The last time Mark and I crossed the United States from East to West was in October 2016. We attended the sailboat show in Annapolis as vendors with our marine WiFi and cell data product and invention, The Wirie, before driving to Northern California in our Prius. We had five days to cross this massive country in order to start our first housesit on the West Coast. We lasted a few years “out west,” house and pet sitting and exploring in our camper van Zesty, before making our way back east in the summer of 2019.
The Southwest is where our hearts lie. The vast, open spaces, low population, incredible natural sites, and sense of freedom trump the mountains and greenery of the East Coast. We think…
Our Route
If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you are familiar with our lack of planning. We pretty much take life as it comes, one step at a time; something that is evident in the title of my forthcoming travel memoir: Plunge. Anything can influence our route, our destination, our timing, our moods.
Here’s how we ended up in Arizona, this time around…
Idea one
In the fall – after my memoir arrived at a stopping point (never) – we would drive to Kanab, Utah, to visit with Jeff, who was Maya’s caretaker at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and became a good friend. We’d boogie to Colorado, visit a truck camper manufacturer we are interested in, spend a couple of weeks camped along rivers in the mountains, stop at a few National Parks again in Utah, and reach our destination by November 28th, for my book launch.
What actually happened
“Mark, you should make sure this truck camper manufacturer is, indeed, in Denver, CO, so we don’t drive all the way out there for ‘nothing.’”
“Hmmm. It appears that they are not located in Colorado, but in California!” Sigh.
Maya created a habit of eating paper products when left alone in our room above the garage, so we closed the bathroom door, put the paper towel roll up high, removed receipts and Census paperwork from a shelf at dog-height, and called it good. But… Maya found our atlas on a little table. Upon our return from the grocery store one day, every state between C and K – including Colorado – had been demolished. Plus, what were we thinking… camping at an altitude of over 8,000 feet in the fall?
Then, we learned our good friends Karmen and Tom had left the Annapolis area on their sailing journey to warmer climes. If we wanted to see them, we had to drive south first. Colorado was off the table. We drove westward from North Carolina along a more southern route than initially anticipated.
Idea Two
We could still drive to Southern Utah, but we didn’t want to rush. Plus, we had to sit for periods at a time to keep working on that memoir.
What actually happened
After a few weeks of no-rush and have-to-work mentality, we discovered that nighttime temperatures in Kanab, UT, were already well below freezing. Plus, we had two sets of friends, keen to meet us for Thanksgiving in Southern Arizona. We looked forward to catching up with them and having fun after months of stress, dedication, commitment, and focus. Southern Utah was off the table. We worked and stayed a week in Arkansas, in one of the most pretty and comfortable free campsites ever, before more western progress ensued.
Idea three
We needed to order a proof copy of Plunge (and receive and review it!) before release date on November 28th. Where should we get it shipped to? A map and a calendar were needed. We picked El Paso, Texas, for a general delivery address at a post office and as our next destination, within a week of ordering the copy.
What actually happened
We expected the book to ship by USPS, but it didn’t. It left the Amazon facility by UPS, which doesn’t deliver to post offices. The package had to be held at a UPS distribution center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which became our new goal. And, we’d better get there whenever the proof arrived, in case we needed to order another one. We were running out of time! More driving, more stress, more work. But we snatched up the copy and are still on track with the launch of Plunge.
Proofing the proof!
No sightseeing?
As you might have noticed, the focus during our first month back on the road has been my travel memoir – we needed internet every day to be able to work and it sucked up most hours of the day. After we left the crowded, Covid-prone Great Smoky Mountains, we drove a bunch and arrived in Arkansas. We stopped in Little Rock (we bought Zesty in this area in 2017) for an hour.
Our next stop was Hot Springs, AR, where we slept at a Walmart parking lot and hiked most of the trails in the National Park. RVs park for free next to the local visitor center. Bathhouse Row was worth the stroll to check out the architecture of these stately, old-fashioned bathhouses. The interiors were off-limit, due to Covid. And, we splurged with a margarita to end our one afternoon of leisure.
Once we entered Texas, we briefly stopped in Paris, to check out… the Eiffel Tower… replica. Nothing special but it felt good to be a tourist for a few minutes. In Bowie, we also made a quick stop at their claim to fame – a Guinness Book of Records statue of the Bowie knife.
