“Only he that has traveled the road knows where the holes are deep”
When I woke up, I looked out my bedroom window and saw a grey day and the possibility of rain. The breeze was strong enough to sway branches. I let Gracie out and followed her onto the deck. I was surprised by how warm it was.
Today I am going to New Hampshire for the weekend. Last night I wrote out my list of what I need. Because Gracie is coming with me, I also did a dog list. It is longer than mine. I don’t know if I’ll be able to post this weekend, but I am bringing my trusty Mac in hopes that I can. Please check!
When I came downstairs this morning, I noticed a plant had fallen off the windowsill. Pieces of pottery, both chunks and shards, and dirt were strewn in the hall and about the tile floor. It must have made a lot of noise when it fell. I heard nothing. I slept right through it. I also think Gracie slept through it. I’d like to think her ears are discriminatory, and she knew there was no danger. After all, she does bark at the UPS man. Of course, on a day when I have stuff to finish before I hit the road, a plant must fall though fall is too gentle to describe the event. The pot must smash. The dirt must be strewn about, wet dirt as the plants got watered yesterday, dirt which settles in the grooves of the tile floor necessitating an on my hands and knees cleaning, all before my first cup of coffee. I was reminded of the number one travel adage: nothing goes as planned.
I have my directions and a pretty good idea of where I’m going to a certain point. My sister heard the directions and reminded me the route is near the mall. That’s all I needed. Travel adage number two: roads are identified by their stores, not their numbers.
This is Gracie’s first overnight. I’d like to think I’ve covered all the contingencies: bells for the door so I know when she wants out, plenty of food, her halter so no slipping out of the collar and treats galore. I just hope travel adage number three never happens: expect the unexpected!
Explore posts in the same categories: MusingsTags: broken pot, dirty floor, Gracie, New Hampshire, packing, travel adages, travel plans
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October 19, 2012 at 11:41 am
I have been working on Maggie’s road trip for tomorrow which will come early as we make a couple of bank stops, gather some bagels at Panera and get home before the group arrives for the Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea game at 7.45 am on ESPN2.
The day will roll very nicely in to the Prince’s flag football game at 11 and then Sparty trying to take out the Wolverines for a 5th year in a row. Could be a riot at Wal Mart if it happens
Next week starts nicely with THE Detroit Lions on Monday night football followed by your Detroit Tigers in the 2012 Fall Classic.
Work ? I dont think so 🙂
October 21, 2012 at 4:27 pm
My Dear Hedley,
Gracie had the longest road trip of her life, and she slept away from home for the first time. She loves New Hampshire!!
Love it: riot at Walmart’s!!
Can’t wait for my Tigers!!
October 19, 2012 at 11:51 am
Hi Kat,
Which mall? I think there is more than just one. 🙂
Rocky travels fairly well sitting on the center console of my jeep but he does not like to be on my lap in someone else’s car. He does serious chihuahua shakes.
Hope you and Gracie have a wonderful trip.
October 21, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Hi Caryn,
She meant just beyond the Burlington mall is route 3. I knew basically where it was.
Gracie will stand on the console but she likes to hang her head out the window while standing either on the back arm rest or with one paw flung over the seat.
We had a great time!
October 21, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Rocky is too stubby. He can’t see out unless he is standing on the console. 🙂
October 21, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Caryn,
Gracie is the smallest boxer I’ve ever had so she has to hold on around corners!
October 19, 2012 at 1:08 pm
I always bring more things for the dogs than I bring for me but that’s not strange since I have four of them 🙂
Thankfully all of them travels well and usually never does anything else than sleep or look out the windows. Old Viran however was a pain to have in a car, she usually placed her head on my shoulder and complained all the way no matter how long it was 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sune prefers to sleep on the floor behine the drivers seat, Nova like the front seat and the two other just don’t care where they are, they’ll just sleep most of the way 🙂 🙂
Have a great trip!
Christer.
October 21, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Christer,
Gracie never rand her bell to go out but grabbed her leash in her mouth-first time she ever did that; of course, here she can go out at any time. She had a wonderful time!
