This morning I woke up with leg cramps before 7 am and decided to just stay up. I knew I'd never make it through the day without a nap, and I was right. So now I just woke up for the 2nd time today!
I finally took my bed comforter to a laundromat that had a large capacity washer, and now it's clean and hanging on the line to dry. I should go check on it soon and maybe turn it over so the other side gets some sun. I also picked up my down sleeping bag at Joe's house. Looking at current and average highs and lows where I'll be traveling I was worried about keeping warm at night. The down sleeping bag will do that on its own, and the comforter is so cushy I like to fold it up and sleep on top of it as well. Now I'm not sure I want to chance getting it dirty again in campsites, so I may just take a cheap quilt I have that can also be used as extra covering if I find myself in a really cold situation.
I'm not used to being able to star gaze at night because of the glow from city lights, and when I'm camping I've always gone to bed when the sun goes down and awakened when it comes back up. I normally leave the fly off my tent since the top is mesh and I like seeing the starry skies when nature wakes me up in the night. Maybe this time I will stay awake a little longer or else during the night when I wake up anyway.
I can't remember which commenter suggested a rack for my cooler so that foods aren't sitting in ice melt. I got one today at K-Mart that will fit the cooler perfectly! I know it never fails that ice melt gets its way inside plastic containers of all kinds, so I'm grateful for the suggestion. Now why didn't I think of that?
My sister has invited everyone to meet at Old Spaghetti Factory tomorrow evening to celebrate Stephanie's (her daughter) birthday. I hadn't planned to go because it is just so close to my leaving and I really get anxious the week before a long trip. I've decided I will go however, and if I don't eat much at least I can raise a pint to my niece's 24th! I will miss Ara's 24th at the end of September because I'll have to be on my way, but will be there for her Papa's birthday on Sep. 17th (my ex husband, Bill). I told her that I will celebrate with her and we will both drink to the old man!
I miss that old codger every time I set out on a trip, because as I've said many times, we couldn't get along except when we were traveling. Then, he was the best traveling partner anyone could want and we always had a good time from when the kids were little and we took them places up to camping trips with them the last few years of his life when they were adults. I hope he travels along with me in spirit at least. He would understand perfectly that I'm getting old and just want to take it easy and see everything I can along the way. But he would be shaking his head (in silence, thankfully) every time I change my mind and take off on a different road than I had planned. (Well, mostly in silence. He would be saying "What the hell have you been doing all that planning for when you aren't going to follow the plan.)
I'm really tied up in knots right now and still have to live through Friday and Saturday. The siren song of the road is getting louder and louder, and more beautiful as well.
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I used to get the jitters before we left on any vacation too. I would get nervous about leaving the house and the other pets we had, but then once we hit the road I was fine and started to get really excited. I'm sure you do the same thing. I'll be so anxious to hear all about your travels.
ReplyDeleteI never sleep well the night before I get on the road. It's a love/hate thing I think. I hate driving the rig, but love going new places. It's a vicious circle.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should invite Bill along. OK, that was a bad thought. You will do great all by yourself. I have confidence in you.
ReplyDeleteI get so tense when we're getting ready to head out after sitting for awhile that I cry a lot. And I'm not usually a crier. Drives me crazy. But then we get out on the road and the adventure takes over and it's time for fun.
ReplyDelete"I normally leave the fly off my tent since the top is mesh and I like seeing the starry skies when nature wakes me up in the night."
ReplyDeleteJust keep thinking of this ... ahhhh
Dizzy are you saying that Gypsy and Billy Bob could help each other rubbing hose leg cramps out....Ohhh My!!
ReplyDeleteI don't get nervous before breaking camp in the motor home but I always did when leaving my sticks and bricks for a few weeks. Like Judy, I hate to drive but love to be movin' on down the road. I'm really excited for you and know that this trip is going to be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you found the perfect rack to elevate your food! Simple thing - but works very well. Makes your cooler more like a refrigerator!
ReplyDeleteTry keeping a layer of Reflectix on top of everything, under the lid. The cold will stay in the food better instead of cooling the air at the top of your cooler. Even heavy duty foil helps.
Happy traveling!
Howdy Gypsy,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your getting to go on your sabbatical, again..
Thank you, for the BIG PRINT, old eyes can read it.. Enjoy your trip and we'll ride along to keep you company...
Hope all of the days are HAPPY DAYS & the nights starry and clear!!!!
butterbean carpenter
RunningStar Ranch (clear skies)
Coleman county
Texas
I am not a big restaurant fan, but I do like the Old Spaghetti Factory. Their pasta is almost as good as home. Eat lots:)
ReplyDeleteI am always apprehensive before any journey as well but I think that is perfectly normal. All that apprehension & second guessing immediately lifts as soon as I turn the ignition key & pull that good old gearshift leaver down into 'drive'.
ReplyDelete