Another Day on the Road

So we've made it to Flagstaff.  The trip was fine but Molly is getting tired of being in the car.  She's sighing a lot.  Poor puppy!  I keep telling her we'll be home soon but I don't think she believes me.

We got on the road early this morning.  This is what we saw:

Yup, we were up THAT early.  Early enough to see the sunrise.  To be honest it was 7am, so it really wasn't that early!  I was excited cause it helped me cross off another item on my 101 in 1001 list!  To watch the sunrise & set in the same day.  Done!  I didn't take pictures but the sun was setting as we pulled into Flagstaff.  It was beautiful.  Anyway, back to Texas...We stopped by the Big Texan to take pictures, Starbucks for endurance and at Cadillac Ranch on our way out of town...that's another post though.  I will say it was cold!



We took some pictures to amuse ourselves:

They weren't kidding when they called it a farm road!

We were excited to make it to New Mexico!

 Meg was in need of stamps for all the postcards she's sending, so we made a pit stop.  I'll be honest and say that the last thing I wanted to was stop to buy stamps.  But she promised that it wasn't far off the highway.  I was glad we did cause I had been wanting a picture of a Route 66 sign.  I saw it and pulled over.  I was like a crazy lady.  We were safe though cause we were the only ones on the road.  In the entire town.  Not another soul to be seen.

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Yes, I stood in the middle of the road to take this picture.

Sad looking building next to the post office

After that it was open road and big sky.  And then we got a little bit of a shock.  We started to see some white stuff on the ground. Surely it wasn't snow.  We didn't think it was snow.  Until there was more of it.  We crested a hill and spread out before us in all it's glory was a snow covered field.  We were in denial.  You would think that two New England girls would know snow when they saw it.  We had to pull over to be sure.  At one point I said New Mexico is supposed to be red, not white!  Meg just looked at me and said well that's a racist comment.  Then we just laughed!  I though it was going to be mostly red from the clay and that there wouldn't be any snow.

Suspicious about the white stuff

Thinking it looks like snow

Is that snow out there?

No denying the snow!

Molly wasn't too sure about the snow & ice

The snow came and went and came again.  Not cool.  We came this far south to AVOID the snow.  That and so The Man could eat at the Big Texan.  Oh well!

Meg & I really enjoyed the landscapes of New Mexico & Arizona.  We live in a very beautiful country.

Heading into Flagstaff...Guess I did get a sunsetish shot!

Tomorrow we start our day off by heading to the Grand Canyon.  I'm super excited about that.  Then we're heading to Carson City, NV.  It's a long drive...hope we make it!

On the Road...Again

 We made it to Amarillo!  It was a long, 12 1/2 hour drive but we made it.  We're both pretty tired.  We got in after dark so we haven't hit Cadillac Ranch yet...that will happen on our way out of town.

We enjoyed driving on what used to be Route 66.  We had a great time laughing at some billboards.  The littlest things amuse us...it's doesn't take much.  I'll share some of the photos that made us laugh.  If you're offended, I apologize.  What can I say, we're from New England and don't get out much.  At some point I'll share funny quotes and signs from the trip as well as the results of our License plate game. 

 Pictures from the day:

Our mileage at the beginning of the day

There's cheap gas in MO!

Molly's been holding out on us...she never told us she sells fireworks!

Really?  A Vacuum cleaner museum? 

Chickens enjoying the breeze.  We had chicken feathers flying at us.

They read Hot and Cold.  Why do we need to know that?

Beware of the feral hogs!

Still stuck in the car

Do you have to pay somewhere else?

We loved how they promoted the towns!

Next stop:  Flagstaff, Arizona.  New states along the way:  New Mexico & Arizona.  YAY for new states:)  I wonder if they have free bathrooms?

On the Road

We've made it to St. Louis!  Which I just found out was rated the most dangerous city in America.   It didn't seem to bad while we were here, though we did see a cop pulling someone over.  Our take down tally so far for the trip is 2...one a day isn't a bad record.  As long as we're not the ones being pulled over! 

