Ah, the Midwest. Ah, America

I am here to report that I had a most excellent road trip. We loaded up the mini-van to within an inch of its life. We had one couch, one chair, an enormous hassock, two lamps, two end tables, and assorted boxes, sewing machines, lampshades, and cushions.

There was room for me, my passenger, and two small suitcases.

I have to say it was a fun trip. My friend and I talked about everything under the sun, and often didn't talk (while I lapsed into thoughts about plot points in my current book). We managed to find my niece in Colorado (my memory of her house was a tiny bit faulty). Got everything unloaded and up the STEEP stairs to her office, while my great-niece (4 years old) was enthralled by the doll I brought her (my old doll, the one with the special haircut I gave her and all the doll clothes my mother had made).

We stayed for a day with them for a good visit, then made our way through Kansas to visit Marcia's husband's cousin. We had a near brush with a tornado (it was Kansas, after all). A tornado touched down in a town we drove through 2 hours earlier. Other than that, good weather all the way.

We stopped to visit Marcia's cousin (and picked up some furniture from her to bring home, items which she wanted kept in the family. Well, we did have an empty van, so...) Then we visit my sister, and came back home.

2000 miles. 5 states, 5 days.

It was so good to give the furniture to someone who loves it (I've gotten photos of my niece and my great-niece, snuggled on the couch, reading together, just like my Mom did with me and with my niece). Old memories and new ones coming together.

Win-win.

Now back to the writing life. I'm trying to hit a self-imposed deadline and it may be tough to do. But here's hoping for no more unplanned trips, food poisoning, or storms that drop trees on our house (as has happened the past two Junes).

Fingers crossed!

J L
(jayellwilson.com)