It’s hard to believe it’s almost the end of September and I haven’t even started on my Summer Road Trip scrapbook. Usually it’s completed within weeks of our return home. At the beginning of August a friend contacted me to ask why I hadn’t posted a “wrap-up” of the road trip, like I usually did. Sadly, it hadn’t even occurred to me to do one. It was a very tough summer and I was in no hurry to revisit it. I can say with the benefit of hindsight that my broken heart wasn’t up to travel this summer, especially travel that requires a great deal of physical energy, mental acuity and the excitement to experience and do new things. I was lacking all three, as my son would say - “Epic Fail.”
If it hadn’t been for the fact we were scheduled to meet my cousins in the Grand Canyon (a trip that had been a year in the making), I would have scrapped the whole thing. At the end of each day, writing the daily Road Warrior Momma blog was a chore. I can see that now, after reading each and every post again, in preparing to write this. The entries are badly written, with so many mistakes! I’m embarrassed that I posted those entries. I apologize. I’ve tried to clean them up as best I could, but I’m warning you in advance in case you click on any of them. I also neglected to even write about our last stop in Indianapolis! I threw up a post on RWM today with photos, for those of you who are interested. The other thing I noticed was that I didn’t take many pictures, probably only half of what I usually do. You won’t see many of me either, because the sadness in my eyes was palpable, even in pictures.
Continue reading....
http://thelatchkeymom.com/summer-road-trip-wrap-up-finally/
Road Warrior Momma
Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Day 22 - July 18, 2013
Day 22 – July 18, 2013
Indianapolis, IN – Commerce Township, MI
307 miles/5 hours, 15 minutes
The McGrath House
I tried to persuade the kids to just hit the road this
morning so we’d get to Michigan early, but they weren’t having it. So off to the children’s museum we went.
The kids seemed to have a lot of fun and bounced around from
attraction to attraction. It was very
nice to see them that excited – and, mercifully, to be getting along so
well. I, however, was a bit bored. Granted, I may have deserved it after all
the history I've force fed them.
After they saw everything in the museum and rode the carousal, we were
off. Today the road was extremely boring,
which made for a very long day. I was listening
to a Jon Stewart book, which I got on sale at B&N, because I’ve listened to
all the audiobooks I downloaded when I was last home. It wasn't his best one...snooze.
We got to Kelly’s by 6 p.m.
As we were unloading the car, all the neighborhood kids swarmed us, like
bees on honey. I guess the Smith kids
were “home.” After I discovered two
children I didn’t know in the basement, I sent all children outside to
play. It had been a long day and I
didn’t need, nor want, to be responsible for children I didn’t know, in a house
that wasn’t mine!
Kelly came home and the kids were so excited to see her, and
the feeling was obviously mutual. Kelly
and I caught up and the kids, including Bear, played outside until 9 p.m.! Then showers and bedtime for the kids, after which Kelly and I started Season 2 of Downton Abbey.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Day 21 - July 17, 2013
Day 21 – July 17,
2013
St. Louis, MO –
Indianapolis, IN
270 miles/ 4 hours 15
minutes
Temperature 93
Indianapolis Marriott
East, room 417
Well, we left St. Louis in a blaze of shame. Oh my.
We were packed up, showered and ready to leave by 9a.m. It's become tradition that by the end of the road trip,
I’m strapped for cash and looking for short (cheap) cuts. This hotel cleverly held on to their bell carts. To get a cart, you had to use a
bellman. Well the kids are growing up
and certainly capable of carrying their own bags. Since I once upon a time did work for the
Bell Captain at the Ritz Carlton Naples, I do feel shame at my actions – I
really do. But by having that experience, I
also know that at $2 a bag, I’d be sunk.
So my merry gang of luggage mules and I made it to the elevator
with minimal whining. As the doors were
closing, we heard, “Hold the door please!”
Audrey did so and a pretty young lady entered the elevator. Audrey asked her, “Are you sure you want to ride with us?” We did have a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively. The girl just giggled. Big mistake momma. Five seconds after the doors closed, Hunter
let one rip, loudly! Lord, please help me.
