There isn’t enough time to prepare a post today. We will be back tomorrow with more photos.
Thanks for your patience!
Be well ❤️🩹
Day 4…Road trip…A memorable stop along the way…
I wouldn’t say I like saying it was a podunk town, but in reality, it was…Tucumcari. New Mexico.As we drove down the main road in the old, worn-out town with a population of about 5,000, I was transported back to my youth, when I rode with my parents across the US from California to Massachusetts to visit my grandmother in the summers.
Grandma lived in a mansion on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, which I recall as if it was yesterday, with the carved coconut heads hanging from the ceilings in the basement to the huge elegant dining room on the main floor and the no-touch parlor intended for observation rather than use.
I could go on about that magnificent house for hours, but I will return to the seven-day road trips I’ll never forget, including an overnight stay in Tucumcari, which looks the same today as I remembered it 70 years ago.
The difference was the shuttered old businesses that had long since closed on Route 66. When the interstate came through in the 1950s/1960s, the well-known thoroughfare became obsolete due to modern change.
Ironically, time stood still for the little town of Tucumcari and remained as I remembered it many decades ago.
We made our way down the road to our quaint motel, which was still standing seven decades later. I checked in to meet the owner, Mike, who welcomed us with open arms.
Much to our delight, the Wi-Fi was good, the room was clean and comfortable, and we wanted for nothing. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Tom had never made that route but appreciated the charm and the mystery of this unusual little community, mostly filled with retirees, cowgirls, and cowboys of varying ages—many who had lived there all their lives.
We found a great restaurant that reminded us of an old-fashioned supper club from the 1960s. It had a 10-page menu, smiling staff, and an array of old-fashioned entrees and sides. The ambiance in the supper club was indeed a Christmas wonderland.
I ordered the seldom-seen liver and onions, and Tom had roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a couple of squishy buns. I couldn’t resist ordering a glass of red wine, my first since we began this road trip.
Back at the motel, we watched the Minnesota Vikings game and lay down for the night in the somewhat hard bed, which had insufficient covers to keep us warm. My feet were freezing all night, but the only sox I had was a compression type, unsuitable for sleeping. The water never warmed up for this morning’s showers. Still, we didn’t complain and took off by 8:30 to head to breakfast at Kix, a local diner comparable to those we’ve all seen in many TV shows and movies.
Of course, we sat at the counter with swivel chairs and ordered hearty breakfasts unlike any other we’d had during this road trip.
Before we knew it, breakfast was over, and we headed back down Old Route 66 to a rundown petrol station to top off the tank and be on our way.
Today’s photos illustrate the incredible scenes we encountered in our short time in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
The other stops along the way on this 4½ day road trip have already begun to fade from our minds, but our time and Tucumcari will be a fond memory, always putting a smile on our faces.
Soon, we’ll arrive at another interesting hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, where we’ll spend the night and see what delightful story we can add to share our experience once again.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 17, 2014:
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Day 3…Road trip…
Gosh, it’s going well. Last night in Tulsa was comfortable at the Embassy Suites hotel. Again. We did takeaway for dinner.
Now on Highway 40 in Amarillo, Texas we’ll make it to Tucumcari, New Mexico in a less than 90 minutes where we will hunker down for the night.
The days are passing quickly and in less than two days we will arrive in Las Vegas.
We hope all of you are doing well. We think of you often.
Be ❤️🩹 well.
Day 2…Road trip…
We made it to Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a good day of travel, freeway all the way with good weather.
Right now I am at a restaurant picking up my dinner order to go. Tom wanted McDonalds so I ordered burger patties and a salad from Cracker Barrel. What a cute shop!
Next we are checking into a nearby Embassy Suites hotel for the night. We’ll get settled in our room and watch a few shows and begin again in the morning.
Weather providing through Flagstaff and Albuquerque we should make it to Nevada as planned on the 18th when our condo will be ready by noon.