Gracie slept all the way up and back when I was driving on the highway but poked her head out the window when we got off to the smaller roads.
October 19, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Lions, tigers, wolverines, no squirrels? I’m confused. Never mind.
Travel adage number four: Driving is more fun with good music 🙂
I hope Gracie likes music. Have a great weekend!
October 19, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Hi Birgit, here is your instant guide
The Detroit Lions are an NFL Football Team, loved by all of America
The Detroit Tigers are in the World Series and have the best pitcher and hitter in all baseball. Verlander is the reigning MVP and will be succeeded by Cabrera who won the triple crown
College football is a big issue and in the Great State of Michigan the annual meeting between Michigan State University (Sparty) and the University of Michigan (Wal mart wolverines) divides households
My kids are Spartys and by default I am a tuition Sparty
Tottenham Hotspur are THE team in the EPL supported by everyone in this home
squirrels are there to entertain Maggie the Westie along with random rabbits
Gracie hates Lennie, lets hope it’s not in the Katmobile. Maggie is listening to Richard Hawley
October 19, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Hedley, thanks for the unbiased comprehensive clarification 🙂
At least I know Tottenham, but for other sports I should make a KTCC-“zoo list”…
If Gracie hates Lennie, she may like Iggy/Stooges: I wanna be your dog, Dog Food, King of the Dogs, though King Crimsons “Cat Food” isn’t bad either 😉
October 21, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Thank you, MDH
That was a perfect explanation!
October 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Today Big Tex, the symbol of the State Fair of Texas, caught fire and burned up crispy critter in just a couple of minutes. This year was his 60th anniversary since first welcoming visitors to the midway at the State Fair. The State Fair, the largest in the world, will rebuild Big Tex for next year’s fair. Luckily this year’s run ends on Sunday.
Road trips are always enjoyable especially when you have the company of a dog rather than your kids. A dog will never ask the age old question over and over again, “Are we there yet”. A dog will not require bathroom breaks every time you pass a Dairy Queen restaurant or a filling station. And most importantly, a dog will always have a cheerful disposition in the car and not fight with his sisters as to who gets to sit on the hump in the back seat or fight over which radio station to listen to in the car. Today modern technology has made road trips much easier for parents with the advent of DVD players, iPods, iPhones and iPads.
Have a great trip!
October 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Big Tex
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/10/19/163273574/one-commenter-reminds-us-why-big-tex-matters?ft=1&f=1001
October 21, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Bob,
I have seen pictures of Big Bob before, and I am sorry to hear of his demise. I’m glad to hear he will be rebuilt!
You described every ride we had as kids! My sister, 3rd of 4, got the hump. My brother and I got the windows and my sister sat in the front middle.
It was a great trip!!
October 20, 2012 at 12:40 pm
” I was reminded of the number one travel adage: nothing goes as planned.” Oh how boring travel would be if this weren’t true! I know you will enjoy yourself and Gracie will be a new dog experiencing the unknown. My thoughts are with you, dear traveler of this earth. Namaste.
October 21, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Splendid,
Thank you!!
The weekend started out poorly as Miss Gracie got loose and wouldn’t come to me or Bill, my friend. She was running up, down and through the middle of the road. I stood on the road so she wouldn’t get hit. Luckily she finally went to Bill.
The rest of the weekend was perfect!
October 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Our Haley loves short trips with her Mom. Longer trips to northern NJ to visit the relatives, not so much. Think it has to do with cramming three kids plus her in a Honda Civic. We just got a German Shepard named Meka (Mee-kah) who is quite the adorable puppy. The jury is still out on car trips, though. :
Just got a used laptop. The Doobies ound great on headphones!
October 21, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Coleen,
I love some music with headphones. It is as if the music had penetrated to every part of your body.
I totally agree it has to do with cramming the car. Gracie has the whole back seat and sprawls for her travel nap.
Every puppy is adorable.
October 21, 2012 at 6:16 pm
My typing is suspect. I mean they SOUND great on headphones! 🙂
October 21, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Coleen,
My eyes saw sound!