time with my family....

I do not have a large family.  When Rudy was alive, my family was much larger, but as the previous generous has passed away, even that large family has grown smaller.

Luckily, my route to my new home in Fairbanks took me past Lake Villa ,IL where I was able to visit with my cousin, Linda.  I arrived Sunday afternoon and we were welcomed to her new house and we got to see how big her puppy, Corky, had become.

For dinner we went to one of the local eateries that was celebrating 10 years in business.  It was heart-warming to see how many of the local businesses and individuals came to help them.

Monday morning we headed to the coffee shop to start our day with coffee and  quiche.  We enjoyed talking to folks that I  have gotten to know after my summer trips over the last several years.  Linda had some things to do in the afternoon for One Hope United, so I stayed with the dogs and just chilled.

We dined out and then watched movies before calling it a night.  All the time we are chatting about family and old times and new times since losing our husbands.  Our lives have certainly gone in different directions since we became widows.

The boys and I hit the road Tuesday... after coffee and quiche... and arrived at Brian's house a little after 4 PM.  Brian and Rob were waiting and helped me get some of the things out of the car.  I have to admit it, but there was a sense of relief knowing that the remaining journey would not be just me and my dogs.  We had dinner at the Pub and it was delicious, as always.  We even finished with one of my favorites... Sticky, Toffee Pudding.

Today was a busy day.  We went shopping and added a 5 gallon gasoline container.  There are areas that we will be traveling where gas stations are not every 30 or 40 miles, but rather every 300 to 400 miles.  Having this could very well be the difference between making to to the next stop or being stranded in the wilderness.  Then we emptied the car, I repacked things and filled 5 Flat Rate boxes with items that I did not want to travel in the van but I want at the house before the furniture arrives.  Brian is going to mail them for me.

Then Brian and Rob adjusted the car top carrier to doa better job of clearing the antenna.  We then repacked it and put the gas can in the back of the car... empty, of course until we get into the area where gas stations will become more sparse.  We had lunch at Matt's Bar for our Juicy Lucy fix, then dinner from a bar-be-que near Brian and finished up with Izzy's Ice Cream.  And in between there was laundry done and dogs walked and lots and lots of talking.

Tomorrow Rob and I set out for the first os 9 days of traveling.  But we have reservations at a hotel in Canada, so the International adventure begins.

I am asking that you refrain from making calls to me while we are in Canada.  I have added International service to my phone, but I have limits to what I can use.  So email me or send messages on Facebook.

I am doing well.  Still tired around the edges, but more rested than when I left.  Getting excited for this new chapter to get off the ground, but there will be 9 long days and nights before that happens.  Keep your good thoughts and prayers heading our way.