A dog lovers paradise!!

I get to walk 7 blocks down to this beautiful beach every day and let my dog run and socialize with all kinds of dogs. Many of the residents and shop owners put out bowls of water for the dogs in town so on our way to and from the beach they can have fresh water.  As soon as I get to the beach...leash is off and there she goes.  I find it really interesting to watch the interactions between the dogs.  For instance....a dogs ball is his/hers and another dog respects that.  Mali is learning so much from just watching and joining in, trying, and it makes me smile. She is such a good girl and I am thankful for choosing her for making this journey with me. She will be my beach baby through my next 15 years and a dedicated one.

We made it!!

44 hours, 2727 miles in 4 days......what a beautiful country we have!!  Neither one of us slept in the car because we didn't want to miss a thing!  Change was crazy fast with the terrain.  So glad I did this. ....everyone should travel cross country at least once in their life.  Such an amazing experience!  So, we landed and Linds had everything set for us so I didn't have to go to the grocery store, etc.  Toasted with champagne....new beginnings and getting here safely. Still can't believe I am here.  Surreal.  First whole  day here and started with a long shower with no hurries, appreciating my view and catching up on email, etc. Took Mali to the dog park.  She had so much fun!  Such a little social gal....like her mama.  Explored the town a bit and met my landlord, had my walkthrough.  Feeling good about this place and thinking I might stay longer than I planned. This town is a throwback in time....cool little shops, hippies that have remained hippies from the 60's, painted vans,  organic markets, everyone has a dog....really laid back and I find the character of the town very interesting.  Good place to find some grounding again. Finding my way in the last 24 hours already.....burgers on the grill tonight and getting ready to watch fireworks courtesy of Sea World  from my living room!! Moving truck comes tomorrow........Busy day once again but excited to make this place my own!

Map of where I live.  You can see the dog beach, I live off Voltaire about 7 blocks from the beach......up high to see everything....it's a bit hilly here.  Feeling excited.

Day 3.. enjoyed our drive through texas!!

Much better day!  Didn't start out so well..while loading Mali and Fritter into the car this morning I locked the keys in the car with them in it.  Couldn't believe it!  Billy Craig, a local in town, came to our rescue within 15 minutes and we were on our way by 8!!  Speed limit was 75, a beautiful day and ready to make up for some of the time we lost yesterday.  20 minutes down the road I get pulled over for going 81 in a 75.  Apparently "Texas has no tolerance and you must drive the speed limit."  He scolded me and let me go....really?  6 miles over on a highway?  The rest of the trip went smoothly..the dogs were awesome and slept most of the way.  Potty breaks were tough again.  No where to stop and red ants and trash everywhere for miles.  The first half of Texas the rest area was beautiful....after that.....there were none.  Enjoyed watching the change of scenery crossing the state.  We decided to make it to El Paso because it was basically the first place after crossing the desolate eastern terrain.  So after 12 hours and 760 miles we landed in El Paso, TX.  They don't waste any space here that's for sure.  Hotel is right next to the highway and Mali is fascinated with the lights and and the cars whizzing by.  I said to Chase today "Do you think the dogs think the car is their new home?"  I know they must be confused but they have been troopers and settling in to all the changes each day.  Tomorrow we drive through a bit of New Mexico and cross Arizona and into Cali to our final destination in Ocean Beach, CA.  738 miles to go and another long day ahead. This awesome team can do it again tomorrow and we will be very happy to finally be there.

Day 2....NOT as smooth going as we'd hoped.

