View Full Version : Diva's Road Trip ~ Part Deux
Anyone who knows me, knows I adore a road trip!!!
The last big one I took was in the fall of 2007 and I had the honor of visiting with a BUNCH of community folks! It was just great fun!
Well.....here comes another one! So I'm going to be writing about it (of course!)!
I'm leaving on July 5th, headed for a birthday party for my daughter and her beau to be held in California! (Yes, I have reliable caregivers for Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel and Chez Diva!!!)
So here's the plan, Stan.................
I'm makin' a big ol' loop: Austin ~ NM ~ AZ ~ CA ~ NV ~ UT ~ CO ~ Austin.
13 days of madcap adventures! And hellz YEAH, I'm packin' a Fire Extinguisher and a few gallons of water! lol
I'm also getting a new phone so I have coverage! I'm taking the camera/laptop for nightly reports, too. I love The Quirky, so no tellin' what You'll see/read.....
Have Soccer Mom Van will travel.....:pirate-steer:
Corkey
06-22-2011, 01:48 PM
On the road again :musicnote:
Hollylane
06-22-2011, 01:54 PM
Lucky lady! Wish I could go further and longer then the trips I have planned so far. I look forward to reading about your trip!
Daktari
06-22-2011, 01:59 PM
I loves a good road trip...it sounds like the perfect summer holiday full of fun Ms.D...I hope you have a total ball.
Daywalker
06-22-2011, 03:13 PM
The Diva is coming!
The Diva is coming!
:shocking:
:weedsmoke:
We can't wait to break bread n create Fuckery with you.
:rainsing:
:daywalker:
The Diva is coming!
The Diva is coming!
:shocking:
:weedsmoke:
We can't wait to break bread n create Fuckery with you.
:rainsing:
:daywalker:
Weeeeeee!
You know I love me some broken bread and Fuckery now!
FuckaLicious!
And centered for Your protection!
:fastdraq:
Gemme
06-22-2011, 04:30 PM
Don't forget to make mention of inappropriately named gas stations again.
Be safe!
:blink:
Totally looking forward to lunch on the CA part of yer road trip :) xoxo
Don't forget to make mention of inappropriately named gas stations again.
Be safe!
:blink:
ROFL! AbsoLUTEly! Along with any other inappropriately named points of interest! :D
justkim
06-22-2011, 05:14 PM
Western Colorado checking in... Hope we get a chance to meet up on your way through...
Western Colorado checking in... Hope we get a chance to meet up on your way through...
That's my plan! :)
dixie
06-23-2011, 07:40 AM
Hey now, when ya gonna make a trip east?? LOL I hope you have a great time. Can't wait to read your updates! :D
Hey now, when ya gonna make a trip east?? LOL I hope you have a great time. Can't wait to read your updates! :D
Right NOW, I'm saying in the dead of winter next year.........we'll see!
Linus
06-23-2011, 10:23 AM
Right NOW, I'm saying in the dead of winter next year.........we'll see!
You getting a snowmobile for that trip?? 'Cuz, unless you gots winter tires on yer vehicle that might be a bit challenging. :P
See you in a couple of weeks. :)
You getting a snowmobile for that trip?? 'Cuz, unless you gots winter tires on yer vehicle that might be a bit challenging. :P
See you in a couple of weeks. :)
I thought I'd hitch up Dasher and Dancer and take the sleigh.... :eyebat:
YEA!
foxyshaman
06-23-2011, 10:40 AM
I thought I'd hitch up Dasher and Dancer and take the sleigh.... :eyebat:
YEA!
That made this northern clime gal giggle!! I look forward to your updates!!
The suitcase is out of the closet.
That's not code for the president or anything.... :giggle:
I'm excited for you!!! Do you have a problem with excitement keeping you awake right before a fun trip?
I'm excited for you!!! Do you have a problem with excitement keeping you awake right before a fun trip?
Yes! I'm trying to get it all out NOW so I can sleep that last night as I have a really long drive that first day!
But I am notorious for thinking of things I have yet to do and staying up to do them. :|
Greyson
06-27-2011, 03:34 PM
I am so looking forward to your run through Northern Cal. It has been a few years since I saw you last. "I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille."
Yes, dear Greyson, it was just a little over 3 years, as a matter of fact!
I'm very much looking forward to seeing You again, and meeting Your sweet Julie!
~ 7 DAYS ~
:carride:
:cheer:
Diva, please keep me posted if you ever make it up to my neck of the woods. I would love to meet up with you or you could even stay in the guest bedroom if you were traveling through and needed a crash pad. *Smile.
little_ms_sunshyne
06-29-2011, 06:21 PM
Yay! Have a great time Miss Diva! Very Exciting!
Okiebug61
06-29-2011, 07:14 PM
I'm disappointed that you are going to Western Colo but not hitting Oklahoma at all. We are much cooler than those Rockie Mountain People :-). I can rope a tornado with one hand while drinking a beer with the other. Have a great time! And for all you Rockie Mountain people I have only one question! How did calf fries get named Rocky Mountain Oysters! Love Colorado and your beautiful terrain. Have a great time Diva!
Tommi
06-29-2011, 07:18 PM
~~5 DAYS~~
:carride:
:pile::clap::thumbsup::mob:
WolfyOne
06-29-2011, 07:23 PM
Why is OK not part of your trip?
You should reroute on the way back and go see the Oklahoma National Memorial.
I was mesmerized by it when I visited it.
DapperButch
06-29-2011, 07:34 PM
I'm assuming you got the oil changed/car checked out?
You kids make me :giggle:
OK, let's address the OK issue.
My last road trip, I came through OK. That was 2007.
Enough said. :blink:
This is my West Coast Tour. ;)
My next trip (whenever) is the Northeast. Julie thinks I'm going to shovel her snow....whatEVER.