We needed to leave the crowded towns of Texas, because… see the next topic. We found and enjoyed another lovely free campground with views, trails, and wildlife in a place called Possum Kingdom. We wish we could have stayed longer, but my proof copy awaited in the next state.
Our trio stopped in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, to stroll the small historic center, which was more like one street. It was very quiet – we didn’t see anyone out and about – but we did decide, despite the woodsy surroundings and unlimited hiking opportunities, that this town would be too cold for us in winter to consider living here.
How about Covid?
In Arkansas, we pretty much lived in our little bubble along the shores of Lake Ouachita after visiting the two towns mentioned above, where mask wearing seemed prevalent.
Sunrise at our favorite campsite
When we entered Texas, however, scenes appeared worse than in North Carolina. Sure, locals weren’t wearing masks outside (we did and/or stayed six feet apart, not that we encountered many people when walking Maya), but our biggest shock came when we visited two Walmarts.
In Paris, as well as in Bowie, we picked up a few supplies in this chain store. Less than 50% of customers INSIDE Walmart sported a mask! We were baffled and appalled. We believed Walmart as a business requires mask-wearing country-wide. But if the rules aren’t enforced… We didn’t even see a sign at the entrance of these stores about the requisite use of masks. We felt stressed and annoyed inside the building (especially since some employees didn’t take this virus seriously either) and left as quickly as possible, not to set foot inside again anywhere in Texas.
Enter New Mexico… where the presence of Trump signs faded and the pandemic is taken extremely seriously. Everyone around us, even in cars, along sidewalks, and on parking lots, wore a mask. We drove to a Walmart to observe the situation. There was a ¼-mile line of people outside, so we gave up on that idea. Instead, we shopped for produce on sale in a Sprouts grocery store. The line was short, a two-cart distance was recommended, mask-wearing proved mandatory, two security guards at the entrance enforced the rule, disinfectant was omni-present, the store had low occupancy, the cashier wiped her check-out area in between customers, … We felt safe and didn’t mind breathing behind our face coverings here.
Having crossed quite a few state lines, only visiting grocery stores and fuel stations, we now have a pretty good impression of how this pandemic is being handled in the US. In some places, it isn’t pretty. Those are the regions we shall avoid in the future – and will never inhabit – for multiple reasons!
I wish my American friends and family a happy Thanksgiving week and all of you a decent winter season (or summer season in the Southern Hemisphere)!
November 21, 2020 at 16:18
Yeah, NM is taking things pretty seriously and we noticed all the casinos are still closed in the state. Sprouts is my go-to for fresh foods and in AZ masks are mandatory in almost all stores. I went to pre-order your book, but something changed with using Kindle on my computer. I need to look into this further but thinking about getting a printed version instead. Hmm, decisions! Hope you’re enjoying some warm weather.
November 21, 2020 at 16:33
Hi Ingrid! We rarely go to Sprouts, because it is quite pricey. But, as with other stores, we have noticed that they have lots of fresh produce on sale, which makes it almost cheaper than the stores we usually shop (Aldi, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, El Super)! Sorry to hear about your Kindle issues… I didn’t even know this app existed on computers. Do you have Kindle on a tablet, by any chance? The paperback is pretty cool as well, though. 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 17:27
I have to plan everything to within an inch of its demise. I use spreadsheets–shared–when I visit my kids. I would have a lot of difficulty with the que-serra lifestyle. I often wish I was easier going but somehow, my wishes are never fulfilled. Kudos to you for being so darn flexible.
Loved your book!
November 21, 2020 at 18:24
I think we are related, Jacqui. xo
November 21, 2020 at 21:39
You two… Yep! 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 21:27
Hi Jacqui! I am so thrilled that you actually loved my book! Especially since you’re such a planner! 🙂 As I mentioned in my foreword, I sometimes wished we would settle or plan, because it does make life a bit more “controlled” and manageable. 🙂 I guess there are pros and cons to both approaches!
November 21, 2020 at 18:18
Best laid plans… huh? Good to know that you are headed in our direction… even if you won’t actually get here. I’m glad you were able to exit Texas quickly. Yikes!
Was it just two years ago that you and Mark joined us for Thanksgiving? That was so much fun… way better than having T-Day with just the two of us this year.
Stay safe, my friend!
