Now that I’m home and had a couple of days to settle in, I decided to sit down and share my trip with everyone. I took lots of pictures. I’ve never been much of a picture taking person. I was never really encouraged to take them. As a result, I’m pretty noobish with pictures. But I enjoyed the process throughout this trip. I realized afterward that I took fewer pictures than I should have, but I’m new at this, I really have no idea what people expect pictures of when someone returns from vacation.

My trip began in Southern California staying in the house my dad has owned for over 35 years and a place I haven’t been back to in maybe 15. I slept in the same bed I had as a little girl – the comfiest Murphy bed ever! Very surreal to say the least, lots of memories returned that I’d not thought of in years.

The first week was mostly hanging around the house reminiscing, swimming in the pool, playing with his dog, driving around town, and getting everything ready for our upcoming road trip. My dad’s been traveling all his life for trade shows, so he has a system of packing. He’s of the belief that he should have all the comforts of home wherever possible. And he does manage to keep it comfortable, regardless of how heavily packed. I swear if my dad played video games he’d be a Tetris God! At least I have only one suitcase to my name, so I was free to help him as needed.

The car for this road trip was a 2011 Chrysler 300: a sparkly cherry red exterior, tan interior, and every amenity in the book. Dad, with his salesman schmooze, talked the dealership owner out of his own car. A decent consolation considering that the only reason he was in the market for a new car was some crazy smashed into him and totaled his old car. At least it was all covered by insurance. As a road trip car it was a dream. GPS, cruise control and Sirius radio made the drive a breeze. I’m used to driving jalopies held together by dreams and love. The Chrysler is from the future. Absolutely the best car I have ever had the pleasure of operating. Since I ended up driving most of the trip, the nice car made it so much easier.

It was so nice to get a chance to spend time with my dad. We’ve been in touch sporadically since college. After he retired and threw himself into his faith we drifted further apart. Then he married a woman I’d never met. It’s only been in the last couple of years that we’ve reconnected. I guess all that time apart might not be such a big deal if my dad wasn’t sick. Fortunately, Dad’s always been very conscious of his health since his diagnosis, and he’s always on top of it, but it’s one of those things that will play a major part in how long he lives. This is why I’m so happy I got to spend the time with him; I’ll never know how long I’ll have the opportunity. After three weeks, it’s been so easy to stay connected. All the past is behind us and forgotten.

The next few journals will go over what I did while I was on the road. Pictures will follow later in the day.