Returning Home, Next trip on the Horizon.

Posted on September 21, 2015 by JanetA

It has been just over two weeks since Elsie and I came back to San Diego. I am home, I think. Living in and near my RT for the past four months makes me have to consider what is home. Elsie, on the other hand had no second thoughts about where she was. She is glad to have no leash attached to her halter.

Returning home for me is always a bit hard. I seem to feel a bit in limbo for a while after a trip. I am not home and I am not away. Where am I? I am not always sure. That is OK. And then there is the yard work…well I just won’t go there.

Miss Elsie, Rolling

I have been asked if I had a great trip this summer. I am not always sure how to answer this question. Some of it was absolutely delightful and fun. Other times were different. When everything was running as smooth as a well oiled machine the traveling was fun. Most of my days were filled with interest yet there were times that I felt lonely and sad. I missed Jim and his companionship. And…maybe he was traveling with me but it is not the same as having him there in person. Miss Elsie the Cat helped a lot with the lonely part.

Someone recently called me a road warrior. In some ways that can really describe any of us who take to the road for adventure. I see a warrior is someone who is always ready for whatever the circumstance. This is good and maybe, some times, a bit hard. I see it as vigilance, where I can never let my guard down. Does being vigilant not allow me to relax? I am not sure.

I do believe that I handled myself well in most situations. Stress since Jim has died has been a constant companion. I did’t invite it to be my companion yet for right now it seems to be. I have decided since the end of this trip that I want to handled unexpected situations a bit better. It is just hard sometimes.

There were so many wonderful places I saw. I am glad I traveled the distance I did to tour such wonderful unknown places. There were so many highlights it is hard to list them. Here are a few that stand out:

Hells A’Roaring Horse Round-up. This was so much fun. I love horses. I love the west. I love cowboys and cowgirls. For a weekend I got to be a cowgirl and it was fun, REALLY FUN.
Traveling through the Nebraska Sand Hill Country.
Discovering all kinds of campgrounds, Fairgrounds, Town Parks and parking behind the visitor center.
Visiting with my friend, Helen and her husband, Norb in Fish Lake, Indiana.
Zoe’s and Kay’s wedding.
Traveling to the Roadtrek RV mothership. I was treated so well.
Making new friends in Michigan and Penetanguishene, thanks to the Roadtrek Facebook Group.
Fourth of July at the lake in NJ. Visiting my family and long time friends.
My niece’s wedding. I am not always a fan of weddings. This one was truly fun.
Loons-can you see the baby?
Hot air ballooning and kayaking in Queechee, VT with more long time friends, Diane and Tom.
Chasing loons. It was a major photo shoot for loons. I love them.
Visiting with Missy and Dan at Moxie Lake in Maine. I got my very first Zumba lesson. Cool.
I really, really liked New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Mary, a meeting on the Cabot Trail

Meeting a long time friend unexpectedly on the Cabot Trail.
Exploring the Cabot Trail and camping on the ocean was a delight. The National Park on Cape Breton was beyond delightful.
Anything on the Cape Breton end of Nova Scotia was fun.
Biking, kayaking, walking, hiking…well you get the idea.
Driving west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Beautiful ride.
Meeting so many interesting people along the way. I hope that some of us really do stay in touch. Barbara, hopefully you are reading this.
Finally feeling brave enough to go to southwestern Colorado and camping for two nights on my land.
Colorado Land
The last week I traveled through southern Colorado from friends to friends to friends. There is nothing better than being able to get hugs and good conversation. I really love all my friends.

Now I am home. I have finally culled the photographs. If you want to view them, click on the link below.

Roadtreking Photos, 2015

Travel is healing for me. I love getting out in nature and I really like exploring places I have always wanted to see. I enjoy meeting new people and learning.

Now I am home. I was hoping that this summer might clarify life for me a little. I am not sure it did. That is OK. Sometimes I get impatient so I am learning patience and enjoying the journey.

I am grateful today for traveling there and back again, safely and mostly happily. I am grateful for everyone who continues to support me. Thank you.

My adventures will continue and you are always welcome to come along. This blog will continue.

Stay tuned for more adventures of Miss Elsie and Janet.

Elsie At Home

Posted on September 12, 2015 by JanetA

Me & My Sheepskin

Hi everyone. It took a few days to get to the computer when Janet wasn’t looking. It helps when she works 12 hour days. I am not sure what work is but she tells me that it keeps me in the lifestyle I am used to. OK, I accept that.

