Another day closer

It's fewer than four hours until 08 08 08, a magical, lucky-in-Chinese mythology day. It's entry #2 on my Betsy and Mellen induced Blog. While Mellen is packing or more likely in a panic over WHAT to pack to attend an OKeefe family reunion--400 relatives at an estate in N.Andover, MA. and Betsy is probably busy doing some follow-up project for work--here I am--blogging!!

It's been 19 years+ since Jim left me a June 26th birthday gift, farewell cassette mix tape in my car. "Joy to the World," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played as my moms always miss their kids tears mixed with giddiness at the emptier nest and fewer groceries and less beer to buy.

The middle child was leaving Terre Haute--with little or no intention of coming home except to visit. Jim went first to Greendale, loaded his stuff into Sweeney's hatchback and rolled up what they referred to as the TajMahal of tents--it had a porch! They attached their bikes to the back and headed north to MI and MN--the only two really planned "meet-ups." (The girls in Lansing they had met at a Grateful Dead Concert. MN was a Satchwill fishing cabin destination--free beer and uncles who can REALLY catch, clean and fry up fish like no one else in the universe.)

The really magical meeting though, happened in the white sands of New Mexico...Carla and Lisa were vagabonding to LA from Long Island, NY. in an orange truck...wanted to meet some nice,"wholesome" guys who might join them on a side trip to Mexico and an Indiana license plate and a red head who matched the truck were happy for the diversion--and delighted with the companionship. The girls went on to LA, but shared their address so the guys might stop for a visit and upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner. The rest, as they say, is history.

Jim and Carla, moved a couple of times, married in Joshua Tree National Park, and in '98 became super parents. 10 years and another grandson later, Sam & Jay, Carla and Jim are leaving LA.Flipping over their map of the USA to head back to the East Coast. If I can find that mix tape I'll think I'll play it on my trip up to meet them in Davidson, NC What a trip.

Guess that is the reason for blogging--logging miles and making memories. Every other day? Daily? Once in a while? I'll have to detail Jon's adventures that took him to the Rockies, also by way of New Mexico. He's "living happily ever after" with Sue and Sean--and they're headed "home" for Halloween. Bob's journey took him to San Diego, Long Beach and his own magical meet-up with Eva -- who has taken him on a magical carpet 747 jet to live now in Switzerland will be here for Halloween weekend and a week after so Bob can vote.Rosemary's already filling in her calendar with ETA's--Marijo is coming too. Maybe Garry & Diana. I'll need mind maps and more to report our adventures--challenges and of yeah--a bit of commentary perhaps?

Is the soap opera voice over intro: "Like sands Through the Hourglass, these are the Days of Our Lives" still on TV? I'll check the remote control guide--or google it. Anything and everything is possible. What a trip.