Anywho, the Arch has been seen and experienced!  It was fun, especially the part where we got stuck in the tram.  The trams are these tiny little things that most normal people have to crouch into.  Since I'm short I was ok.  We got in, the doors closed and then...nothing.  We waited and then a voice came over the speakers saying that there was a mechanical failure and that the repair department was working on it.  We sat there for 3 more minutes and then they opened the doors and let us out.  It turns out we were the problem tram...it was tilted.  They fixed it and we all got back in.  We were with a dating couple that feed each other on the trip up.  Awkward anyone?  We tried to be nice but they didn't want to talk to us.

We spent a little time at the top enjoying the view.  Then we headed back down.  This time we were joined by three men in the tram.  They didn't want to talk to us either.  Meg couldn't understand it...two cute girls that no one wanted to talk too?!?!  We're friendly even if we're from New England!  Their loss.

I took a few more photos...

Hi Columbus!

For Meg

We enjoyed the land of Lincoln...even if it did go on forever!

Effingham...the Crossroads of Opportunity.  We found it amusing.

E. St. Louis & St. Louis are 1 mile apart

Then they were 3 miles apart!  Did they move while we were driving?

We were so happy to get to Missouri!

The Gateway Arch

Us at the bottom of the North Tower

View from the top

The viewing hallway

Shadow of the arch on the Mississippi

For The Man...been trying to get a picture of it!  Can't wait to see it!

St. Louis sunset

Next stop, Amarillo, TX.  We're planning on stopping by Cadillac Ranch.  Cat suggested it and it sounds like fun.  We have spray paint and are ready to go!  The next leg brings another new state...Oklahoma!  That will make two so far...Missouri was the other new one for me.  There are a couple more coming too.  Hope you have a great day!

o-HI-o

We made it safely to Columbus, OH!  It was a 12 1/2 hour drive but we're in on piece and Miss Molly is happy to have room to spread out.  Meg & I are looking forward to getting some sleep before jumping in the car and heading to St. Louis, Missouri.  I want to see the St. Louis Arch.  I don't have to go up, I just want to see it and take a few pictures.  It's a short drive, only about 7 hours.  It's the shortest day we have planned.

I didn't take many pictures, but here are a few:

The puppy with her ball

Nap time

A penguin friend

Someone has a Christmas tree!

Proof we were in NY

They had snow in Buffalo!

CHANGE

So there's been a change in plans.  Being a Milspouse I was kinda expecting it.  After all, how often to things actually go according to the plan?  Almost never!  So to add some more excitement to my life the plan has changed. 

The Man was supposed to fly out to MA, spend Thanksgiving with my family and then we would drive back to WA.  That is no longer happening.  Now he's still in WA and I spent Thanksgiving in NH with my family.  My old roommate Megan will be driving with me to WA. 

Megan & I lived together for the year before I got married.  We had this really cute two bedroom apartment stuffed to the gills with our stuff.  It was a great year, though a little stressful at the end with job loss, a wedding and both of us moving out.  We made it through alive and we're still friends, which is the most important part.  When I told her I might need a new copilot she was super excited.  She can't wait to go with me! 

The car is stuffed to the gills.  We have food and good music.  What more do we need? 

A Month of Thanks; Marriage

I know I've already given thanks for my husband.  In addition to being thankful for him, I'm thankful for our marriage.  We do not have a perfect marriage but I believe we have a good one.  Even with all that's going on at the moment, we have a good marriage.  It's getting stronger.  Adversity does that.  It breaks things or makes them stronger.  We decided that when we got married that divorce is not an option.  Ever*.  So instead of breaking us, it will make us stronger.  With divorce off the table, we have no choice but to work through our issues and difficulties.  It's freeing to know that we are together forever.  Yes, things are difficult but I don't love my husband any less.  I love him more.  I love knowing that we will work things out...together.  I love knowing that we are committed to each other.  We are willing to be honest and vulnerable with each other, even if it is hard at times.  I wouldn't want to be married to anyone else. 

Things are hard at the moment.  The uncertainty is hard.  Not knowing what will happen is hard.  I still have hope.  Things will work out the way God wants them to work out.  And we will be together.  This is bringing us closer together and for that I am thankful. 

