An Evening Stroll...

This evening when Richard got home from work we decided to explore a path that goes from our apartment complex around Lake Kittamaqundi, a man-made reservoir from an unnamed tributary of the Little Patuxent River. The lake honors the first Indian settlement in Howard County-  in the tribe's native language, Kittamaqundi means "meeting place."

The path from the complex meets the path around the lake. 

This pier, a popular spot for fishermen, juts out into the lake. There are park benches both along the path and on the pier... a nice place to read a book and sip a mocha!

Ducks were the only wildlife we encountered. Several families brought bread to feed them so they were clustered around the shoreline.

On the other side of the path (opposite the lake) is a forested area that leads into a park area. Several sculptures erupt out of the landscape providing interesting contrasts- natural vs. man-made, soft lines vs. harsh ones, complex patterns vs. simple ones.

A short walk down the path brings you to a kind of boardwalk area with restaurants, benches and a large fountain (empty now but runs during the summer)... in other words, a "meeting place!"

Richard had an animated discussion with these two silver-haired gentlemen. In the middle is James Rouse (who developed Columbia- a unique city of ten "villages," each with their own shopping area, recreation sites and school).

Tulips are blooming EVERYWHERE! I love looking at them!

We only walked about a fifth of the way around the lake and then turned around to go back. It was time to put dinner in the oven... and we were hungry! Perhaps next time we'll walk the opposite way and end up at one of the restaurants... there are several we want to try.

An Update

After my driving adventure last Friday, I got a city street map over the weekend and studied it as Richard drove to the grocery store, Target, Home Depot, the gas station, etc. Being able to see the big picture on the map as well as what was in front of me helped me learn the lay of the land. (Caution: This requires a designated driver, not yourself!)

Having a general idea of how the streets are laid out and where I live in relation to Baltimore and Washington DC gave me the confidence to venture out further today. With the aid of a map and Google map directions, I successfully found the "blue and yellow building" (about 15 miles away) and came home without getting lost!

I couldn't see a sign but the blue and yellow was unmistakable- IKEA!!

I have a feeling that Dark Cherry Mocha WITH whipped cream is closer than ever!

"Oh I wish I were an..."

Retirement. You either dread it... or can't wait for it. I would say Richard and I are a little of both- we  enjoy where we are in life but also dream about what we'll do when we're retired.

In our various travels we've talked to retired folks who work or volunteer during the summer at national parks and they tell us how much they enjoy it. I think we would, too. When we get cruise line brochures we talk about extended travel when we retire- that would definitely be enjoyable! We love listening to steel drums- maybe Richard will learn to play them when we retire.

Imagine my surprise (dismay?) when Richard excitedly told me he wanted to drive the Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile around the country when he retired! Who knows, it might be fun... and at least he didn't say he wanted to be a Wal-Mart greeter!

 We saw the Wiener Mobile at our hotel in Roanoke, VA.

Adventures in Driving...

I am the first one to admit that I am directionally challenged. There is a very tall building outlined with blue neon lights in the southeast valley that we affectionately call "The Blue Building" and it is this landmark that is my compass when I'm driving in the Phoenix area. Once I learned the grid system that Phoenix uses (even address numbers on the north and west sides of streets, odd on the south and east sides or streets are east of Central and avenues are west) I could easily find almost any address, even without the aid of Navi (the navigation system in my car).

This week I have discovered that not every city utilizes such a logical street system. Instead, Maryland (and the east coast in general) roads follow cow paths or wagon trails or land contours resulting in roads that look like a plate of spaghetti as they twist and turn. Adding to this confusion are the circular roads like the DC Beltway (I-495) and the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and the ever-popular traffic circles with anywhere from three to five streets coming off of them. Add to this two or three times as many people as there are in the Phoenix area and you begin to see my dilemma.

This morning I needed to drop Janne off at the Metro station "kiss and ride." Being the more seasoned and savvy Maryland driver, she drove there in the rush hour traffic as I paid attention to the route. It took us right at 30 minutes to get there. I wasn't too concerned about finding my way back to the apartment since I knew Navi would have several routes for me to choose from. I chose one that minimized freeway usage (no sense opening that can of worms so early in the morning!) and was on my way.

