Fifty Shades of Sharon

Settling In The "settling in" process is still not complete. We have single-handedly moved many boxes, plastic tubs, and more from our storage unit and into our home. After the multiple trips to and from the nearby unit, our front room is now a vision of brown cardboard shapes, various containers, and a dining room table.  Unpacking into a home that is already filled with goods, linens, and full closets creates an issue. We are now experiencing exponential growth within the house. It's like the movie "Gremlins", the boxes seems to be recreating themselves during the night! Being knee-deep in "stuff", we had to do something.  I have always met my challenges head-on, and so I'm moving full-steam ahead once again. I can now tell you the first names of all the intake workers at our local Goodwill drop-off. Before I started to pack for my move back to Vegas, I downsized. All of my furniture, some household goods, linens and more found new homes. What st...

This morning, I woke up with the usual mental list of chores and deadlines on my mind. However, the list was different today. It kept rolling through my mind like a freight train, but the caboose was nowhere in sight. My train's cars all had labels: laundry, unpack, dinner, organize kitchen, voicemail, shower, car wash, water plants, pay bills; the list was endless. Not wanting to think about it, I focused on getting my coffee and ice water.  I felt fatigued and suddenly realized that I have not been taking the time to RECHARGE and REFRESH!  My R&R has many forms, but my best times take place being next to nature. In Columbus, I often enjoyed the trails and the parks in and around the city. I had found a place close to home that was like a hidden valley, practically untouched, surrounded by trees, a brook, wildflowers, and wildlife.  My hidden spot had an array of animals living in peace and harmony; deer, owls and owlets, cardinals, blue jays, a couple pair of...

There's a famous quote that is appropriate for what I am feeling today. "The best journey takes you home."   As I reflect back on the day I left my home in Las Vegas, another quote applies. “Chase your dreams but always know the road that will lead you home again.”  When I left Vegas, I was chasing my dreams, fulfilling a longing to go back to a city I loved. But, the vision I created was not fully realized.  In the early stages of my return to Columbus, it was exciting and comforting to be back where I thought I belonged. Many positive things were happening all around me. I was now geographically closer to my son and grandchildren. I was doing new things, making new friends, and getting reacquainted with those I left behind. A new job came along and I was off to the races. I was focused and moving forward!  I continued moving forward, at least for a while. During the 19 months that I spent away from Harry, I learned a valuable life lesson.  My home is the ...

Our Journey - Thursday, June 23 Finally, I woke up this morning in Vegas baby! It felt great to be home again. Of course, there's no rest for the wicked! Today's plan included getting on the road again, but only for a brief jaunt. Our kitty Lola had to be picked up from a friend's home that's located an hour away. After a busy morning of errands, we drove out to Ronnie's house to pickup our precious kitty. We had no idea what was in store for us. Ronnie and his wife Brandi surprised us with a wonderful homemade meal that was very much appreciated. A home-cooked meal and great company was just what we needed. Keep in mind that when you're are pulling a trailer, you are practically forced to eat at travel centers and truck stops. If you don't mind eating subs, over-cooked chicken tenders and tasteless pizza, the truck stops are for you!  About Dinner  Ronnie and Brandi worked together to create an excellent dinner and more. A wide selection of fresh fruit, a v...

Our Journey - Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Vegas Baby!  The ride from Flagstaff to Vegas was easy and scenic. We passed through majestic mountains as we entered Nevada. It was breath-taking. Soon enough, we were passing through the Hoover Dam area. I felt a wave of relief knowing that I was so close to home. The driving would soon end, but unloading the trailer and returning it was still ahead of us. During our journey home, we became aware that we would not be able to safely maneuver the trailer in and out of our cul-de-sac. We had to unload elsewhere, so I secured a storage unit and movers. By 3:30PM on Wednesday, the trailer was unloaded and it was returned to U-haul. I let out another sigh of relief.  However, it's not over yet. Tomorrow, we have a one-hour drive to pickup our cat.  Our cat Lola was originally booked into a condo at a pet hotel. However, Harry's friend Ronnie insisted on taking care of her in his home outside of the city. Thank you Ronnie, Brandi, and fam...

