Road Trip Experiences...Part 1

Recently Mr. C and I departed on a road trip. We had some places we wanted to visit and some things we wanted to experience and some people we wanted to spend some time with. So we arranged for in home kitty care. Sasha BooBoo is an aging cat who is not the least bit spoiled however she does know what she likes and what she will not tolerate. Home is her best option as it is comfortable and complete. My dear friend Margaret became the daily caregiver. Thank you so much Margaret. Actually Sasha's 17th birthday will be celebrated this Super Bowl Sunday! Next Mr. C and I packed up the car and headed out. We traveled in tandem with another couple in their vehicle which was interesting. One very long drive the first day we stopped for an overnight sleep and met another couple for dinner and a business meeting Mr. C required. The next day we drove another distance and then our friends called another couple to meet us at our first excursion. Have you ever been to Quartzsite Arizona? Now I can say I have! This photo above really does not do justice to the experience. Beginning 5 miles outside of Quartzsite are encampments of hundreds of all types of vans, buses, trailers and motor homes just pulled off the side of the highway and into the desert beyond. We happened to visit just at the high time of Snow Bird season.

This is a typical vendor booth at one of the many many "swap meets". Quartzsite has been a favorite spot for rockhounds since the 1960's. Now it is kind of a cult spot for all types of people wanting to escape their snowy homes and spend a few months basking in the sun. Hmmm... While we were there for one day it was windy and freezing cold! Not my idea of warm and sunny. And of course I was not prepared for this with hiking boots and grunge clothing. I had my little black leather flat sandals with the light beige straw soles...to walk the cactus, rocks and dirt grounds. Please remember this was an unscheduled stop. Mr. C is making up his "bucket list" as he goes along.

This is a typical layout of what the rockhounds display and offer for sale. Luckily we knew our traveling friends friends and spent about 4 hours exploring. Our car is so not a desert and gravel kind of car so that was not happy time but we managed to traverse enough to get the ambiance of Quartzsite.

While going through the open air stalls I did find something I wanted and bought. A very nice lady was selling all types of things including cheesy glass bead pendants I think were from China however she also was selling some of her personal treasures. I bought these wooden spools from her. She seemed very pleased that they would be going to a good home and that I was really smitten with them as I sew and would be displaying them in my sewing room. I do have ideas for them that I will be doing later. Mr. C found the marble egg in another large indoor building and showed it to me and of course then I had to have it also.

I was shocked at the amount of sales tax you must pay in Quartzsite...10.1% Ouch as that really adds up quickly when you are spending your money. Our sales tax here at home in California is 8.875% and that is considered high. Makes shopping in Oregon all the more inviting. They charge 0% sales tax. Oh dear I have gotten off topic. But that is exactly how this trip seemed to go...rather off course for a while.
Later I will share more highlights of this road trip that became about 2500 miles in 13 days. Luckily I packed most of my closet (I tend to always take way too much especially when I am not flying and paying for luggage I must be able to lift and carry) and of course took some food and water along just in case we got hungry. :o) Sadly I gained 3 pounds along the trip and now must work really hard to get it off...again! I have spent the past solid year shedding 10 pounds via Weight Watchers so to gain 1/3 back in such a short time is very disheartening. The good news is that I know exactly how I gained and now will make much smarter choices and get some much needed activity/exercise back into my daily routine.

So for now I shall continue unpacking and doing laundry and errands like grocery shopping.

I shall allow myself great breaks to catch up on all the blogs I so enjoy and missed while gone.

My beloved BooBoo is very needy and will not let me out of her sight or touch so I am enjoying re-bonding with her. I cherish my little fur-child and know my time with her is limited.

I also have lots of plans to be creative and will need to work that into my days.

For now I shall be grateful for each of you who stayed patient and faithful to my blog.

I do understand why Mr. C kept telling me I was addicted to blogging...I really am addicted! It is a great addiction to have and I shall continue to follow and read all the blogs I can as you each inspire me and fill my daily world with joy. Thank You!

Smiles and Happy February Heart Hugs...