I soon discovered that lanes often become right or left turn only lanes thus causing Navi to "recalculate" my route. After making this mistake twice, I stayed in the middle lane. I also quickly realized that speed limit signs in Maryland are really only "suggestions" as absolutely no one goes the speed limit. I was  driving 10 mph over the speed limit and was being passed left and right. Fortunately, no one honked at me- my family has a pool going as to how many times I'll get honked at in a week!

By this time I had made so many left and right turns in addition to the road twisting and turning that I had no idea what direction I was driving (I need to find a "Blue Building" here!) or where I was in relation to where I wanted to go. I decided to just follow Navi's directions and enjoy the drive. I passed forested areas (not unusual for this area) with "Watch for Deer" signs every mile or so and farm land with lots of cows. I crossed several rivers, some more than once. It was a beautiful morning and the scenery was quite enjoyable. Finally, off in the distance, I began to see familiar landmarks. As I pulled into the parking garage at our apartment complex I noticed it took me 62 minutes to get home from the "kiss and ride"- twice as long as it took Janne to get us there going with rush hour traffic!

Monday I am getting a street map and then turning Navi off. I don't think I'll ever learn the streets with him just telling me where to turn. My goal for next week is to be able to get to Target and Starbucks without the aid of a map or Navi. When I can do that, I'll treat myself to a Dark Cherry Mocha WITH whipped cream!

Trip Wrap-Up... Part Two

About a week and a half before we left Arizona we had to put our very sweet and also very old dog to sleep. It was a wretched decision to have to make but we knew it was the best thing for her. We didn't have much time to grieve with the busyness of preparing to move. But once we were on the road, there was plenty of time to remember... and mourn... and then rejoice. As Solomon said, "There  is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

We were in Missouri when we happened across the first sign...

Our sweet dog was named Belle... and she was 13 years old. We decided we should visit this little hamlet in Missouri...

I think Belle would like having a water tower named after her! That is some water dish!!

We passed this intersection getting back to the highway. Belle was our third dog (Biscuit was the first, then Muffin and finally Belle (we thought about naming her Waffles but the kids wouldn't go for it!))

As we drove through the town of Belle we talked about the funny things she had done (like frequently escaping out the front door when she was a puppy and running to the florist shop in the shopping center around the corner, walking inside and laying down- waiting for us to come get her!) and remembered how much joy she had brought us. We headed out of town ready to move on.

And then we passed this sign on I-65 in Illinois. 

We talked about the silly quirks she had (like wanting a treat every night at 8:30- I really think she could tell time!) and how she wasn't spoiled, just "well-loved." We continued on down the freeway ready to move on.

And then we passed this sign about 75 miles later on I-65 in Illinois. 

We talked about how protective she was (like when she nipped Richard while he was wrestling with the kids) and how she loved to lick your feet (something you either definitely like or absolutely dislike!). We continued on down the freeway ready to move on.

And then we passed this sign on I-64/77 in West Virginia. 

We talked about how much we would miss her and how she would have loved this adventure when she was younger. We decided to call this road trip "The Belle Memorial Trip" and we continued on down the freeway knowing we had wept and mourned and were ready to move on remembering the joy she gave us. Some would call these signs "coincidence" but we believe they were "God-incidenses."

Trip Wrap-Up... Part One

Does this seem like the trip that never ends? In some ways our Maryland adventure is like a year-long vacation- lots of sights to see and things to do, new cuisines and restaurants to try, having a rental car, etc. But it's time to wrap up some details from the "Arizona to Maryland" portion of our journey.

We kept a list of the best billboards we saw as we traversed the country. From west to east, here are the ones that made our list:

1. "Milk... a part of everything that's good!"  promoting Southwest Dairy (I-40 in NM)
2. "Retail Therapy... closer than you think!" promoting a mall (Santa Rosa, NM)
3. "Unplugged is the new off" promoting Texas Energy Commission (I-40 in TX)
4. "Relieves Gas Pains" promoting Hutches Phillips 66 station (I-44 in OK)
5. "Somehow nothing satisfies like beef..." promoting a cattle ranch (I-44 in MO)
6. "La Quinta... Spanish for "free high-speed internet"" promoting La Quinta Hotels (I-44 in MO)

Unfortunately, the billboards pretty much ended after we left Missouri. There were a few set way back in fields- we thought maybe they were prohibited along the roadsides. My personal favorite was #6... perhaps because it is so un-PC!

