In Blythe, CA

So. Yesterday was one long, long, long day.

But, let's go back to the days before that.

Monday, we arrived in San Jose. Spent the day laying around R's dad and stepmom's house, then spent the evening w/them. Tuesday AM, R's dad checked his teeth, and then we went w/his mom out to Santa Cruz (Minnie came as well). We got to watch the election results there... and yes... we were all very happy. I was very confident he'd win, but it still felt good to see it actually happen. Very, very good indeed. It is still a bit hard to believe at times. But, I am excited for the future and glad I don't have to live in a country w/George W. as a president anymore. So, that was a happy, happy evening and it reminded me that Americans can be smart and vote for a change. I feel way better moving back here too w/Obama in office.

Wednesday was spent between Santa Cruz and San Jose. R. had to get some fillings. Thursday night we ended up back in San Jose. We got a new tire on the Explorer (for free, under warranty still), as there was a tear on the sidewall. We were worried it could lead to a blow out, so we took the time to get a new one. We also picked up on the way R's brother's diesel/vegetable oil truck in Santa Cruz, and were going to transport it for him down to Santa Barbara. Also, it would give the Explorer a towing break, as we could use the truck to tow.

Anyway - So at some point in there we finally booked our long term travel plans. We are going to New Zealand!!! We leave Nov. 23rd from LA and return Jan 26th. There will be more details on that later. We used air miles, so we only had to pay $130 for the tickets. Yay!

So... yesterday. We left at 8:30am from San Jose. R. drove the truck w/the trailer and I drove the Explorer. It was a pretty easy trip down to Santa Barbara (well, it was really north of there), as we could both cruise pretty quickly. But, then drama started. The cat had been stressed most of the morning in the car. It was hard, because I was alone w/her. Then, she seemed like she was getting over heated, so we wet her down. she was also just stressed. Then, R. forgot his phone in the truck. So, we were almost at the freeway, when he remembered. So we ditched the trailer and cranked the A/C to keep the cat cool and booked it back to get his phone. the cat still seemed freaked out. we got her an ice pack. then we think the cat was too cold. Anyway - eventually, she got looking perky again and relaxed. But, we wasted a bunch of time, so we ended up hitting a lot of LA traffic.

So, we finally got through LA, but we were both getting cranky and tired. Arouund Palm Springs, I wanted to stop, but we pushed on Indio. In Indio, we tried to stay at a casino, but it was lame, so we pushed on more to Blythe - getting in at 1 a.m. Hence, why we are still here. Needed some time to relax and sleep.

Soon, back on the road. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures soon. I just need time to re-size them.

All for now!

-N.