My mother, an RV, a cross-country move. What could go wrong?
29 – Are we in Twin Peaks?
You can’t see the graveyard across the road unless you’re at the entrance gate, but honestly, even that is picturesque. If I weren’t actually looking at it live and in person, I’d think it was a movie set for a film about a bunch of happy ghosts getting up to hilarious hijinks, or maybe a horror film. It’s just that suspiciously perfect.
Happy Fathers Day
Happy Fathers Day, dad. You are missed by many.
28 – Watch out for your Dad!
So this is what nearly beaned me – my father in a champagne box wearing a leather crusher hat. How he would have laughed.
27 – I am not outdoorsy. I’ve tried.
Just when I start to relax and think I have this whole camping thing down, inevitably there’s a hitch. I am not outdoorsy. I’ve tried.
26 – This is not the Joy of Cooking
There is no excuse for freeze-dried Denver omelettes.
25 – The people are delightful. But the rooster? He’s a jerk.
The Nerd Herd Nomads are lovely. The rooster, on the other hand, is absolutely not.
24 – I’m getting cranky (but Mountain View is lovely)
For the record, it is quite possible to drive a 25 foot cab-over RV like a bat out of hell, though you probably shouldn’t.
23 – Everyone hates the bathroom but the cat
RV bathrooms should come with a warning: “May cause daily review of life choices.”
22 – Wait, why am I a shark?
“Yes!” Mom is bouncing with glee. “I’m a whale shark!”
This is serendipitous because my mother is obsessed with the Blue Whale of Catoosa.
21 – Things We Don’t Talk About Because They’re Difficult: Grief
“Look at that man!” We’re at one of those giant drive-through tractor trailer fueling stations. I have just finished taking Sophie for a protracted ramble so that she could have several good sniffs all around the general area to find the most acceptable patch of grass...
20 – Carsick Dogs, Fright-Peeing Cats and Poop Chutes
I have friends who rhapsodize about camping in the woods or under the stars, the fresh air, the smell of woodsmoke from the fire pit, the coziness of being in a camper, the feeling of freedom from responsibilities. They make it all sound so wonderful.
19 – Chapel of the Forgotten Dead
During the 12 hours or so that it takes for the RV tank to fill, I always scrub the windshield. And yet, no matter how often or how thoroughly I scrub in an attempt to get it clean-ish enough to see the road, a smeary layer of dead insects and bees and butterfly splats just builds up again.
18 – Is That Like Crossing Your Fingers When You’re Lying?
You do know that doesn’t hide the fact that you’re shooting the bird at your own beloved firstborn, right?
17 – The Ghost of Accessories Past
Today I discovered that my mother has been carrying a long-term grudge. It all began with a pair of leggings and The Ghost of Accessories Past.
16 – My mother discovers online shopping
Mom has discovered a technological boon that surpasses even Internet access and video calling. She has discovered that the wild world of online shopping can be accessed by smart phone. The world may not be ready.
15 – I am not a Luddite
My mother is not a Luddite, as she will inform you in no uncertain terms. However, she is occasionally technically challenged.
14 – Trying not to die on the 40
Every now and then you may encounter a a different kind of truck driver.
Trailer Tips for Happier Travel #4
It may take some time to work out RV temperature controls.
13 – No, you turn it on
There’s a certain adrenaline rush that can only be achieved by standing over an unfamiliar propane stove with a wonky igniter.
12 – Again, only the dog pukes
We wake up in Santa Fe for a blissful day of non-driving and it soon becomes apparent that the dog and I have something else in common.