Headed out this morning at 8 am confident to make it to Fort Worth, TX....the dogs weren't too excited about getting back in the car. Made it to Memphis in rush hour and somehow missed a turn and found that we had gone around the Memphis beltway and were head back on 40 E.  Thank goodness I realized it, got back on track and only lost 25 minutes.  Finding the rests areas a blessing for the dogs.  Sandi is have a terrible time getting in the car and ended up with my first battle would of the trip when I tried to help her up. Tennessee was beautiful and I enjoyed driving through it.  However, Arkansas is not a state I can to venture through again.  The roads are the worst I've seen and construction much of the way through.  Sat in stopped traffic for 30 minutes and continued slow traffic for a long while. Lots of rain, All rest areas are closed throughout the state, and nowhere to stop for long periods of time.  The dogs were restless and we were losing so much time.  Found a tiny gas station with a small area of grass...very wet grass.  Mali broke free of here leash, very scary but a nice lady finally grabbed her.  Another 1/2 hour lost.  Anyway.....you get the picture.  Needless to say after 11 hours and only 600 miles we are spending the night in Mt Pleasant, TX.  Landed in a La Quinta Inn and Suites....For $109 have a really nice 2 room suite like a little apartment.  I'm going to enjoy a couple minutes by myself to take a shower and be able to close the bedroom door and keep the dogs in the living room.  Yay!! It was a long trying day for us at times but at least we made it to Texas!!  Tomorrow we drive through this state and praying for sunshine and an easier day with my adventures to share!!

Cross country trip Day 1

After a very long emotional and crazy weekend....7:30 this morning Chase and l loaded the 3 dogs and started our long drive out to our new home. As we got onto 66W we both looked at each other "Wow, we are really doing this!"  Fritter was the only one that misbehaved today. I will have to give him a little extra meds tomorrow. The dogs are very confused but I think I will get easier for them with each day.  So after 9 hours 50 minutes and 617 miles we made it to our first stop in Lebanon, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. We had to stop a bit more for the dogs ......hopefully tomorrow we can do  a bit more.  I picked up a yummy dinner from the restaurant next door and finally everyone is settling in. Headed to Fort Worth tomorrow.  Will sleep good tonight.  Thanks for all the sweet and loving notes from all of you.

What a whirlwind......2 more days until blast off.

Crazy week filled with hard work, a little chaos, catching up with friends and family and still not done.  How did I gather so much "stuff".  Purple heart is loving me right now but my trash men are NOT.  Seeing my family tomorrow for a send off celebration and looking forward to seeing everyone. I have to admit....I'm exhausted and feeling pulled in many directions.  But I'm only one person....so my focus blinders have gone on. Sorry I didn't get to see everyone. :(  Doing this alone has been a challenge emotionally and physically...but it's been a journey that I'm glad I had. Ready for new beginnings and taking lots of deep breaths along the way.

"We’re all travelling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride."

5 days and we are OFF on a new journey.

WOW!!  Anxious and excited at the same time.  It's been a bit crazy ......I had no idea what a big move it truly is. I really appreciate all your support and giving me that little push I need now and then to keep on trucking!!  A little emotional with all the goodbyes to friends, family and everything that is familiar.  But feeling grateful about getting a chance to live a life that's not so hectic,  one that's healthier for me in so many ways, meet new people, and find a job while I go to school to follow my passion.  I'm excited to explore ME and what I am capable of.  And I still get to have my kids close by to nurture my cooking spirit and try lots of new recipes.  I can't wait to finally be done with this move,  make the long trip there with Chase and my spirited dogs (who have know idea what's going on) and LAND at my new home.  That day will mark a new beginning.  I will count my blessings for sure.

Mothers Day

                                                                                  

17 days....WOW.  It's becoming real and a bit scary but exciting too.  This past week has been a bit crazy and emotional.   Everyone keeps telling me how brave I am....I don't really look at it that way.  I look at it as something I have wanted to do for a long time....and I need to.  No regrets...right?  Life is short. As I packed up all my belongings I stumbled upon all the love notes and cards Lindsay and Chase have made. Oh and the "I'm mad at you" notes...or the "I'm sorry" notes... the "confession" notes, those were the best.  Miss those times.  What treasures those are.   My children have taught me more about myself than I could every imagine...they have no idea.  

The saying above says it all. I am so looking forward to our new adventure and I am so very proud to be their Mom.  Happy Mothers Day!!

23 days we set out!

My weekend was full of visits and thought provoking conversations.  I am grateful for those who understand my choice in this and are supportive and excited for me...because....I am excited . I have a plan and well.....no turning back now!!