November 21, 2020 at 21:31
Hi Janis! Really, was it just two years ago or three? I’d have to check my diary. Time is getting ahead of me. We’d love to visit with you and Paul again and love San Diego, as you know. But, also as you know, we haven’t even planned anything beyond Thanksgiving right now. Who knows. We’d love to explore NM and AZ a bit more, if we don’t go to Mexico. Or, we might end up in SoCal. Who knows? Not us! 🙂
November 22, 2020 at 13:16
Yeah, probably three years ago. Time flies… Enjoy your adventures!
November 23, 2020 at 01:03
Thank you! A new one around every corner! 🙂
November 23, 2020 at 09:27
I really don’t remember. I’d have to check my diary. But, time sure flies. Hoping to enjoy those adventures soon! 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 18:22
Hi Liesbet, Glad to hear you’re doing well on the road. You mentioned proofing your proof, if I see typo errors in the ARC, do you want me to let you know or is Plunge in print is final now? Stay safe.
November 21, 2020 at 21:35
Hi Natalie, thanks for asking about typos in the proof – or any version of my book. I’d ALWAYS appreciate readers letting me know about typos and “mistakes” in my book, as this is a pet peeve of mine in other books (hypocritical, I know) and I now realize it’s really hard to pick up every one of them yourself. So, please, shoot me an email with your findings. But, also know that we have made some changes and found some issues, especially formatting problems from Reedsy, since sending out the ARCs. Any suggestion or improvement is welcome. Thank you!
November 21, 2020 at 18:23
All of these towns will be there to explore later. I’m glad you’re keeping your focus on the book, Liesbet. I have to agree with Jacqui, as someone who needs structure and routine (you probably think is boring) your lifestyle would not be good for my blood pressure! Stay sate. xo
November 21, 2020 at 18:30
I was going to shoot you an email, but I wanted to let you know I’ll be sharing your book and purchase link in my upcoming newsletter. As you know, my crazy schedule hasn’t allowed me time to read and review your book right away, but I’m still celebrating with you! xo
November 21, 2020 at 21:41
You are awesome, Jill! I know you’re crazy busy and I hope NaNoWriMo is treating you well, with a word count to match! No hurry in helping me out! Please, do whatever you need to do first. I’ll be there, somewhere, anytime, to be featured in January, or any month! Thanks for the support. Always! 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 21:38
Haha! I love you comment, Jill. As I often think this lifestyle isn’t good for my blood pressure either. But, right now, that has to do with combining our nomad lifestyle with completing this “darn” book! 🙂 Soon, I’ll be smiling again, though. And, I do have to agree with you: a more familiar and “controllable” life is easier and more comfortable. Hey, I’m still “young,” right? I can always settle when I’m … ehh… fifty? 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 19:14
You and Mark are certainly meant for each other. Even though you stress out at times, you two always make it work. The highlights for me are Maya eating (demolishing?) the atlas and the issue of memoir delivery. Oh, my goodness!
As you know, I’m more in the camp with Jacqui and Jill.
By the way, I do want to feature you on my blog, but of course I’ll need to read/review your memoir first. Coming down the pike, Liesbet.
Over a year from pub date, I’m still marketing. You’ll need promo from your supporters even if it isn’t at the starting gate. And, you are off to a fabulous start, even before launch, as I have observed. Brava – so proud of you! :-D!
November 21, 2020 at 21:49
Hi Marian!
Wait until you read the book and find out about the “real” Mark and I. 🙂 Did you ever see that photo of Maya having devoured the atlas? I posted it in a previous blog post and on social media, which is why I didn’t repost this crazy/pathetic photo of our atlas. She can be a handful, that dog! Especially here in the desert of NM – so much stuff to get in trouble with!!
No rush about reading my book, but I’d love to hop over to your blog at some point, after you’ve read Plunge. I’m not doing much marketing yet, but will dive into it in December. I’ll need a few days off after the launch – to celebrate my birthday and such. Then, I’ll get back into it! 🙂
I honestly do love you encouragement and support, my friend! It means a lot to me.
November 22, 2020 at 12:23
Yes, I know about confrontation as I suspect you may report about Mark. At the beginning of the pandemic Cliff and I got into a sharp disagreement, which I blogged about in “Flash in the Pan.” We are not married to saints nor are we stepping up to be canonized either – hahaha!
