Time for another shot of Fresh Brew

Epic Move Survived by All

So Phil and I volunteered to help Q and J pack up and move to Boulder, and we knew it would be hard.  And, boy, it was hard, even though everything went smoothly.  Here's what went down.

Friday-630am-we head for Q's apartment to start loading the 16 foot rental truck with all the Thurmond's worldly possessions.  Thanks to all of you wonderful helpers who turned out SO early to help with the loading of the truck.  Wow, that was such a blessing!  We were able to start the big drive around 930am, and with some energy still left in us.  J and Level17TomatoSandwich were in the truck and towing the Jeep.  Phil, Q and I were in the Toyota.  We drove; we talked; we asked trivia questions; we stopped every 2 hours to switch drivers.  Our Mapquest directions said the drive would take 13 hours.  Obviously, they didn't take into account the speed that a truck hauling all the Thurmond's worldly posessions, because 13 hours later we were in Kansas.  As we were 14 hours later and 15 hours later.  We have decided that Kansas is a black hole, and that it takes a tremendous amount of energy to escape it.  Side note, there are no restrictions on where you shoot fireworks in Kansas.  Every little clump of humanity we passed was shooting fireworks until midnight, and even afterward we saw them sporatically until 3am.  At one gas stop, they were firing them just 25 yards from the GAS STATION. 

Sat. 5am central time-4am mountain time-we arrived in Boulder.  I hope you never see a group as tired, punchy, groggy, loopy, and DONE as we were.  We piled into a hotel for 5 hours sleep.  If you are asking, "Why didn't you stop sooner?" then you've probably never driven thru KS or been on a project with Phil.  There's just not much that will stop P when he's started a task.  And there aren't many hotels in western Kansas.  Anyway, after some sleep and a Denny's Grand Slam breakfast, we went to the apartment.  It's small, has a window unit A/C, retro blue and silver bathroom, and a view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. 

Sat. noon-The 2 college-age guys that Phil had pre-arranged showed up to unload the truck and carry stuff to the 3rd floor apt.  And that was another big blessing, cause they had it all done by 1:30.  Afterward, we re-arranged boxes, and even unpacked a few, went out for a meal, and said our goodbyes.  Then J drove Gary, P and me to the airport for our flight home.  I wish I had a nickel for every time we said, "I'm glad we don't have to drive home."  And special mention to Ruth and Don for picking us up at 10:30pm.  That was very appreciated.

Now, we're in recovery.  And I imagine my daughter and her guy are settling into their new pad and exploring around their new town.  It seems like a great place.  Glad I was able to take part in the transition.  Blessings on all who helped.  Love you all. 

"Under the Sea" and Me

Just Too Cool

Well, as a travel agent I've booked some cool trips, but today, I did one that will be downright COLD.  I have a couple vacationing in London in March.  So one night, they are going to fly to Sweden and stay at the ICEHOTEL.  Check it out at http://www.icehotel.com/.  Each guest gets a snowsuit, boots, hat and mittens.  And when you stay in one of the ice rooms, you have to change clothes, and use the restroom in the warm part of the hotel.  Guests are warned that anything they take into their iceroom will freeze overnight.  BUT  they do bring you hot lingonberry juice in the morning.  I've never had lingonberry juice, but I bet it's going to taste great, just because it's hot.  They'll have a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.  Personally, I want my adventures to be above freezing.  What would you choose for your "once in a lifetime" adventure?