Loving this trip alone. Some interesting country we have. Nice people. I passed a whole farm of Sunflowers that looked really cool. Wish I could have slowed down for a picture.

I’m checking in on Foursquare, which updates on my Facebook page if you really want to keep track of my travels.

Maybe I’ll pick up a biker in Sturgis. Hmmm…..

We’re leaving in a bit to go camping. No computer (ack!) and likely my phone will die before the weekend is out because I forgot my car charger in my car.

And my car is at the repair shop because my 7th cylinder is retarded. Let’s hope that turns out to be a slight and only temporary retardation.

Anyway. Tubing, Strongbow, campfire, tents, the whole shebang. Should be fun… right?

The trip up was just constant. I’d planned on taking my time and exploring a bit, seeing roadside attractions and what-fer. But realistically, I drive like a maniac. I’d pull over long enough to slap together a sandwich or take a nap and then continue on as fast as I could get away with. Completely missed most of Colorado (which I REALLY wanted to see) because it was dark.

Imanidiot.

Actually, with no A/C it was just too hot most of the time. Too hot to stop and wander around, too hot to sleep in the car, too hot. Plus you get to smell more of America than you really want to. I counted 7 skunks in Arizona and New Mexico. Kansas and Nebraska – of which I took mostly back roads – smells like cows shit and corn. Except Omaha smells like chocolate chip cookies… and then dog food.

The stretch between Omaha and Des Moines is some of the most beautiful country I’ve seen. Once I got past the rain, it’s all hills and green and beautiful old but nicely kept farms.

I got here Friday afternoon after spending the night in a room north of Des Moines. I needed a decent night’s sleep and a shower by then. Cara just kept smiling at me. It’s amazing how we only see each other about once a year but it’s just like we’re neighbors. Thank you Internet for such a great friend.

Until she tried to kill me.

Kidding. She’d bought one of those full-sized blowup beds and thought she’d aired it out enough, but not for sensitive old me. I didn’t notice the fumes until I was in it and too tired to venture far. So by morning I was guppying for air and by nightfall I was in the local VA emergency room. Much better now with my own (different brand – no fumes) blowup mattress in my own cat-free room.

Sunday was spent at the Ren Fest. Hot, humid, fun. Hung with Wickedgroovy Heather too. Pictures up on Flickr.

Pretty much vegging this week while she’s at work. It’s nice to just sit, even WITH all the drama going on at home. I can’t do much so they’re all handling their issues on their own. But that’s for another post.

Tonight is my tweetup. I’ll see old friends and spend time getting to know a couple more IRL strangers/virtual friends.

Tomorrow we’ll plan out the weekend which will include tubing, and may include State Fair? Horseback Riding? Camping? Movies? Dunno.

I should probably leave Monday morning. And my hoped-for second half of a vacation… the SEXcation doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. He’s not in Cincinnati anymore and I really don’t want to venture further East. That just make the drive back that much further too. Dammit.

Other than that I’m having a great time!

Fun fun sitting here with no deodorant on because as soon as I’m done with this I have to venture to Phoenix for another mammogram. Then kill an hour before the stupid allergy testing my doctor insisted I get, followed by a visit to the allergist himself.

All while driving around in this heat with no air conditioning. Some small yet vital part of the automatic directional flow thingy in the deep dark recesses of my dashboard decided to die. The A/C works fine it just doesn’t blow into the cabin thankyouverymuch.

And I’m doing this stupid post on my phone cuz I forgot to grab my laptop.

Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow I leave.

The first weekend I’m going to their Ren Fest.

While I’m in Minneapolis I’m hosting a tweetup, but you don’t have to be on twitter to come. You can see the invite HERE and let me know if you want to join us.

The next weekend we’re going camping. SHF. Sacred Heart Festival? I dunno, she’s all pagan and shit so I think that’s what it is. All I know is there’s probably Strongbow because she’s the one who started me on the stuff.

After that… well… I might be heading a bit more East. I’m not sure yet. The person I want to see isn’t sure about his plans yet. Maybe.

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This is funny. People keep alternating between calling me an idiot for wanting to drive and suggesting places for me to check out on the way. I want to drive. I want to see some of this country and this is as good a time as any. I know I’ll likely be tired and sore, but I seriously HATE flying so much I’d rather drive. I’m hoping my car will get me through all right.

I swear sometime in the conversations with my son and his roommates about this fucking apartment, I was told utilities were included. Then at some point someone mentioned the electric bill, right? So I knew about the electric. So a couple of days ago Shane called me to remind me to get the gas turned on because he was getting it out of his name next week.

Gas? For what? Hot water and heat in the winter. Shit. I’ve never had to pay for gas before. Sign up online? Sure no problem except I HAVE TO CALL THEM. So why bother having the online sign-up if you can’t start your service that way? Dumb fucks. So I call and guess what? I have to go downtown Phoenix and show them my ID and lease. WTF. Great, Tuesday I have to be downtown at the VA Medical Center all day so I’ll go then.

Then yesterday I get an electric bill. Meter read 8/3 though 8/9 = 362 kWh. What the fuck? That’s $60 for 6 days. I don’t fucking think so.

Old apartment: rent, utilities included: $782

New apartment: rent: $595. Electric at this rate $300 Gas: who the fuck knows.

Again, I’m fucked over.

Good thing it’s only a 6-month lease. This is bullshit. I need to figure out what the fuck is going on with this electric bill. The A/C is not on all the time, I barely cook and I have one light on in the living room.

This is my evil favorite so far. I wonder how long she can keep this series going, but I’m really enjoying the ride.  Just another happy daily in my Google Reader.

I have this in my Google Reader so every morning I get a little smile or outright laugh. You should too.

I want to print about four of these comics out and put ‘em up on my wall.

And don’t forget The Guild Season 4 is already up to episode 4. If you haven’t been watching The Guild, you should. Go back and start from the beginning. The episodes are fairly short.

Two thumbs up!