52:365:2011

Well... I am back from vacation...

On Monday....BAJ and I decided to head "west"... and ended up driving to Tuscon, AZ.

It was about an 7-8 hour drive... and the weather was wonderful the whole time we were gone.

On day one... we drove the whole way to Tuscon... stopping in Hatch, New Mexico at SPARKY's for a fantastic green chile cheeseburger, home-made fries and a coke. AWESOME!

We took along a big basket of organic fruits, nuts, bread and cheeses... and we used this food stash for breakfasts and snacks while we were gone. It turned out to be a real money-saver... as well as providing us with healthy nutritious food while we were traveling.

Day two.... was spent exploring around the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Oh my. All I can say is... that it is stunningly gorgeous... and a must see if you are anywhere near there.

Day three.... was spent exploring and shopping in/ and around 4th Ave in Tuscon. This is what I would consider the "art district" of the city... and it is jam-packed with fantastic little shops... cool items... street musicians... cafes... bookstores.... you name it. Wonderful!

Day four.... we went to "Old Tuscon"... which is a very elaborate and very museum-like movie studios place that has been in active use since the 30's. All kinds of movies... (310 to Yuma, Wild Wild West, Tombstone, etc)... and TV Shows (Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke, etc)... have been filmed there. It was fantastic.

All day I was thinking how my dad would have LOVED this.....

And then we went to the Sonoran Desert Museum... which is actually more of a botanical park/ zoo/ refuge/ preserve type place. ... stunning!

Day five.... we headed home to ABQ. Lots to tell there... including an act of GOD that saved us from being stranded in the desert....

But ... more on all that in future posts...

And now that it is the weekend... I am catching up on laundry, housework, groceries... etc...

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My computer is still DEAD.... so I am only able to post when I can use someone else's computer. This means that my posts may be irregular for a little bit... and it also means that I won't be posting photos for the most part because I would have to load them onto someone else's computer... which seems kinda silly.

As soon as everything is back up and running... we will have a PARTY! and I will try to make it all up to you... my faithful readers :)

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Seems like we are all moving on towards something... even if we don't always really know what that something is. I have a dear friend who is moving away. And while I don't want her to move... I completely understand why she is. Things are not working out for her here in New Mexico, and she feels it is time to move on. She is moving towards her goals.

And so I began to think about what success is... and what makes one successful. (...because I believe she will be successful in what she wants to do... no matter where that takes her).

1. First of all... you need to have a goal. Without a goal... we just wander through life... and perhaps that is enough... but for those of you for whom it's not...

Various motivational speakers will lay out a plan on how to proceed from there. All day... off and on... I have been perusing the net looking at some of these sites, and through some books I have in my own library... and I have narrowed things down to a few steps that they all seem to ((mostly)) agree on.

And so... over the next few days... I hope to lay out some of those ideas. How to succeed... what does success mean to you... how does one proceed towards what really wants in life... (as noted by these various motivational experts and authorities on the subject)...

SO... first. Pick a goal. What is it you really want to achieve? As artists and lovers of life... sometimes we can be spread way too thin by enjoying way to much... and perhaps even... by being talented in way too much... that we can't decide what it is we actually want. This may actually be the hardest part of the whole thing. So .... think about it. Make sure it is the right thing for you. Make sure it fits in with your lifestyle, your particular talents, your true desires...but... pick a goal. Big or small.

((the photos for today's post are based on the theme: Planes, trains, and automobiles. All photos I took over the past year or so. I picked them because they seemed to speak on "moving on" in life. Metaphorically... and perhaps even... in reality))

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today was spent traveling from Missouri.... through Oklahoma... to Amarillo, Texas. I wasn't sure I would actually make it this far... but the driving was good today. Today was a huge day for reflection... and it made the hours in the Jeep go by rather quickly.

I stopped for a late dinner at The Big Texan... you may remember it from a previous post. It is a fabulous ... kitchy... interesting place. The last time I went here... I noticed that there was a row of buildings next to the restaurant that are available as hotel rooms... so I decided to check it out. Indeed... rooms are available, and are very "cowboy" inspired. I got a room that was all decked out like the interior of a rustic cabin... complete with large log furniture and cow print duvets. The bed was extremely comfortable. In fact, my only complaint was that I had no wifi connection... but perhaps that was for the best.

