Vicksburg

Historic sites always intrigue me.  From old homes, historic downtown areas to National Parks where the battles that are the bases of our country, I enjoy roaming them all.  I'm not sure you would call me a history buff...I know probably just about as much as anyone else.  And if I don't I will look up the information. 
It's the roaming all these sites that I find the most fascinating. 
Ever since my first encounter with Valley Forge I find myself drawn to the sites more for the 'stories' that come with them.  Sometimes just sitting quietly amongst the sites I find myself wondering who had walked there before me. 
To think about all the men and women who gave up their lives for our country's freedom, for it's principals...sometimes it's very hard to put into words what I feel at that moment.  My imagination goes wild...and I am in awe of my surroundings. 

Today as I walked down the paths at Vicksburg, as I walked among some of the rows of soldiers graves from so long ago I try to picture the principals that we were waging a war over.  It was such a different way of life...something most of us probably would not understand.  But yet, sacrifices were made and a bloody civil war tore our country apart....it's unbelievable. 
Later I wandered the historic district and found it just as fascinating.  Even had an early dinner at a place that was called "Walnut Hill" that had to have the best fried chicken I have ever had!!!  And I won't even mention the fried dill pickles...yep...fried dill pickles.  You have to have lived in the deep south to understand that food.  Today I'm determined to find fried green tomatoes.  And next week I will work all of this fat and carbs off helping my daughter-in-law clean up the old house and set up the new....
In the mean time...I'm enjoying it all...

Day Two...

Day two of this adventure and I am so very glad I did this.  Yes, it was sad leaving Marco Island...my Mom and Dad, my friends and the beautiful beaches.  But as I have said before, it was time.  And when I was going down Barfield all I could think was that I was finally doing it. 

Surprisingly I traveled over 600 miles that first day.  Never planned on doing that many that quickly but it just happened.  I did leave early and breezed through most of the major cities with little or no traffic.  I made Tallahassee by 1:30pm and figured I would be twiddling my thumbs the rest of the afternoon so I kept on going to Pensacola FL.  After a quick dinner I crashed.  Sleep came easily and I woke to the familiar sounds of those early morning thunder storms so common to this time of year. 

Today I took my time getting ready and was on the road by 9:30am.  Alabama went quickly and Mississippi was quite an adventure.  I decided to take the road less traveled and venture into the back roads of the Mississippi delta.  Small towns, a slower pace and some beautiful scenery.  Though all of it was beautiful when I reached Vicksburg I was ready to get out of the car and do some walking. 

For these last two days I've had a lot of time to think.  Mostly about what I am doing...this packing it all up and moving almost 1800 miles away.  Yes, I've questioned myself, but I think that is normal.  But as the miles were traveled I became more secure that I was doing the right thing.  This morning when I woke up for the first time in a long time I felt like I was finally on the right path...a certain peace had come over me and a realization that no matter what happens it will be okay.

I can tell you what tomorrow will hold and frankly, I don't care at this precise moment.  And that is the beauty of all this.  Finally having the faith and the belief to live in the moment, appreciate the day and not worry about tomorrow. 

For now I comfortably cuddled in a nice comfortable bed...Shelbs right beside me.  She's dealing with all this really well.  I'm about ready to turn off the lights and sleep.  Tomorrow is another day and I am aiming for Oklahoma.  Nice and easy...no rush.  :)

Twas the night before.....

Wow...it's finally here. Tomorrow at 7am I should be on the road.  Once I made this decision I put the plan in action and just moved forward.  There have been some stumbling blocks along the way, but nothing that couldn't be handled without a major meltdown. 

Saturday night was a bit hard.  Last 'whoopie party' of my group.  But it was good...all good.  In some ways it was a reminder that it was time to move on...this group helped me get to where I'm at today and if it wasn't for that...well...I wouldn't be doing this.

The last couple of days have been busy ones.  Packing, last minute shopping, saying good-byes....much to do.  Today I stuffed a fraction of my life into suitcases, boxes and any spare space I could find within my car.  Last count...2 suitcases, 2 boxes, 1 CPU with monitor, laptop in briefcase, a box of resumes and paper, 1 long Rubbermaid bin, 1 small Rubbermaid bin, 2 overnight bags, 1 strong box, 2 bags of shoes (yea...I had a hard time separating from some), 1 combo box of makeup and jewelery, 2 soft carryalls--one for kitty food and stuff and one for my snacks and drinks.  And then there is the litter box for the car, the litter box for the hotels, the extra box of litter (I might have gone over board there) and all the clothes hanging in the back.  Two pillows, one blanket, a set a sheets and my towels.  Yes...and it all fit with some room to spare. 

It's been a long day.  And yes...putting your life into suitcases and boxes does seem to put things into a different light.  It made me realize that I can be happy with the minimal. The materialistic things are great, trust me I have a big storage unit of those.  But when it came down to picking what I 'needed' to take with me...there really was very little. 

I like my creature comforts and they are with me.  But I'm also very ready for the simpler things in life.  Or maybe I should say I'm looking forward to simplifying the complicated life I created.  If that makes any sense. 

So, tomorrow bright and early I"m off. I doubt I sleep much tonight but that is okay.  It will all be okay.