I'm sorrie to disappoint You Okies.....maybe I can take a long weekend journey some time soon! Ok, OK? Ok. :eyebat:
Dapper, according to my list, I'm doing that on Friday....oil change, fluids, filters, getting my tires checked and may be getting 2 new ones. (One has a nail in it, but not leaking. However, I've been told to get that fixed. I take no chances.) Thank You for being concerned! MWAH!
I know this may surprise all Y'all, but I'm pretty organized....even down to where the gas stations are along the way which have clean restrooms. They know I'm comin'..... :|
WolfyOne
06-29-2011, 08:35 PM
Ummmm, why wasn't I aware you came through OK in 2007?
R and I would've surely done something with you back then
So, if you road trip to OK in the future, we can plan places for you to see that would be of interest to you
Like, I'm sure there's a farm somewhere someone owns and you could see if any of the chickens look similar to June's and give them new names or perhaps the zoo, I only hear it's really nice since I have no one here to go there with. Then of course, there is that National Memorial I wrote about earlier. Even many different kinds of museums depending on one's mood. Oh, the list can go on and on, but I'll stop now and catch my breath....mmmm, better, lol.
Just have a safe journey, enjoy yourself and get us plenty of good pics to look at in the gallery or on your FB. Don't forget to load up on water BEFORE you get into the desert.
DapperButch
06-29-2011, 08:39 PM
Dapper, according to my list, I'm doing that on Friday....oil change, fluids, filters, getting my tires checked and may be getting 2 new ones. (One has a nail in it, but not leaking. However, I've been told to get that fixed. I take no chances.) Thank You for being concerned! MWAH!
Good to hear!
No question on getting the tire fixed. You could just get it plugged, or better yet, throw a new one on there!
P.S. I expect to see you on the Northeast trip!
Yea!
I have now finalized my trip. I know where I'm going to lay my chubby little red head every night!!
Don't worry, Dapper.....I will have several gallons of water in the car, a shovel, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit for me AND the car! :)
Let's rock and roll!!!
Galahad
06-29-2011, 09:11 PM
In case you take the I10 and need to stop to stretch your legs before LA. I'll pm you my number. I can show you the fabulous sites of our quaint village and how to get back on the freeway.
DapperButch
06-29-2011, 09:24 PM
Yea!
Don't worry, Dapper.....I will have several gallons of water in the car, a shovel, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit for me AND the car! :)
How about throwing a can of "fix a flat" in there? http://www.fixaflat.com/products.asp?page=1_0
Good for when you are on a back road somewhere and don't feel comfortable waiting for someone to come change the tire (yes, I am assuming you don't do it yourself...no offense if you do!). Oh, and a small, yet powerful flashlight!
<---wondering when hy became hys father :blink:
Greyson
06-29-2011, 09:50 PM
<---wondering when hy became hys father :blink:
You and me both, Dapper.
Corkey
06-29-2011, 10:02 PM
All of that is all good and well, but trust me the miles between....TP!
sierragirrl
06-29-2011, 10:23 PM
dont forget a couple of umbrellas. you never know when a storm will pop up.
Y'all are SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!
Shall I post my list? :giggle:
I have TP. (Even though I wouldn't be caught DEAD or even remotely comatose on the side of the road doing THAT!)
I have an umbrella.
I do NOT have that Fix~A~Flat stuff, but that's a good idea! It's just gone on the list!
Thanks, Y'all, for being so thoughtful and caring!
Corkey
06-29-2011, 10:51 PM
Y'all are SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!
Shall I post my list? :giggle:
I have TP. (Even though I wouldn't be caught DEAD or even remotely comatose on the side of the road doing THAT!)
I have an umbrella.
I do NOT have that Fix~A~Flat stuff, but that's a good idea! It's just gone on the list!
Thanks, Y'all, for being so thoughtful and caring!
Rest stops dear Diva are not always uuummm stocked!
Daywalker
06-29-2011, 10:55 PM
http://www.marijuana-seeds.nl/bud-in-glass.jpg
Hippy Emergency Road Kit
:cheesy:
:daywalker:
Galahad
06-29-2011, 10:58 PM
fixaflat aerosol is only for dire emergencies. Usually the tire can't be repaired after it's been used. It's the residue on the inside of the tire. So I've been told.
DapperButch
06-30-2011, 05:04 AM
fixaflat aerosol is only for dire emergencies. Usually the tire can't be repaired after it's been used. It's the residue on the inside of the tire. So I've been told.
Yes, more so in emergencies, which is why I gave the back road scenario...I was thinking about her being in an area she didn't feel safe in, waiting for AAA or something.
It used to be true that the tire couldn't be fixed if the product was used. That is no longer the case. You just need to tell the tire guy that you used the product.
You can find the above information on their website.
** 4 DAYS!!! **
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/dvmarie/LJ%20JUNE%2011/IMG_1275.jpg
I promise I won't do this while the car's on cruise.
:giggle:
PS ~ Those are not MY feet.
MY feet will be pedi'd and polished, thank You.
princessbelle
06-30-2011, 01:42 PM
You don't need fix a flat.
You just need your smile.
Works like a charm.
well for safety, have some mace in your pocket too. way cheaper.
You don't need fix a flat.
You just need your smile.
Works like a charm.
well for safety, have some mace in your pocket too. way cheaper.
Oh I have something MUCH better than mace, precious princess....:giggle:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/shenabobeana/pistol.jpg
princessbelle
06-30-2011, 01:46 PM
Oh I have something MUCH better than mace, precious princess....:giggle:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/shenabobeana/pistol.jpg
Oh??? do tell. i need some.
WAitttttttttttt hold the phone i see your icon!!!!!! Good for you, you pistol packin momma!!!!!
I should get one of those things. Do they come in pink by chance?
They do!
Mine's a .38 and just plain ol' black, but it won't matter when I'm pullin' the trigger.
