Home! And rain as we return to Tennessee

The second batch of wet weather hit us as we rolled up through the top right corner of Georgia and approached Chattanooga. But it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm and overall verdict of the success of the trip.
We are already talking about the next trip and how we can upgrade the camper. Very smooth driving today. The van has run great overall, using a quart of oil over 4,600 miles. The wheel that heated up coming down the mountain through Sedona stayed cool for the rest of the trip despite a mechanic telling me that the new hub I put on was bad. I think I will change the rear brakes and see if that does the trick.

Uncle Kenneth's tractor

He was wondering what more to do to his tractor when we arrived for lunch. Ironically, it's British-made, but Matt couldn't fix it.

Cousin Tim in Center, TX

My cousin Tim was my companion in Chicago and it was good to be reunited after many years! Here, we're outside his business on Friday, January 6.

Cowboy Harry

My mom's cousin drove us to Payne Cemetery, which he mows and cares for, and where Hogue relatives are buried, such as my great grandparents.

Big excavator "sandbox"

Harry & Patti Hogue's house in the background of this heavy equipment where the boys enjoyed playing in the sand, which is the type of dirt in that area.

Big pond being dug out

Harry was able to sell much of the soil, aiding his pond-digging effort, which could be seen from the large windows in the back of the house. They call their property "Vista View Farm."

Black gold!

My first cousin, once removed

Harry Hogue, on the left, is my mom's cousin, whom I hadn't met til last night. He and Patti have a beautiful home and are very hospitable. This morning they treated us to breakfast a Whataburger. Grayson only wanted hamburgers!

Which is older, the sign or the camper?

Stopping overnight in Big Spring, TX, we got the spot closest to I-20. I cooked the deer chops (from Francis' husband Joey, who killed it) with the garlic and potatoes from Bea, and broccoli and green beans - delicious! The boys played with cars in the sand under the big spotlight. We re-entered central time zone.

Oil pumps and windmills

Sunrise at the RV park

Warm sun, cool waters

So much I could say but it's not easy typing on an iPod touch. we learned that the cacti only grow in a very particular climate and elevation. They grow arms after about 70 yrs and they can be many hundreds of years old! it's a federal offense to destroy one.

After Matt took this picture, Grayson slipped between some rocks into a little pool and got soaked up to mid-thigh with freezing water. Maybe the shock and his tears will help cement this trip into his young memory. Shortly after, I slipped off the trolley steps and still feel soreness.

Hot today in Tucson

Bea & I and our families had a superb time at the Sabino Canyon today. Thanks to pal Perry for taking this photo! We took a trolley and hiked a little, then cooled off in the water that comes down from the melting snow on Mt. Lemmon.

Eating out for the first time

We enjoyed a delicious Italian meal at Caruso's in downtown Tucson with Bea, Rob, Mia, Isabella, Francis, Joey, and Brice. Here, Grayson admires the extra large pizza. It was the last day of 2011. We hadn't eaten out or bought any snacks or drinks on our journey - just using groceries we brought with us, which saved lots of moolah.

With Bea and Frances in Tucson

New years eve was fun eating out and going to a party with old friends Bea and Francis who we know from years ago in Chicago. They are both doing well here and we enjoyed meeting their families. Ate some great food, played some old songs and visited their church. Wish we could stay longer.