T is for Travel

As I've stated before,

from an early age Momma always stressed the importance of travel.

 I can remember being 5 and going on my first airplane trip.

I was so excited I threw up all over her new coat.

Since then, I can't think of a year we didn't travel somewhere.

Momma and pre-DH in Puerto Vallarta

(*they were learning how to get along)

Momma in Colima, Mexico

Me and Momma on my honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico

On a boat in Key West

Miami Beach, FL

Alaska Cruise, in Skagway

Grand Canyon train, AZ

Badlands National Park, in an RV

Momma fulfilling her bucket list item

of seeing Mt. Rushmore.

She told me she never thought she'd live long enough

to see it with her own eyes. 

I'm glad I was able to make that happen.

I hope we still have time

to make a few more trips

because the journey has been great so far.

#522 -W is for Weary Traveler

I have been away from home for two weeks. We left for SoCal(12 hours). Went from there to Willliams, AZ (7 hours). Took the train to the Grand Canyon (3 hours). Spent the night at the Grand Canyon, then returned to Wiliams. Left the next morning for Sedona (1.5 hours) then off to Laughlin, NV(5 hours).

Spent three days in Laughlin before returning back to SoCal(4.5 hours). Drove up to Oakland where my DH stayed to go hang gliding before heading home, while I drove to Sacramento(2 hours) and worked 4 shifts. I drove back to Oakland yesterday to present at a conference today, and have now been sitting at SFO waiting for my plane (which, naturally is delayed) for the last 4 hours with about another two to go.

A short hours' drive after I get to the airport will finally get me back home....

Did I mention I love to travel...?

#528 - T is for Time

I once asked my DH if he thought the dogs knew

when we were going to be going somewhere different.

Did they recognize that suitcases and bowls meant

they were not just going to the store or to the beach?

He answered, "No."

All they know is "we're getting in the truck,

and we'll see where we are when we get there.

And wherever THAT is, we'll have fun!"

They say that dogs "live in the moment."

A topic I wrote about when we got our second dog, Dillon.

Working strings of shifts like I do

with only a few precious days off in between

it's hard to live in the moment;

only thinking about what I am doing

in the here and now

instead of worrying about what has to be done

in the next few minutes

hours

days

weeks...

Having been on vacation this last week with my mom,

I really tried to just think about and enjoy the time with her.

But, it seemed to go so fast, and 

before I knew it,

we were back on the road heading home

and work

and life

started interrupting even those last few

precious hours...

But, still, I can say, we had a LOT of fun...

#538 - N is for National Parks

Momma always said the most important thing you could do for yourself in life was to travel.  

And, so we have... and still do... 

as much as she can handle...

Look familiar...?

Yes, it's the Grand Canyon...!

And, here's Momma at almost 75 enjoying the view...

She doesn't care that she looks like an eskimo...

For her it's all about warmth and comfort,

and her new Patagonia jacket...

And traveling in style...

I alway like to read local books

whenever I go somewhere...

But, this book has me freaked out...

It's a very macabre book about all the deaths

that have occurred in the canyon and

how they occurred.

Suffice it to say, I am getting nowhere near

the edge of a cliff,

going off any marked trail,

nor going down into the canyon

without an experienced guide,

a satellite phone,

GPS unit,

and about a week's worth of water for a day hike...

For now, Momma and I will hunker down 

and enjoy to view from way over here...!