I now know what home is.

Home is:

where I don’t have to sleep under the sheepskin all day, although it remains close by in case of emergencies.
huge compared to the little home on wheels I have been in for the past almost 4 months.
where I can go outside during the day without a leash. Yes I do still have to wear my halter and yes I do have to come in before dark each night. I am not sure why I have to do this, but if it lets me go outside without a leash, I’m good.
filled with windows I can look out anytime I want to.
stationary.
quiet. There are not as many visitors. A lot of people want to look inside my little mobile home. Then they stay around and talk. I don’t know why they all do this yet Janet seems to like talking to all those strangers.

I have had some grand adventures on this trip. Did you know I got away twice? It was after dark and there was big woods all around. I would have really liked exploring but the first time I heard fear in Janet’s voice. Since I kind of like her when she called and clapped three whole times I ran into the RT. The second time it was really foggy and I could have gone far but a big truck drove up the road and scared me and I ran into the RV. That little home on wheels is one of my safe places.

Here are some of the highlights of my trip.

I stayed in two houses, and two hotels.
I saw lots and lots of water. Big water and little water. Some tasted kind of salty. Some had waves (that is what Janet called it). Waves scared me.
At the very beginning of my trip I saw horses. And…they were right behind my little house. I stayed under the sheepskin for almost four whole days!!!

Oh no, more horses

I met three other kitties on this trip and three dogs.
I went to Canada where I learned to speak French, “juste un pue”.
I met a lot of wild life, birds and animals. They were all interesting and I really liked the ones that moved fast. I would have really like to have met some of them quite a bit closer but Janet said no. What a spoil sport.
On “The Land”

I liked going out on my leash. Every place we stayed was different. I really liked the quiet ones where it was just us. One of the last places we stayed was on “the land”. I am not sure what that means. We were the only ones there and the grasses were super tall and I got to explore in them with my leash. It was fun.
Watching the fish in the water at the Lake in NJ was very entertaining.
Chippies…Squirrels….Birds…….well you get the idea.
I finally got to see a coyote. Janet says I can’t go out after dark because of coyotes. This one did not look threatening. She says they are wiley. I am not sure what that means. They have big voice and yip a bunch. I guess I better stay away from that one.

Janet and I spent quality time together. I liked talking to her and snuggling up next to her on cool nights.
I liked riding on the dashboard. I got to see a lot. I tried to not be a back-seat-driver.

I was in 22 states and 4 provinces. That is a lot for a little six pound kitty like me. Just call me, Miss Elsie-Adventure Kitty.

I like both my houses but the big stationary one, is still my favorite. The little one on wheels is also kind of fun and I like being on an adventure. The more I travel in it the more fun it becomes. And I like seeing all the places and animals and “stuff”.

Janet tells me my adventures are not over yet. Hmm, I wonder what that means?

Elsie At Home

Posted on September 12, 2015 by JanetA

Me & My Sheepskin

I now know what home is.

Home is:

where I don’t have to sleep under the sheepskin all day, although it remains close by in case of emergencies.
huge compared to the little home on wheels I have been in for the past almost 4 months.
where I can go outside during the day without a leash. Yes I do still have to wear my halter and yes I do have to come in before dark each night. I am not sure why I have to do this, but if it lets me go outside without a leash, I’m good.
filled with windows I can look out anytime I want to.
stationary.
quiet. There are not as many visitors. A lot of people want to look inside my little mobile home. Then they stay around and talk. I don’t know why they all do this yet Janet seems to like talking to all those strangers.

Here are some of the highlights of my trip.

I stayed in two houses, and two hotels.
I saw lots and lots of water. Big water and little water. Some tasted kind of salty. Some had waves (that is what Janet called it). Waves scared me.
Oh No, More Horses

At the very beginning of my trip I saw horses. And…they were right behind my little house. I stayed under the sheepskin for almost four whole days!!!
I met three other kitties on this trip and three dogs.
I went to Canada where I learned to speak French, “juste un pue”.
I met a lot of wild life, birds and animals. They were all interesting and I really liked the ones that moved fast. I would have really like to have met some of them quite a bit closer but Janet said no. What a spoil sport.
On “The Land”