Take a rest, you deserve it; in fact, taking a breather is absolutely necessary for the long haul. Huge hugs! ((( )))
November 23, 2020 at 01:06
I remember that blog you wrote about Cliff and you. But, you have a sense of humor. I don’t! 🙂
The work is not done. As I write this comment to you, Mark is uploading yet another new file to KDP. I received some suggestions of an ARC reader and we just made more changes, which is stressing us out – you know, the entire formatting changes this way – at 11pm. This is crazy. Our anxiety level is going through the roof. We thought we were done. We have to be by tomorrow!! Rest will come next year, I think.
November 23, 2020 at 19:30
Mary Tyler Moore Show, mostly for oldies: “You’re going to make ittt after alllll!”
Hang in there. . . .
November 24, 2020 at 23:15
I’m not familiar with that show, Marian, but we are – indeed – making it. Decided last-minute, last night, to go with white paper instead of cream, after receiving the second proof which we – for shits and giggles – ordered in white. Why not? Little did we expect it looked so much better, especially the photos. Another change, right before publication! Did I ever tell you my life is pretty crazy? 🙂 But, guess what (just because I know you will read this reply), you get the inside scoop right now: the paperback is live at Amazon already, within 24 hours of hitting “publish” last night. Didn’t quite expect that.
November 21, 2020 at 19:15
It is interesting when you get outside your bubble to see how people in other places are handling the pandemic. Aa we traveled this summer the responses we always different and sometimes very frustrating.
I have a friend in Greenville, SC who has a facebook group where people can post about how businesses are handling masks – buy unfortunately when we travel around you never know until you are inside the store.
Most people seem to be taking it pretty seriously here in Tucson. So good to be back in Arizona!
Glad we worked out into your final plan! So looking forward to celebrating your book and birthday!
November 21, 2020 at 22:06
I really am glad hearing your Tucson accounts, Duwan, as we hope to make that our base for a few weeks. It’s so interesting how this Covid-situation influences us more than just now. We are learning so much about how states and governments handle this crisis that it affects our long-term thinking about eventually – maybe – settling somewhere for a while.
We are so looking forward to getting to Arizona tomorrow! And, we can’t wait to see you and the Scamper Squad again and finally having some fun and celebratory times! 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 20:53
Hi, Liesbt – I loved your ‘Idea’ and ‘What actually happened’ style of this post. I am always envious of your unplanned travel style. It makes me want to read Plunge even more. (I’ve ordered my advanced copy and am patiently waiting). 😀
November 21, 2020 at 22:16
Hi Donna!
Yeah, the “let’s see what happens” attitude is pretty prominent in Plunge. What I haven’t mentioned anywhere yet is how I used to roll differently, planning a lot and not wanting to miss out on anything. I guess life’s experiences made me realize that this isn’t conducive to happiness either.
Honestly, though, I think one of the reasons why we don’t plan much is because it would eat up too much time and cause too many disappointments. Although, if I would go on a vacation (which hasn’t happened since I met Mark in 2004), I probably would want to plan everything out, because time would be limited. I guess the approach would depend on the situation, if that makes sense. 🙂
November 21, 2020 at 22:38
Hi Liesbet! Wow! I know how complicated it can get launching a new book and I can’t even imagine how you can be doing it so well with life on the road. Just trying to figure out where and when to get your advance copy is an example. But the joy of holding your creation in your hands will be worth all the effort. Looking forward to reading your gift to the world and seeing how you introduce it to the world. Happy travels! ~Kathy
November 22, 2020 at 22:37
Hi Kathy!
Thank you so much for those kind and meaningful words. It always makes me feel happy if people can relate to what I’m going through. It’s been tough to combine life on the road with this publication process and we’ve both been beyond stressed with physical anxiety issues. I keep thinking I’ll be able to relax next year and that helps. 🙂
But, I KNEW this from the moment we decided we’d leave the “comforts of home” and left a month ago. Still, you can never anticipate how much is actually involved and how much time it all requires. Again. And again. But, we are getting there. A second proof is on the way to Tucson, AZ!
November 22, 2020 at 10:32
Seems I still can’t respond to your comment. Have Mark ck your comment settings. So, I’ll add a new one 😁
I use an old iPad as a Kindle but now having trouble with it 🤔 Hmm, interesting you think Sprouts is expensive. I find it either inline with Trader Joes or less expensive. I guess it all depends on what we’re buying. Glad you’re happy with the paperback.