We first spotted Redbud trees (scientific name Cercis canadensis) in Oklahoma where it is the state tree and finally asked someone about them in Missouri. They are a member of the legume family and the vibrant rose-colored blossoms announce spring from Kansas to the east coast. They were beautiful to look at- a pleasant diversion from all the green!

This beautiful Redbud was in Missouri...

...and these are in West Virginia just before we got to Maryland. There are tons of them here in Maryland, too, but I was busy navigating- no time for photography!

Remember the 13 boxes that were being shipped by Fed Ex? They were scheduled for delivery yesterday and when I called in the morning to get a "time window" for delivery, I was told the best they could estimate was "between 9:00am and 8:00pm!"  Some estimate!! LOL! The boxes arrived at 5:30pm.

Hmm... they don't look quite the same as they did when they left our house in Arizona.

Yep... a whole corner (top to bottom) of many of the boxes was open. I guess they aren't very gentle with your stuff...

And now the unpacking begins!! Amazingly, nothing was damaged in the boxes I've unpacked so far... which I attribute to Richard being a fabulous packer and the power of prayer!

Maryland Bound... Day Six

How did the Blue Ridge Mountains get their name?  They are neither blue nor mountains by western standards. There is, however, a ridge. According to the "source of all information", Wikipedia, they are a bluish color when seen from a distance. The trees release isoprene into the atmosphere which contributes to both the characteristic haze on the mountains and their bluish color.

It was a hazy morning as we left Roanoke, Virginia today and ventured out on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway. We only traveled less than 40 miles of the 469 mile long parkway (from Georgia to Pennsylvania) and it took us hours! The views were fabulous although neither of us thought the mountains looked blue- even from a distance.

We were wishing we were in the Miata for this curvy road!

You can see how hazy it is- Roanoke is in the valley in the distance. We finally used the tripod to take a picture- didn't want to carry it 2500+ miles and never use it! =)

Little farming communities are nestled in the valleys along the parkway. What an idyllic place to live!

I love the overpasses!

After a quick stop at the Visitor's Center (It was closed- I guess everyone is having budget issues!) we left the parkway and continued on I-81 and I-66 (still a very scenic drive!) and then into the D.C. area. We stopped for lunch in Lexington, Virginia- a beautiful small town with A LOT of old, brick, very small churches with big steeples dotting the landscape. It was early afternoon when we arrived and we immediately noticed men in suits and women in dresses and heels coming from church. It was like stepping back in time! We enjoyed a leisurely (and quite delicious!) lunch at The Bistro on Main Street. Who would have thought that the best Southwestern Corn Chowder I've ever had would be in Virginia? (Quick side note: we have eaten at all local places the entire trip- just like we said when we started out!)

Even the drive on the freeway was very picturesque! It was almost as if an art gallery with the landscape paintings continuously rolling by was in front of you!

We have arrived!!

As we crossed into Maryland, it hit me that for the next year, this is home. Panic started to rise as I thought about driving and learning my way around, becoming a resident not a tourist, not having any friends here. And then I heard a small voice telling me, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) Big breath... yes, everything will be fine.

Tonight is our last  night in a hotel- well at least for this part of the "Maryland Adventure." Tomorrow evening we check into our apartment and unpack. While the trip has been fun, it will be nice to not live out of a suitcase for awhile! Today's mileage: 313.7 miles Total Trip mileage: 2665.8 miles!

Maryland Bound... Day Five

What is the difference between a farm and a ranch? I thought farms were agricultural and ranches were livestock. We saw cattle ranches in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri and horse farms in Kentucky. Perhaps one of my ag friends can answer that for me? And while they are at it, I'd like to know why hay is baled in blocks in Arizona but the midwest rolls hay...

