DAY ONE
See that manic look on Di's face? She was trying hard to be perky because she wanted me to think I was doing a good job of driving this behemouth so she wouldn't have to. She says the look means, "Starbucks? Where?" Anyway, her perkiness worked, and I gained confidence as the day went on. I EVEN MERGED ONTO 69 IN TRAFFIC! I'm so proud. In spite of Di's ridicule, the only tree I took out was when we got lost and I had to navigate down a narrow country road that had tree branches hanging over the road that were clearly demonic. I taught them not to mess with Colleen and Di in a 25 ft RV though. They'll never try that again.

The bookstores we stopped at yesterday were thrilled at our appearance. Well, if you don't count the cautious look on the face of the one assistant manager who clearly thought we were coming in to demand we be allowed to sign any books in stock. Once he figured out we were simply friends bearing gifts, he warmed up considerably. Especially when he saw the chocolate.

We were exhausted by evening, though still excited. We found a room at the Courtyard Marriott, but the only non smoking room they had available had only a king bed. And we had the battle of the heater all night. I was freezing, and she was hot. I'd turn it up and fall to sleep. An hour later she'd be throwing off the covers and proclaiming she was hot enough to sizzle bacon. If I'm a little wild-eyed in pictures, you'll know it's from lack of sleep.