The title of this blog is the title of a Rolling Stones song that concerns Bakersfield, CA. I’m an ‘Out Of Control’ Stones fan and I’m in Bakersfield just to spend the night, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to use the title. The blog isn’t about anyone’s eyes, far or near. 🙂
I’ve been away from blogging almost a week and I must be rusty because this is the third time now that I’ve tried to post. I hope it’s true what they say…’ The third time is a charm.’
I spent about a week parked next to the home of my gracious hostess Terri. She was such a help to me with the dogs, and made it possible for me to do all my chores and errands and see friends too. Terri and I got in plenty of visits, I was able to visit my mom many times, celebrate her 90th birthday with my son Jason, and soon to be daughter in law Mandy, have coffee with friends I used to work with, see Laura and Joel ( of Joel Pole fame!), get the 30,000 mile servicing on JR, and get my glasses fixed. You may remember they were severely scratched when I fell about a month ago. It turns out that they were guaranteed not to scratch so I was able to get free replacement lenses, another blessing to be grateful for.
When I left Terri’s house I went on to visit my friend Mary. Our friend Marian joined us and we had a scrumptious vegan dinner…pizza, chili beans, salad, lots of snacks, and Mary’s apple crisp. Later Mary and I sat in the hot tub with a full moon shining down on us. Heavenly, to say the least.
It was so good to see EVERYONE. There were people I really wanted to see and wasn’t able to…but next month we’ll get together.
For now, we’re Texas bound, looking forward to the Casita Rally. Two hundred miles down and 1600 to go! I hope you will travel with us…we enjoy your company…and your comments!
Wandering Spirit 
Where in Texas? Look forward to travelling along with you. Safe travels !
Hi Caroline, it’s in Grapeland TX, which is near Crockett. If that doesn’t help, It’s south of Dallas, but I don’t have my TX map handy so I’m not sure how far south. Reine, you probably know…?
Ok, every time I say/think/write “Grapeland” I start singing “Graceland” in my head. (Paul Simon).
“I’m going to Grapeland, Grapeland, Grapeland, TN. Texas doesn’t fit for TN, so I changed it to ‘for to see’.
So now are you singing it too, Caroline? :-)))
Of course I know. I’m sitting at my computer and I can check Mapquest 🙂 Grapeland is about 150 or 160 miles southeast of Dallas, depending on which part of Dallas you’re coming from. It’s far enough south that coming from California you can go across Texas and get to Grapeland without going through the DFW Metroplex with its yucky traffic. Just be aware that you’re going to be going ACROSS Texas for a LOT of miles.
Oh. Yup, I could have done that. :-).
Except I’ve been using Google Maps….which tells me I need to go 266 miles today to get to Needles. There is just nothing at around 200 miles today, or anywhere near that, so I’m getting an earlier start.
heck, I could have easily looked it up too:>) Just needed the name.
Can I ask why you chose the rally in Texas? The rallies seem to occur regularly and in different locations. There must be something special about this one.
I sure like the fiberglass TT’s but I can’t get past the wet bathroom. I’ll be hitting the road in 3 yrs when I retire so I’m still looking. I’m always drawn to the Escape or Casita but that darn wet bath .
Well the reason I chose the Pine Knot Rally is long to explain but the short version is that it is the first one that I CAN attend, and I need some mods done and Larry Gamble will be there to do them! 🙂
got it. I’ll wait to see what the mods are. thx
Glad you had a nice visit! Can’t wait to hear all about the Lone State!
Hi Deb, nice to see you here. :-). Not long enough to see everyone, yet I was itching to get on the road again.
Have a great trip!!!! I’m Glad your visit was full And complete and happy For you that you are ready To be “on the road again”
Doug and Peggy
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Peggy and Doug! We are out in your neck of the woods now….somewhat….and we are sitting in WS with the air conditioning blasting at warp speed. We won’t come out till the sun goes behind….something…anything. Whew, it’s hot!
I’m excited you’re coming to Texas! You’re going to be going through lots of familiar territory to me. Anxious to read all about your adventures and perspective!
Have you lived in Texas, or do you live there now?
I’ve flown into Texas before (Hi Linda!). And I’ve driven through part…I don’t remember where. All I remember about the drive is hearing what I thought were wolves howling in the evening. Maybe it was coyotes. All I know is that I wanted to howl with them!
Except for a brief time in second grade I have lived in Texas all my life. I’m originally from the Abilene area, but have lived in the DFW metroplex for the last five years. I really love deep West Texas…Fort Davis, Alpine, etc. Plenty of howling coyotes there! But have been all over. Lots to love about Texas and lots of different landscapes.
Yes large states are like that aren’t they? You get a variety with landscapes and weather, good to know that is where you are!
So wonderful to see you – but it’s funny, we would see you every couple of months anyway, so going back to your old neighborhood and seeing you there was kinda like you hadn’t been gone at all. I know you’re out adventuring, I do, but it’s just a funny thing. What we’ll have to do is fly out and visit you when you’re someplace else, then we’ll really understand that you’re on the road! 🙂
hugs and love L&J
Oh Laura it was wonderful to see you! Well we did get together on Bainbridge Island, however briefly….but yes, it would be great to meet somewhere sometime. Maybe this winter….
Love you and hugs back!
I hope you are taking the Avoid Highway route. That would put you in Wickenburg, AZ tonight and Show Low, AZ tomorrow night. Then Socorro & Roswell, NM with Snyder, and Waco in TX before arriving in Grapeland. Have a great trip!
Ed, I sent her the “avoid the interstate” route starting at Santa Rosa, NM so she can meander across Texas without getting run over on I20 or I10.
All I know is that I have no desire to maneuver through DFW with WS any time of the day or night. I’m following the Reine Route to Grapeland. Maybe I’ll think about the Ed Route on the way back.
Interstate 40 may not be the most scenic but it’s the fastest/shortest way to get from California thru most of New Mexico. If you’re posting, I’m guessing you made it to Flagstaff. I was glad to see you posting earlier today cause it meant you were taking a break. Yep, I tend to be a “mother hen” when my friends are on the road.
Hens are wonderful mothers! 🙂
Yes I left at 7:30 this morning because I had farther to drive than usual. I’m finding I like getting where ever I’m going on the early side. I’m mostly only driving half a day. That seems to be plenty!
Hope you have made an “appointment” with Larry for PineKnot. It’s best to do that, but I’m sure he will fit you in due to your distance driving….he is a great guy! Sorry I won’t get to meet you as a solo Casita sister, but a group of solos are all going to Hot Springs Arkansas that same week and I decided to join them this year. You will have a wonderful time! Sandy -the PK host always points the solos my direction so tell her you and I have “visited”! I’m sure Reine will find you and she is very knowledgeable too. Relax and enjoy the group! Joan aka Latte
Hi Latte! Glad to find you here! Darn that means I won’t meet you and a lot of other solos. There will be another time…
Well, I first contacted Larry about doing mods for me on Feb 14! I told him my time frame and he suggested instead of bringing WS to his shop, I should come to Pine Knot, and that’s how this trip all began. 🙂