Sabrina and I thoroughly enjoyed our take-out dinner from the restaurant... consisting of a top sirloin, roasted tomatoes and onions, mashed potatoes, rolls and iced tea. It was scrumptious. For dessert... I tried a very small piece of their home-made fudge... which was exquisite.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today my mother and I watched the movie "The Long Long Trailer"... circa 1953; starring Lucy and Desi. Well... more accurately, I should say... that my mom watched it (I did see it years ago)... and I caught the ending just as I was waking up from a nap. What can I say... I took Benadryl 2 days ago, and it is still in my system.... but I digress...

The movie is classic. It features a young couple... who buy a pull-behind trailer and set out as newlyweds, and travel from Colorado to California. Along the way... lots of mishaps ensue... and it is great fun to watch. I remember always wanting to travel like that... but then, I am more of a VW bus kind of gal than a travel trailer.

The trailer in the movie was made by The Redman Trailer Co, which apparently, is still in business today. I personally, prefer the fabulous stylings of the Airstream trailers. Those silver bullets are so very cool! Amazingly, as my mother and I have discovered, there are actually 2 of them here in town for sale!

The outsides look fabulous... but I am sure the insides need work...




*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I am on my way... well, sort of. After visiting with family... and then my dad in the hospital; my niece drove me 2hours to Williamsport,PA where I got a hotel room. From here, I will get a taxi to the airport around 3:30am.

I am feasting on an interesting assortment of food (hence my offbeat photo for the day)...watching TV... and generally relaxing & resting for a few hours before I have to leave.

(dinner: Beef jerky, fresh strawberries, roasted/salted almonds, a package of apple slices with caramel, cheese puffs, Woodchuck Amber hard cider...not pictured was a hazelnut steamer from the gas station nearby).

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I left the house at 7am, after getting little to no sleep. The flight from ABQ to Phoenix was fairly uneventful, although I still don't understand why I had to travel west in order to go east. I had a wonderful conversation with an Air Force Sergeant on his way to Hawaii... sounds like alot of fun!

the Phoenix Airport... and the flight somewhere over Arizona

In Phoenix, I had a short lay-over.. and it gave me just enough time to check my email and play around a little on-line. However, I was one of the last groups to board the flight to Philadelphia, and we were told that we had to check all our bag due to no room in the cabin. Reluctantly, I did. Come to find out, the person who checked my bag marked it as if Philadelphia was my final destination... so when I got to Philly, I had to go the full length of the airport in order to get my carry-ons... and then I had to go thru security checks again.. and take a shuttle to my section of the airport to catch my last flight. A little chaotic... and a little nerve-wracking.. but it all worked out fine. The other thing was that I was supposed to get a meal on my flight, and I didn't... which means I was without food from 8am until 6pm. NOT that I can't lose a little... :)
Philadelphia has a great airport. I can't believe that I lived in PA for over 25yrs, and never went to Philadelphia. It looked vast and cool from the air...
Had a fabulous dinner at a "Hard Rock Cafe" type place where I had a really good Asian salad... YUM.

the flight from Phoenix to Philadelphia... some where over Kansas, and then over Missouri

and finally coming into Philadelphia....

And now... I am waiting for my flight to Williamsport, PA. From there, I have a friend coming to get me... and it will be a 2hour drive to my parent's house. Such is the quirks of living in the middle of PA forest country I guess.

and this was the sunset in Philadelphia..... and then coming into Williamsport PA

all photos by Elaine A. Russell

In other news... It has been an interesting couple of months... and the journey is not over yet. I had mentioned in my blog once that I never anticipated this time of my life... that glorious in-between time of children leaving the home/ whilst helping the parents into "older-age." It has been a vast learning experience, and one I am glad to have gotten... but at the same time... chaotic... and very emotional.
I have also learned that I am going to be a grandmother for the 1st time... and I couldn't be happier for my son and his new bride. Such an incredible time of life... a new life developing and coming into this world... as my father prepares to leave it for the next part of his life....

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-----------------------------------> photo by Kristin M. Russell


I am leaving in the am for PA. I am leaving at 8am; and I won't get there until just before 11pm.... and then it will be a 2hr drive to my parent's house. The doctors have told mom that "it's getting close" to the time when my father may pass.
I am traveling light. I always travel light... but this time I am only taking what I can fit in a carry-on and my tote/purse. I have about $20 on a credit card. No cash. This one is gonna be tight.... and we'll have to worry about things later.

Things can get chaotic in life. Sometimes you just have to set your priorities and go full steam ahead... no matter what the consequences. I did the same thing when my sister passed... and I wouldn't do it any differently now.

