Ladies if I can Do It YOU CAN DO IT!!!

I just returned to a friends house, not my home, from a long needed trip. I say long, I have put 3,804 miles on my car in 28 days. All by myself!! That's right, alone. I took my 45 Luger with me, a GPS, loaded my car and with limited funds I took off. It has been a fabulous trip. On the 23rd of Jan. 2010 I rented my house to my son and said I love ya, but I am gone.

I first drove from my home on the Gulf coast in Texas to Arkansas. I stayed there with my very best friend in the whole wide world. I have known her for 42 years. We have had some times together, good and not so good, but she has been a rock for me through 2 failed marriages, through 2 sons and 6 grandkids. And I for her. Some people never experience that kind of friendship, but I thank God for her. She tells me when she thinks I am right or wrong. We have never in all that time had a argument or falling away from the friendship. Even when she was in another country for 5 years we kept in touch through it all. So I spent some much needed time with her, catching up and talking about our lives and families. She knows me and I know her and we don't judge each other. If you have never been blessed with this kind of friendship I wish it for you. Scripture says No greater love is there than this that a friend would lay down their life for you. That's a rare and exceptional friendship. I stayed in Arkansas for 5 days. When I left about 40 miles down the road I saw a beautiful doe and her fawn just standing in the ditch and what a precious treat that was for me.

Now mind you, I am a woman of routine by nature. I don't take risks, I don't like spontaneity. I always tried to play it safe and do things right. I left there on the 31st and headed for New York. Yep, you heard me New York. I drove thru Tennessee and saw about a dozen eighteen wheelers laying in the ditch on their sides, some burned after a snowstorm hit that area. It was a sight to be seen. Kind of scary, but I pushed on. Went into Kentucky and spent the night there. Decent place, everyone nice. I drove over 12 hours that day. The next morning I was off at 6 a.m. sharp, headed for New York. I arrived at my Aunts house, I haven't seen her in 23 1/2 years, around 3:30 that afternoon. It had been snowing and a blanket of snow was everywhere. Just beautiful to see by a Texas woman that may see some snow every 5 or 6 years, but not like this. My Aunt is 91, lives alone and does very well by herself. We had a wonderful reunion and caught up on so much. She showed me her little town and it was gorgeous. One morning I went outside to find deer tracks right through her front yard, awesome. She is also my Godmother, I will miss her, but am so glad for the time I got to spend with her. Quite a Grand Lady. She gave me a beautiful ruby ring. I visited with her for 5 days and headed for New Hampshire on the 6th of Feb.

This was a one day trip. Ladies, I tell you, I stayed at the Red Roof Inn and it was great. Go online or just call the Inn where you may be staying and make reservations and ask for a discount and believe me, you will get one. And the people were very, very nice. I stayed in NH for 7 days. I saw the beautiful Mall there, it is unlike one I have ever been to. So many stores, people so nice. The town was quaint and quite beautiful. I made a new friend there and will always be glad for that time and relish the memories. It was a great week, tried new foods, homemade (superb) and take out. Saw the biggest pizza I have ever seen in my life. I even tried Crab Rangoon, nice treat. If you ever get up that way you have to try it. Played several games of scrabble and got my butt kicked all but one game, lol.  The New England states are absolutely beautiful. I was suppose to experience my first Nor'easter but it fizzled out. Just as well, it was already cold and I am telling you it was cold. But it is a time, like no other, I will hold close to my heart and memory.

On the 13th I left for Virginia to visit my favorite Aunt, 69, and Uncle, 78, that I haven't seen in over 3 years. I had the best time. My Aunt and I sat and talked for many hours. She is a very wise woman and I cherish her insight. We laughed so much, it was good for my spirit and my soul. As I left she gave me a chain with a heart that had footprints in it, on the back it says ' When you saw only one set of footprints it was then that I carried you'. I know that God has carried me through so much. Heartache, sickness, stress, the times I questioned my life and decisions I have made and will make. Just as I know He carried me safely through this trip. It was so touching that she would part with this for me. I went to a pancake supper at their church, it was great. I have never been to one before, aside from the fact that was the youngest person there, I felt comfortable and right at home. My Uncle and I put together a jigsaw puzzle and he was quicker at finding the right piece than I was. We finished it the day before I left, which was yesterday. Memories I will cherish.

I did not meet one person on this trip that was rude or crude or mean. Everyone I came in contact with was nice and courteous and had a smile. I know that this may seem rare, but I think that for the most part people are nicer than we think they are sometimes. I saw scenery that took my breath away. I saw mountains and towns way down below me. I saw farm towns and big cities, quaint neighborhoods and rough neighborhoods. I saw so many old barns you wouldn't believe. I saw snow and dry flat land. I saw beautiful trees. Lots of license plates from different states. I think I drove through 13 states. I drove across the Chesapeake bay bridge, had to pay $12 to cross it. 20 miles long and two tunnels to go through. I saw rock facings with water frozen as it ran down, beautiful. I used my cruise control and did not speed.

I did get stopped by the law in Tennessee because my tags were not on my license plates. I explained to him that they put the tags on the front windshield in Texas. He asked me if I was a Christian and I said yes, he said God bless you mam have a great day! I said thank you so much and went on my way. But it did rattle me to see those lights going behind me. I saw many State Troopers, always shooting radar or busy with someone on the side of the road. ' Just doing our job mam', lol.

I recieved many gifts, some material and most of the heart. I left behind gifts as well. I appreciate the gifts I was given but the giving is what I love to do. I left behind a little of myself everwhere I went, and I took with me from each place as well. Memories, laughter, words of wisdom, sunrises, beauty and love.

People are paying thousands of dollars to fly all over the world to see other places. I would suggest they take a road trip and see all the beautiful and amazing sights that is there for the seeing in their own back yard. These United States are magnificent and well worth the time it takes to see.

What I am saying is, you can do it. I was alone with myself and had many hours to think. It was very soul stirring. I learned to really like who I am. I got a lot of the cobwebs out of my head and I did it alone. So many e-mails to me said 'you are so brave.' I don't see myself as such, I just did it. There were times when I was a little afraid but nothing serious. I had so many friends and family praying for me. One of my dear friends said the angels surrounded my car and rode with me. I believe it. I am one who hates to drive to Houston, yet I drove clear across the country and back. If you ever get the chance, DO IT!!!!! I have not one single regret about this trip. I experienced things I have never experienced and some things I haven't experienced in many years. It was bitter sweet. Always sad to have to leave behind family and friends that I may or may not ever see again. But it was wonderful, heartwarming, new, exciting and fulfilling. I did it, and I know you can too. Go for it!!!