Thank you so much for you prayers.  God in answering and working in amazing ways.  I have peace that can only be from Him.  With things still so uncertain, please keep praying.  Thank you!

*Under no circumstance would I stay, or expect anyone else to stay, in an abusive relationship.  The best thing you can do for yourself and everyone else involved is to get to a safe place. 

In and Out

I'm leaving tomorrow for WA.  YAY!  I'm looking forward to getting home.  I miss my house and kitties...and The Man too!  I will try to update along the way, but I'm not promising anything.  I'm starting the trip feeling pretty tired so I may do nothing but sleep every night.  If I don't update while I'm on the road, I'll update once I get home.  The car is packed.  Miss Molly may be a little squished but should be fine. 

Please pray for good weather.  I'd prefer not to drive in snow.  Silly, I know!

I was planning on having more of my Month of Thanks posts post for the rest of the month but I haven't gotten to them.  Sorry! 

A Month of Thanks; Black Friday Tradition

I'm thankful for traditions.  When you have traditions that you love, you look forward to them happening!  I hate getting early but I LOVE my family's Black Friday tradition.  For about 20 years, My mom, Aunt, cousin & I have been getting up crazy early to go shopping.

The tradition was born when there were lots of people to but for and saving money way key.  My cousins & I would create lists for family about what we wanted for Christmas.  Then on Thanksgiving night we would pore over the ads.  (Back then I was pointing out what I wanted, not deciding what I wanted to buy!)  We would often choose where to go first based on what time they opened, what items we wanted to buy there and what they were giving away.  Back in the day the stores used to give away things.  I remember getting CD's, stickers, chocolate and mini snowglobes. Actually, JC Penny's still hands out mini snowglobes...I have a few.  We would split up (mom & Auntie, my cousin & I) and shop, often hiding our baskets when we came close to each other.  We would hit the stores we wanted and then get some breakfast.  Breakfast is a great way to end the morning!  The afternoon almost always included a nap...still does!  I get pretty cranky when I'm tired.

While I was in Asia a friend of my cousin would take my place so she would have some one to shop with.  She went with us once I got back.  She's stopped coming now, so it's just the 4 of us again.  I wasn't on the East coast last year (I stood in line at Best Buy with The Man and my in-laws in the freezing cold for 3 or 4 hours last year).  My cousin is super excited that I'm here for Black Friday this year.  I'm super excited too.  Black Friday has made us many memories.  We'll probably head to Michael's Thanksgiving night, just cause we can.  We don't buy for tons of people any more but we have still continued our Black Friday Tradition.  I'm looking forward to the day when my neices join us...and hopefully someday a daughter!

A Month of Thanks; Wise Women

I am extremely blessed to have wise women in my life.  I'm very thankful for them.  These are the women that I can turn to for advice, prayer and wisdom.  They don't judge but offer practial advice.  They are women of God who aren't afraid to be honest but do so with love and kindness.  They point out sin and aren't afraid to admit that they sin.  They share their experiences to give encouragement.  They seek God in all circumstances.  They are not perfect.  They seek God's wisdom for themselves and others.  They are teachable and willing to share what they have learned. 

These are the older women that I look up to and hope to one day be like.  They are a blessing to me.  I know that I can pick up the phone and call anyone of them at any time of day for any reason.  Some people don't have 1 person in their life like this.  I have seven.  Seven amazing women who love me for me and who support me and encourage me in all of life's ups and downs.  Thank you Lord, for these women. 

Bad Mom

So I'm a bad mom.  A really bad mom.  Let's just say it's good that it was the dog, Molly and not a kid.  Cause then I'd probably go to jail.  Yup, it's that bad!

Mom took a 1/2 day and we were going to go out to lunch to celebrate my dad's birthday (Happy Birthday Dad!)  I took Molly out before we left.  I guess I forgot to bring her in.  I came in...Molly didn't.  Not sure how I missed that one.  So we left.