I apologize if yesterday's post was in any way offensive. There are piranhas in this world who will cut you down, especially when you are potentially vulnerable... and it's just wrong. My tolerance for this is gone. I am tapped. I will no longer be the victim/weakling they perceive me as. Here too... sometimes when you are "balls to the wall"... you find your strength... and I am stronger than I thought.
From now on... and I would encourage everyone to do this: Life is too short to surround yourself with people who do not love you, and who do not have your best interests at heart. Cut them loose. It doesn't matter who they are, or who they have been to you in the past... or what they could potentially be to you in the future. It's just not worth it. You don't have to "be nice..." and keep these people around for propriety's sake or whatever ...
Enjoy your life. Be happy. Be loved, and love in return... fully and unconditionally.

111:365

Today we started out in Oklahoma.... and made it all the way home to Albuquerque just after midnight. My daughter did alot of the driving.... and I am very grateful. It still seemed like I felt every bump in the road.. and in that sense... it was rough. However, it was still much easier (no doubt) than if I would have done the driving as well.

Oklahoma is a very pretty state in the springtime. All along the highways were gorgeous wildflowers. The photo above shows tons of the red ones.. .I think they are a form of fire weed.... and they were stunning. We also so lots of daffodils, tulips, dandelions, wild mustard, and a few poppies.

Throughout Oklahoma and later into Texas, we continued to see lots of beautiful farmland and ranch land. We saw tons of cows, and even the occasional goat, sheep and even alpaca farms. America really is gorgeous... and it's a shame we (as a whole) don't appreciate it as much as we should.

My daughter and I had an interesting discussion revolving around Route 66. We were discussing whether there was an equivalent to that kind of thing today (not that I know of). And we were talking about how people travel alot today... but not in the same context. At least the impression I got of the Route66 fame; was that it was treated like a trip... not where the destination is completely the goal... but more of the journey being the goal. I think most people today who are driving/ traveling are more focused on getting to a certain destination... as opposed to enjoying the journey.


We got into Amarillo around suppertime, and on impulse... decided to stop at "The Big Texan" for dinner. If you've never been.... it's an iconic kind of place. The Big Texan is totally kitchy, totally cowboy... and totally everything you would expect a Texas steak house to be. There is a huge dining room full of about 100 taxidermy animals on the walls... wood floors...country style tables... even an authentic cowboy band.

There is a saloon/ bar area... a massive poker room...a gift shop.... fudge and candy area... even a game/shooting range for kids.

There is a hotel/motel right next door that is owned by the same company.... and the building looks like a row of old buildings from a historic western town.

Needless to say, I had an awesome time. The band was fabulous... the atmosphere was fun.... and I had the best. steak. ever. Seriously. I had an 8oz sirloin topped with sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles and a side of fried okra. My daughter had a cup of chili, cornbread, and a HUGE appetizer that was comprised of fried okra, jalapenos, mozzarella sticks, and rocky mountain oysters. We didn't get dessert (cuz we were stuffed)... but the portions were enormous! and everything looked fantastic. ((Total cost of the meal was just under $40 for both of us))

The following photos are from the Big Texan....(see more on this place: here)

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

money and other necessary evils

photos by Elaine A. Russell

Some vital statistics....

I traveled about 2150 miles... each way... due to little side trips.
That makes a total of 4300 miles just in traveling.
I did about 450 miles each day -- some more, some less.

I drove thru extreme heat ( usually in the upper 90's ) and humidity. I drove in bad rain, tornado weather/ watch... winds of up to 80mph... sleet and hail. I went thru hills, mountains, plains and plateaus.
City and country driving... mostly interstate.

I averaged 53-55 miles per gallon... with the air conditioning on full blast most of the time.
This means, that is cost me about $110 to travel cross country one way.... for gas.

Hotels were interesting. Most were very nice that I looked at or stayed at. Prices varied from about $50 - $90 a night for one person with a pet. The interesting part is that the really nice hotels didn't really cost that much more than the average hotels. It really seemed to be more of a factor in where these hotels were... ie: in a city... close to convenience centers, etc.

As much as I don't like Walmart.. it saved my butt more than once. When you are traveling.. it is hard to find places that you can get photos printed up at. Had I had a camera that worked properly, this would not have been an issue cuz I could have simply loaded my photos from the camera onto my laptop.