Our drive through Kentucky was stunning! I could easily live there I think... on a 50 acre horse farm... with miles of white picket fences... and a red barn! The gently rolling hills with wide open meadows were breath-taking. We passed a thoroughbred retirement farm... and laughed because most of the old horses were laying down- guess they were tired!

I wonder what stories these retired thoroughbreds could tell? 
"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" Job 12:12

When we checked into our hotel last night in Louisville, Richard was quite disappointed to learn that Guy Fieri (of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives fame on the Food Network) had been there that morning for a charity fund-raiser and we had missed having him cook for us. So today for lunch we went to one of the places he showcased once on his tv show- you can decide if it's a "Diner," "Drive-In" or "Dive!"

Hillbilly Hot Dogs is located on the Ohio River in Lesage, West Virginia.

Yep, they serve the hot dogs out of the back of a school bus...

"Are you sure you want to eat here?"

I had a Buckeye Dog- "homemade sauce, mustard and slaw." 

It may have been the best hot dog I've ever had!

Richard had a Pizza Dog- "Pizza sauce all over the weenie, smothered with shredded cheese and melted. Then we take the pepperoni, fry it up and put it on top." He said it was delicious!

We give Hillbilly Hot Dogs two thumbs up each- and will definitely stop by again if we're in the area. The drive through West Virginia was uneventful... though not as pretty as other states. It seemed like they were still having winter since most of the trees had not budded yet- and there was a definite nip in the air! We traveled along I-77 into Virginia and then onto I-81 into Roanoke, Virginia. The last 60 miles or so were a "scenic road" between the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains- gorgeous views! Today's drive was 501.1 miles.

The Appalachian Mountains on the west side of I-81. 
Compared to the Rocky Mountains, these are hills!

The Blue Ridge Mountains (Hills?) on the east side of I-81.

Maryland Bound... Day Four

Do you remember what the five senses are? We often take them for granted, but today I was vividly aware of each of them- and what an amazing gift from God they are!

Kate prepared a scrumptious breakfast for us- we could smell the wonderful aromas of cinnamon and sausages and spices as we got ready. En guete! (Something like "Happy Eating" in Swiss)

Ultimate French Toast (Kate's recipe) was like a party in my mouth!

After bidding Adrian and Kate a fond farewell we stopped at the Missouri River to take some pictures (something about growing up in Arizona where rivers often have NO water that makes me want to take pictures of rivers WITH water...). As soon as we got out of the car we could feel the tiny black gnats as they covered us. After a few hurried shots we brushed the gnats off and got back in the car... where we could still feel them crawling... so we brushed off a few more and then were on our way.

The Presbyterian Church in Hermann sits at the top of a hill 

overlooking the Missouri River.

Today was essentially a driving day. The Missouri countryside was green  and lush- lots of farms, vineyards (Missouri is a major wine producer in the US!) and cattle ranches. We crossed the Mighty Mississippi into Illinois and our eyes feasted on more rolling green hills. 

The Gateway Arch (in St. Louis) is magnificent!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any prettier, we crossed the Wabash River into Indiana and now the rolling green hills had bright yellow flowers and the air was heavy with the clean scent of rain. This was about the time I put Reliant K on to listen to- and Richard asked me what that noise was. I guess it's true that one person's noise is music to another! Laughing (because my music is "too young" for him!!), I put on Frank Sinatra and he was much happier! By the time we crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky it was dusk- and the city lights of Louisville danced on the water... simply beautiful!

Our taste buds once again were in for a treat tonight as we ate a "Hot Brown" for dinner. It's "a Kentucky classic- an open-faced sandwich with smoked turkey, bacon, tomato, parmesan and jack cheese, finished with mornay sauce and served golden brown." YUMMY!!

(358.7 miles driven today, last time zone crossed so we are now on EST!!)

Maryland Bound... Day Three

Why is Missouri called the "Show Me State?" I had always thought it referred to the beauty of Missouri- a kind of tourism campaign. There are several stories about the origin of the nickname ranging from political to industrial but the consensus is that regardless of how it started, it now refers to the "conservatism and devotion to simple common sense that characterize Missourians." We spent the day in Missouri admiring the landscape and talking to people... and found both my assumption and the "real story"to be true.