November 23, 2020 at 01:03
Hi Ingrid,
Sorry to read that you are still having issues with replying to previous comments. I know of one other reader with that problem, but have no idea why. I’ve checked my WordPress comment settings before and all is in order… Maybe it’s a browser issue.
Yep, the prices all depend on what you buy in these stores. We have a few goodies we get in TJs that are affordable and don’t touch the other stuff. Same with Sprouts. The negative part is that we always have to shop in at least two different stores to find what we need. TJs and Aldi are the only shops with affordable bread that has no added sugar in it, for example.
November 22, 2020 at 13:27
It sure is sad to read that many Texans aren’t wearing masks indoors and/or it isn’t being enforced. I have a lot of family throughout Texas, and I don’t want to hear of anyone being sick from Covid, although I doubt they would post about it on SM (I didn’t, other than my blog). You really went through the ringer trying to plan your route, Liesbet! Just about everything is closed in California again, due to widespread infections. Some family in Spokane just tested positive, sigh. I may have had a light case but I certainly don’t want to be around people. Take good care of yourselves and stay safe!
November 23, 2020 at 01:09
Hi Terri! The current number of Covid cases is crazy. Soon, we will all know someone close who had it. Or, ourselves. But, let’s hope not. We are all pretty wise about it, but this is not all that matters. Stay safe as well, you two! Enjoy your small Thanksgiving celebration and savor your last three weeks in Sacramento, before the big move! Congrats again for selling the house so quickly!
November 22, 2020 at 19:43
I LOVE that your dog ate the atlas – but only certain letters. She obviously has an opinion about where you should and shouldn’t travel to. LOL.
It has been enlightening and appalling to see how different places treat this pandemic. We have gotten very comfortable on the west coast and have less than zero desire to go anywhere where wearing a mask is in any way political. We just have no patience for that anymore. I know New Mexico is working hard to keep things under control and it sounds like Arizona learned its lesson during its summer surge, so that’s great. We were also in Austin over the spring and people were pretty good there – so I think the more metropolitan areas of Texas are probably ok. But once you get out into the country, all bets are off. Exhausting for sure….
Anyway, welcome back to travel life. Stay safe out there!
November 23, 2020 at 01:11
We will have to show you this atlas one day, whenever we meet up in person! Of course, frugal as we are, we did not buy a new one. I think about half of the country is still intact. 🙂
It has been interesting to see the different approaches towards the virus in the ten or so states we have been through the last months. Like you, we have made up our mind about where we want to be and where not. Take care “up there”!!!
November 23, 2020 at 17:32
What a snapshot of various parts of America, Liesbet. And it’s amazing how things can shift from state to state. We’ve seen the same wild swings as we’ve driven from Kentucky to Tennessee to Ohio. It sounds like you’re having a good look at what’s going on. Do you have a warm spot in mind to spend the winter? ~Terri
November 24, 2020 at 23:08
Hi Terri!
It sure sounds like we’re experiencing similar scenes than you both, cross country. Interesting, right? It’s as if every state is inhabited by a different species of humans.
Finding a warm (enough) spot for winter in the US has been tricky for us over the years. Southern Florida would do (like our last winter) climate-wise, but that’s not really our place. A lot going on there with extreme temperatures and Covid this past spring as well.
I think we will see what happens with the weather here in Southern Arizona – and with Covid – where we just arrived. Maybe we go into Mexico… We will see. Lots to explore here, but the nights are freezing these days!
