Welcome to Billings, Montana, where I have hunkered down to avoid driving on the Interstate during one of the many reported snowstorms traveling around the US of late. If I had planned better, I would have chosen a cozier hotel to get stuck in, and I would have paid attention to where my husband stored the ice scraper in my fully packed Jeep, and I would have brought socks. And I should have planned better because Nunquam Non Paratus—Never Not Prepared—is the ancient motto of my family. I was raised under the plaid and the crest and the motto, yet here I am, sockless in Billings, Montana (not exactly sockless, but the pair I had on when I left Austin, Nevada several days ago needs a good washing, which I will give it, in the sink with my tiny bottle of shampoo. That might mean I’m a little bit prepared).
I haven’t driven much since moving to Austin over five years ago, as it is a compact town and I could walk to my part-time library job and to my beautiful historic church. Also, my guy always drives when we go “to town” to get groceries and supplies in Fallon, a mere 112 miles away. Ah, the open road!
As I mentioned in an earlier post though, Mr. P and I have sold our home in Austin and we’re moving to Michigan. Hence my solo interstate journey. Mr. P and his heroic childhood friend will be coming soon with the moving van, but they will be driving tandem (?), I guess, taking turns sleeping and driving and only stopping for gas and food. I left earlier because I am the world’s slowest driver, and I refuse to drive after dark when everything goes all fuzzy and weird, and also, I am not a morning person. So, I don’t get too far within the slow-motion window of light between say, 11 AM and 6 PM (this time of year).
It was a deeply emotional parting, my leaving Austin. There were library patron visits, homemade cards and cookies, a sumptuous church luncheon, and these amazing gifts (I’m keeping names private as I haven’t asked permission to share):
And now we’ve arrived at the Dreamy Forest Music and Afternoon Spritzers portion of the post, which is a radio station and a white wine spritzer in a plastic glass, but it is lovely, and I feel loved, and safe, and scared and excited all at the same time, because I have left a wondrous place, and I’m off to a new unknown. Wish me luck?
Thanks for the Memories! Remember Bob Hope singing that? It always moistens the eyes. We are all so lucky, you know, to have each other and love each other for as long and as well as we can.
Be well everyone, and safe! I am so grateful for your visit. Where are you, in this wild, wild, harsh and beautiful, sweet and mixed-up world? I’d love to hear about it!
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
Be safe, take your time, enjoy God’s nature.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kathy! I have to say the road between Twin Falls, Idaho up to Butte, MT and then over to Billings was gorgeous! Such beautiful land. Love and hugs to you and all the family!
LikeLike
We took that drive 2 summers ago! Went to glacier national park.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must have been a spectacular trip! I hope to come back to it someday!
LikeLike
Oh, what a trip for you! So many changes in your life, new scenery. I hope all goes well. Here in southern Wisconsin we’re waiting for the big storm, and the bands of predicted snow keep changing upstate and here. We’re either getting rain and snow, or up to 8 or more inches of snow and slush, and in the north it’ll be a foot. Right now it’s sunny and 40. This is Wisconsin in March and I love it because March has true personality that you can talk back to, LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it! Personality that you can talk back to! I am hoping that I will be up to the challenge!
LikeLike
I absolutely LOVE that book quilt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! Isn’t it gorgeous? I couldn’t even speak! So much love and talent and generosity there. It humbles me.
LikeLike
Your previous life sounds amazing and I loved your gifts. Hope you enjoy the Michigan winters as much as the delightful summers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too! I was just walking back from the restaurant here in Billings in the snow and I was reminded of what my new winters will be like. We got snow in Austin at 6,700 feet elevation and in central NV, but the winters will be longer in Michigan for sure. I cannot get over the beautiful gifts my time in Austin brought me. So much!