As we drove along I-40 and I-44 admiring the gently rolling tree-covered hills we were reminded of the diversity in the landscape of the United States. Having seen everything from rocky deserts to lush green prairies and hills- and everything in between, I am in awe at the infiniteness of God's creation.

I always wondered where jigsaw companies get the pictures they use for their puzzles. Now I think I know- they use Missouri landscapes for the puzzles...

 These gorgeous Red Bud Trees line the roads and also grow naturally in the forests.

I am quite sure I have seen this picture of Hermann, MO on a jigsaw puzzle!

We arrived in Hermann, MO in the afternoon and fell in love with the quaint little town of German heritage along the banks of the Missouri River. It was established in 1837 and many of the original buildings remain- churches with tall steeples, tall clock towers and brick buildings. We enjoyed a tour of the Stone Hill Winery- the history from 1836 through prohibition and to the present time was fascinating.  After looking at their restaurant menu, we decided to come back for a German dinner- excellent Sauerbraten and Jager Schnitzel!

Our tour guide at Stone Hill Winery  took a picture of us in the wine cellar.

We checked into our Bed and Breakfast, the Alpenhorn Gasthaus, in the late afternoon. The owners, Adrian and Kate, are gracious hosts and made us feel welcome in their home. Besides Adrian and Kate, three sheep, three cats and a flock of chickens call the Alpenhorn home.

The Alpenhorn Gasthaus Bed and Breakfast- built about 1840

 The upper two right windows are our room and it was GORGEOUS!!

Our room was beautiful- and we definitely felt pampered.

The fireplace was set so it didn't give off heat- but provided great ambiance!

The sitting area was very comfy- and chilled water and 
Swiss chocolates were left for us on the tray!

After dinner Adrian took us to the wine cellar to sample some Port wines and enjoy some of Kate's homemade chocolates- raspberry truffles and triple chocolate balls rolled in cocoa powder- that were heavenly! A perfect end to a wonderful day!! (284.1 miles driven today- no time zones crossed)

Richard and Adrian enjoying a glass of Port in the wine cellar.

Kate's homemade chocolates

Maryland Bound... Day Two

What do you talk about on long car trips? Our conversations have been rather random and sometimes go off on several tangents. As we left Tucumcari, New Mexico this morning and discovering they have NO Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts or any other coffee place we discussed what would entice people to stay and live in such small towns. That led to a discussion of moving and then where in transit our boxes being shipped by Fed Ex might be... and if the Fed Ex trucks we saw might have our stuff in them...

Could this be the truck with our stuff?

We passed into Texas and commented on how "unpicturesque" the scenery was- and then off in the distance we could see a huge white cross on the side of the road. Just outside of Groom (wouldn't you love to know the story behind the name?), Texas is a 190 foot tall white cross erected by Steve Thomas who wanted to "show his gratitude to God for His blessings with a public symbol of faith." Wow! How "public" am I with my faith? I chewed on that for awhile as we drove along.

The cross is illuminated at night and is viewed by an estimated 

10 million I-40 motorists every year!

We saw a billboard for Shamrock, Texas indicating an old gas station there had been used as a set in a movie. After debating which movie, we decided to stop in Shamrock, see the old gas station and get some coffee at McDonald's (still no Starbucks!). Can you guess the movie?

~ Ramone's in the movie "Cars" was modeled after this old Conoco station! ~

Highlight the area from ~ to ~ to see answer!

As soon as we crossed into Oklahoma... "where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain"... it was man against nature for control of the car. I think we drove almost entirely through the state with the steering wheel turned to the right! We were discussing wind energy (yes, this was the most intellectual conversation we had!) and how Oklahoma would be a perfect place for it when suddenly the landscape was filled with...

WINDMILLS!!!!

See how the trees are wind-swept to the left? Hence the need to keep the steering 

wheel turned to the right just to go straight!! Crazy!

We crossed into "The Show Me" state (Missouri) and ended the day in Joplin traveling a total of 599.4 miles today. After a tasty BBQ dinner at Lumpy's- a local joint tourists don't frequent in the "bad part of town" according to the desk clerk at our hotel- it's time to call it a day! Two time zones down, one to go!