Bastids best not mess with me. Just sayin'..... :eyebat:
princessbelle
06-30-2011, 01:52 PM
They do!
Mine's a .38 and just plain ol' black, but it won't matter when I'm pullin' the trigger.
Bastids best not mess with me. Just sayin'..... :eyebat:
This just made me swoon.
*fans self
That was cute........wanna see my pistol, little girl?
:giggle:
princessbelle
06-30-2011, 01:58 PM
That was cute........wanna see my pistol, little girl?
:giggle:
LMAO was just about to ask if that was your pistol i was seeing or if you were just happy to see me :)
Wishes i was goin on this trip. I haven't read all of it yet so sorry if this is repeats.....but,
necessities...
in the front seat...extra eyeliner and lipstick for when you stop to peepee; hair brush with extra barrettes cause hair always goes to hell on long trips, deodorant..just cause, MAJOR amounts of music, lip gloss and sunscreen cause your left arm will unfortunately get a tan which will make you lopsided and you walk crooked.
Just off the top of my head...more later.
mmmmmmmmmmwahhhhhhhhhh
Here is the cover of my Road Trip Notebook....aka Trip Bible.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp310/DivaTX54/RoadtripNotebook711.jpg
Rockinonahigh
06-30-2011, 02:21 PM
Well with all this road driveing it would seem like a cretain person from Austin could swing thrue Shreveport one of these days,just sayin I make the best samgria in these parts,made from scratch not the ready made stuff in a bottle.
Well with all this road driveing it would seem like a cretain person from Austin could swing thrue Shreveport one of these days,just sayin I make the best samgria in these parts,made from scratch not the ready made stuff in a bottle.
Rockin'....my next trip will be to the northeast (because Julie thinks I want to shovel her snow! WhatEVER! lol).....so I think a Sangria Stop would be in order!
YUM!
Rockinonahigh
06-30-2011, 02:52 PM
Well I just may bring my family resipe for sangria with me and make some wjile im in L.R.
Rockinonahigh
06-30-2011, 02:54 PM
Ops darn typos..I ment while in L.R.
WolfyOne
06-30-2011, 03:04 PM
Y'all are SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!
Shall I post my list? :giggle:
I have TP. (Even though I wouldn't be caught DEAD or even remotely comatose on the side of the road doing THAT!)
I have an umbrella.
I do NOT have that Fix~A~Flat stuff, but that's a good idea! It's just gone on the list!
Thanks, Y'all, for being so thoughtful and caring!
Do not leave that can of fix a flat in your van in extreme heat
Oh and don't forget to bring an extra gallon of anti freeze along with the water
Perhaps a list posted would put some of us at rest before you travel
DapperButch
06-30-2011, 04:12 PM
Oh I have something MUCH better than mace, precious princess....:giggle:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/shenabobeana/pistol.jpg
Texans scare me.
Good.
We're one bubble off plumb. Just sayin'.....
I have my fire extinguisher.
I have my water.
I have my anti~freeze/coolant stuff.
I have my new mascara.
I have my new lipstick.
Life is good.
Dreams
06-30-2011, 09:31 PM
fixaflat aerosol is only for dire emergencies. Usually the tire can't be repaired after it's been used. It's the residue on the inside of the tire. So I've been told.
if cleaned properly it can be repaired...it's just a pain in the rear.
I decided against the F~A~F stuff. It can't get hot and I'm going to be in the hottest part of the country. It would be just MY luck that it would explode.
No thank You. :eyebat:
Ok, I came over here to say something and then I got distracted ~ oh look! a chicken! ~ and I forgot what I was gonna say.....
Who can I blame?
sierragirrl
06-30-2011, 11:16 PM
don't forget to make sure all the routes your gonna take are all open. i saw on the news about the fire in N.M.
we just got back from a road trip from Nor Cal to OKC and back. i loved it. Utah is not so purdy in some areas.
:praying: have a safe trip
don't forget to make sure all the routes your gonna take are all open. i saw on the news about the fire in N.M.
we just got back from a road trip from Nor Cal to OKC and back. i loved it. Utah is not so purdy in some areas.
:praying: have a safe trip
Yes, I'm keeping my eye on those fires!
I'm going the southern route on I-10 until Tucson.
My cousin lives close to the AZ fires, but they're almost contained.
I won't get on I-40 until I leave her home and pop up to Flagstaff.
Then there's a small fire in CO that is also close to where I'm staying, but I believe it's nearly contained, and should be totally contained by the time I roll through.
Thank You! I'm bringing weinies and graham crackers, Hershey bars and marshmallows, just in case! ;)
Greyson
07-01-2011, 12:18 AM
What kind of Soccer Mom Van will you be driving on your road trip? How many miles on it? Be sure you have her into the shop for maintenance and inspection before you make the trip.
I was not surprised to read about your 38. I like a trusty 38 myself. I realize 38's are somewhat out dated. Seems many want a Glock as their hand gun of choice.
I am looking forward to reading about your road trip adventures. What I remember vividly from your previous road trip blog was your pic of you, G and the giant Shuttle Cock.
Galahad
07-01-2011, 01:21 AM
Diva, I did have a can of faf explode. But, the can I have now has been in the trunk for years. It's in an old insulated lunch bag and no problems. It's really hot here too and the car sits in a parking lot all day all summer, avg. temp. 108.
Be safe. Even if you have to buy a new valve stem later.
Dominique
07-01-2011, 05:33 AM
What kind of Soccer Mom Van will you be driving on your road trip? How many miles on it? Be sure you have her into the shop for maintenance and inspection before you make the trip.
I was not surprised to read about your 38. I like a trusty 38 myself. I realize 38's are somewhat out dated. Seems many want a Glock as their hand gun of choice.
I am looking forward to reading about your road trip adventures. What I remember vividly from your previous road trip blog was your pic of you, G and the giant Shuttle Cock.