We had a good lunch at the 99.  Love the cheese and crackers.  My sandwich was okay but the cheese and crackers make up for it (FYI...the 99's in Connecticut don't serve cheese & crackers so don't go there.)  We were gone for about 30-45 minutes.  It's a good thing we didn't go anywhere else!

We walk in the house thinking we'd take the dogs on a walk at the cranberry bog by Patriot's Place.  We walk in the door and are greeted by Joey.  No Molly.  We look around and don't see her.  We notice that a door is closed and open it thinking she was locked in there.  Nope, she's not there.  Then it hits me.  Maybe I left her outside.

So I RUN outside and start calling her name.  I start walking around the unfenced backyard calling her name.  All of a sudden I see her galloping towards me.  Kinda like Lassie when she was running home.  She came right to me with a big smile on her face.  I get down to give her a hug and pet her.  But she stinks.  To high heaven.  Oh my goodness it smelled like she laid in poop.  It was all over her side and on her collar.  Disgusting! 

We were going to take her to get groomed but they wouldn't take her without her rabies papers, which are in WA.  So I hoisted her into my parents old claw foot tub and gave her a bath.  It was a bit messy but it got the job done.  I now have a clean Molly puppy.  Perfect since she gets to  meet more family tomorrow.

I'm praying that she didn't eat anything that's going to make her sick.  She's acting okay at the moment and has had a good bit to drink.  I'll be keeping my eye on her to make sure she stays okay.  She now needs a new collar.  She really didn't have to go to such lengths to get a new one!

I'm thankful that she was nearby.  My parents live on a very busy main street.  It would have been so easy for her to get hit.  She could have gotten much further away.  This could have ended very badly and I'm very thankful that it didn't.  I don't think I could have handled that right now!


Added later:  Miss Molly now has a pretty purple collar and is laying quite happily next to me on the sofa.  She seems fine! 

A Month of Thanks; Books

I'm thankful for books.  I love books.  Growing up, I remember my mom reading a lot.  I remember wanting to read so I could be like her.  I was so excited when I learned to read.  Once I learned I read all the time.  When my chores weren't getting done my parents would take away my books until they were done.  I remember staying up late reading by the crack of light streaming into my room through the slightly open door.

I still love to read today.  I'm currently ready Harry Potter-again.  While I enjoy the Harry Potter movies, I love the books.  I have many favorite authors and am willing to read most genres as long as it's not horror.  I hate to be scared.  I read for fun, to lose myself in the story.  If the story is good, I'll reread the book.  I've read the Harry Potter series at least 8 times since I got them for Christmas last year.  The Man finds it amusing when I pick up the series again.  I was anti Harry Potter until he wanted to watch the Half Blood Prince last year when it was in theatres.  I saw it and then had to see the other movies.  Once I had seen the other movies I HAD to read the books.  I was hooked before I had read 3 chapters. 

I'm thankful that I know how to read.  While living overseas I had a taste of what it was like to illiterate.  It's hard!  It's hard to not be able to read anything.  Not road signs.  Nothing while at the post office or when trying to fill out forms.  It's not fun always relying on other people to help you out.  You feel stupid and unable to do things for yourself.  Teaching someone to read in empowering.  It allows them to have freedom and independence.  I'm so thankful I have the skill of reading and all the benefits that come with it.

Snow



Foxboro, MA 2008



There's no snow where I'm at right now.  It's sunny and supposed to get into the 60's today.   What great fall weather!  I'm totally loving it.  If you've been watching the weather at all (facebook too, depending on where your friends are) than you might have heard about the snow in Western WA.  From what I'm hearing, it sounds like they've closed down everything.  Except the roads but you should stay off of them cause they aren't salted or sanded (it could hurt the fishies).  And they don't get plowed.  Not sure what the reasoning is behind that one but it would help!

I grew up with snow and I can drive in it.  I just don't like it very much anymore.  It's pretty to look at but I hate shoveling it.  I'm happy that I'm missing it.  I missed all the snow on the east coast last year...I'm loving this new track record of  mine!  If only it could stay intact by not snowing in WA for the rest of the winter...

Do you like snow?  Why/Why not?

My apartment building, Foxboro, MA, 2008