Let’s see, it has been about two years since I’ve traveled outside this valley on my own initiative, in my own car and on my own dime. That’s a very long time. It isn’t because I’m a pathetic homebody who doesn’t like to venture out. I am a homebody and I love having and creating a sense of “home” and enjoying an actual place that feels that way is one of the things in life I am most grateful for. It is true that I will not leave home for just anyone and anything, but I am generally up for an adventure and I love to be out and about, especially if the company is good.
If you really want to know all the gory, sad, miserable, whiny details about why I haven’t been able to leave the Place in two years you can go back and re-read all my posts here and at my other blog Random Musings of the Wild Mind to learn about all the tragic events in my life, the last couple of years. (Like who cares?) I’m not going to review them here. Suffice it to say, I needed to get out of town like this much earlier than I did. Wow. I can’t believe how wonderful that escape was.
I was unable to have escapes of any kind during the last two years because of finances and some mysterious streak of really bad fortune when it came to cars. It seemed every time I got in one of my vehicles for a while they ended up needing a new motor or dropping a differential. Talk about making you really insecure about going anywhere–that was me. Then when gas prices soared making driving my SUV impossible on my budget (while my Toyota was in the shop) I just stayed home.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday I drove 90 minutes to a small burg north of my town to visit a friend and to go wine tasting. My car drove beautifully (the one that recently had a new engine put in) and the trip cost me $6 in gas. The car did not break down, over heat or die on me. This inspired feelings of gratitude and relief. Finally, I can maybe begin to think about being mobile again.
As I drove home today with clear skies overhead and temperatures in the mid 50’s, it wasn’t hard to imagine what summer could possibly be like for me this year. I actually have a working fuel efficient vehicle. My post divorce financial situation continues to improve thus giving me greater amounts of discretionary spending each month. I imagined myself hopping in the car this summer, children in tow or not depending upon the parenting plans, camera at my side and camping gear stowed in the back traveling around with the kids taking pictures and simply having fun together. Wow. That kind of thinking hasn’t been anywhere near practical for me in so long. It feels good. It feels hopeful.
I can hardly wait for summer!