Hand guns are a subject I rarely talk about, its too controversial. And the few people who like to do the rumor thing, (:| ) did a smear of me about hand guns, and all I did was mention I owned one. Anyhow......
I have this great little 25 that I have hollow points loaded into. This is not my handgun of choice, but, when I am out on my bicycle and many miles from home and sometimes civilization. One can become very vulnerable.(one of my bicycles is worth the price of an average used car) This very small hand gun has laser sights on it. I learned this at the NRA convention that was held here a few months ago. (I traded the old 25 in and bought this new one) Of course do not carry a hand gun if you can not use it. But second, you set the laser sights on someone......you've freaked them the hell out....and 98% of the time they will go the other way saying to them self "oh oh, wrong person"
I appologize if this was a derail...back to the travel channel.
Alright, everyone! Departure is at hand!
I'll be leaving tomorrow evening between 5 & 6.....driving to San Antonio tomorrow evening, checking into the hotel and go to dinner at Boudro's on the River Walk where my daughter is a server! I'm so excited as this was my all~time favorite restaurant when I came down for TMEA conventions!
Then early Tuesday morning, I'll be on my way (going to San Antonio tomorrow actually cuts about an hour and a quarter off my Tuesday drive....so it's all good)!!
My bags are packed.
My car has been serviced (complete with 4 new tires that SING, btw!).
I will load up the car tomorrow afternoon, make like a baby and head out! :eyebat:
Martina
07-04-2011, 12:08 AM
"May the wind take your troubles away
Both feet on the floor, two hands on the wheel
May the wind take your troubles away" -- "Windfall" by Son Volt
hYoidn4QRMI
The car is just about loaded up!
I'm going to run a few last~minute errands and then be on my way to San Antonio to spend the evening with my daughter and her bf!
Tomorrow, it begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let the WEST COAST ROAD ADVENTURE BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carride:
Chancie
07-04-2011, 09:47 AM
http://www.netmaestro.co.nz/_NetMaestro/Library/2010/WhyNetMaestro/ready-now-why-buy-netmaestro.jpg
:stillheart:
Diva's West Coast Road Trip
DAY ~1~
Alright........I didn't think I could POSSIBLY have anything to report on DAY ONE!!!!! :|
Au contraire, mon ami.
And I just have one word: MERDE.
So.
Let's see....where to begin, where to begin........
Ok....I had a few errands (three) left to do today before I left. I was planning on leaving around 3. PLANNING on it... :|
I went for a pedi, first. She cut me! CUT ME! My toe hurts. However, I have purple polish, so I forgave her in my heart. :eyebat:
Then I had to go to Lowe's and have a couple of extra keys made. So I went and did that. I got back in the car, pretty pleased with myself ~ even though it was past 3. (The salon was crazy wild and backed up!) I get in the car and think.....that's odd. Why does my car smell like wine? <breathed deeply>
Then I thought.....did I take that bottle of wine out of the car yesterday???? :praying: Well....I'll just go to the bank and then when I get home, I'll check.
I get to the bank and reach for my purse. :|
It's not in the front seat. Now why ~ I asked myself ~ would I have put it in the back with my purchase? So I got out at the Drive-thru and opened the back door and my purse was not there.
What?!?!?! There is no WAY I left it at Lowe's! Maybe I did...in the basket, as I left?
So I tried to get back on the interstate to go back. There was a wreck. (Oh yes there WAS!) It seemed like it took me FOREVER to get back to Lowe's. I see my basket. No purse. Oh PLEASE let it be inside.....
I went to the Customer Service Desk and there were 3 people in front of me. :| Finally I got to the lady and asked if someone had turned in a black patent leather handbag (this is my Mom's purse!!!). No....she didn't think so. And my heart sank, because if there was no purse, there was no trip for Diva. I tried not to cry and another woman said, "What color is your purse?" I said "Black!!!!!" And is there something special on the outside? (This was a test, I could tell!) I squealed with glee, "TINY PINK TIARAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She laughed and delivered my purse to me.
I MAY have skipped to the car. :eyebat:
So....then I go back to the ATM. THAT was flawless.
Then I get home and I open up the back of the van. The bottle of wine had knocked over in the [plastic] bag and rolled to the other side of the car. I guess in the process, it was SO incredibly hot in the car, the cork blew out and there was wine all over the back area of my van. All I could think was.....Jeez. I hope I don't get pulled over! Ok, ok....it MAY be mildly amusing now.....but that was a lovely bottle of Riesling. Wasted. Ne'er to be savored upon these lips. Grapes. Crushed for naught.
Then I finished packing the car. Lucy was becoming nervous. She doesn't like to see me pack the car. She wanted to go, too.
Off I went to San Antonio, 2 1/2 hours later than I originally planned. I checked into my hotel, freshened up a bit and took off for my daughter's restaurant!
First, Boudro's is on the River Walk. So it's full of charm......and very San Antonio! I got to meet her favorite co~workers, including her boss, who was lovely. We sat and chatted when things calmed down.
I got to watch my daughter work the table next to mine ~ an 8-top. I tried not to stare. She was so good!!! I was glad I got to hear her explanations, too. I was so proud I nearly cried. I had to stop myself because I know she would have been embarrassed. But she was f***ing amazing! :heartbeat:
I had this amazing sirloin....holy God...amazing wine.....she made guacamole tableside and I had some really wonderful wines. (They have their own wine cellar!) And to top it all off? Creme brulee`............MMMmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
When I left (I was there 2 1/2 hours), some of the waiters came to door and waved and said, "Bye Mom!"
They made my night!
So i'm back in my room.....going to hit the hay in a few minutes!
Tomorrow is Chapter Two: Las Cruces!!
Corkey
07-05-2011, 02:45 PM
Hella of a start.
Bon Voyage'!
Julie
07-05-2011, 03:10 PM
Safe Travels Diva ~ Can't wait to read more.