Yes, a repeat of Carlsbad.
Hunter giggled. Audrey yelled
“Hunter!” Then Hunter declared, while
laughing, “I am so embarrassed.” Not as
embarrassed as me, son. He choked out,
“Sorry ma’am, I just couldn’t hold it in!”
Audrey, always having to have the last word, rolled her eyes and
commented, “Check that off his bucket list.”
Please, somebody, help me.
Then, weighed down with all our bags, we tried to regain some dignity and exit gracefully through a side
door, so that the Smith Parade didn’t have to march through the lobby. Well just picture the Three Stooges as we
tried to get through double doors, which were heavy and not automatic. There was a small alcove, about 3ft by 6 ft, with two doors exiting to the parking lot. Again, heavy and manual. Some of the children had rolling bags, some
did. Some of us were just carrying heavy bags. It all just came unglued between the interior and exterior
doors with bags falling, kids tripping, a loud chorus of whining and the hot eastern sun beating down us. We were trapped in that small space, with the temperature at about 105 degrees. It was disastrous. I looked back to the lobby
and saw a group of business men bent over laughing at us, yet the Calvary didn’t come to our rescue. Nice. I held the exterior door open with my bottom
and started tossing bags out to the side walk (along with a few kids) and then we
regrouped outside.
The trip to Indy should have been short, but there was lots
of road construction. We arrived at the Indianapolis
Children’s Museum at 2p.m. ready to have fun, but mom fumbled the time zones,
once again. Apparently Indiana has decided
to join the Eastern Standard Time Zone or observe Daylight Savings (not sure which) and I blew it. The girl asked me (thankfully) if I was sure
I wanted to spend X amount of money for one hour.
I did not.
We’ll return in the a.m.
I drove to the hotel, spouting apologies the whole way. The hotel turned out to be in a horrible
area, but once I entered the hotel doors -Shangri-La. Seriously.
Gorgeous hotel, with a wonderful staff.
Momma very happy.
Finding dinner in the immediate area – not so much. So we ate in the hotel dining room and it was
fantastic. The staff became enchanted
with the kids and delivered four HUGE sundaes to the table after dinner.
Quote of the Day:
Audrey, to the bellman
in Indianapolis, who caught up to us at the hotel elevator, with his empty
cart. “My mom doesn’t like to use you,
because she doesn’t want to tip you.”
Will I ever learn? Do not tell
this child anything you don’t want repeated!
She lost her swimming privileges over that one.
The Lobby of the Indianapolis Children's Museum
Working for their dinner!
A rare moment of peaceful coexistence for Frick & Frack
Dessert!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Day 20 - July 16, 2013
Day 20 – July 16,
2013
Kansas City, MO –
Jefferson City, MO - St. Louis, MO
296 miles/ 4 hours,
15 minutes
Temperature – 93
degrees
St. Louis Airport
Marriott, Rm 6206
I set the alarm for 6 a.m., determined to hit the gym. But
when that alarm sounded, I turned it off and went back to sleep. I don’t know why. In Arizona, I got up every day at 6 a.m., but
for the last few days our mornings have been slow.
Maybe the time zones? I don’t
know, but another day without exercise.
We made it to the Truman Library by 9:30. As we pulled up, I could tell it was going to
be better than Eisenhower’s. Poor Ike,
because it was. Truman's library is much more up-to-date, with a very modern
design, cool displays and lots of video footage. Some of the videos were interactive, where
the kids could answer questions about what they’d do, if they had the same political
problems as Truman. It was funny to see
their answers. They also had a dress-up
section and the kids designed their own campaign buttons. I actually learned quite a bit. Of course I (vaguely) remember learning about
the Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan and the dividing up of Germany post WWI,
but after today, I feel like I really get it.
Warning: you may want to steer clear of me at the next cocktail
party. Also, and perhaps I should be
embarrassed to admit this, but I didn’t really know all the details regarding
the declaration (and recognition) of a Jewish State in Palestine. I knew Israel was formed after the war, but I
had no idea that Britain had occupied the area and gave it up because the country was
broke from WWII. Truman’s endorsement
was huge and the museum alluded that this decision was probably based on his
need for votes in the 1948 election. I
found it extremely surprising that they would even hint at that! Honestly, I think my high school American History
class skated over this particular topic (or I was daydreaming in class).
