The Road Trip to See the Mansion

A friend of mine just moved. She and her husband have done very well for themselves and they just built a new house. It's not a house -- it's a mansion. I haven't seen it yet but I get regular emails about the progress and the stats. It sounds fabulous and I can't wait to see it. When I visit, I get my own wing.

I have known this friend forever. She's one of my Golden Girls. Her mom used to tell me a story of her 5th or 6th birthday party. Apparently, I cried because I didn't get the pink balloon. Go figure! I can still be reduced to tears if I don't get what I want.

Visiting will require an 8-plus hour road trip. I like to get on a plane, cross check and call forward, and simply get to my destination. The other Golden Girl insists that we drive. (By the way, we're not that old but they are my oldest friends and that qualifies them as Golden.) It's a lot of driving for a long weekend but we'll do it.

This is one of the most down-to-earth people I know. Plus, she has a gigantic heart. Their old house was only about 40 minutes from where the oldies used to live. Once we got the oldies settled here (1 year, 11 months and 2 weeks ago,) the mother-in-law had a freak out of things left in their old house. My friend took the time to go there, dig through cabinets and go through closets. She found everything on their list and shipped it here. This was way beyond the call of duty. At one point, she kept calling me to say, "I'm under the bed. Here's what I found. Do you think this is what they're searching for?" Eternal gratitude is not enough.

I don't like road trips beyond three hours. I get tired. My limbs start to ache. Two women alone makes my mother nervous so therefore, I get nervous. I'm a little more comfortable with my Big, Black Dog in the car. She's a sweetie but maybe it would deter someone from messing with us.

Thank Goodness, this wonderful woman is also a dog lover. She said, "Pick your dates and bring the Gabster." Her husband agreed to this. I'm pretty sure Big Daddy would not have done so.

So, there's a road trip in my future. She sent me an email this morning with various escapades about her dogs. Gabby will fit right in.

Don't Toy With Me

Have you ever watched a child's face when someone puts out a plate of cookies and then says, "You can't have one yet." Have you ever watched a dog go crazy for a toy or a bone that is just slightly out of reach?

That's me.

The oldies proposed this road trip. It was entirely their/her idea. But yes, I did get a little overly excited as did the husband. He calls me from work every day and asks, "Have they left? Are they leaving today?"

I am not subtle. I wish I could be. Instead, I start saying things like, "Great forecast today. Good day for a drive."

She's been piling clothes for days so I assume the packing is underway. A few days ago, she informed me that they had to wait for some medication to arrive from the VA. I offered to go get it. No, no -- that's not necessary! Then, we were informed that she had a hair appointment so they couldn't leave until that was taken care of.

Yesterday, the drugs arrived. I signed for them. Yesterday, she had her hair done. I don't know what today's excuse will be but I do wish she would stop toying with me.

Another Trip and The Happy Dance

Last week was interesting. The oldies spent more time in bed than out of it. I expressed my concerns more than once. Ok, more than twice. There were several days that he only came out to eat.

With that in mind, imagine my shock when they announced last night that they're going on a road trip. What? They've decided to go to Mississippi -- an 8 to 10 hour drive, depending on traffic. They'll stop along the way to visit relatives and friends. The angel on my shoulder said I should be concerned about their ability to make this trip, even with numerous stops.

The devil on my shoulder said, "Be happy!" So I moved out of their line of vision to a spot where only the husband could see me. Then, I did my happy dance! He burst out laughing but he covered it well.

Instead of trying to talk them out of this trip, we both said, (in unison,) "When are you leaving?" They fudged the answer. Something about packing and laundry and getting new clothes so I figure it will be 3 or 4 weeks away.

I take everything personally so I know they are trying to escape me and my endless questions. They need a break from us and we need a break from them. I will help them pack. I will loan all the luggage they can load.

Then, I will catch the husband's eye and I will do my happy dance again.

On The Road Again

If you live anywhere between Indiana and Texas, look out. The oldies are on the road.

I would've placed a bet that she couldn't guilt one of the grandchildren into accompanying them. Once again, I underestimated her. Our nephew flew in last night and he'll share in the driving and navigation. You know how you can read someone's face? His had dread all over it. Don't get me wrong, he adores his grandparents but trapped for two weeks with them? Yuck. As we were loading the car this morning, he told me that he felt sick. I said, "Duh!"

I have a little experience being trapped with the oldies. I wish I had a lot of money because this kid deserves a treat. Even our son said, "I can't believe he agreed to do this. Better him than me."

They packed enough stuff to survive for a year. Yet, she almost left without her cell phone. I threatened to whack her if she doesn't keep it with her and charged. She laughed and called me a Big Fat Liar.