Happy July 4th!
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| The New York City fireworks over the East Village of New York City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
It's been two weeks since I left Los Angeles to start out on a prolonged vacation. Time passes so quickly and I never seem to be getting as much done as I had hoped. I can use the argument that I'm on vacation, but still there is much to be done while I'm away.
We had a wonderful trip across the country on our first leg to Houston, Texas. After getting on the road at 5:30 in the morning of Saturday June 20th, we had smooth sailing throughout the day. For me a highlight of that first day came about 60 miles before we got to Las Cruces, New Mexico.
It was about 5:30 PM Mountain Time when I happened to tune into a classical radio station at the moment they started playing the Third Symphony of Camille Saint-Saens which is one of my top three favorite symphonies. For the next 40 minutes my drive was invigorated by some of the most wonderful music to be found. This is truly one of the best symphonies ever composed.
My stay in Houston was very restful as I took many naps throughout the week. My wife noted that my nighttime sleeping habits had vastly improved. After that week of personal recharge I was ready for my next adventure--a two day drive by myself to Tennessee. My wife will be staying in Houston until August 5th. I'll be on my own visiting my family members while she stays to help her daughter.
So far I've been in East Tennessee for almost a week. With my brother and sisters we're still working on settling up my mother's estate. There's lots of housecleaning and touch-up repairs to get her house ready to put on the market. We all hate to see the property leave the family, but selling it seems to be the most practical solution since none of us wants to live there--or in my case I don't live in this town.
I'll be here another week and a half or so before I begin wending my way to New Jersey. There's still plenty to be done in Tennessee and it's not going to all get done while I'm here, but I'll hopefully help make some progress during my stay. And then there's trying to make it to see some old friends. Time will be kind to me I can only hope.
Have a great 4th or whatever day you read this. May your every day be the best one yet.
How do you feel about traveling long distances alone? What music inspires you most when you are on the road? What did you do for the holidays?
I love traveling alone, although I haven't done any distances longer than 4 hours by myself. I have various mix tapes I like to listen to, including my fave one which is alternating songs by the Monkees and Partridge Family. And of course Grateful Dead tapes. I hope the rest of your travels are safe and fun!
ReplyDeleteJoJo, actually I enjoy the alone time on trips a good bit of the time, but at other times it's good to have a relief driver or someone with whom to share the experience. Having a great time so far.
DeleteLee
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I've only been on one long-distance trip alone when I was actually lost for a time in the Carolina backwoods and scared to death! My cousin had purchased a newer car in a neighboring town and I was to follow him back in his 'old shoe'. Cousin promptly sped off leaving me to fend for myself! Wouldn't have been near as annoying if I hadn't kept slipping off the phone book on those winding curves :-) I love music in the car! But on long trips I've wished more than once that the DJ would announce where he's broadcasting from. Happy trails!
ReplyDeleteDiedre, getting lost can be a nerve-wracking experience if I'm ready for an adventure. Your story sounds like a dilly. I'd often like to know where broadcasts are coming from, but even more I'd like to know who does the songs I don't recognize.
DeleteLee
Sounds like you are having a great trip and enjoying yourself. What music inspires me most on the road depends largely on my mood. Some songs I should avoid while driving as they give me a lead foot. We kept our granddaughter last night. Just some simple family time today to celebrate the 4th. Continued safe journeys, my friend. Life & Faith in Caneyhead
ReplyDeleteBarbara, doesn't get much better than simple family time on a holiday.
DeleteLee
I'm also on the road, though not as long as you... and vastly different travel plans.
ReplyDeleteI know packing up the parents' house must be tough. So many memories. And the knowledge that once it sells you can't go back. ::sigh::
Be safe and well as you make your way to Jersey.
I'm sorry to hear you and your siblings are having to close out your mother's home. Hopefully, you guys can rejoice in some good memories as you clean out the clutter. In my family we plan to have a whomp butt fight over the corelle ware. Anyway, that is the joke. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI have been on that journey back to my old hometown to help settle my mom's estate. It was so difficult to go through boxes and photos to find what was kept as precious or not. Painful.
ReplyDeleteSaying good-bye to that part of the county, knowing there was nothing left for me or my siblings to draw us home, ground into my heart and I can't let go of it.
I've never traveled long distances alone. Sounds scary, but I'd be willing to try. Though I imagine it may be more fun with others (peaceful by myself). That classical music would put me to sleep while driving. I'd need loud stuff and the window down, likely!
ReplyDeleteSpent my 4th on the lake with family. Setting off fireworks and watching the other people around the lake set off theirs too.