We paid our respects at Truman’s gravesite and then visited
to the Truman home. Independence is a
very quaint and bustling town, with lots of traffic on the square.
Then we headed east to Jefferson City. Interstate 70 runs directly from KC to St.
Louis and Jefferson City is an hour-long roundtrip detour. I almost skipped it, but that’s what I
did two years ago and I didn’t want to wimp out again. I’m glad I went for it, because the capitol
was very impressive. We had our first glimpse
as we crossed the Missouri River, into downtown Jefferson City - we could see
the rotunda above all the trees. It was
kind of a “wow” moment. Very impressive. Inside was even more amazing. Truly the prettiest capitol I’ve seen so
far. There were many monuments and statues
dedicated to Thomas Jefferson (because of the Louisiana Purchase). Additionally, the Civil War is prominently represented
throughout the capitol and the museum through paintings, statues and displays.
Then we high-tailed it to St. Louis. I decided to stay outside the city, since
we’ve done the downtown area and I wanted avoid the “event” of a downtown city
hotel. I'm not sure I could’ve handled seeing
the bellmen’s faces, when two weeks of dirty clothes fell out of the back as they
opened the hatch. So we’re at the
airport Marriott which is a total throwback property. I love it!
Very art deco Mad Men
style. I half expected Don Draper and
some stewardess to stroll past me.
The kids are swimming in the pool, and I’m seriously considering
room service and a movie. We’ve earned
it. Tomorrow is our last road trip
destination before returning to Michigan.
I’ve decided to pick a kid-friendly activity. They’re all done with state capitol buildings
and presidential libraries. I can’t imagine
why?! Okay, maybe I can…
Quote of the day:
Camden: “I love you, too. That’s all I got.” His response to my “I love you.”
Truman Library
The Truman gravesites.
Bear...thrilled.
Bear looking handsome.
Truman's Oval Office.
The Truman home - the "Summer Whitehouse"
The Missouri State Capitol
Our retro Marriott.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Day 19 - July 15, 2013
Day 19 – July 15, 2013
Oklahoma City, OK – Abilene, KS – Topeka, KS – Kansas City,
MO
429 miles/ 6 hours, 15 minutes
Temperature – 61 degrees when we left OC, OK – 93 when we
pulled into the hotel in KC
Courtyard, Blue Springs MO Room 202
Eisenhower’s boyhood home is on the property and they built the
library and museum around it. The home
is in its original spot, built in the 1800’s.
The Eisenhower Foundation purchased all the surrounding houses over the
years for the library. The property houses
the home, the museum, the research library and the gravesites. It was peaceful and very pretty. I was a little disappointed because the
library was opened in the sixties, and although it is meticulously maintained,
it really hasn’t been updated. The
library features little more than glorified poster boards and a few display cases. Honestly, there wasn’t anything that stood
out. I think the Eisenhower foundation
needs to update it with modern technology and redo the introductory movie with
a little bit of a post-production budget.
Seriously, Kennedy was president for less than three years, right after
Eisenhower, yet his library is light years ahead in terms of size, content and “wow
factor.” As a result, I couldn’t get the
kids engaged. It was sad.
We drove a little over an hour to Topeka, to see the
Capitol. We were surprised to find it completely
engulfed in scaffolding – undergoing a complete refurbishing. Bummer.
That’s what happens when you plan your excursion the night before. Oh well – life on the road has to be flexible.
