A 5,600 mile road trip ends - back to reality!

We left two weeks ago for a cross country road trip to California and back. We returned last evening without any incident. We both slept the best we have since we left. But we both feel very disoriented! But reality set in this morning. We needed to load up on groceries after finding a place for brunch. We decided to skip our usual morning walk because we simply had too much to do. We went to McLean Family Restaurant, then used our 20% grocery discount coupon at Safeway that we got when we had our flu shots, stopped at the gas station for another fill, washed clothes, updated all the apple devices with new software, cut the fall flowers and greens to create a welcome home environment, paid the bills, and just sat down. Now the thousands of photos are streaming on to my iPad from my iphone, my blogger app doesn't work, I need to make eye appointments tomorrow, and write some thank you notes. There is something exciting about taking vacations, but something soothing about getting back in to a routine. It's one of the longest trips we have ever taken and probably won't happen again. But it was all worth it!

LLBean Softpack Cooler

If and when we take another road trip, we finally decided it would be a good idea to keep up with our healthy eating habits as much as possible. By that I mean fruit, cookies, and angel food cake! Additionally, it's a good idea to have a container in the car that is insulated for the rare event it might be needed for leftovers, or something else that needs that type of container. So now that I have become an LlBean fan, we decided to check out what might be available at the Tysons store. There was one style available in three sizes and several colors. Of course, I immediately went for the green. We both liked the soft sides, and the ample room for the ice pack and the contents of the picnic size - the bag in between the personal and the family size. There were pockets on every side, a zip pocket on top, carrying handles that open, and a shoulder strap. Plus, it was very light. One of these days we need to find rain proof shoes for winter, but that will be another time. Since I retired, our general style has switched from business to casual. And it's so much better! 

LLBean Wardrobe Conversion

Since I retired in February, my wardrobe has significantly changed. A couple weeks ago I cleaned out my closets and removed all the work suits, heels and the like. What was missing were casual clothes to wear on "keep it really simple" road trips and for "hiking" the concrete jungle of Washington DC. We are not trailblazers, and we don't do any outdoor activity like kayaking, boating, golfing, etc - they are just not on our radar screen. But we do love to walk. So my husband and I decided it was time to check out LLBean as an option and for the assistance we needed. Who would ever think that polyester and nylon would become the fabric of choice? And because it is so hot outside right now, we both stocked up on essentials that we hope will last for a long time to come. We had extraordinary help from Diane, who really knew her stuff, pointed us in the right direction with several options, and kept us thoroughly entertained along the way. So today I put the "quick dry" method to the test by washing, ringing out, and hanging the shirt and shorts I wore today on this dreadfully hot morning walk. They are already almost dry as I'm writing this blog. The underwear that lasts for several days won't get here until Amazon delivers next week. Now that's something I'm really anxious to try! What have I been missing all these years? There really is a life outside of work! 

Take Time for a Roadtrip

We love to drive. But we dislike staying in motels. Consequently, it is not unusual for us to take a couple of days to get to our destination, but on the way home we like to do it in one day. So we will travel fifteen or sixteen hours at a crack to get from Florida to DC and about as much time from Wsiconsin to DC. It's a lot easier in the summer months because it stays light out so much longer, but the downside is that everyone else is traveling too. Fall and winter are a lot less busy. And since I retired in February, we could actually change how we travel - from long weekends to maybe weeks at a time! I still get the sense I need to be back home soon so I can return to work, but that thought dissipates quickly. I most enjoy sitting in the passenger seat and checking out the view. We rarely listen to music or the radio when we are on the move. We would rather chat and exchange nonsense. And with iPads and iPhones, I can always keep up to date with my digital art hobby as my virtual studio travels with me. If you haven't had the opportunity to get on a roadtrip you are really missing out on something. It started a long time ago when we traveled as a family with my parents from the northeast to the south, and all along the eastern seaboard. And ever since then, I'm always looking forward to it. 

The Privilege of Driving on the Turnpike

Whenever we drive to Milwaukee from DC, the shortest route is on the turnpike. I hate the turnpike! It starts around Breezewood near Pennsylvania, and ends after Indiana. But even when there isn't a turnpike, Illinois is full of toll roads. When we lived in Milwaukee, we got I pass transponders for both of our cars because we got tired of stopping and paying cash for every toll road in Illinois. We didn't need them in Wisconisn! We recently had to renew the old transponder from Illinois because it was outdated. They sent us a new one only if we promised to send the old one back. And we manage it from the Illinois website, and they automatically replenish the amount when it reaches a minimum limit. So when we travel on the dreaded turnpike, this transponder works. I feel trapped on this stretch of highway. There are only service plazas with minimal options rather than rest stops and normal exits. Getting on and off is a pain as well. I much prefer the freedom of the interstate. And when we got home, I checked the total amount we paid for the privilege of driving on this special road - 71.59 !!?? Maybe next time we will go the long way for a change in scenery, longer miles, and probably more gas that will cost as much as the toll roads. It's just so annoying when you should be having a good time. Who's idea was that anyway? 

A Care Package From Milwaukee

It would be a long ride back to DC from Milwaukee, and we wanted to get an early start. So we would be skipping breakfast and get right down to it. We generally try to return in a day, rather than stay at a motel along the way. Going out is one thing, but coming back is another. We lived in Milwaukee for thirty years and whenever we visit, we stay at our old next door neighbor's place, right next to our old home. That had advantages and disadvantages, but it's always a very nice time. Since we were leaving early, our hosts made up a surprise care package for us. It included two coffee mugs filled with coffee, cinnamon buns, and fruit. We ended up having coffee there before leaving, and took along the rest of the treats. It was a very thoughtful thing to do and we took full advantage of the contents, including the napkins and hand wipes, not long after we left. The fruit hit the spot somewhere in Indiana, and we sparingly finished off the cinnamon buns right before our arrival home around midnight. Whenever we visit Milwaukee and visit our friends and colleagues it makes us wonder why we moved. I suppose as long as we are able to travel about back and forth it's a nice getaway for all concerned. But I don't know how many care packages any one else would get. It's nice to know folks for long periods of time. It's the small things that matter most.