Hope all is well your way.
Be well.⛄🎄💓
Day 1…Road trip…
We are moving along at a good clip. We’d planned to stay beyond Terre Haute but have decided to go to Effingham, Illinois which adds an extra 90 minutes. We will arrive by 4:00 pm which is perfect.
We found a good hotel rated 9* and will have time to settle in before going to dinner. The hotel was $3 since we had unused Expedia points.
We had breakfast at Denny’s outside of Cleveland and with one petro stop we will have driven 7 hours today, ideal since we aren’t in a rush.
All is good. Not a single photo op along the highway not a snowflake.
We will be back with an update tomorrow afternoon
Be well.🎄⛄💝
One day and counting…Will we post during the road trip?…
Finally, we’ll be on our way tomorrow! The packing is almost done except for a few items we’ll use tonight and in the morning. Soon, Tom will leave to pick up the rental car while I continue working on the odds and ends that require packing.
I’ve been contemplating whether we’ll post each day while on the road trip and have decided to do a short blurb without photos of where we are each day, with weather updates and our mileage progression. If we see something interesting, we’ll take pictures and post them.
We expect it will take us five days since our condo in Nevada won’t be ready until the 18th. This way, we can take our time and not feel rushed. By doing so, we’ll have five days requiring that we drive about 460 miles each day. Since we’ll be heading south to avoid snowy weather, it will take us longer than if we took the direct route.
Tom is preparing our iced tea for the trip, putting it into empty 23.5-ounce bottles I saved from my drinking water so we won’t have to stop to buy bottled water. We don’t snack in the car on road trips since neither of us is into snacking between meals. We’ll stop for breakfast and find a restaurant for dinner near our hotel after we check in for the night.
We’ll only bring our single clothing bag into the hotel each evening, along with my small wheeling bag with medications, the cloth bag with a few toiletries, and the computer bag. That way, packing and unpacking each evening will be a breeze.
Gosh, we’ve done this many times and are good at it. After showering and dressing for the day, we can pack and be out the door in about ten minutes, only carrying the small carry-on-type bags we brought into the room. Neither of us Is pokey at getting ready to head out the door. We rarely need to set an alarm since we both wake up early each morning, although I tend to lounge in bed, reading the news and watching funny videos on my phone.
While on the road trip, I’ll bolt out of bed as soon as I’m awake and get ready for the day. We won’t drink coffee on road trips to avoid stopping so often for bathroom breaks. We’ll stop at rest stops and petrol stations as needed, get out, and walk around.
We won’t need to use the wheelchair at the rest stops this time. I will be able to walk to the distant buildings. That’s a far cry from where I was in August when we drove from Minneapolis to Cleveland. It’s been a long 3½ months, and we’re thrilled to be on our way.
That’s it for today, folks. Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll update you on our progress after our first day of travel. A special thanks to our readers for sticking with us during this dry spell of limited activity with no new photos. Just think—in 2½ months, we’ll be back in Africa, sharing the joy of life in the wild. Please continue sticking with us during our quiet time in Nevada, where we will share any photo ops as they occur.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 13, 2014:
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Part 2…Traveling with pets…Potty breaks…Two days and counting…
Yes, we will begin our road trip to Nevada in two days. Yesterday, I packed my clothes, and today and tomorrow, I will pack the leftover non-perishables and our various kitchen gadgets. Tom will do laundry in the morning and then head to the airport to pick up the rental car.
To finish the topic of traveling with pets/support animals, please review the following:
If your pet needs to go potty during a flight, it can be a bit tricky, but there are some strategies you can use to handle the situation:
“Before the Flight
Plan Ahead:
Ensure your pet can relieve themselves before heading to the airport and boarding.
Some airports have designated pet relief areas—use these before your flight.
Limit Food and Water:
Feed your pet several hours before the flight, and limit water intake to reduce the need for bathroom breaks during travel.