The_Lady_Snow
07-05-2011, 03:15 PM
Good lord woman, be safe!!!
:|
WolfyOne
07-05-2011, 04:53 PM
Hope you're having a splendid time at wherever you are in your travels at the moment.
Dreamer
07-05-2011, 05:54 PM
I hope you have the most amazing trip. Be safe and I look forward to reading your adventures.
Call me if you need bail money. :blink:
Howdy~doooooooo from New Mexicooooooo! :giggle:
I am in my sweet Hampton Inn hotel room (I like to call it my home in the Hamptons.....because I'm a snob like that!) and have ordered a pizza! I am tired. I took my bra off. I'm not goin' anywhere ELSE tonight!
Let's see......where shall I begin?
Did I tell You that last night's hotel really sucked air? Yes. It did.
But they topped it off this morning when the alarm didn't go off.
I rose at PROMTLY 10:38. :| Not the 8:30 I had in mind, huh?
I was out the hotel door by 11:30 and on the road. Before I left town, I took a lovely phallic shot of a spire of some church close to the hotel. If You're on FB, go see in a few minutes.....I'll be posting. It made me lonely. :|
Then I was off. Let me just tell You something.....You KNOW Texas is big, right?
It took me 8 1/2 hours to get to El Paso. With one stop for petrol, ladies and gentlemen. Yes. I know.
The scenery was what You might envision in an old cowboy movie.....scrub brush and mesquite as far as the eye could see. When I got to Ft. Stockton, however, the earth began to rise up! MOUNTAINS!!! Nobody ever thinks there are mountains in Texas. And granted, they're not like the Rockies, ok? So don't get Yourselves in a snit. But they're OUR mountains. And it was refreshing....Davis Mountains.....Apache Mountains....and a couple other ranges....it was neat.
El Paso drew near. It was dismal and sad to me. I wanted to go look at the wall, but I was tired, and it would just have made me sadder, I think. I saw the Rio Grande River for about a second. It's SO dry down here....there were sand spouts around every corner.
And that's about IT, kids! I'm tellin' Ya.....not so much happened today!
OH! Since I have my new phone/service......I have HAD phone service almost the entire way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT makes me VERY happy!
Happy what day IS this? Tuesday? Ok....yeah...have a great day!
Tomorrow? SEDONA, AZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daywalker
07-05-2011, 08:15 PM
Sedona is a hard place to leave.
:carride:
It's so Majestic!
:moonstars:
See U soon
:gimmehug:
:daywalker:
Hollylane
07-06-2011, 07:27 AM
Sedona is beautiful....We love the cotton wood trees near there, and the local restaurants are divine! Have fun!
LadyFlamezzz
07-06-2011, 01:28 PM
Why are we traveling solo? That is NOT a good idea darling Divalicious.Your descriptions are wonderfully delicious and yes amusing cept'n for the purse skur *
Next roadside stop please take a picture I don't care what it's of. I cannot wait to see your face Sunday I'm so excited !!!!
Please be safe and sing as loud as you wannna in the car it helps pass time.......We adore and love you ****:rainbowAfro:
LadyFlamezzz
07-06-2011, 01:34 PM
Just spoke with the Diva darling and she is 52 miles from Tuscon..singing loudly,lol:hangloose:
If it's
WEDNESDAY
this must be
SEDONA!
Good evening, fellow travelers! I'm in Sedona! But I'm ahead of myself. Let's look back, shall we? :eyebat:
I left Las Cruces about 9:30. There was a child ~ a small, squealing/screaming/tantrum~throwing child in the room next to mine who didn't shut it off until about 2. So when I woke up, I felt like a little Pucinnin in the shower was apropos. I hope they enjoyed it. You just can't go wrong with La Boheme, now can You? :fallenangel:
Filled the car up and was on my way!
There seems to be a plethera of pecan orchards in New Mexico and Arizona! They were lovely to see...I'm a little early, however.
Just outside of Las Cruces, and I believe their claim to fame, is a giant roadrunner 'statue' made entirely of trash from their recently-closed dump. Do You need a moment? The underbelly (if that's even a word!) is made from old shoes. I even pulled off the road for that shot because I wanted to get the best picture I could from a bad angle. It was tres exciting!
There was a lot of road construction, going-to-one-land kinda deal......it really cramped my style.
But then! What's THAT in the distance???? OMG!!!!!!! My prayers to the Universe had been answered!!! There in the distance was a metal covered passage.....like a toll area.....BUT......it was the....(breathe, Janey, breathe!) The US Border Patrol....redirecting traffic for inspection.
Holy Mother of Gay! The nice officers were going to inspect ME!!!!!!!!!!!! I grabbed my camera. I thought, mah Shizzle (G) will be so proud! I tried to make my breathing normal. I inched ever closer to the 2 moderately handsome officers awaiting my arrival! One wore a hat. He was the big Mister Officer.
Quick check: hair, lips, teeth......perfect as it was gonna get.
I rolled down my window and they smiled as I gushed so bubbly, "My friends will be EVER so excited to know that I was inspected! May I take Your picture, please?" One of the officers (Mr. Big Hat Officer) glanced around in my car (thank God he did not smell the exploded wine bottle!) and said, "No, Ma'am, I'm sorry. We can't allow that." :police:
Rejection. :overreaction:
I moved on. A single tear may have trickled down my chubby cheek.
Ok...la la la.....I headed for Arizona, former residence of my Sissy ~ Shariberry.
I went through Texas Canyon.....it looked as though the Universe dropped several bags of marbles that looked like huge rocks, just in this one area! It was pretty amazing!
Then, I noticed the haze and found out tonight that there was a massive sand strorm in Tucson the night before and I had missed it. Oh darn. How I would have loved to have had that gritty crap in my teeth. :| I did get to see a plethera of Dust Devils, however. That was good enough for me. I also loved the tall cactus that looked like people to me. They were everywhere!
