Alia's voyage

Hello! I am in New York State, not too far from "home" in MA and VT. I am with my "sister" Jeannie in Accord; so happy to see her.  I left my cousin Betsy after a couple of fun days with her, seeing her beautiful home filled with art/craft work, and a Noah's Ark with pairs of cute animals climbing up the ladder. Before Betsy's, I travelled across New York with mild rain, and no more 100 degree days and nights in the 90s.  The first night I was at a rest area and I believe I was on the edge or below a tornado--enough to shake, rattle and blow my car. A warning came over my phone to get to better shelter so I put on a jacket--it was raining and blowing--and went to the rest area building where I found about 8 other people all in the family rest room where we waited until the tornado warning was theoretically over, though wind and rain were still blowing, and I got to sleep (about midnight). The power went down and the rest area building closed, In the morning ...

 Hello Friends and Family, I think some of my posts have not made it. I don't know why. I am in Grand Isle Nebraska--home of migrating Sandhill Cranes, and occasional recovering Whooping Cranes! Who knew. After a few wonderful days with Kevin Bryant, my second cousin (one removed???) and his partner Alice, and going to the cemetary where Kevin's parents and aunt and uncle are buried, and where we saw a great horned owl on a tombstone and got quite close before he drifted off. Wildlife has been sparse--a small herd of antelope is almost all I have seen. All is well, and I am on my journey "home" to MA, expecting to arrive there September 1, but who knows? Hugs and blessings, Alia

 Good morning! Yesterday I entered Wyoming--I am definitely on my way to MA and VT!!!! Yesterday was big spending day--a state park with a lake ($20), a dinner out ($20), gas ($60) and a motel ($70), so the next few days will be non-spending days--like 6 of them, oh well. I eat well, and sleep mostly well, get some walking in every day, and keep healthy.  I am happy most of the time, and try to avoid the situations in which I feel missing family and friends (when everyone around me has them, like camping parks and tourist attractions). They work better if I can find single people to connect with.  My son says I am a broken record about being alone, but he is never alone and I have been alone about 30 years! I would love to meet a single "soulmate" but the chances are about as good as astral projection, which I would really like and have been trying for years. I wish you joy and peace in these challenging times, Alia

My last full day in Boise. We will be going out to breakfast at Elmer's (my treat to say a small "thank you" to Shawna and Rod for amazing hospitality). Then we will go to "Art in the park" in Nampa.  Tomorrow I will be on my way East, to get to MA about September first, where I will reunite with my East Coast family and friends. The right eye said to the left eye, "Between you and me, something smells". May you all keep cool, no matter what the thermometer says, and may you have fun this summer. Love, Alia

 It is already Saturday August 12. I am having a great time with my niece Shawna and her husband Rod in Boise, Idaho.  They collect many things, (birdhouses, bowls, garden and garden art, metal and painted art--Shawna) and All kinds of wonderful rocks in many forms, such as slabs, chunks, cabochons and other jewelry. He slices rocks, tumbles rocks, cuts and polishes rocks, and entertains guests (me) looking at all the collections. Today we walked on a lovely piece of the Oregon Trail with Bodie Girl (their dog), for over a mile. This afternoon Shawna and I will go to the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology which is exciting and educational.  I am still reading lots of books, especially when am alone in a campground. Keep cool, wherever you are. (:-) Alia

 Today I am leaving my granson Darren after 4 wonderful days, and will be heading slowly to Boise, ID to visit niece Shawna on Friday. It is overcast today which will make driving easier for me. I probably won't be writing until then. I send love and blessing to you. Alia

 

 Recently a friend asked me, "What keeps the sparkle in your eyes?" I thought a little and answered, "A while ago I gave up anger--I could not afford it", (my body, my mind). "Then I gave up fear for the same reason--I could not afford it." I was mor peaceful. Sadness is a part of life. Grieving is good. I grieve; then I let go. So what more is there to do? Well, I still have anxiety, driving in a new place, especially a new city, and I think that is still a part of fear, but so far I do not know how to give that up. I will think about it. And regret. I have many regrets; things I have done and things that I did not do. I will grieve my mistakes and try to make amends where I can, and ask for forgiveness for all my errors and mistakes, especially those who hurt others. If I can forgive myself, perhaps I can let go of regrets. Perhaps in time the sparkle can be stronger. I can also breathe better and release my grip on the wheel so tightly, loosen my should...

 Hello again! I have been staying at my grandson Darren's home in Portland, OR, and with his wonderful housemate and partner. Yesterday was a visit to a beautiful Chinese garden/museum with beautiful scenes and art and a brush painter demonstration and special garden music. I will enclose pictures if my grandson can put them into my blog post. I feel so grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful family and successful travel. More later as I now  go to see Darren's workplace. So good to have phone conversations with some of you. Until later.....