On the Road Again....

So far, Mary Frances and I are having a wild ride. As in Mr. Toad’s. Our first full week of leave and we've been all over the road. Here are the figurative high and low points of last week’s journey.

MONDAY was a stop at a scenic overlook. We had a glorious and quiet day which included wonderful time outside with no mosquitoes  We walked (in low gear) and Mary Frances supervised while I did some painfully overdue yardwork.

WEDNESDAY brought a difficult drive in a fog shrouded valley. Mary Frances and I headed to Dunn, NC to attend the funeral of my dad’s first cousin, aged 78. This gentle, quiet woman chose the timing of her own death rather than continuing to suffer with a degenerative disease. MF and I grieved with family and friends. But we left feeling compelled to get the best miles per gallon on whatever is left in our tank.

THURSDAY our motor purred along. We went to Bible study at a local UMC where our hearts where touched with the scripture readings and our funnybones were tickled. We learned people are people and tiny  “mature” country churches have exactly the same challenges as larger “young” city churches. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Back home we were lucky enough to observe a rare wildlife sighting. The college senior was feeding in his natural habitat consuming veggie burgers and quantities of milk.

After that we took the freeway to a Shopping Spree in the convention center in Raleigh. I lose my noodle anytime I drive to Raleigh. I’m not sure why, but my heart pounds and my blood pressure rises. And no, it’s not the proximity to NCSU. But I found the convention center easily enough and managed to chance into the perfect parking space. (Though my Ford Flex felt a little, er, HUGE in the t-i-g-h-t deck. I’m sure holding my breath helped!)

Mary Frances was like a kid in a candy store. She’d never been to anything like this annual event. There were scores of vendors, eye-popping colors in all directions, every gift item imaginable…it was great fun! We especially enjoyed visiting with cousins Patsy, Terry, and Shelia at Patsy’s Belmont Peanuts booth. I overspent and came home and overate chocolate covered peanuts. Perfect end to a perfect day.

A FEW EXTRA PINS ON THE ROADMAP –

Though Mary Frances wasn’t along with Husband and I when we attended a wonderful wedding on Saturday, she was along in spirit. Upon our return from Raleigh, she happily helped us toast the bride and groom with fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

Sunday – church, library, and thrift shopping at Goodwill. Three of my mom’s favorite stops.

Monday – dinner at Outback – where Mom “helped” Earle with his desert.

Who knows what’s around the next curve…

Thanks reader for joining us on our journey! And remember to ENJOY your own ride!