Day #1, on the way to Mississippi

Let me begin by saying there are worse ways to spend a day than traveling thru the Shenandoah Valley! The scenery is spectacular, and made the time pass quickly.

It's been a while since I had so much time to pay attention to my surroundings. I don't get much "down" time in general, and so I think I was extra tuned in - at least for me- to the things going on around me. That probably sounds hilarious to some of you! Those who know me know that I can be bubbleheaded when I have too many things on my plate. Today my head was firmly planted on my shoulders. Maybe I should drive around at length more often!

I left NJ with a 4x8 u-haul of items given to the relief effort by State Farm associates in the state of NJ. It's not a lot when you think of the scope of the destruction, but given that we had just over 24 hours to put it together, it was a solid gesture. They sent me off with a bang..I felt like I was doing the right thing.

Nick was very concerned about my management of the uhaul, and getting South safely. I cried a bit when I left...It's hard to say goodbye when you are going so far alone, but Nick is such a good husband and wants me to do what I think in my heart is the right thing to do. So he did what he could to make the trip easy...And called me a lot today to see how I was progressing.

Today seemed to divide itself into Thumbs up and thumbs down things....
Thumbs Up to:
NICK!!!
Tracy Kunz who called me to wish me well..thank you!
The Shenandoah valley- God knew it was a spectacular creation when it was made.
State Farm associates who made me feel like family.
XM radio! (did you know that most of the songs by 80's band ABC are identical melodies with different words?)
The McDonald's Corporation- for a number of very convenient rest stops along the way!
Gas at 2.95 a gallon!
Gas at 2.81 a gallon!
Alison Krause and Union Station on the CD
A vivid imagination that kept my mind occupied.
Bottled water
NO LOCKS ON ICE containers at gas stations in VA! ( Hey, in NJ we lock EVERYTHING)
Santa Barbara Olive company jalapeno stuffed olives
Virginia Peanut company wasabi peanuts
The listserve! I thought of you all a lot today!

Thumbs down:
Tractor trailers on route 78 in PA
Tractor trailers on route 81 in Pa
Tractor trailers in general...
Smoking in VA restaurants! ( Okay, I'm a spoiled NJ/NY girl when it comes to this... Smoking is banned for us in most restaurants, but apparently not in tobacco country)

As you can see, it was a good day....

Will log in tomorrow. I made it to Salem VA, so I did well on travel. Hope tomorrow is as kind.
Audrey Jankucic
Beta Psi 1979