Food. Food is another thing that varies greatly from place to place. Personally, I think this is part of the adventure. Just about anywhere you go, there will be fast food places. Even in Coudersport, population about 2,000... there is a McDonald's. However, for not much more money, you can seek out local venues that are soooooooooo much better. The catch is.. traveling with a pet. Most places won't let you bring your critter inside... which means, leaving them locked in the car, or making a picnic somewhere in the grass. I vote picnic.

You will always need to be drinking more water than you are. Forget soda, forget coffee. Water.
Always drink caffeine in moderation. Heat stroke and dehydration can really kill you.

Rest areas are your friend. But be safe. Lock our vehicle. Don't leave valuables showing in plain sight. Keep track of your money/ wallet at all times.

Talk to people ! This is fun... and you learn alot. Just don't give out alot of personal information... or put yourself in danger. For the most part... people are really nice.. and more than willing to chat.
When you are happy, go ahead and compliment people. You wouldn't believe how very much this is appreciated. Some people get nothing but crap from travelers.... and they will go a long way when they know you are appreciate what they are doing.

You always need less than you packed. Really. I packed one pair of jeans, 2 skirts, about 6 shirts, underthings, a pair of socks, swimsuit and one pair of shoes. I should have taken a hat. What I didn't need to have packed was the bag of stuff to work on (crafts/journals, etc). It took up valuable space.. and it's not like I didn't have things to do. I did pack 2 big scarves that were awesome and did double duty as cover-ups, nightware, etc. I also took a quilt. This was invaluable for picnics, as well as covering all the stuff in the car to deter thieves.. when it was parked. I took a first aid kit, a jar of change, a knife (my son's recommended weapon of choice) and fishing gear. I bought a 2009 version of road maps for the entire US. Just when you think you won't need it; you will.

Enjoy yourself. If you drive like a crazy person, and don't stop for any of the kitchy quirky stuff.. what's the point ? Sure you will get to your final destination quicker... but you will be a stressed out, burned out, anger ball.

I ended up spending about 10 days "on the road" and 21 days with my family. I have spent more time in the past on these trips, and I have spent less. This one was about right. In a perfect world... I could have done with a 2-3 day vacation -- in one spot -- all by myself --to reflect and get my stuff together-- meditate and chill.... but that didn't really happen this time.

I really enjoy traveling. I have always known this.. and I assume that it's my gypsy blood or something. But I really love the lifestyle. I also really enjoy doing this blog, and taking photos. These are lessons I already knew.. but it was re-affirmed for me. I think that I will always want a home to come back too...but I need to travel more. It feeds my soul.

I value your comments -- so keep 'em coming !

and finally

driving across the mighty Missouri river... (don't take photos and drive folks )

Japanese beetles in Indiana

country ponds and farmland in Ohio

All photos by Elaine A. Russell

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so -- there as a major thunderstorm here last night, and I could not get a connection to the internet. Being in the middle of nowhere certainly has it's advantages.. but internet capabilities is NOT one of them.

My parents are ---shall we say--- very religious. They do not have cable, they only watch one religious tv station that they get via dish network. They do not listen to the radio. They do not watch movies made after 1960. So -- they do not, nor ever intend to get... a computer or internet. Sometimes I can get a connection on my laptop if I sit out near the bank of the river. I am sure I am sponging the signal off of someone.. I just don't know who. Anyway, I can usually only get one bar of connectivity... sometimes 2 bars if I am very lucky.

One of the advantages of being here is definitely the scenery. As I was traveling, it was very interesting to see how the topography changes from state to state. So much more rain and green. Of course, along with that comes humidity... but alas.

The photos are ones I took on my travel to PA.

I love the idea of taking sort of a photo journal of my travels... come ride along with me :)

driving Miss Brina...............

photos by Elaine A. Russell, taken in Texas

ugh. Apparently I have killed the cord that I use to upload photos from my camera. I didn't realize it was dead, so I didn't get a replacement. I will have to try to find one tomorrow, but as it is Sunday, I am not sure if I will be able to locate a store that will be open. In the meantime, there will be no daily photos. I will add them to the post as soon as I am able.

