On the road: Day 3 & 4

Vacation day in Keller, TX
Stopover in Albuquerque, NM


It was really smart of me to plan on rest days with my family. I just barely made it to Albuquerque I was so dazed and tired. I'm not sure how that would have gone with out a rest day of fancy coffee drinks and shoe shopping with my cousin. The guy at the front desk of the hotel looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if there was anywhere I could walk to dinner. "But you can just drive!" Yea, thanks buddy. That's not an option right now as I am not driving anymore until tomorrow!

Really cool thing of the THE YEAR: seeing my great-grandfather's furs with his label in it. (check out the awesome downtown address!)

On the road: Day 1 & 2

Stopover in Rolla, MO
Final destination Keller, TX

Driving on day 1 was tiring and rather miserable. I got up early and left later than planned then drove into the storm and out of the storm and into a storm and out of the storm. It's was gray and chilly all day. I was excited when I finally arrived at the Hampton Inn at Rolla (which I highly recommend) around 3:30. Happy to be off the road and to have the evening to myself. They had complimentary pulled pork sandwiches for dinner so I didn't have to go find food. I practiced some guitar, re-packed my pack, practiced some French. It was all very exciting. Then I got really bored. It's boring hanging out at a hotel with a pool by yourself. Day 2 out of Missouri was the complete opposite. It was nice and sunny and driving through the Ozarks was amazingly beautiful. The drive was also much easier. I-44 and US 69 are my best friends. That and cruise control. My iPod on the other hand is my enemy. I can't listen to the 300+ podcasts I downloaded because it will just play one. On repeat. Over. And over. (anyone, help?) I am know holed up for a day of rest with my cousins where there are home decorating shows, stray cats, shopping, travel talk, crazy 60's conversations and about 10 hours of much needed sleep.

Last days of Chicago part 2

My big ole bed is gonna be mighty lonely without you for company...