We've Driven Off the Map!

We drove into camp early this morning after driving most of the night and taking a nap at a service area about 20 minutes from Utica. We didn't want to get to the grocery store too early and get hassled by security waiting for it to open. Besides, I was really tired. Nobody was at their best when we did get to the grocery store before 6 am and found that it was open 24 hours a day. Anyway, we stocked up and headed to camp a bit more than an hour from there. It rained on the way, but not hard. It is such a heady experience driving closer and closer, the smell of the balsam and pines perfuming the way. My eyes dilate to soak in the green. I LOVE trees! We don't have enough of them in Southern California. They aren't lush like these either.
I guess we are now officially off the map until we come into town to get on the internet. Through Otter Lake and after Old Forge our GPS signal failed. Our cell phones don't work here either. So I guess, we are officially off the map for the summer. You may see me sporadically here. If you don't, Have a Great Summer!!!

Lightning and downpour in Indiana!

Morning update- It is clear a muggy this morning for our trip to Cleveland and the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

We had a long day today, driving from Claremore (near Tulsa) Oklahoma to Richmond, Indiana at the Ohio border. The last couple of hours we were treated to a light show as we drove. We finally had enough driving and got off the road to get a hotel. The lightning was a little closer. By the time we were parked and got to the room the rain was coming down in torents and I was trying to get the kids inside before someone got hit by lightning. We were all soaked in a few feet and climbing the steps. Then the power blew. We watched the storm from the room and were really glad we'd stopped when we did. What excitement!

As far as Tucumcari...

We got into Tucumcari last night and stayed in a quaint little motel with the pool filled in with cement and a smell in the room. I wonder if I am just used to it or having the air conditioning on all night has made the smell go away. Kids are still sleeping. but I'll need to wake them soon. We'll be getting into Texas once we get moving and going on to my cousin's in Claremore, OK by the end of the day...I think. We're still open for a side trip if we think of one. I think we're all still having fun.

Our Expedition Begins..

Off we go!

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We got as far as Flagstaff tonight. Had dinner at In-N-Out in Arizona. Snacks in the hotel. Looks like the Rock Slide State Park is towards Sedona. Planning on doing that tomorrow... good night.

Prepping to Leave for Camp!

It's getting close. The car is getting it's last touches/repairs for the trip. I am procrastinating getting my laundry done. I guess we'll all be trying to get everything done at once. Today is the planned day for getting the car carrier and Swing-Away out and ready. The kids are starting to get excited. I guess my oldest daughter will get to join us this trip too. It'll be good to spend some time with her. Lots of catch up work around the house to try to get to. Some more driving practice on the freeway in the Expedition with loaded weight for my son. We have a birthday party for my youngest daughter to get through Friday, Father's Day and Summer Birthday dinner Sunday, orthodontist appointment on Monday then ON THE ROAD!
I wish everyone was going but Paul needs to work and Justin has other things going on. Besides someone needs to look after the house. Hopefully they'll come out before we leave. Paul will probably fly in to drive us home. It's usually quite a haul on the way home. It's strange to be starting out without them.
I finished knitting a bag for the trip. I just have to felt it now. I need to get what I want to work on this summer organized. I would so like to work on some glass flame working but that is just too much equipment to have to take along. I don't know what Jewelry making stuff would be appropriate either.
Time to start packing...

Summer Vacation Starts Today!

So Close I Can Almost Taste It!

Only three days left of the school year! With students that is. I have to take everything down, pack it up, clean and get my paperwork in. One day extra to check out and I'm FREE!!!! From that kind of work anyway. Appointments, car service, household upkeep, and driving back East will keep me really busy!

A New Life

Mother's Day

Here it is the wee hours of Mother's Day. My family is dreaming in their beds as I decide what to do for the day. I will be rousing them in a couple of hours for a trek to the beach so that I can have breakfast with all the most important people in my life. The ones that make Mother's Day meaningful. Have I told you they are amazing people? Each is so different, yet completely my favorite. It seems contradictory to have more than one favorite. It just seems to fit how I feel about them. My beautiful children. Each with their own perfect heart and mind. Each with their own set of talents. They have such potential. I hope I get to see the astounding turns their lives will take. I am blessed to be their mother.

Music in the House and Flowers in the Garden

Seems as though everyone is happy. The end of the school year is approaching with all of the activities that go with that. My daughter is graduating from Middle School, so there will be a semi-formal dance and trip to an amusement park. Awards assemblies are planned for band and drama. My son is still working on scuba lessons. He missed a couple having a fever for a week so we'll have to go down to Huntington Beach for him to catch up.
I have guitar lessons on Mondays and knitting on Wednesdays and Saturdays when nothing interferes.I am walking with my friend on Thursdays and husband on Sundays. Hope to start meeting with a meditation group on Thursdays too. Busy is happy, right?

Maybe it is fast enough...

!00 degrees in Redlands for the past couple of days. I want summer here, but too much too fast isn't good either. My plants need a watering system. Everything is a mess in the irrigation department.