November 25, 2020 at 09:37
Liesbet, have you seen the “13,235-Mile Road Trip for 70-Degree Weather Every Day?” Here’s a link. It’s pretty fascinating. 🙂 ~Terri
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-20/a-13-235-mile-road-trip-for-70-degree-weather
November 29, 2020 at 15:40
Thanks for sending this link, Terri! It sounds fascinating and right up our alley. I’ve saved it to check out later, when I’m a tad less busy and overwhelmed. 🙂
November 23, 2020 at 18:02
Good to hear you’re enjoying your travels, and you managed to connect with your book! Stay safe out there…
November 24, 2020 at 23:09
Thanks, Diane. We’re trying to be safe. Camping in the middle of the desert sounds about right! 🙂
November 23, 2020 at 20:33
Thanks for the Covid updates, although it’s all over the news here – all the madness you shared. No surprise the US is locked out of many countries. I hope Biden isn’t too late to do damage control by the time he takes over and Americans have spent Thanksgiving and Christmas spreading their germs. Scary stuff. Stay safe!!!! xx
November 24, 2020 at 23:18
Who needs the news when you have a nomadic Liesbet to report on the statewide Covid situation? 🙂 Yep, scary stuff indeed. Biden and Harris have a mammoth task ahead. Well, like a thousand mammoth tasks to somewhat fix the disasters from the previous four years. Heading to the desert over the holidays, in our little safe and well-stocked bubble!
November 25, 2020 at 09:02
You’ve said a mouthful! Yes to all, and stay safe in your travels and Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂 xx
November 29, 2020 at 14:08
Thanks, Debby. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in the desert with fantastic dishes. Xx
November 24, 2020 at 21:32
Happy Thanksgiving! Great post and photos. I can’t believe so many people in Texas aren’t wearing masks yet. Wonder how many of them realize that this could be theirs or their friends and relatives last holiday season if they’re not more careful.
November 24, 2020 at 23:22
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! There’s a reason those selfish, non-mask people are called Covidiots! They don’t think, therefore they don’t realize. I don’t understand it. I wish I would be brave enough to make a statement to them like the one you mention. But, I wouldn’t even want to be within talking distance of them, to ask why they don’t care about their vulnerable family members or friends…
November 25, 2020 at 07:36
Wow! I can see all the stress in this post, Liesbet. Given the time of year and the holidays coming up, I see more and more evidence of people being stressed. But I’m glad you found some lovely places to stay along the way and that you rewarded yourselves with a margarita. And although I wish this pandemic never happened, it’s good to see how the way people are living and reacting to/with the virus are laying the foundations to where you’ll eventually settle.
November 29, 2020 at 14:07
Hi Hugh!
Because we’ve covered thousands of miles, we certainly are in tune with how Covid has been perceived and handled. And, these actions/non-actions usually coincide with the political preference of the states. If we ever settle somewhere, we will have to be comfortable with the general attitude of that state and/or area.
The last two months have been extremely stressful for Mark and me, but that has nothing to do with the holidays coming up and all with a massive project we just brought to completion. 🙂 Thanksgiving is a day we enjoy celebrating, but Christmas has never been big for us. Enjoy your end-of-the-year anticipation and celebrations!
November 25, 2020 at 17:35
Wow you two have been busy and have covered a lot of ground. We too are currently on the road and I really forgot how tiring driving for hours each day can be. Sounds like a pretty tricky task to get your book.. glad it all worked out in the end!
Amazing to read about the different reactions to Covid and how some places just don’t seem to have “got the memo”. Here in Mexico, most of the cities or towns we have stopped or spent time in all take it very seriously. Not so in rural areas where no one seems to wear masks or even social distance.
Stay safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are….
Peta
November 29, 2020 at 14:12
Thanks, Peta! We had a lovely and peaceful Thanksgiving with a few nomadic friends and delicious food in the Arizona desert. I hope you and Ben had a special one in Mexico as well. Good to read a little update about how Covid is being handled where you are. It sounds similar to here, with cities doing a better job than the countryside (where the risk is lower). I’m not sure we will hop south of the border next year, but we might, depending on the circumstances.
December 9, 2020 at 15:25
You found some lovely places to camp on your trek west. However, it must have been frustrating to have been plunged in Plunge work and not really have had time to sight-see. It must be such a relief to have launched the book! I have been to Little Rock once, and I feel as though I recognize those buildings in the waterfront photo as the site of a Saturday outdoor market I visited there.
Jude
December 10, 2020 at 15:00
Oh Jude, you seem to understand perfectly how our last seven weeks in Zesty have passed… It has been a lot of hard work and combining a hundred things to keep our life, our dog, my paid jobs, our trek west, and the book project going! I am utterly exhausted and am so far behind with “personal” stuff in my overflowing inbox that people will wonder what happened to me. No time to read blogs and comment or to reply to emails. Soon, I hope. Although, with promotion there is always more to do. And I haven’t even plunged into that much, really.