Training:
If possible, train your pet to use pee pads or disposable litter boxes in advance.
Select the Right Carrier:
For longer flights, consider carriers with absorbent liners or those designed for in-flight bathroom needs.
During the Flight
Use Pee Pads:
Bring a few pee pads and line the carrier with one. If your pet seems distressed or signals that it needs to go, place a pad on the floor of the airplane restroom (if allowed) or in a discreet spot.
Communicate with Cabin Crew:
Explain the situation if you’re traveling with a small pet in a cabin. The flight crew might allow you to use the restroom for privacy.
Cleanup Supplies:
Pack pet-safe wet wipes, sealable plastic bags, and extra pee pads or absorbent materials for accidents.
For Service Animals:
Service animals may relieve themselves on a pee pad in the cabin. Check airline policies in advance.
Post-Flight
As soon as you land and exit the airport, find a pet relief area or green space where your pet can comfortably relieve itself.
Staying calm and prepared can help you and your pet navigate this situation with minimal stress. Safe travels!”
We’re wrapping up today’s short post since we have plenty to do to prepare for our departure in less than 48 hours.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 12, 2014:
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Part 1…Flying with pets…Three days and counting…
Today’s story is about flying with pets, a topic we’ve never covered in past posts, from what I can recall. More and more travelers are hesitant about boarding their beloved pets in the luggage hold where the conditions are not conducive to the health and safety of the animal. Countless pets have died while in less-than-desirable conditions.
As a result, fewer and fewer passengers were willing to place their pets in the luggage hold and began booking extra seats for the larger dogs that wouldn’t fit in an animal carrier that fit under the seat. Soon, more and more airlines accepted this reality, and pets were allowed in the cabin if the passenger purchased an adjoining seat or seats, as needed, based on the size of the pets.
Here is more information about flying with pets:
“Flying with Pets: A Journey of Patience, Preparation, and Unwavering Love
Traveling with pets is a unique adventure, blending meticulous preparation with heartfelt companionship. Whether you’re relocating, vacationing, or chasing a dream of nomadic life, bringing your furry, feathered, or scaly friend on the journey adds complexity and joy. Flying with pets can be nerve-wracking and rewarding, requiring patience, adaptability, and lots of love.
The Emotional Undertow
Flying with pets is a commitment to care and connection. Our animals are not just passengers; they’re family. Their welfare takes center stage, and with it comes a flurry of emotions: the excitement of shared experiences, the anxiety of keeping them safe, and the satisfaction of seeing their curious eyes light up in a new environment.
For many pet parents, the stress of flying is magnified by the responsibility of ensuring their companion’s comfort. Are they warm enough? Cool enough? Will they feel scared or disoriented? The weight of their trust can be humbling, but it’s also what makes these shared journeys so meaningful. They rely on you to make decisions in their best interest, giving you unconditional companionship in return.
The Practicalities of Preparation
Flying with pets begins long before takeoff. Researching airline policies is essential, as regulations vary widely. Some airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin if they can fit under the seat in front of you, while others may require pets to travel as cargo. The maze of vaccinations, health certificates, and customs forms can be overwhelming for international flights.
Choosing the right travel crate is equally crucial. It needs to be comfortable, well-ventilated, and meet airline standards. Many pet owners opt to acclimate their companions to the crate weeks ahead, turning it into a safe space filled with familiar smells and soft bedding. This small preparation can make a huge difference in reducing their travel anxiety.
Packing for your pet feels a bit like preparing for a toddler. Snacks, toys, collapsible water bowls, and cleanup supplies are essential. But there’s also a deeper layer: the familiar blanket that smells like home, the calming pheromone spray, or their favorite chew toy can provide reassurance in the chaos of travel.
In the Air
Flying with pets can be nerve-wracking, especially during security checks and boarding. For those traveling with pets in the cabin, navigating TSA screening requires removing the animal from its carrier while the crate goes through the X-ray machine. This moment can be particularly stressful, especially if your pet is skittish.
