Cousins

Yep, still on the road. I have just days left. Days, through temperatures as high as 107 degrees. Days that can feel like years.

Actually, it hasn't been that bad so far. I was ready to book it on home on interstates, when I realized I was literally minutes away from my aunt in New Mexico. Whumpy as I was, I didn't want to inflict myself on anyone else, but I hadn't seen her in almost 10 years, and I'd never visited her home. I pushed myself on down the hill, and forced myself to slow down, once again.

And I'm so glad I did. For the first time ever, I had good timing. They had the weekend off, and were able to take me around, show me Colorado mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and mining towns. And they had a hot tub. And they fed me, and gave me a cool place to sleep with much head room. It was the first time I had spent any serious time with them, and it was neat seeing all the similarities.

I was always jealous of my friend in highschool that was related to half of the town; my family was always off by ourselves. Our closest relatives lived about 8 hours away, so contact was pretty limited. I used to fantasize about having cousins. That's it, just having cousins. I even liked the word. It sounded exotic. Well, I know a cousin now. With an aunt and uncle to boot. It's strange how they have such similar interests, despite lives led hundreds of miles apart.

My uncle has a business putting finishing touches on cars, vinyl pinstriping and such. He kindly took a look at Tach (who is just fine, I think it was just my whumpiness rubbing off on him), and noticed my Hot Wheels flames steering wheel cover. He asked me if I wanted a few more flames.

Yessir, Tach has silver flames and pinstripes on his sides now. He's so vain. He's been strutting his stuff all morning. I probably don't help anything by purring and petting him every time I see his outside. He's just so cute!

We visited another uncle in a nursing home nearby this morning, and then I headed out towards the desert. I only made it as far as the Petrified Forest. It was cool and rainy, and I couldn't help but linger, taking a couple hikes, and stretching the day as far as I could. Tomorrow will be soon enough to hit the serious desert. I am going to enjoy one more night in a cool truck before then.

Comments

[amy]

That is so cool you did that.. took the time (and energy) to look up some rellies. Good for you, I'm sure they enjoyed re-meeting you. Great souvenier for the Tach too!

[Rachael]

dude, that's like Tach getting a tattoo to commemorate his travels. Hey, you gonna do that?

[Nancy]

Been thinking of you, Bethany, and hoping you were doing okay. I feel almost guilty that it's remained cool here in New Hampshire -- lots of thunderstorms, though! I'm glad you got to NJ -- I spent high school close to the NJ border of NE Penn., so got to go to some of the wonderful tackiness a lot. I'm glad Lucy is still in Margate -- she was in danger a few years back of being torn down.