There are no words

How to write about the "Greatest Trip Ever" seems impossible.  My goal is for any who read this to sense how extremely happy I was bouncing around on very bumpy roads and once in awhile on a paved road.  Rich was the perfect travel companion as he never seemed to think that there was any off the road drive that would be too much for me - I am so grateful that he didn't coddle me.  Thus I saw such interesting sites.  If I can manage to get pictures added to this you will get a sense of the incredible beauty of some areas and the fascination of other areas.
I attempted to keep a list of wild and not so animals that we saw.  The numbers were far less than we had expected but here goes.  In the 'we saw one catagory" are an antelope, a deer, a Western Burrowing Owl, a desert tortoise, the back half of a coyote (it was entering a cave), 4 wild horses, 4 burros(small donkeys), lots of lizards, rabbits and ground squirrels, 3 chickens and possibly a vampire chicken and a F16 Fighter Jet.  I will add that Rich helped in identifying some of these creatures.  Oh, yes, Rich saw a "very fast" rattle snake.  We also saw one enormous windfarm blade being hauled through Beattie.
I am trying to figure out what was the best of the bests and it seems impossible.  One highpoint was coming across the Emigrant Pass Road - this was East of the White Mountains - the multicolored hill sides were so beautiful.  The drive in heavy snowfall as we headed to Bishop - and on 80 as we headed home.  Probably Titus Canyon was the most amazing.  It took 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive the 16 miles to reach the canyon and 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the 8 miles actually through the canyon.  It is impossible to describe Titus Canyon - I can only advise that you put it on your list of future trips.  Unfortunately, my camera stopped taking pictures midway.  I was disappointed in Death Valley as I expected to see a valley filled with all kinds of cacti - not!
Oh, I almost forgot the music - especially Rich's beloved music from "American Idiot".  I cannot say that I really enjoyed it but I am glad that I heard it once! 

Home again - boo-hoo!

Hi, to all - I will write my version of the great journey when I am able to think.  Suffice to say at this point is that it was an absolutely wonderful adventure.  More another day - or night - or whatever. 

Such a problem!

I have discovered that claiming brilliance leads to recognizing ignorance and thus writing a blog is nigh on impossible.  Then there is Greg who has been stuck welding for weeks now.  Janet pops on scene rather rarely - Shellie even more rarely and Karen seems lost in the world of blogging.  Rich posts pictures which leaves us totally using our imaginations re his life!  However, since I will be off on a vacation to some of my favorite places I think it rather nice to let you know that I am happily planning my wardrobe etc. for the great journey.
Tonight Satish is preparing a genuine Indian dinner for all of us.  He is such a delightful man that I am deter- mined to chew up and swallow gracefully whatever he prepares.  I am really grateful to know him and am enjoying learning bits and pieces about India.  As roommates goes he get an A plus.
Well, I do believe that I need to change my blog title and so am opening up a fantastic contest - "Name Gramcie's Blog" - the prize - well, perhaps just wonderful satisfaction that you (whoever you are) did it!
I am considering "Gramcie's Not So Brilliant Foolishness" but am sure that there is a more creative solution.  Love to all of you - M/G

Excellent advice!

Continuing my effort to prove that I am brilliant, I thoughtfully bring to each of you some valuable advice for which there is no charge.  If  Rich is driving you from Point A to Point B be ready, willing and able to also add Points C,D,E,F,G,J and possibly K and maybe L, M, N, O and P as well as Q,R,S,T,U,V,X,Y and Z.  That's alot of points BUT it proves that I know the alphabet.  I can also promise you that you will see countrysides, mountainsides, lakesides, streamsides as well as sides that are of absolutely no interest.

Well, you have all probably figured out that my new life style has opened up great new adventures for me to pursue.  Who knows what will be next?  I would ask for suggestions but find I am fearful of what they might be. 

Oh, my

Rich does not approve of my changing the title of my blog.  He does not understand that never have I been referred to as brilliant and so I am determined to have you all discover my brilliance.(Did I spell that right?)

So. I must have a brilliant statement of the day - aha!  "There's a lot to be said in favor of procrastination."  I cannot actually claim ownership of the quote but I can claim ownership of proving the absolute truth of it.  In fact, I have spent most of my life proving how true it is.

I actually do miss Rich - no one to boss me around - how boring!  Love to all, C/G 

Home Again

Rich just dropped me off in my domicile - we had quite a journey from Shellie and Jeff's.  First we stopped by to say "Hi" to Jeff's parents.  Apparently we took the easy route - what ever, it was beautiful.  Then we headed for Davis - certainly not via the most direct route - for instance, we drove around Lake Whatchacallit and saw a great deal of "yet to be discovered California."  We had lunch with Janet - a very special event.  Then we headed every wrong direction that Rich could find but did, quite by accident, arrive at my home sweet home.
Friday and Saturday we also had a great time rambling hither and yon - as Rich's pictures indicate.  I am absolutely stuffed with beautiful views, trees, flowers and peacocks.
I am happy to say that Rich is doing quite well - he is attempting to not be on his feet too much - he has no problem driving.  I went over to take care of him - he was not nearly as demanding as I had hoped he would be - I so wanted to be useful!
Oh, yes - Julie joined Shellie and me for lunch while Rich was having surgery - last Monday!  It seems more like a month or two ago.
It was quite a week!  Love to all!

On the road again

Rich and I are heading for Shellie's so that I can take care of Rich following his surgery on Monday.  I suspect it will entail trying to keep him off his feet (and I will win at Scrabble just to keep him humble!).  I did have to edit Rich's attempts to change my blog.  Karen and Barry will be here soon (Rocklin) and we are having lunch before heading westward.