Saturday the 10th was D-Day (Departure Day), until it wasn’t. I could have left then but there was just still so much to do and organize and I would have been exhausted by the time I left. It was also Mother’s Day weekend and traffic, as well as hotel rooms, would have been very busy. And so, I waited until Monday the 12th. It turned out to be a good thing. Santino (my stepson) took me to Mexican food on Sunday. I am not one to say no to free (and good) food.
To say I am driving an overstuffed potato (food again) would not be an understatement. I need enough supplies (medications, doggie diapers, etc.) to last two months. By the time I return the vehicle should be halfway empty. Since I have worked so hard at downsizing I am going to try very hard not to fill it with trinkets. We shall see how strong I am.
Monday I went to see relatives in Roseville, CA and Livermore, CA, spending the night in Livermore. I got my new car just a week before leaving so I have not had much time to read the manual. My sis-in-law helped me figure out the navigation system. Before I left I set my phone to get me to my next house stop in Livermore. It didn’t work, so I set the car’s navigation up with directions to the hotel in Livermore. On my phone I used WAZE. On the car, Google. I thought it was funny that both systems suddenly worked and gave me matching directions using different words. One would say, “Stay in the right lane and veer to the right at Portola Avenue.” The other would respond with “At the next light, turn right.” Like I say, it was funny until one wanted me to go to the house and one wanted me to go to the hotel. Oops! I only needed to hear. “Turn right and then make a U-turn” three times before I figured out how to stop one of them. Those closest to me know my sense of direction and are laughing right now. I mean, I just have to head into the rising sun and eventually I will hit Florida, right? Of course, that means I cannot drive at night. More Robinz’ Travel Tips to come…
JoJo is a trooper. He is belted into his special doggie seat and spends most of the trip passed out (sans drugs). His appetite has been excellent. He sleeps in his portable bed at the hotel with no problem. For those who were worried about my safety, remember that I have a dog along to protect me. And those who know me are once again laughing… For those who thought I might be afraid, when I left Monday morning, there was no fear. All I saw was the road ahead. Getting lost will be my biggest problem but I’m used to that. And JoJo doesn’t seem to care, so why should I?
Driving for 15 minutes or so, my girlfriend in Texas (one of my stops) called and began to tell me all the secrets of safe driving. The last thing she preached was, “When you have a semi next to you, speed up and get in front of it because if their tire blows out you will be dead.” Someone name a highway where there isn’t a never-ending line of semis on your right?! So far, no flat tires but you know that because if there was I wouldn’t be here to tell you, right?
It’s all good. God is my Co-Pilot.
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