Another hour and a half to our hotel, a rather dilapidated
property that produced the quote of the day (see below). We got in late and had a subpar dinner at
Olive Garden (never again), although something very cool did happen there. I showed Bear the menu and he said he wanted
Pizza. Hunter was pouting because they
didn’t have French fries, so I dreaded the moment Bear realized he wouldn’t be
getting fries. The waitress was
taking our order and when she got to Bear, he actually told her what he wanted - unprompted by me! Then she asked him if he wanted
broccoli or grapes, as a side. I held my
breath. He answered, “Grapes.” Then checked in with me by looking me right
in the eyes and smiling! Poor server was
baffled by all our reactions! I may stay
on the road forever, if Bear keeps up his behavior (but I’ll ship the other
three home!). For the record, he ate the grapes. We’re back in the room,
planning tomorrow and hoping for much better weather.
Quote of the day:
Camden: As he gazed out the window of our hotel room,
“Oh for flying out loud, we don’t even have a beautiful view. I’m looking at our car!” I think the Camelback Inn spoiled him.
Corn!
Scary conditions!
Where Ike & Mamie are buried.
Ike's boyhood home.
The museum
Downtown Abilene
Kansas state capitol
Monday, July 15, 2013
Day 18 - July 14, 2013
Day 18 – July 14, 2013
Albuquerque NM – Oklahoma City, OK
560 miles/8 hours 15 minutes
Temperature – 100 degrees leaving NM, but at one point 62
degrees (in the rain) in Western Oklahoma
Marriott Courtyard Oklahoma City North, Room 108
LOOOONNNG Day! Wowza. We left Albuquerque at 8:20 A.M. and pulled onto Route 66 in Amarillo, TX about 12:30, with the Rolling Stones singing “Get your kicks, on route 66…”. Trip Advisor had declared this as a "top ten thing to do" in Amarillo. It’s supposed to be a step back in time, to the glory days of Route 66, with shops, antique stores and restaurants. Wha-wha? Seriously I couldn’t believe how dilapidated and depressing it was. The only thing that appeared to be open was a bar that had about 500 motorcycles out front. I was convinced that we were in the wrong place, until we came upon a sign indicating that we were leaving the Historic Route 66 in Amarillo. Total buzz kill. I’ve often daydreamed about taking Rout 66 from Chicago to LA and seeing the cool sights. Sadly, I think it’s no longer possible.
I kept on trucking, heading east across the panhandle of Northern
Texas. Let me tell you – those are some
WIDE OPEN SPACES! Incredible. After we crossed into Oklahoma, the skies
became very ominous. I was more than a
little nervous since we were in tornado country. At one point, it literally looked like I was
driving into Hell. Adding to my uneasy
feeling, there was absolutely no cell coverage.
We made it safely to Oklahoma City and did a quick visit to
the capitol building. Being Sunday, we couldn’t
get inside, which was just as well.
Tensions in the Smith Mobile were high and the car itself seemed
tired. I think this will be her last
summer. She literally is snapping at
me - I turn, she squawks. I fear I’ve put her through too much. It was a bit of a trying day. Cammy was as whinny as I’ve ever seen him and
Aud and Hunter were very combative. Bear
was the only well behaved one and I believe
he’s feeling better!
We went to Longhorn for dinner and everyone ate well. Bear even walked on the wild side – eating
half a filet, in addition to his grilled cheese. As I drove back to the hotel, I saw a Barnes
and Noble. For the record, I haven’t
been in a bookstore in two months! It
was time to go to my happy place. It
worked!!!! I bought some books with
happy covers that I want to read, if and when I have some down time. Thank you Jen! The kids decompressed too. Bear was in heaven reading his favorites,
while Hunter checked out the magazines. Aud
planted herself in front of a Nook and Camden perused the toys, making his birthday
wish list.
Quote of the day:
Camden, as we were
driving down Route 66, “Are we in Radiator Springs?”
Audrey: “Ah, I know things aren’t exactly going well,
but I’m here to tell you that Camden has locked himself in the bathroom stall,
(whispering) 'in the ladies room.' He says
he can’t get out without your help.”
Apparently he forgot how he used to crawl from stall to stall,
regardless of whom was occupying them!
Nothing going on, on Route 66.
Texas Panhandle
Oklahoma State Capitol
See - not happy:(.