  Our Journey - Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Woke up in Amarillo, TX today. New Mexico's border is about 50 miles away allowing us to cross the  state line and enter a new time zone quickly. We soon stopped at a travel center for fuel and a meal.  The stop was filled with people, making me wonder if there's still an ever-increasing price in gas. Their  Coca-Cola themed diner was very inviting and guests filled the booths and tables I was instantly  hungry. During our meal, it started raining. The rain continued for hours and the temp was only  61 degrees. I vividly remember my first drive through New Mexico. It was hotter than hot and very dry.  By the time we reached Albuquerque, the rain had cleared and the temp was 78! We continued driving  through to Flagstaff, AZ where we encountered a problem that night at the Comfort Inn. The hotel is  situated in a small spot on top of a hill. The entry is a wi...

M onday, June 20, 2022 Amarillo Bound 1:45PM At 1:45PM, we just finished having lunch and refueling at a travel plaza where the gas was lowest price in the nation at $4.37 per gallon. The locals here in Strafford, MO are proud to say it and cups of ice are free!  Amarillo is still 8 hours away. Of course, we'll need more stops for petro. Pulling the trailer is burning up the fuel rather quickly. Our average has been 13.5 miles per gallon.  DUSK The sun is setting and we are still hours away. There's been many delays along the road due to traffic, construction, and more fuel stops than we planned. By the time we arrived at our hotel in Amarillo, TX, we were both exhausted and fatigued. Right now, I'm at a loss for words and can only think about getting some much needed sleep. Next stop, Flagstaff, AZ.    "On The Road Again"    

 June 19th Our Journey - Finally On The Road!  June 19th It's been a busy day! At 10AM, we were at U-haul getting a 12'  trailer hitched. Until it's attached and you are driving it through the streets of Columbus, it's not a big deal. Keep in mind the connector adds another 6' to the length. The back-end of your vehicle has now been extended by 18' for no additional charge! You are now driving something wider than your vehicle too. U-haul's measurements of any trailer does not include the fenders. If you take a look at the pic, you'll see the fenders that cover the wheels.      While driving it home through the city streets, I wondered if we made the right decision. I have experience driving larger vehicles but never have I pulled a trailer. I felt like a beast was riding on my back.     Moving forward, the movers loaded the trailer and we pulled away around 3PM. I let out a sigh of relief and we headed toward the freeway.  We drove to ...

Day 4 June 18 It's now Saturday evening. We're just hours away from picking up the trailer and heading west! Our day was spent doing the last minute packing, cleaning, and loading the Jeep with the things needed for a road trip.  We took time out for a walk and an enjoyable late lunch at the park. Picked up subs and lemonade from DiBellas. If you have a DiBellas in your town, the Cowboy Sub is great! It's loaded with chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, your choice of toppings and BBQ sauce! It's tasty and filling.  The Cowboy  "Saturday In The Park"

Our Journey - Day 3 June 17, 2022 The long-distance move became complicated yesterday afternoon. Our original plan was to make the move with a U-haul truck and drive my Jeep from Columbus, OH to Las Vegas, NV.  I made the appropriate reservations with U-haul and hired professional movers.    As always, things changed. My son announced that he is moving from a rented room into a 3-bedroom home. Of course I made him an offer to take all of my furniture! Soon enough, everything was moved to another city 90 miles away and put into storage for the future. My reservation with U-haul was updated to their largest trailer, a 12' x 6' pull-along.  Without the furniture, I have been sleeping on an air mattress the size and height of a double bed. It's quite comfy! My only luxury is now one TV standing atop a moving container. I feel like a kid experiencing my first apartment. As of yesterday, we were within 72 hours of the move. We decided to measure our load. Harry came up wit...

 Day 2 June 16, 2022 Harry and I are still reeling from our reunion! My first morning thought? Oh, what a night! Nothing will stop us now! We are ready to recreate our lives once again. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Our story started many years ago when we met in the 8th grade. It was a mutual crush.  However, that summer, we went our separate ways. Our high school paths differed in many ways. We were busy with our differences. Years later, we reconnected through a high school reunion and with the help of social media, stayed in touch. That was 32 years after our graduation.  Friendship grew into love, and so our story began. We are committed to a happy ending. 

  IN SUMMARY  Harry and I have officially reunited after a 19 months separation.Simply stated, I left our home in Las Vegas, NV and moved back to Columbus, OH late October, 2020. I drove my new Jeep Wrangler across the USA and arrived in Columbus on November 1st, 2022. More than 19 months has passed and our relationship stayed alive throughout our time apart. I'm finally returning to my forever HOME with Harry after this painful separation. Each day, I will post our journey to Las Vegas, NV.     "Reunited"   I dedicate this song to my forever partner, Harry.