Thanks

I want to start by apologizing for the vague post and lack of Social Media this last week. It was all a ploy to surprise my Mother for Thanksgiving.

For those that don't know, the change I made last week was the decision to come home. The decision was not made lightly - I was loving my time on the road and I already miss it - BUT here are some of the reasons:

- I was already considering cutting out California. That state alone would have likely taken me three weeks which would have meant being home by Christmas was unlikely. Plus, with Covid numbers rising and things shutting down basically by the hour, I thought it was the safer choice.

- It was time to figure out when to turn in the rental car and the thought of spending another large chunk of money for the rental was a struggle for me to rationalize.

- Even cutting out California, it was seeming less and less likely that I would even make it home by Christmas.

- and the original plan was to be home for Thanksgiving...

So, I called my Dad and said, let's extend the car for a week and surprise Mom. He was so helpful in my planning. It was VERY hard to be on the road for 5 days and not be able to tell Mom where I was :) I would keep it super vague and say "safe and sound for the night." And a couple days in she outright asked "where are you?" At that point, I did, in fact, lie to my Mother and say "I'm in Utah!" but didn't say where or what I'd been doing :) I also immediately texted Dad and said "Sorry I lied to Mom. I'm really in Albuquerque!" And I was in touch often with Dad keeping him posted - so one of them knew I was really ok!

My five day drive home from Colorado was really nice. I still worked in the mornings and evenings so I drove anywhere from 5-6+ hours a day. I sang and talked to folkx and listened to audio books. I had great weather the whole way - some tiny sprinkles just east of Dallas - but clear skies the whole way.

I got home to an empty house. I knew I'd have a few hours before they got home. I unpacked the car and settled in the living room. I was in my "normal" seat on the couch when they got home. Dad did an awesome job setting it all up. We hid the car at the neighbors so Mom wouldn't see. He got his camera ready as he got out of the car so he got the whole thing on film. Mom unlocked the door and came in - didn't see me or notice the tv on. Looked back at Dad who was awkwardly hanging back with the door open. And then she turned, saw the tv, and then saw me! It was really fun and we all cried.

The last few days have been... interesting. Catching up. Settling in. Holiday. Plus I'm producing a festival that starts tomorrow. Lots going on. But I don't feel really settled yet. I haven't unpacked. I forgot to do laundry and ran out of undies (TMI). I feel like I'm always working now...

These last two months were truly spectacular. Yes, I was tired and constantly moving. But the things I saw and did. The people I met and caught up with. The freedom of space and time. The time to myself. I loved it. And I would do it again in a heartbeat. I learned so much - would change a few things - but I'd do it all again no doubt.

Some tallys for you:

56 days

17 individual states touched

12 National Parks

Many National Monuments, Sites, Forests

17 friends visited (includes roommates, family members in same household, partners, etc)

12,753 miles

approx 400 hours of driving

1 dead bird

I have no idea what's next. I'll be in Florida with the parents for the holidays at least. Don't have a clue what will come after that. The blogs will keep coming, though. Writing is good for me. I'm very grateful for the time. I'm very grateful for the support. And I'm very grateful for these two who helped make it all happen.

IMAGES: Mom and Dad with our Thanksgiving meal.

Selfie of me with Mom and Dad on Thanksgiving Day.