The best part of having to do several loads of laundry when returning home is having fantastic weather, dry weather, to hang clothes out on the umbrella. OK, we aren't supposed to have clotheslines in our HOA, but the ole patio umbrella serves the purpose. The clothes are dry in minutes and smell fresh. If ya gotta do laundry, that's helpful.
Yesterday and today were filled with laundry and finishing details from the trip. We did enjoy a little patio, feet-up time last night and, of course, the Phoenix Suns game. We woke to our plants telling us that they were in very good hands while we were away.
There are MANY thank yous to be recorded:
- Nancy and Scott for watching over the homestead and keeping the outdoor plants healthy and alive.
- Mike and Mary for providing a comfortable night's sleep, a delicious fish dinner and, most of all, wonderful time together. We miss you.
- Mike, Bekki, Gary, Deb and Cathy. We wanted to learn more about our friend Barb and you didn't disappoint. The stories, the laughs were priceless, and we are grateful beyond words we were there with you.
- Diane, it was wonderful to see you in your professional world. Still the same yet different, Impressive. Thank you for dinner and your time.
- Lady Di. It has been years since we visited in person. You are looking wonderful and still impress me with your positivity and energy.
- Mark and Barbara for a relaxing and therapeutic walk in the woods. What an amazing area you live in. It was a peaceful day spent with you.
- Our daughter, grandkids and Rey. We loved spending time in the Amana Colonies with our oldest grandson, going to the baseball game with the two younger grandkids. There is never enough time, or energy on our part, to do all the things we'd love to do with you. We're so proud of you all and love you dearly. You're amazing!
- Barb for allowing us to stop for a very brief visit. You're looking wonderful and doing well. We're so happy for you. Miss you!
- Bob and Joan for the perfect afternoon drive-break. Loved the tea and cookies, visiting with you in your beautiful home. Miss you, but so glad you have such a wonderful place so close to family.
- To our many friends and family who read about our adventures, sent positive messages and prayers during our travels. It's heart-warming to know we were missed and you care. How richly we are blessed!
There wasn't enough time to spend with people, or even to see all the people we would have liked to on this trip. Hopefully there are more trips, and we will try to do better with connecting!
Now a quick summary of the trip:
- Miles logged: 5,531
- States passed through: 13 (AZ, NM, TX, OK, MO, IL, IN, MI, IA, NE, WY, CO, UT)
- Cheapest gas: $2.84/gal. Most expensive: $4.99/gal. here at home.
- Big Ten campuses visited: 4 (Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, Northwestern...just 4 left)
- National Parks/Historic Sites: 3 (Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Lincoln Home)
- Navajo Sites: 3 (Four Corners, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley)
BetsyB did well on her inaugural road trip. She's a bigger car and still averaged 30mpg on the very windy, mountain-climbing trip. She's only covered 13 states, though. Her predecessors logged 20 states (Betsy) and 29 (Subie). She's got some work to do yet. Fingers crossed, we will be able to complete our 44-year-long goal of driving through all lower 48 states later this year. BetsyB seems up for it. Will we be?
Meanwhile, I will do my best to update this blog weekly with our local adventures until our next road trip.
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