Went through Tucson........went through Phoenix...........the got on I-17 North to head to Sedona......omg.
The view changed significantly as I began to climb in elevation......for an interstate, it was a pretty narrow highway. And people drove like maniacs. On that particular highway, I got up to about 4,500 ft. My ears popped and all that stuff.
I left the Interstate to go to Sedona....it looked like rain. My cousin had told me that July is "Monsoon Season" in AZ. I thought she was joking.
She wasn't joking.
Just before I got to Sedona, the sky opened up and the bottom fell out! Then just as quickly, It stopped.
I checked into my hotel ~ The Kokopelli Inn (isn't that cute?) ~ and the view from my room is glorious!!! Two HUGE red rock mountains that look as though someone sliced them from the top to about half~way down to reveal this gorgeous burnt siena rock. Just lovely!
As I got my things into the room, the bottom dropped out again.....and so here I sit....enjoying the rain, the view out my window, and telling You all about it!
In the morning, I'm going to visit as many galleries as I can, go to an amazing metaphysical place and then early afternoon will leave to go to Payson, where my cousin and her husband live. I haven't seen her since Erin was born! (Erin will be 24 next week!)
My car's riding well. I am safe! Enjoying my time alone with the creation and my music........being revived and rejuvinated! I'm feeling pretty outstanding!
xo
Thinker
07-06-2011, 08:25 PM
and then early afternoon will leave to go to Payson, where my cousin and her husband live.
I'm pretty sure the lady's sister and her wife live in Payson. :|
The_Lady_Snow
07-06-2011, 08:25 PM
Snow hates Border Patrol!!! Good to know you're safe and no handcuffs were needed!
It's been days since we have had a Diva update.. has anyone seen or heard from the little heiffer?
Well..............
YESTERDAY was just so full...........and my heart along with it!
Sedona was breathtaking, amazing, powerful, moving, lovely, stunning, surprising........and a beautiful gift!
I had a bit of breakfast at the hotel and set out.....I just started driving. While it was relatively cool, I wanted to walk a couple of trails and get some good time with the red rocks...........there was one ranger station look~out that was flawless......360 degrees of beauty! Nature all decked out and radiant!
Then there was another trail that led (by car) to Chapel of the Holy Cross, a chapel actually built into the rocks at about 4,500 feet. Again.....breathtaking! I stayed there a bit......just to be still and enjoy. The inside had some lovely art and there were sweet water gardens, too, which brought tears to my eyes.
I met a lovely family there......You know You see these families on vacation and always one gets left out of the picture because they're taking it, so I offered to take the picture for them. It was so sweet.
But the SWEETEST thing was when the daughter ~ age ten ~ turned to me after they began to walk away ~ and asked if I wanted HER to take a picture of ME!!!! The parents looked at each other with such pride. I looked a mess....but how could I say 'no'? I will never post that picture, but will always remember that child.
I went to several galleries...as Sedona is known not only for their Vortex lore, but for their art.
I couldn't afford what I wanted, but I admired it all the same. There was a scuplture of an Indian warrior holding an Indian princess (I can't say the "S" word, sorry). It brought tears to my eyes.
And then there were some LOVELY whirlygigs made from glass and crystals and copper.............OH! They took my breath away.
In other Galleries, there was the same old same old....and one has to be really discriminating when seriously shopping for art in Sedona. Some of it is real crap. But so much is stunning and genuine. I found a lot of that!
Then it was time for the drive to my cousin's in Payson............oh how I did NOT want to go!!!!!
But the trip was lovely......climbed to about 5,000 feet....my little Piccadilly Princess (soccer van) really breathed heavily.........I stopped a few times as we climbed, so she could cool down!
It was good to spend some time with my cousin and her husband. I hadn't seen her in 10 years! And I had never met her husband......OR Chandler, their golden lab. He slept with me.
It was a good day.
We went for Thai food ~ in tiny, little Payson! ~ and it was delightful! We talked over one another and laughed and I heard wonderful family history I didn't know! (She's a geneology nut!)
I wrote postcards out for the Postcard participants, which I'd found in Sedona and we talked until after midnight.
FRIDAY means CALIFORNIA!
I left Payson late.....we had more talking to do!
Jere was SO sweet.....he emptied my trash, loaded up the car for me, and moved the car so I could head on out with ease.
Sharry had to show me her back yard, which is like an eclectic conglomeration of shabby chic stuff....from bird houses, to license plates and spurs hangin' on the fence, to found bricks, to metal birds hanging in the trees and a metal watering can garden. It was so neat! Chandler was there, of course, to protect us from the dangerous lizards!
I'm going to write more, but I simply must get some sleep.
S is staying here, too, and we're getting up early (yes we ARE!) for breakfast. We have had a BLAST drinking wine and catching up!!!!!!!!!!:wine:
Tommi was supposed to be here, too, but he got sick, he said. Feel better!
Tomorrow, I travel further north to Windsor to be with my daughter's bf's family for a few days.
More tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!:blueheels:
I was not surprised to read about your 38. I like a trusty 38 myself. I realize 38's are somewhat out dated. Seems many want a Glock as their hand gun of choice.
The 38 is old fashioned, not out-dated.... I prefer a 38 myself... But I'm silly that way! And also sad because it appears Diva blew through my town and I missed it! Why, why must I always find the thread a day late and a dollar short?
But I can't wait for more updates!
Oh no, Swan! That would have been neat!
I'm in Windsor, CA now, at the home of my precious daughter's bf's family (didja get that?). They had a birthday party for said bf and I walked in just as dinner was about to be served! (Good timing....I can smell sangria at 30 miles....just sayin'!)
