The real reason for this entry is that it is 1:00am and for some reason, I'm not going to sleep - who would have thought since I fell asleep watching 'Perry' only a few hours ago... but once I found comfort my the bed, sleep has eluded me.
My mind started thinking about our upcoming journey to Blanding. Our regular journeys to Blanding have become somewhat comforting. There are just certain things - many of them - that one can count on, and thus I find comforting!
Since these items have been popping up in my mind, I decided I would list them for future posterity... Our trip never changes. It is always the same. In a way, it has become tradition. These things NEVER change. We do it time and time again. It has been something that we look forward too.
On the drive down to Blanding we...
- Need a supply of caffeine - yes it is true - for 'medicinal purposes' only (Thank the Canadians for that line!)
- Need a bathroom stop at the famous truck stop in Wellington.
- Slow down the car at Woodside to see if the Geyser is erupting - lately we've been disappointed - no geyser.
- Once on the fabulous stretch of 25 miles of I-70, we call Mike's parents and let them know we are half way.
- Stop at the local Maverick in Moab to fill our gas tank as Blanding's gas prices are about 30 cents per gallon higher/ (There are two, but we stop at the first one on the way in and the second one on the way home. (Too much caffeine has finally kicked in)
- Reminisce about where Grand Dad Butch and Mike's dad lived while growing up in Moab.
- Drive straight through Monticello, knowing we only have 20 miles left.
- Reminisce about the old road at Devil's Canyon and miss seeing the old car on the side of the ravine. (Now the road is not as steep and the 'fun' is gone)
Once in Blanding, Mike and I have established our own traditions. We like to do the following when in Blanding:
- After our greetings with Mike's parents, Sidney immediately goes for local paper to find out what has been happening in town!
- Mike sets up the card table in the front room and Sidney proceeds to bring out her scraps of fabric - saved up since the last trip - and cut them down to manageable pieces to be used in scrap quilts. Sidney even sews a bit while down there.
- Visit our favorite, original, Dollar Store - we are LOYAL customers!
- Have lunch at R&R Pizza Buffet - it really is the best.
- Visit the Blanding Tourist Stop Place - I don't know the real name - and receive our free goodies! (Plus they have nice little museum and we learn new things every time we visit.)
- Spend several evenings over at Scot and Julene's home visiting (Sidney also has to check her email)
- Periodically visit the library to check email
- In the summer - SWIM!
- Take several naps, several times a day.
See, we really do keep busy!
Then, there are some things that are just guaranteed:
- The television comes on at 3:00pm for a host of political programs. (This is one of the reasons Sidney is cutting fabric and sewing! I'm not a big fan of these programs)
- Doug will always say, "You are on vacation."
- Mike's parents home will be 80 degrees the entire trip
- Our bedroom window will be opened the entire trip (summer AND winter)
- Trips to Clark's Market, Alco, and the drugstore to purchase the needed items for Mike's parents.
- Comments on the daily Senior Citizen lunches - not for Mike and I, we aren't that old!
- Visiting... isn't that what the trips all about?!?
The drive home includes the following:
- Mike's dad holding on the porch post, leaning out and waving to us as we drive around the corner, causing Mike to express the lingering question in his mind, "Will this be the last time that I see my parents alive?"
- After leaving Monticello and heading down into the valley, Sidney will comment, "This is my favorite part of our drive."
- A stop at the 2nd Maverick in Moab to gas up and by treat.
- Reminiscing about the time we stopped in Moab at Arby's only to find out that the Arby's had been closed down, but we didn't know it!
- Asking if we need to stop in Green River - usually we don't, but we always need to ask the question!
- Slowing down at Woodside to see if the Geyser is erupting.
- Stopping in Wellington at our favorite truck stop.
- Entering into Spanish Fork and calling Sidney's parents to let them know we are an hour from home.
- Sidney wishing that we didn't have to go back to all the people and we could just live in Blanding where it was quiet - and Mike stating that he didn't think I'd be happy in Blanding - to which Sidney will reply, but they have a new quilt store in Moab and I would join the Grayson Country Quilter Guild.
- Anticipating our arrival home to find that things are just as we left them.
- Mike unpacking quickly and Sidney taking 2-3 days before the suitcase is emptied and returned to his resting spot, in anticipation of its next trip.
Yep, this is pretty much how our journeys to Blanding go. Very little change, but much comfort in knowing that things will be the same! It's 1:30am. I think I'll try going to bed... again!
P.S. Just think of how long of a post this would be if I had pictures for every one of these activities. I guess you are spared!
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3 comments:
Steve had fun reading this to me. That is fun, we do some of those things too. Blanding is a good place to visit.
I loved reading that! We stop at all the same places too! Blanding is such a comfort to me too! :)
It is amazing how many of those same things we all do as well. I didn't grow up in Blanding, but I absolutely love visiting. From our last trip I would have to add getting the trout from The Homestead Steakhouse. Best trout I've had at a restaurant. Can't wait to visit again.
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