals my son Michael wrote, and the subsequent book that he published, Miles to Cross. Great reading!! Let me assure you, there will be no book as a result of these mindless drivilings. Just a way for me to remember the trip!!

Again, it is not really day five, just post 5! I've had no internet access since Sunday. As some of you may have read on my facebook, we had a very interesting evening at a bar in Enid--part of Lonnie's reunion tour!! Had a fun day of shopping on Saturday--I always find the neatest things when shopping in Oklahoma or Kansas. We had fun at the reunion that night--dancing and being silly!! One of my favorite things!! Sunday, we drove down to Edmond, Ok. for a reunion of sorts--several of Lonnie's cousins, nephews, and other family members were there. We had a great time seeing everyone again! And ate some delicious steak!! Thanks Darrell!!

Monday, more shopping and more goodies to pack in the car!! Yikes, if I buy anything else, I will be carrying it on my lap all the way home!! Tuesday, we drove north to my hometown in Kansas. As we were driving, the temperature kept rising--from a mere 103 in Edmond to a high of 114 in Kansas. We met my 97 year old uncle and other friends for dinner--so nice to see everyone!! Stayed with our lifelong friend, Pearl--she is such a sweetheart to open her home to us at the last minute!!

Wednesday morning we woke up early and went out to our storage unit and went through some things of Lonnie's from Boy Scout stuff, to old girlfriend photos, and other high school friend photos--a walk down memory lane for him. I will give him credit--he got rid of most of the stuff (and I use that term loosely!) He went from two foot lockers full, to 6 small shoeboxes. (Don't even ask where the shoe boxes came from--see first paragraph!)

Then we started driving south/west toward Lubbock, Texas home of Lonnie's aunt and uncle--amazing people!! Lonnie got to play golf with his uncle. Then we went to a great Soup Plantation type restaurant for lunch. Now we're playing on the computers. Tomorrow we start home--dread the drive, but can't wait to get home and see my little grand kids!! Then Wednesday, I take off again for Kansas for a week!! Yay!! More shopping!!