ANYway, bf's Dad ~ Dr. Bob ~ kept bringing me alcohol. :| I kept drinking it. And I'm not sure how I managed not to get drunk, but maybe my tiredness countered it. I had 3 glasses of sangria, 2 glasses of a cab that I didn't think I'd like and loved. A glass of rose` ~ or was it 2? And then finished it off with 2 glasses of dessert wine!
I KNOW!
Their home is lovely.....and, what a pity.....it backs up to a Kendall~Jackson vineyard. Isn't that just so sad?
I'm about to go to a true British breakfast called a "Fry Up"..........the neighbor across the street has 2 house guests ~ a lesbian couple (SO CUTE!) ~ and THEN......................................
I AM GOING TO EL CERRITO to have lunch with about 2 dozen chosen family members!!!!!!!!!!!!! I. CANNOT. WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm fairly sure some sort of history will made.......I see a group arrest in our future!! :eyebat:
After our Traditional English breakfast, I left for El Cerrito....and lunch! lol (Yes, I very well may explode on this trip! lol)
There was an accident on the road and we were stopped cold on the highway for a good 20-30 minutes.....responders were quick to arrive, but the driver was still in the car when I passed....there was a guerney next to the car........I hope she is alright.
So I was late. :| But the neat thing? I thought there were only going to be 15 or so and there were about 25-30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And when I wallked in, nobody yelled at me, or seemed upset that I was late for my own party! lol They were just glad to see me! But I have a secret: THEY weren't as glad as *I* was to see THEM!
I couldn't stop flitting about.....I ordered my meal and may have eaten 1/3 of it because I had to VISIT! lol
I'm not going to try to name everyone who was there....I KNOW I'll leave someone out and then I'll catch hell! ;)
But rest assured that my heart was touched by each and every one of You who took Your Sunday ~ probably Your days off ~ to come visit/dine with Your Diva! It will go down ~ I'm convinced ~ as being the best day of my "Tour"! Hands down!
And we left the restaurant, but then hung around a little bit longer in the parking lot.....to keep visiting! Isn't that how it always is? I just love that!
I got home in time to watch some Harry Potter with the family, then have some Chinese food, then we left to pick up my daughter at the airport! Yes!!! My daughter has arrived here from Texas!! I'm so happy! :)
We got back and Bob gave me more wine! AND not only that, he has started leaving bottles in my room for me to take home! 7 so far! Let me tell You, HE is amazing! I love this family!
So it's late......again! lol I need sleep so badly, I'm a walking nap!
More tomorrow, as we are going to visit some vineyards and tasting rooms! You KNOW there'll be stories THERE!
Take care, everybody!
The BFP Micro~Reunion in El Cerrito's Fat Apples was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was late due to a car accident (not mine, thankfully), but it was glorious seeing everyone there, and I thank You for Your patience! :heartbeat:
There must have been 25-30 there and I couldn't stop flitting about......come back to 'home base' and take a bite of bacon....flit, flit, flit.....come back, eat some eggs.....flitinsky......take a taste of toast......skipping about to give/receive more hugs and take pictures.
I was in HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then just standing in the parking lot......unable to leave! It was just grand!
Then Mike led me to a gas station as I had arrived on FUMES! lol All was well.
I went back to Windsor a different way....saw the wetlands.......another lovely portion of CA I had never seen!
When I got back........we relaxed a little bit, had more food and wine........
And then we all loaded up the car around 10:30 to pick up my daughter at the airport in Oakland (back and forth....back and forth!)!!!!!
It was so good to see her! We were up until at least 2.
This morning, we were to arise in time for breakfast at 9. My alarm didn't wake me ~ great ~ and my daughter became my alarm clock. I got downstairs to find everyone had overslept, so it was all good!
We had breakfast rather late and then off we went to visit the wineries!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first one was about 5 minutes from their home, "J"!!!! My personal favorite, if You must know!
Our sommalier was Izzy and he was from Peru. He bacame my new best friend! lol And Erin and I joined their Wine Club after our tasting. He also took us on a tour of the 'back stage' area!!! THAT was fascinating! We saw them bottle it, filling up vats, the lable-less bottles, huge oak casks as well as aluminum ones. The gardens are amazing, too....one can get lost in the beauty of it all!
From "J", we went next door to the Rodney Strong Wineries. Had another tasting and Dr. Bob bought a case of wine for me to take back!!!!!!
We then went to Ferraro-?? (I can't remember) and didn't do the tastings...but walked around their gardens, which are stunning! Their gardens also had bronze sculpture all over the place. It was very Asian in design....
Then we travelled to the historic area of Healdsburg....LOVELY! There were some amazing art galleries there and I was inspired by so much or what I saw.... just wonderful!!! Very dog friendly place and I met several along our 'tour'.....Hunter, Magz, Scooby and Frankie.....PRECIOUS!
Then, we'd all just about had all we could take and we came home and chilled. I went to the back yard area, overlooking the pool, chose a chaise and crashed and burned. I didn't sleep, but just was quiet. I looked above me at one point to see an eagle flying overhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I may have cried a little over the beauty of THAT! The grace as he rode those air currents was poetic.
After we all rested a bit, we went out for sushi and came home for flan, which Dr. Bob made. (He's amazing, did I tell You?)
This is sort of an early night for us!!! They're all in bed and Dr. and Mrs. Bob will go to work tomorrow......my daughter, M and I will go to the sea tomorrow....and visit the redwoods, then I will be off to Albany, CA, to spend the evening with Greyson and JulieisaFemme!!!!!!!!!!!
This vacation has been the best gift I could have given myself! I have enjoyed every minute of it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daywalker
07-12-2011, 04:36 PM
I should like to haz Speshel Mention for the Koolaid I brought you.
:eyebrow:
:koolaid:
Moreso, for being ON TIME for the first time in years.
:jester:
That was just for you Diva
:rose:
PS ~ If U try to skip out on driving back thru the Sac Pack, then you'll
always wonder what it was Day painted for you. Juss sayin'.
