That Was A Long Drive

Google Maps told me it would be 832 miles, and my odometer reads 836 miles -- just about right with the small detours to get dinner (with the delightful Mr. Weeble), sleep, and of course stretch Lila's legs and mine.  I sent text messages to NBT every 83 miles -- 10% there, 20% there, etc.  I made pretty good time, with only about 25 minutes of traffic, once in the Bronx and once in a construction merge just south of DC.  It took me exactly two tanks of gas to get here: the empty tank light had just come on when I pulled up to NBT's place. 

I gave the finger to all the Hummers I saw.  I listened to NPR almost the whole time, listening first to the Iraq Study Group announcing their findings, then to commenters discussing the findings, then to news reporters spinning the findings.  It was interesting to see the way the story morphed and changed over the course of the day, and to hear which sound bites they selected by the time All Things Considered came on.  When I got south of DC I listened to Christian radio for a while, and to a station that played "classic top 40" -- hello, Pat Benetar.

The doggies are now dozing near one another beside me.  NBT's dog, Spinnaker, is an older fellow who takes his food very seriously.  Lila is bigger and stronger and younger and more energetic.  They've had a couple of scuffles and have also played pretty happily together.  We all went on a run this morning and now they're good and tired.  At feeding time this morning they fought when she came over to investigate his eating area; I'm hopeful that with a staggered feeding time we can avoid a rivalry. 

Comments

[DivaGirl]

I am so glad you arrived safely my HOT girl!

[abl]

Were you heading straight down 95 the whole time? No way to avoid traffic then in the Bronx, sigh. Glad it wasn't bad though!

[LAL]

Glad you got there safely - wishing you and NBT all the best as you embark on this exciting new adventure. There's nothing that's comparable to a new beginning with someone who matches you emotionally and intellectually.

[J]

Heading back, traffic in NY can be somewhat avoided by taking the Jersey Turnkpike & Garden State Parkway to the Tappan-Zee bridge, picking up 95 again north of the city right before you hit CT.

Unfortunatly, there's really no decent way to avoid the mixing bowl of Springfield, VA, where 95/495/395 meet...

I am so glad you got there safely. Have a FABULOUS Holiday Season with NBT!! It makes me smile to think you're allowing yourself to explore something so potentially wonderful. And that you're pure of heart enough to share it with all of us! This is way better than any movie or book. I am rooting for you guys!

[Marci]

Or just avoid the whole mess and do it under sail and Inland Waterway next time? NBT can pick you up at Town Dock

now that you're down here:

www.donleecenter.org/staff.html