I liked going out on my leash. Every place we stayed was different. I really liked the quiet ones where it was just us. One of the last places we stayed was on “the land”. I am not sure what that means. We were the only ones there and the grasses were super tall and I got to explore in them with my leash. It was fun.
Watching the fish in the water at the Lake in NJ was very entertaining.
Chippies…Squirrels….Birds…….well you get the idea.
I finally got to see a coyote. Janet says I can’t go out after dark because of coyotes. This one did not look threatening. She says they are wiley. I am not sure what that means. They have big voice and yip a bunch. I guess I better stay away from that one.
Janet and I spent quality time together. I liked talking to her and snuggling up next to her on cool nights.
I liked riding on the dashboard. I got to see a lot. I tried to not be a back-seat-driver.
I was in 22 states and 4 provinces. That is a lot for a little six pound kitty like me. Just call me, Miss Elsie-Adventure Kitty.

Janet tells me my adventures are not over yet. Hmm, I wonder what that means?

Wrapped in the Loving Arms of Friends

Posted on September 6, 2015 by JanetA

Friday morning I left the land and started moving west. It was hard to leave. I have made such good friends in southern Colorado. Deana, Ron and Miss Carrie kept trying to get me to stay longer. I need to return to San Diego, though.

I left the loving support of my Colorado friends, only to arrive in Flagstaff and be swept up into the loving arms of a good friend, Sharon and her extended family.

For th IV fluids ose of you who have been following my blog since it’s conception, you might remember this photo. It was the first stop of the first trip and Sharon ended up in the ICU. It was touch and go for a few days. She made a miraculous recovery and, at 80 is going strong. She is independent and feisty and I love her.

Because I was instrumental in saving her life that morning, her wild extended family has taken me in. I am honored. Her five children are delightful and very different from each other. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren are beyond delightful, so full of life and adventure. Even though they complain about each other, they are tight and love being in each others company.

Sharon a year later

When I went in to give Sharon a hug, a greeting, she announced to me that there would be a fish fry that evening as two of her grandsons had just come back from a very successful fishing trip in San Diego. By the time everyone arrived, ages 8 and up there were at least 15 people in the kitchen. This family, I believe will be eternally grateful to me for helping save their mom. I am eternally grateful to know the delight of a very loving and happy extended family which now includes me. We all save each other.

Sharon, and 2 grandchildren, Jared and Jaimie

Ken (son), Jared & Jaimie

Everyone took over the kitchen. At one point of time or another all her extended family has lived with her in this delightful house. They know where everything is and they make themselves feel very at home.

The fish tacos were yummy and the company was better. I loved being swept up in this loud and outgoing group. When I am with them I am definitely part of the family. They tease me and joke with me and I feel so welcomed.

When I left yesterday morning to head home, I found it hard to leave. I love being loved and supported. I loved the fact that from the smallest one to the oldest, Sharon, I got hugs. I miss hugs. They are grateful and I am grateful. It makes for a great combination.

Seeing my friends from Alamosa, CO through Flagstaff, AZ was a great end to this summer’s journey (Fred & Judy, Deana, Ron, Miss Carrie, Sharon and the whole clan). Friends are wonderful and I have so many fine ones. I can almost weep for the joy of it. Even though I am on my own now, they remind that I truly am not. I am so surrounded by so many each moment of my day.

Now I am home and I promise you the postings are not over yet. Elsie is eyeing the computer as I speak.

Today I am beyond grateful for friends…All of Them.

An Update-Janet is Camping on the Property

Posted on September 2, 2015 by JanetA

Janet, walking the ditch.

I thought I would sneak into southern Colorado, yet, I knew the whole time I could not do this.

I spent yesterday and last night with a good friend. Deana was the realtor who helped Jim and I find this piece of land. Now she is a dear and close friend. After shedding many tears she packed me into her jeep and we drove to the property. It was good to have her support.

The Wetlands

Oh my it is gorgeous here right now. they have had a very wet spring and early summer and everything is green and lush. The natural wetlands are high with cattails and other moisture loving plants. We were greeted by a hawk who flew out of the cedar trees. It is just a pretty piece of land.

I had lunch yesterday with Miss Carrie and Ron of Ron-d-View Outfitters. Ron leases my property to run his horses and mules on. We spent two hours talking and catching up. It was decided by the end of the meal that I needed to camp on my property. Ron came over in the afternoon with his tractor and a major lawn mower attachment and cut a section of grasses down so I could camp in comfort.