Once again, I was able to sleep through the night. I am not sure if it is because of exhaustion.. but I am hoping it is the new herbal meds.
I got up at 6:30am because the previous tenant in the room didn't disable the alarm clock.. and I didn't realize it was on.... so I awoke to an insanely piercing alarm. Sabrina, being the puppy she is .. merely looked at the clock with disdain and rolled back over.
I, got up.
By 8am we were out of the hotel, and over to the Flea Market. I saw the gentleman I spoke to last night (Hi Mike !), and he greeted me with a hug, and Brina with a cookie. She actually gave him a kiss. Brina and I walked around the market, and bought a really cool green depression glass mug. It is the perfect size for the cup holder in the car, and is now happily holding my change for me.
I also got a vintage 1951 Popular Mechanics magazine. The main article talks about the Russian space programs... I thought the hubby would get a hoot out of that.
I took some photos of some cool items for sale (Aunt Jemima figurines !), and then Brina and I headed in to the antique mall. Wow. Alot of stuff. Again, I took some photos...vintage dishes, a typewriter, some cool tins. I bought 2 spinning wheel bobbins with graduated rings on it. I figure I will use them to make loops for my jewelry wire work projects. I also bought an adorable little marble.. just cuz.
Then we stopped very quickly at the Cheese factory Outlet, and got some jerky, some cheese sticks, and the best snack food ever--- Churro Nuggets. Go ahead ... look it up. You know you want to.
We had a late breakfast ala picnic style in the grass... then drove through Missouri. We saw fields, possum, rivers, ponds, lots of green, some hills, limestone ridges, signs for caves... and a farm that had ostriches grazing about.

We made a pit stop in Pocahontas, IL... then back on the road.. stopping again in Effingham, IL. Effingham also has one of those massive roadside crosses. If you are just a bit tired from driving.. this can be really disconcerting...because it makes you think you have been delusional, and are still in Groom, TX. I really don't know what it is with these big cross attractions. I have yet to see a massive 3 story Buddha.... or a huge metal Ganesha....

We had a late lunch at Wendy's -- again in the grass. This time, we ate in this huge field behind a bunch of hotels. It was really strange. There in the middle of this field was a very old metal kid's play/ climbing/ slide thingie that looked like a rocket ship. It was fabulous. There was also a very old abandoned towing type truck, and these huge signs. Actually, it was pieces to one massive electrified sign that looked older than dirt. It had these fabulous yellow bulbs on it. Great photo op. I also noticed that the field was basically all white clover plants. Brina immediately ate her chicken and took a nap in the grass.

The next stop was in Cloverdale, Indiana. We had a snack, and bought a couple home-made no-bake cookies from the attendant, and also got a map guide of all the states. Figured it might be a good idea. Took some great photos of these bright purple tall flowers. Gorgeous. They were growing with the cattails in the swampy areas off of the highway. OH--- and we saw a RED FOX !

Then... we headed out for Dayton, OH. I wasn't sure if we would actually get this far, but we did. Unfortunately, when we got to the hotel we wanted to stay at; they were booked solid. Apparently there is an Air Show at the base this weekend. The only other hotel that allows pets in the entire area was about 20 miles away in the wrong direction. So -- the hotel clerk was nice enough to call them and we got the last room available. I actually found my way there !!! thanks to some awesome directions from the new hotel clerk.. and now we are in for the night.

Expenses: If my calculations are right, we did about 650 miles today.We spent $30 on food, $20 for the map, $15 for stuff at the market and antique mall. About $35-40 in gas. Hotel was $68, plus $7 for Internet use. Personally, I think hotels charge WAY too much...on the other hand... this is a nice one.

So... seeing as I can't work on some photos (la sigh)... I am going to watch a dvd that I brought with me. It is the first 3 episodes of The Partridge Family !! (kudos to Netflix for having such cool movies).
Gonna take a quick shower, and lay on the bed with all the snacks, and watch Shirley Jones. Yup....oh hey now !

travelin' -- 1900 miles to go

photo by Elaine A. Russell, taken at the Albuquerque Railyards

I am heading out.... into the brave wild world with my lovely Sabrina at my side for the journey. I have a map, music, and a brand new laptop that we found on an amazing sale. I have my phone, my camera, and my journals....colored pencils, gifts for my parents, a violin that belonged to my sister... that I am giving to her middle child.
I have every bit of clothing I own (yes it fit in one bag). Sabrina's food, bed, treats, and brush.
A soft pillow and a blanket just in case.
A first aid kit. Toiletries.
Sounds like alot...but is amazingly not.

I am driving my little SmartCar. I feel like the commercial for the Wii ....with the two dudes driving into the sunset/ sunrise in their little SmartCar....heading out into the vast unknown. In fact, I have always knick-named my car "the wee" ... after that. And being a small car.. it suits it.