Once aboard, the sounds and vibrations of the plane can be unsettling. A calm demeanor and soothing voice can help reassure your companion. Some pet parents use natural calming aids, like CBD treats or vet-recommended sedatives, but it’s vital to consult a veterinarian before making this choice.
For pets traveling as cargo, the experience is more detached but less emotional for the owner. Seeing your pet’s crate being whisked away can feel like a test of faith. Many airlines have improved their pet travel services, offering temperature-controlled holds and direct communication about their status, but it’s still a leap of trust.
The Reward
After the flight, seeing your pet bounding out of the crate or peeking from their carrier is a moment of pure joy. Their wagging tails, soft purrs, or curious chirps remind us why we undertake this effort. The opportunity to explore new places strengthens the bond between humans and animals, turning every layover or destination into a shared adventure.
Flying with pets isn’t always easy, but it’s a labor of love. The challenges teach us patience, resilience, and the importance of preparation. And in return, we get to share our world with the creatures who bring us comfort and joy. The rewards far outweigh the hurdles for those who embark on this journey. After all, home isn’t just a place—it’s the companionship of those who journey with passengers.”
In tomorrow’s post, we’ll cover what to do when your pet has to go to the bathroom during a flight, a significant source of concern for the pet owner.
Of course, as world travelers, we don’t and never will have pets. We get all the “animal fixes” we need as we travel.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 11, 2014:
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Our new itinerary will be posted on Christmas Day…Four days and counting…
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We are thrilled to be wrapping up work on our new itinerary. I can’t recall the last time we posted an itinerary. After searching older posts using the search filter at the top right of our homepage, the most comprehensive itinerary I could find was here on our 9th travel anniversary on October 31, 2021.
The cruise lines canceled five of the cruises listed on that itinerary due to the war in Ukraine, and we canceled the sixth when we were sick with COVID-19 and could not travel. What a challenging time! We were refunded all the money we paid except for the cruise, which we had to cancel only days before embarkation across the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the late cancellation, we lost that entire cruise fare.
We’re hoping the four new cruises we’ve booked will sail as planned, but after the events of the past several years, one never knows. The most exciting aspect of our new itinerary is the number of days we’ve planned thus far. We still have to book a few flights and venues, but overall, the plan is set. We don’t expect to be making any changes.
I will no longer say “good health providing” in our posts. As all of our readers know, all of life’s activities and planned events are subject to health being sufficiently good to participate. We’ve put that phrase to rest after all this time dealing with health issues. If something comes up, we’ll let our readers know.
Packing is on my mind, but we’re still using a lot of items we have out right now, with four days remaining until we begin our road trip. Tom has enough takeaway food to last until Friday, and I will finish most items left in the refrigerator, mostly cheese and eggs. Tonight, I have my last Bibibop salad, and starting tomorrow night, I’ll make omelets with cheese and onions for myself. Easy peasy.
We’ll only have one more load of laundry, which Tom will do on Friday, at which point we’ll pack some clothes for the road trip. If we each wear our shirt twice and wear the same jeans during the four days, we’ll only have to pack one extra shirt each, four pairs of underwear, and, for me, my comfy pajamas.
Then, at night, when we check into each hotel, we’ll only need to bring in the computer bag, one small bag, and one bag of toiletries, leaving everything else in the back of the SUV, covered with my blanket. Hopefully, the vehicle’s alarm system will serve us well.
Once we’re on the road, the feeling of freedom, at last, will surface, making us excited for times to come. We have much to look forward to as we continue our year-long worldwide journey. And, of course, we’ll enjoy the 2½ months stay in Lake Las Vegas as we did a year ago, at the same time of year.
Once again, we’ll celebrate Tom’s birthday, Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday in Nevada. Again, we won’t have a rental car since everything we need is down a single flight of stairs from our condo, including shops, salons, restaurants, and a grocery and liquor store. When we go out to dinner away from The Village, we’ll use Uber as we did last year.
