So. We drove 10,439 miles from my driveway and back to my driveway. I made it home Sunday night, about midnight. Sunday morning, I tried to help mom with some computer stuff, got her a ticket for a flight to Boston (as if five weeks on the road isn’t enough!), which took a while cuz I think everyone else was online with the airline at that moment, and parts of the website weren’t working. Left her house about 1:30. Not bad time, considering I took a self imposed detour up the Elk Highway, to see if I could see some elk. I’ve been down that road (rte 80) so many times and have rarely explored the state to either side of it. Isn’t that some song lyrics—I’ve been down that road so many times—I’m not coming up with the source. In 2017 Chick and I stayed overnight near Williamsport, which is a pretty cute town. We went to Clyde Peeling’s Reptile Land, which I was prepared to find cheesy and comical. But I loved this place! Turtles, alligators, snakes, lizards, frogs, even animatronic dinosaurs! Chick loved it too, probably more than I did. Elk road was dedicated to the elk, with many hotels and inns catering to the tourists and hunters who come to see the elk. The landscape was pretty, a road winding through the hills, next to the West branch of the Susquehanna river.

I was giving up on seeing any elk, but then saw four strolling across a town square lawn just after dusk.

This elk kept moving while I took the picture, so he looks like a mutant. Anyway I got back to Rte 80 and zoomed home except for the jam on the George Washington Bridge where rubberneckers looking at an accident were slowing everything down.

Thanksgiving was great. We awoke late and got ready for our 2 pm date at my sister’s. I vacuumed the car out and took a few of our gathered items out. Mom was happily putting her house to rights and I had to remind her what time it was. But being late was not a problem as everyone was snacking and chatting and my sister and her husband were cooking. We re-introduced ourselves and joined in the chats. I think the first thing I tasted was the sweet potato praline, which was diabolical. I said so and the baker swore she used half the sugar required. It was wonderful.

Turkey, holiday potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, mac and cheese, corn casserole, herb rolls, and I’ve probably forgotten some things. Four different pies. Just amazing, and delicious. I caught a nap on the couch, afterward. I just had to. Later I challenged my sister to a bad game of pool in the basement.

She won the first game, and I won the second. Then we went back to mom’s.

On Friday I took the car to the dealership for an oil change, and they suggested changing the oil in the differential. Got a car wash, too. Then we ran some errands, and ended with a dinner of leftovers. Perfection. We watched Young Frankenstein while I put together an office chair mom bought.

On Saturday Sandy and Steve stopped by, bringing shrimp cocktail and a bit of delicious cheesecake. We chatted about trips we’ve all taken and how they’ve been. They are a godsend to my mom and my family, neighbors from behind her house, bringing her fresh eggs from their chickens and flowers from their garden, not to mention general friendship. I am a lot less worried about my mom knowing they are near by.

I went to see Spa and Suzanne, and gave them some things I found on our trip. Again, I wish I had more time to spend with people.

There are quite a few places I would return to. I could see spending a couple weeks in Texas. I know. I never thought I would say that. I would check out the area between Houston and Fredericksburg again. Wineries in Texas, who knew? I would like to see the Gulf areas, like Corpus Christi and Galveston. I would go to Big Bend National Park. I would hike at Guadeloupe Mountains National Park.

I would also love to return to Utah. The whole southern half is spectacular. Whether you’re in a park or just riding down the highway. It was amazing.

New Orleans is a gem. I’d love to return to the Big Easy to enjoy the food and music again.

Arizona is a place we barely touched, aside from the Grand Canyon, for which three days was not enough. I’d like to hike below the rim. A little, nothing too ambitious. But scattered across the state are many other amazing sights, like hikes near Sedona, a meteor crater, Arcosanti. And my friend Janet is there with her son, and it would be great to share the sights with them.

Visiting our friends and family is always desired. Wherever they land is a good excuse to go visit. I spoke to mom today. She’s nearly ready for another trip. ‘You drive, I’ll ride’. I’m not yet ready to go, but perhaps next year, when I’ll say ‘Hold My Mail!’