LikeLike
Safe journey and happy new beginnings 🍃💖🌸 Stay cozy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! You as well! Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that tartan! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! My dad was always so proud. It would be amazing to go to Scotland someday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s truly a marvellous and unique place. I loved every inch of the country when I visited a few years ago. 🏴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone I know who visited there loved it. I wish I knew more about my grandfather… Why he left … Who was left behind. He died in America when he was still so young. My dad was only four. He had a lovely name. William McCulley Johnstone. I’m not sure that’s the correct spelling of the middle name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to new adventures. Leaving a place where your friends are is difficult. My wife wants us to get a second home in South Dakota, closer to our grandson. I understand the longing to see him more, but I also know she would hate the summer heat and winter cold. We’re spoiled where we live because it’s pretty mild all year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
South Dakota is definitely a more dramatic climate than you have where you live, Pete. If affordable, it might be a delightful place for a second home near your grandson, though. I hope you find the best answer for the two of you. Culture shock, climate shock–all of that is very real. I wouldn’t give up my time in Austin for anything, and the same goes for the other places I’ve lived. I miss them all! Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, California and now Michigan. All wonderful! But all took some time to adjust to. Learned so much! Best of luck deciding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh,Lori!!! Could be some nasty weather for you this weekend! We’re expecting 6 inches starting tomorrow afternoon. Drive safe and if need be, stay put. Keep in touch, my little cousin ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m safely ensconced in a roadside hotel in Billings and will proceed slowly again tomorrow if conditions permit. Thanks for you love, sweet Lois. Please don’t worry! With love, Lori
LikeLike
Love you! May each day bring Blessings. Keep safe and wishing you godspeed and goddess speed. So glad men and kitties joining you. Wonderful art and quilt and hugs and smiles…
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Mermaid! How wonderful to have you here! Thank you for all of your wonderful, good wishes. It’s going slowly as I expected, although I didn’t think I would be in the same town for three days. The snow is falling much more lightly now, so I could leave, but I’ve already paid for tonight. I do love the absolute quiet. Love you!
LikeLike
Good luck with the new chapter in your life. May it be an excellent one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I do love to think of it as a new chapter unfolding. So much fun to turn each page!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the update, dear Lori — and continued safe travels. New adventures await…sending all my love!
❤️😉❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vicki! So many adventures! My darling brother always said, “Life is fun, if you let it be.” I was a serious little child who wanted to be goofy, I think, and he knew it. I am excited to hear more about your new book! With love and appreciation for you and all you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…xo! ❤️
I love your brother’s philosophy – good words right there!!!
My heart is with you as your travels continue! Loved the photos in your post (forgot to say that!).
Much love! Much love! ❤️😉❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My brother was a sweet soul. Thank you! Much love coming your way, too! XXXOOO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Received!!! ❤️😉❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
That quilt is amazing! Glad to hear you were given a great send-off. Sunday will be a bad day to travel in MN, if that’s on your route, but today is good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Marie! You can imagine how flabbergasted I was! It’s such a beautiful quilt from beautiful friends! I have been staying in Billings, MT for a few days and plan of heading out tomorrow (Sunday). I’ll probably land somewhere in North Dakota tomorrow, depending. March is so dramatic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow – what an adventure! The pictures of your gifts and luncheon show how much you were appreciated and loved. Good-byes are such an important part of getting ready for the next part of the journey. Here’s to the next chapter! Drive safely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Wynne! You’re so right about good-byes (as much as I hate them!). I’m lucky that I will have time when I get to Michigan to sit down and write letters to all of the loving friends who gave me such a heartfelt leaving. This next chapter is already interesting, with the March winds and snowstorms along the road. I bet Spring is going to be a gorgeous explosion of color before I know it! Have a beautiful weekend!
LikeLike
I know how hard it is to say goodbye to good friends and a beloved town/city. I’ve done it three times and it’s bittersweet. But each move brings new life, new friends, a change that is good to keep us moving and learning and growing. Much luck to you as you get settled in your new home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It’s been very hard. I am happy to see your perspective. Moving and growing. I will try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Lori! It sounds like you are having (or had) quite the adventure! I am like you – I don’t like driving after dark (or ever, really! Ha!), and am not a morning person, either, so your travel schedule was exactly how I would have done it, as well! I can understand how emotional it must have been for you to leave Austin. I also believe that you will find new enjoyments, and wonderful people and adventures in Michigan (which I understand is a very beautiful state!)! Wishing you well in your new location, and hopefully no more sockless adventures in winter! Ha! The winter here in Massachusetts has been way too-long this year (snow on the ground since the first week in December!), and I am looking forward to more sunshine and warmth again! Love your kitties, by the way! Take good care!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Anita! I am still in the middle of my moving to Michigan adventure. It is so comforting to know that I am not alone in my oddish travel habits! I look forward to a beautiful spring, as you do. Massachusetts is a state I’ve always wanted to visit. It looks beautiful and the history is so interesting. Thank you, too, for loving my kitties. They are a gorgeous bunch of fur and fury and trouble. 😹💗I look forward to hearing more about your adventures! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re driving schedule sounds like mine. 🙂 How have I gotten so old that my night vision has gone bad?
What beautiful gifts! I wish you safe journeys and success and happiness in your new home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It happens to the best of us, I think, JeanMarie—and rather quickly it seems! It almost feels like a betrayal. I always had faults, but my vision was good enough. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alfonso! I appreciate it!
LikeLike
I can hardly wait to hear about your new Adventures Lori! You have the kind of spirit that brings friends and joy and love where ever you go. 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rose! You are so wonderful! I am so grateful to have met you here! 💞💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person