Well, the dream was to leave May 1st but reality bit me early into April as I started packing up my home. Packing up the office went off really smoothly in March. My office mate, Patricia Dorris, took over the lease for the 2 offices and found a lovely massage therapist to move into my office. Rochele Jones is now there and ended up buying my table and a few other things. That was the easy part — except for the sadness in thinking about all the wonderful clients I wouldn’t be seeing again.
Cleaning out my apartment was much more difficult, leading to some difficulty sleeping and realizing I really hadn’t planned well for my trip. 2 very close friends convinced me I needed to rethink my departure and offered to host me at their house in Watertown once I had cleared things out. Relief….
And to handle my overwhelm about clearing out my space I ended up hiring a woman who helps people downsize and redo their homes: Deb Lockett of Interiors Reimagined. She was a huge help in getting me organized and moved. Yes, I did manage to move — a bunch of stuff in storage and the rest either consigned or donated. Actually feels good to simplify down (well, somewhat downsized….)
So now I am planning out the trip and clarifying the hows. Given that the Orange Idiot managed to start a war the day I retired and went to France to see my sister, I decided that getting a RV might not be the most cost effective way to travel this year. Instead I decided to take my trusty Honda CRV, pack it with camping gear, and head west mid-month. Friends are loaning me a tent and stove and I have most of the rest. And if its raining, well there are hotels. No need to suffer.
I’m planning to head across NY state, head to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Corning Glass museum, before heading to Ohio to seeing my only remaining aunt in Columbus. A stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame might just be necessary. After seeing family in Columbus I plan to head to Chicago to see my niece and some other extended family near there.
When thinking about this plan and knowing I wanted to head to Santa Fe, Chicago made me think of Route 66! The Mother Road. So, boom — the plan fell into place. Follow Rt 66 to Santa Fe and see the sights along the way. Then I found out it was Rt 66’s centennial year – so even more reason to explore this original road trip.
That’s as far as I’ve gotten for now. Meanwhile I’m getting my car ready, acquiring the last things I need and packing to be ready to go. I’ll keep you informed, better than I have been.
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