Deana and Ron

Today I ran errands. I think I was putting off going there until I had nothing to stop me. Around 3 pm I drove over here and am happily ensconced on the land. I was greeted by the summer monsoon thunderstorms. They remained in the distance yet put on a beautiful display. Then I took a nap.

I am sitting outside at the moment and am enjoying the early evening. Elsie has seen her first deer. Boy did her eyes get big.

Tomorrow I am going to walk the property and say hello. It is not the most emotionally comfortable I have been on this trip. In fact I find it hard to be here. There were so many plans involved with this place. They were Jim and my plans. I am not feeling yet whether these can become my plans. I miss my buddy.

I am planning to be here tonight and tomorrow night and then I will be on my way to San Diego. It is hard to believe that next week I will be back at work. Thank goodness I enjoy my work.

I want to thank everyone for their support. I am so glad that I have so much support on this continuing journey.

Great Adventures

Posted on September 1, 2015 by JanetA

A few days back I had stopped to fill up the ever hungry gas tank. I met Keith who was filling up his gas tank. He popped over to ask me about my Roadtrek. After touring the RV he told me he had two weeks off between jobs and was driving the Oregon Trail from St Louis to Oregon. What he was really doing was a reconnisance tour.

Keith is 63 years young. He has a deep interest in the history of the settlers who walked west to find a better life, one of new opportunities. Keith is planning to walk the trail, as close as he can to the original trail and is planning to walk it soon. He has investigated handcarts and showed me a photo of one that he thinks will fit his needs. It is made by the Amish. He has mapped his route. Unfortunately I don’t remember his target date but I know it is soon. He plans to camp for free as much as he can and has contacted organizations such as the Elks, and churches.

This man has a plan. I hope he pulls it off. You should have seen his eyes light up as he spoke of this great adventure. I think we all need great adventures in our lives. For some it is traveling to a far reaching destination. For others it may be a walk out the front door. It doesn’t matter what the adventure is. What matters, I feel, is that we reach for the unknown and make it ours.

I have had a lot of adventures in my life, some small and some much larger. One of my great adventures was getting married. Jim and I had a marvelous life together for 21 years. I miss him still. Since his death I am on another grand adventure. Traveling is fun and I have been enjoying seeing so many new places and meeting new people. I don’t think this is the grand adventure. I feel that all this travel is my way of looking for that next great adventure in my life. It frustrates me to not be able to identify it. At the same time it is OK. What is the saying “sometimes it is the journey that is important, not the destination”?

I am not always patient. I am learning to be, thanks to yoga and meditation and learning and being alive this long. Age does help in expanding my conciousness. Sometimes you have to live a while to “get it”, whatever it is.

I am sitting on my mat in the middle of the Piedras Forest in Southern Colorado. I have soaked in the hot springs at Pagosa Hota Springs and by the time I post this I will be on my own mini-adventure.

In 1996 Jim and I bought 45 acres of property in the Four Corners area outside of the town of Durango. We were planning to build a straw bale home, live off the grid and enjoy retirement in southern Colorado.

When we got close to planning our next grand adventure, we kept getting bad news. First breast cancer (Janet) and then salivary gland cancer (Jim) and then the metastasis of the later. Plans had been drawn up and we were slowly working through everything. When we both needed medical treatment, the plans for building came to a stand still.

This is my first trip to the property since Jim died. It has been emotionally very hard for me to think of this land and coming out here to figure out what is next for this property. As I arrived back in the USA from Canada on this current trip, I decided it was time to come south and go sit on the property and figure out what the next step might be. If I can’t figure it out, I at least can say hello to this beautiful piece of property and enjoy it for a few nights.

Nothing needs to be done in haste.

Wish me well on this mini-adventure. I feel that I can use all the support I can get.

When the next grand adventure appears, I hope I can see it for what it is and grab a hold and go along for the ride.

Today I am thankful for grand and mini-adventures. Today I am thankful for my friends. Today I am thankful for all the followers of this blog.

Journeys of Thankfulness

Embracing Life, Traveling in my RV, Feeling Grateful

Monthly Archives: September 2015

Returning Home, Next trip on the Horizon.

Elsie At Home

Elsie At Home

Wrapped in the Loving Arms of Friends

An Update-Janet is Camping on the Property

Great Adventures

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