Car rentals in Las Vegas, especially over the holiday season, are about $1800 a month. We never spent more than $300 a month on Uber round trips to anywhere we wanted to go. Plus, we never felt confined or trapped in the fantastic location, especially on New Year’s Eve, when we had fun at the celebrations by the lake in The Village.
That’s all for today, dear readers.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 10, 2014:
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Special deals with Uber!…Five days and counting…
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| We encountered this waterfall while on a walk on the Big Island. |
It’s hard to believe that five days from today, we’ll already be on the road beginning the approximately 2300-mile road trip from Cleveland, Ohio, to Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve started getting organized to pack, which I’ll begin on Thursday for our Saturday departure. We’re excited to be on the move once again!
In the meantime, we can’t help but share deals and discounts we find online. The following Uber deals may work for you and your family during the holiday season. Most of these only apply to US customers, but you may want to check online if you live in a country with access to Uber promotions that may be available near you. Here’s the article:
“Uber Is Offering Savings on Rental Cars, Expanded Car Seat Access, and Even Carolers on Demand for the Holidays
From Travel & Leisure at this link.
Published on December 8, 2024
Uber is making it easier to travel for the holidays with discounts on rental cars, expanded car seat access, and more festive options to celebrate in style.
The company shared with Travel + Leisure that customers who rent a car with Uber and choose the valet option over the holidays from Dec. 11 to Dec. 25 will receive $50 in Uber Cash as a bonus. Drop-off services are available in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, New Jersey, Miami, and Boston.
In addition, travelers nationwide who rent a non-valet car with Uber will also receive $50 in Uber Cash when they choose the “Pay now & Save” feature. Uber Rent is available across the United States and partners with popular rental car companies like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt.
Uber is also making it easier for families to travel by expanding access to car seats. Travelers in New York City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and San Francisco who reserve a car seat in advance will be set up with a Nuna RAVA seat. To make things even easier, Uber offers $20 off two car seat rides with the promo code “FESTIVESEAT20” until Jan. 2.
But the festive cheer doesn’t stop there. Customers can celebrate the holidays with a toast of Don Julio, Casamigos, or Bulleit Bourbon when ordering carolers on demand. The singing service is available to book for one special day on Saturday, Dec. 7, in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
Last-minute decorators can order Christmas trees or wreaths for delivery to their door through the Uber Eats app anywhere in the country, or they can tap the gingerbread icon to see a curated list of available gifts.
“Uber is thrilled to bring some holiday magic directly to your doorstep this season,” a spokesperson said in a statement shared with T+L. “Whether it’s the joy of Carolers singing to your family, the effortlessness of getting your Christmas tree delivered, or the convenience of finding the perfect gift with a few taps in the app, we’re making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters — spending time with loved ones.”
The holiday offerings come as Uber is making an effort to be more sustainable. It is rolling out a new “EV Preference” option, which allows travelers to automatically be matched with an electric vehicle when ordering a ride if one is nearby, and offering a shared airport shuttle service.”
As for today, the laundry is done, and takeaway dinner is ordered, arriving before 5:00 pm. We won’t be cooking anymore as we use leftover eggs, cheese, and perishable odds and ends. We can bring the non-perishables with us. As mentioned, packing will be easy since we don’t have to be concerned with the weight of our bags.
Ah, it’s so good to think of the future after so long focusing on health and medical issues. We are both feeling well. I still have trouble walking, but using the treadmill has helped, especially since I can hold on. I can now do 20 nonstop minutes, a third of which is using the elevation feature, increasing daily. I’ve also started using the BetterMe app for indoor bodyweight exercises. I work out every day, hoping to experience great results soon.
On our four-day road trip, I’ll do the indoor bodyweight exercises in our hotel room at night, hoping to maintain what I’ve accomplished so far.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 9, 2014:
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