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Published: September 30th 2017
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Geo: 38.5389, -90.4073
Saturday 9-17-2011 St Louis
I tossed & turned last night. I was awake off and on most of the night – excitement, worry, and sadness over knowing tomorrow we would be leaving my baby – Simon – the world's most spoiled Yorkie – for 19 nights. What will he do without us?? After yet another last minute stop at Wal-Mart (I have a love-hate relationship with Wal-Mart), a trip to the bank and the post office, lots and lots of negotiating "how will all this ever fit into two bags" and some final kisses to Simon (with lots of tears from mom), we were on the highway at exactly 12:00. Hubby noticed this and I got the camera for the parting shot.
It was cool today – mid 60s. I was actually cold and was thankful for my scarf. What I really wanted wanted to do was recline in the car and sleep but all the bags behind me prohibited my seat from leaning back any further. Maybe Mini Coopers aren't meant for lots of luggage?
Which reminds me… I had bragged for nearly 9 months that we were going to make this 19-night trip with one small carry-on suitcase and one backpack each. Last night I changed my mind and purchased a larger rolled suitcase that will definitely have to be checked. We are down to the new large suitcase, a small carry-on suitcase, and two backpacks – all of which are busting at the seams. Maybe we should have just went with two large suitcases and let Delta steal our $25 per bag?? What a mess all this does seem now. I am not happy with myself as I have travelled for years and yet I still can't get it right. 'm already considering scoping-out the suitcases in Mexico, just so we can bring home souvenirs.
So… we slowly drove to Aunt Helen & Uncle Phil's house in Sunset Hills (St Louis). We stopped twice – once for water and once for a bathroom break. We meandered through the rain and eventually arrived about 3 hours later. Our lovely hosts for the evening are well-travelled (far beyond our meager travels) and very interesting to converse with about any area of the world. Listening to Aunt Helen is like hearing someone read a book entitled “1,000 interesting travel facts.” Every place we are to visit, she has been and can readily
offer local facts. I luv it! They are taking a river cruise from Moscow, Russia to St Petersburg, Russia next month.
Aunt Helen made us crab cakes with mango chutney, potatoes with a pea cream sauce, and coleslaw for dinner. Everything, including the chutney, was made by her. She is a wonderful cook and likes to use Uncle Phil as her guinea pig – lucky guy! They are retired and travel quite a bit and yet, outside of traveling, they have been to a restaurant only twice this year. You don't hear a lot of people say that sort of thing these days. It is nice to hear.
Well, hubby & I had our fill of food and drink (Lemoncello from Italy for me) and unfortunately, I am missing my doggy tonight so I will try not think about him and get some rest… we have an early flight in the morning and the alarm is set for 4:30 tomorrow morning.
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