We will begin our new year at our Tucson home with a lot of things needed to prepare it for the first of its seasonal renters coming after we leave at the end of January. A lot of little and some bigger things go wrong with a home especially an older one. It is nice for us to be able to do this when here even if it's being hired done.
To get here, we pulled our vacation trailer down the middle of California. Even with shorter driving days, it was unpleasant to say the least. I-5 in California is not well maintained with lots of uneven portions and bad patches. We hardly saw a patrol car the whole time going south, and they closed several of their rest areas which made me think it's budget cuts. Of course, I am guessing.
Lots and lots of traffic heading toward LA with a lot of nuttiness which is multiplied when it's that many cars. Then a windstorm with 40-50 mph gusts between Barstow, CA and Bouse, AZ two of our overnight stays. For the nighttime stops, the trailer was far better than motels, nice RV parks all the way (finding a Good Sam is a tip for well-maintained sites just off the freeways). Anyway we are here. Hopefully by the time we start home we'll be recovered from this drive enough to do it all again ;)
Anyway I am excited about entering the new year from Tucson, one of my favorite places in the West. It was great to be here last night, and the cats will eventually forgive us for taking them. One of them has to learn to stay off tables... Guess which.
For those interested in astrology, 2014 begins with a new moon, rather unusual; but nobody is saying hugely significant. I get emails that go into what is expected, and I thought others might find [this one interesting]. It was forwarded from Stephanie St. Claire a Tucson psychic who I met some years back. I think they are fun to read for the energy to be expected based on planetary influence (or natural cycles). I don't base my life choices on astrology but in this case, I am feeling this is going to be a good year ahead.
May it be so! And Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with being positive. Love the look of the Tucson place. You are starting the year on a high note!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you too, rain. We were also very happy to wave good bye to 2013.
ReplyDeleteOn our most recent trip back from southern California, we drove north on Highway 99. We did that because we really don't like I-5. It's too bleak and weird. 99 is a well-traveled road, and the rest-stops are quite nice. It parallels I-5 through the San Joaquin Valley.
We are only on 99 around Bakersfield and although the surface seemed to be better maintained, the traffic was hectic. I remember driving it for years when it was the only option. I actually like the view from I-5 with the fruit trees and rolling hills but the road surface is terrible. I thought maybe having a 'progressive' governor who perhaps thinks people should not drive so much and should fly everywhere might be a factor ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the interior of your Tucson house.
ReplyDeletethank you, Hattie. I've always thought we probably have similar taste. I have some blogs on the house if anyone wants to see more and will have to post the links sometime. I love being in this house but Blackie hasn't yet decided it's home for the three weeks we will be here.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a ton of work on 5 and 99 the last couple of years, but still plenty more to do since they were neglected for so long.
ReplyDeleteOur progressive governor is putting all our money in the train from Bakersfield to Fresno. $68Billion at last estimate. So in 20 years when it is done, you could drive down to Fresno and get on it and ride to Bakersfield then rent a car for the rest of the trip to Tuscon. What a waste of money. We could spend a few billion on fixing I-5 and it would help the economy and serve millions more people and keep us from going totally broke for a pipe dream.
Of course, you also have to credit those who always vote down taxes, ingineer, but I have thought also that when somebody thinks we should fly everywhere, they don't value freeways. And boy does it show but it's taken more than one governor to get here...
ReplyDeleteYou are correct about more than one governor. The first time moonbeam was governor he stopped all new freeway projects and said we were all going to ride buses and bicycles. California's highway system is still feeling the effects of that plan. Many people are killed each year on 2 lane roads that were planned to be freeways in the 1960's but have never been built thanks to the politicians taking the money for something else.
ReplyDeletePS we have the highest income tax, the second highest sales tax and also property and other taxes so I think we pay plenty here in taxes, but the politicians do not manage it well.
but when they come at you for taxes dedicated to the roads, like gasoline tax increases, do they pass? That's what made a difference in Oregon's roads.
ReplyDeleteYou might find fault with a Jerry Brown but what did your party put up against him? Often it's someone who wants to end gay marriage, block abortion, send the poor back to poor houses. Try running a reasonable Republican... oh wait, right now, they don't exist or can't get a start in any race ;) Certainly Schwarzenegger didn't help your state on roads or if he had, you'd not have them in such a terrible state. It really is sad that they would be in such condition :(. Sure doesn't make a person inclined to drive through the state... but maybe for some (the wackos on environment) that's just fine.