Finally!

Holy Cow! I'm finally on the road. I had no idea I owned so much CRAP! It took way more time than I had ever imagined and never would have finished if it weren't for Julie. Not only did she work her tushie off with me, but she is way more organized and a better planner than I! I would still be in a corner of my apartment wimpering and deranged. Thank You Julie! Or, I'd still be sprauled out on the sidewalk where I tripped Sunday night and took a few layers off of my elbow and hand. Didn't break any bones, thank God, but I will be cringing when I sneeze or cough and shake my ribs for a week or two.

My retirement lunch/party was low-key and fabulous! Thanks so much to everybody who came and/or contributed, truly. I really have enjoyed B'ham the last 3 years. 

I had lunch with Patty and Karen and Tom. Boy, you make retirement look fabulous, Tom. These three are the last of my friends I had to leave in Brunswick 3 years ago. Then I went to see my boys and Beth in Valdosta.

NOW, for the traveling part! I left Birmingham around 2pm (2 1/2 days later than I had planned, mind you) and drove towards Dallas. Had dinner at a nice little family place in an outlet mall in Vicksburg, called Billy's Italian Cafe. Didn't look like much but the lasagne was killer! I asked them to add mushrooms, of course, and they did. It was wonderful, even the cold part on the road the next morning - haha.

Got into what I thought was Tyler, TX after 11pm and stayed in a motel. Found out it wasn't Tyler the next morning when I drove through Tyler about 40 minutes after leaving the motel - hmmmm -still don't know where I slept, then. Drove across the Mighty Mississippi at night, so I didn't get to see it much. I will plan to cross in the day time next trip through this way.

Arrived at Sue's house around noon today (Wednesday). Got some new tires for the back of the car (will get new front ones next paycheck) and wandered around the mall a bit. Got some funny postcards for my girls - Hi Kelsey and Kayla in Yorba Linda. Had some barbque - good, but not nearly as good as Full Moon! I haven't seen Sue since she left Brunswick, ahead of my departure. Sue retired just ahead of me from the same agency, so I brought a bottle of one of my favorites so we could toast!!!

I need to keep up with my journal too, of the stops and stuff I see. I planned to take some photos here of the arboretum (and maybe even some drawings) but not enough time now. I will be back in mid-November and will definitely take care of that then. Looking forward to seeing a hot-air balloon festival in Albaquerque tomorrow, so we need to leave early enough in the morning to get there before dark. If we are able to see it well, I'll get some photos and share them with you all.

Still nursing booboos on my arms, but definitely on the road...