WOW!

I have never driven on such a consistently beautiful, scenic route in my entire life.😱. Heading south from my last (and only😂) overnight stay in Utah, I started to venture east on some random and quiet two lane highway. The traffic was minimal, but I suppose that was to be expected being Thanksgiving weekend. Nevertheless, I was grateful for the absence of traffic, because it allowed me to go more slowly and watch the beautiful scenery unfold around me!

I began watching a YouTube vlogger, who was from Poland around the time Covid began. ‘Traveling’ via vloggers on YouTube was the only way I could see the world with the pandemic going on. This woman had traveled so many countries on the European continent, since she could being in the EU, and then she decided to come to the United States once the pandemic rules and restrictions were lifted. I remember her saying that the United States was the most diverse terrain that she had ever seen in her entire life. I had to laugh at that, because it was something I had never noticed before, and I’ve lived here now for 61years!😂 I can honestly say after driving through just UTAH alone today, I’d have to agree with her! Some photos I took at the plethora of ‘scenic stops’ scattered across the state, AND accompanied by toilets!😂😂👏👏

Everywhere I looked was something photo worthy, but it just wouldn’t have been safe stopping on the shoulder of the highway (Interstate 70 by now). All so incredibly beautiful. And that was all in UTAH😱👏👏👏! I am amazed and grateful to have experienced this surreal and unexpected adventure. I just wish I could have shared it all💕

The Journey Continues

Jax, my new plus-one who NEVER doubts my best intentions (😂😂), has adapted well to this travel business. And I have discovered numerous dog parks along the way! I never realized dog parks are completely enclosed by chain-link fences, which makes letting him off the lead much more comforting. We continued down the Salt Lake City corridor today, and will finally enter into Colorado tomorrow. We are only 230 miles from our destination for the next five days, and 290 from my permanent destination for the next 13 weeks. I hope Colorado is equally as beautiful! But there is no question to that, is there?

My good morning, and my goodbye from Idaho Falls.😊

Heading into Utah💕.

Sunset as reflected on the mountains👏👏👏!

Equally lovely💕.

We had another long, leisurely walk along a pathway near our hotel this evening. It makes for a sound night’s rest for my dog, which is helpful. And it allows me to stretch my legs after being in the car much of the day. I am amazed at how quiet some of the neighborhoods are where we’ve been staying! it is such a treat to be able to let Jax off the lead and not worry about traffic or people. And now it’s off to rest for the two of us. We’ll have another relaxing morning, and a leisurely drive into Colorado. I am looking forward to exploring the area in and around where we will be for the next five days! Until later, good night.😊

A New Adventure

When I spoke of ‘solo traveler-plus-one, it was in jest. I truly do like to travel with my husband, but find myself soloing it for the next 13 weeks in Colorado. For several years now I’ve dreamed of travel nursing, and our (Dean and I) intention was to retire, and both set out for a new destination to explore for 13 weeks, housing paid for, while I worked three, four or five days each week, depending on the shifts. Recently however, I found myself in a lull for the next three months, as I am uncommitted until mid -March. So I decided to try solo travel nursing to see what I thought of it before I asked Dean to give up his life to come along. One travel assignment per year would fund my travel budget, and might be nice for both of us, but we shall see. It was a hard goodbye today…

The good…beautiful Idaho Falls. First stop of three.

Yes!! My 110# bullet is coming along!! We walked around the river for about an hour, and he is exhausted now. But he was a total sport in the car for the six hour drive💕.

I am excited for this new experience, as I will be working with a hospice agency. End of life nursing has long been my passion, and in the meantime, I will be working on getting a website up and running…’my aging parent.org’. This will allow me to offer end of life guidance and counseling for those needing help with a loved one. There are so many entities out there for those advancing in years, and equally as many unanswered questions. With my history in long-term care for the past 18 years, I’ve learned much and am eager to share. But more on that later. I think now it’s time for a hot bath.🤣 I am grateful beyond measure for this life I have been blessed with, and grateful for family and friends near and far. Stay tuned as I take you on this next adventure with me!🤗

An Italian In Munich

After saying goodbye to our Beaches of Normandy group, Plus One and I made our way to our new hometel. We had the entire day to explore the ‘Old City’ and…yep! THE SQUARE! If I haven’t mentioned it yet, I love Europe.💕 Everything ancient and beautiful is in Europe. I only wish the walls could talk…

The day passed much too quickly, and when Plus One was getting hangry, we slipped into a lovely, welcoming sidewalk cafe. Our server appeared within moments and greeted us in German. I smiled and said ‘hello’. He grinned right back and said, ‘American?’ With a slip of the tongue, I said ‘si!’

”Ah!” He laughed “Italiano!” 😂😂😂😂😂 Turns out he was from Venice! What a treat. I was able to practice what I could recall of my Italiano with him, which was MUCH better than my meager German!