Books = happy!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Day 17 - July 13, 2013
Day 17 – July 13, 2013
Albuquerque, NM –
Santa Fe, NM – Albuquerque, NM150 miles/2hours, 15 minutes
Temperature – low 63,
at Sandia Peak, 93 in the valley
Courtyard by Marriott
Albuquerque Airport
I totally overslept, big time. I’ve consistently been getting up at 6 a.m. –
whatever the time zone - but today it was 8:17a.m.! This resulted in some serious
scrambling!
First stop was Sandia Mountain, featuring the world’s
longest tram, which we rode to the top, with an elevation of approximately
10.400 feet. It was rather chilly at
the top, but the views were magnificent!
Believe it or not, there's a restaurant up there (surely for the skiers during the winter
months) where we snacked on chips, salsa and a spicy guacamole. That was our brunch – since we only consumed Kellogg’s
breakfast bars in the room. Life on the
road with just mommy is far different than life on the road with daddy!
On the ride down the mountain, we met a family from
Atlanta! It was a mom and her two
grown children, who were in their 20’s.
The daughter lives in Kennesaw, but works in downtown ATL, the son just
moved to Albuquerque and the parents just retired to NAPLES, FL. What an amazingly small world we live
in! They shared their road trip stories
from when they were kids and told my kids how lucky they were. The son asked if we’d been to Santa Fe and I
replied, “No.” He insisted that I had
too – especially if I was into art. My
wheels started turning.
The tram ride didn’t take as much time as I’d
anticipated. We were planning to visit
Old Town Albuquerque, but it was only 12:30 p.m., so I rallied the troops to
head north to Santa Fe. Thank goodness for my
Trip Advisor app! We were on the square
in Santa Fe by 1:45, where low and behold, there was an art fair. We wondered about, checking everything out – it
was very cool. I saw so many things that
I loved. Art, pottery and jewelry! Unfortunately, it was all surprisingly
expensive. That’s the dichotomy of road
trips – you see some amazing stuff, but you can’t afford to buy any of the
goods, yet if we didn’t travel, we’d be
able to conspicuously consume, but wouldn’t see the cool stuff! Come on
Power Ball!
Then we went to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum which was very,
very cool. Years ago, a friend gave me a
picture book of her art and I love her flower paintings, but her abstract art
and landscapes are just as amazing! She
has an erroneous reputation as a painter of female anatomy – not accurate! Between you and me, I’d always assumed she
was gay. Learn something new every day. It turns out she had a long time love affair
with the photographer and gallery owner, Alfred Stieglitz, who she eventually
married. They we very avant garde for the 1920’s and Stieglitz
photographed nudes of Georgia, which I think may have given them a certain reputation
that resulted in art critics describing her abstracts as sexual. Ms. O’Keefe was very offended by this and
actually stopped painting abstracts for years.
I understand why she was stung by the criticism. In retrospect I think it was a good thing,
because her paintings after that period, especially the landscapes of New Mexico,
are wonderful. Audrey and I both bought
posters that we’re going to frame.
Next we stopped by the state capitol, which was adorned with
more art. So much art! Seriously, it was like a museum. Santa Fe is definitely an artist’s enclave.Then we headed back to Albuquerque – specifically Old Town, which was so-so. There was an abundance of junk shops, mixed with over-the top-priced boutiques and galleries. I couldn’t afford anything I liked, and anything I could afford, I knew wouldn’t make home in one piece!
We had a quick “snack bar” dinner and ice cream, followed by
pool time. We have a big driving day
tomorrow. I’ve rerouted our adventure so
that we’ll be in Detroit by Thursday or Friday. Cammy’s birthday is Friday and it was too
much to think I could throw together a party/cookout in one day, launder all
our clothes, clean the house and pack again, to go back to Michigan. So I’m going to soldier on with my nomadic
ways and continue my summer of running away from my troubles/memories/emotions.
Que Sera Sera.
Quote of the day:
Cammy, in response to something
his sister did: “For flying out loud,
you’ve got to be kidding me.” 
Our ride
From 10, 380 feet above
New Mexico State Capitol Building
Boys will be boys - one of the many interesting pieces of art displayed in the capitol building.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)