:artist:
:gimmehug:
You Miss Diva ~ You are a Matriarch of Our Community.
Of COURSE there were 25 to 30 people!
You truly are a walking ray of hella naughty sunshine!
Or how was it I put it the other day?
:thinking:
Oh, yes...like a Caricature right out of a Comic Strip.
You stepped right out of the Comic Book and Gifted us all by breathing
Life, Love and Zeal into this world. Yer a Star in many of our eyes.
:groupphoto:
Thanks for that.
That is all.
:daywalker:
justkim
07-16-2011, 03:04 PM
I just met Diva for some sinfully scrumptious coconut mocha frappacino (sp) and some whoopie... :| She is now headed south to her next destination... Thank you Diva for stopping in my little town...
Thank You Mr. Day, for the Koolaid in the SUB container! :eyebat: Big points for that!
And here's the Cliff Notes Version for the rest of the trip......
*Wonderful trips to the Wine Country.....drank wine. Bought wine. Drank more wine. Bought too much so that it had to be shipped. :D
*Amazing jaunt to Healdsburg and the neat shops there! I could live there, too.
*Oh my! The Redwoods!!!!!!!!!! GLORIOUS!
*The trip to the beach; discovering a very cool Indian restaurant which overlooked the Russian River!
*The beach......my daughter's very first experience with the Pacific Ocean! I was so happy to witness her awe! It was so beautiful!
*Bob's Flan. Holy Mother.
*Putting my feet up by the pool and enjoying the perfect weather, the perfect breeze, the perfect chaise.....though I could not take the perfect nap. :|
*Sushi. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......
*An evening of hilarity with JulieIsAFemme and her 2 sisters, 2 entertaining children and Grey. I ate my first artichoke. THAT was neat!
*Mini Julie gave me her Princess Bed......I was so honored!
*The morning I got in the car to leave Julie's and Grey's ~ they were already gone ~ my engine light came on. :|
*Went to Sac, CA and fell asleep in Pam & Sabra's garden with a 100-lb Pit Bull (Lenny) on top of me. I was that tired!
*Drove through Donner's Pass on my way to Reno and was strangely hungry.:blink:
*Reno.
*Driving across Nevada, I felt as though I should have been in a Conestoga wagon. Salt flats. Road construction.
*Beautiful moonrise.
*Had to tinkle by the side of the road........as I was in the middle of it all, a grasshopper decided to attach himself to the back of my leg. I'm sorry. THat was just wrong. But what was wronger :) was as I was pulling myself together (that's what we'll call it), on the old what-I-thought-was-a-deserted-ranch-road came an old truch with an older couple and they got a really great view of my white Irish ass. The wife probably said, "Keep your eyes on the road, Harold." It was a moment, to be sure.
*The moon over the Great Salt Lake was stunning!
*I had a wonderful time with my cousin in Park City, UT. I hadn't seen her in 10 years or so, and we spent about 40 hours catching up, laughing, drinking, eating, talking......You know....all that stuff. It was perfect!
*I drove through the back way in Utah and it took my breath away! Literally. I was at 9,114 ft at one point and the breathing was tricky!
*Got to meet JustKim in Grand Junction, CO!
*I'm in Westcliffe, CO now (since yesterday) with my friend, S, and have had a nice and relaxing visit in preparation for my long trip home tomorrow.
*I'll be having coffee in Amarillo with Phyll and then onward to Austin! I hope Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel still remember me!!!!
I hope You've enjoyed this brief little travel journal! It has been an amazing, peaceful, calming, exciting, colorful and rewarding trip. I needed the distraction and it was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If You can, go see as much of the states as You can! We have some pretty amazing things out there.....if *I* can do it, ANYone can!
CARPE DIEM!!!!!!!!!!!!! :heartbeat:
I've posted pictures, by the way, through Bakersfield, CA. Will be leaving for Austin in the morning, so in the next couple of days, will post the rest!
I had absolutely NO problem going to sleep last night! The kittehs finally forgave me, I guess, because when I woke up this morning, each one was hugging one of my hands (that's what they do). It was a nice way to wake up! :)
I forgot to mention this....it was kinda neat.....
I saw ALL kinds of animals on this trip.........
~Crows (it was the Daywalkers, I believe, flying to protect me)
~Chipmunks (including a little family crossing the road)
~An elk, standing in the middle of Mormon Lake in AZ
~A bald eagle in CA
~A roadrunner (not the one made of trash in NM!)
~Swallows in UT
~Llamas guarding an old, shut down garage station in UT
~A fox
~A coyote
~A buffalo in CO
~Deer a-plenty!
~Horses & cows, kittehs & dogs (of course)
And as I left CO, I came up behind an Amish horse~drawn buggy.....it was a lovely thing.....
I slept until after noon.......I rejoice for the safety of this trip, for seeing old friends and meeting new ones and dear relatives along the way, the loveliness of our amazing country, meeting potential in~laws ( ! ) and the peace, calm and happiness this journey gave to my soul.
It was an amazing prescription of healing that I needed.
Thanks for reading, everyone! I'm home! :heartbeat:
Thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us, tho.. I must confess to feeling a little green with envy of the Planeteers who were able to meet you and share time with you. Can't wait for your next road trip!!! Ben PS.. so glad bail bond money wasn't necessary and you didn't hafta look through any bars on windows in sunny Juarez. *chuckling*
More pictures posted......
Daywalker
07-19-2011, 03:36 PM
More pictures posted......
Where iz the Bird Watcher photooooooooo?
Oopsie, I found it.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150248245278123&set=a.45716678122.60651.530278122&type=1&theater
:cheesy:
:daywalker:
Where iz the Bird Watcher photooooooooo?
Oopsie, I found it.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150248245278123&set=a.45716678122.60651.530278122&type=1&theater
:cheesy:
:daywalker:
That's one of my favorite pictures from the whole trip! :heartbeat:
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