The Dream Unfolds

It has been just over a week since I decided to retire and hit the road. Charlie (my lovely golden retriever) and I have lots of work to do before mid-May. My job working for a U.S. Senator (for 10 years) ends April 27. We have to sell the house, the furniture, go through all the files and shred almost everything, research rv organizations that give discounts at rv parks, learn more about biodiesel, find an appropriate motor home and plot out our first trip. Oh, yeah, and learn how to drive one of those big monsters!!!

So, last weekend after more than a year of hemming and hawing, thinking and praying, I decided to fulfill the plans/dreams my late husband and I had to travel our wonderful country for awhile. I have the opportunity to retire early, nothing to tie me down to Portland (except my parish, St. Ignatius and that will be a hard one to leave). Probably at first I will just go out for three or so weeks and come back -- a fledgling trying out her wings.

I want to keep a journal (hence this blog) of what I go through as I begin to get ready for this life-changing, exciting adventure. And to allow people to accompany me on this journey . . . prilgrimage . . . thing.

For those who stumble across this site accidentally, I lost my husband in a terrible accident 3-1/2 years ago after 33 years of marriage. Our two kids are grown up and on their own. I qualify to retire from my job March 17 (St. Patrick's Day -- a good omen since I am part-Irish on three out of four sides of my family). Charlie is the golden retriever I bought for John (my late husband) for a combination Fathers' Day/Birthday gift in 2002. Charlie picked us out. He just leaned against John the whole time we were looking at and playing with the 12 gorgeous puppies. So Charlie -- named after my grandfather Chuck or Charles F but whom John always called Charlie -- is the one who came home with us and became part of our lives.

Charlie and I have been through some rough times, so knowing how much he loves to go for rides, I decided we would take a long-term ride and explore. I've spent alot of time in the Northwest, and California, Arizona and Montana/Idaho, but not much anywhere else. Never been in the south, just visited the east coast (Boston and DC) a couple times. So lots to explore. I'll get to see friends I haven't seen for years!!

In a sense John will be traveling with us, as I truly believe he will be with us in spirit, but more than that, I will carry his ashes with me. No, I don't plan to sprinkle a little bit at every place we visit. I have a special place in mind, a beautiful spot in So. Central Washington state that John really loved. I will consult with our daughter and son before I do that, however.

So thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope to post some photos as well as comments, possibly some art, poetry or whatever else I'm moved to create during this time of travel and reflection.

The Travlin' Lady