I raced off to AC Moore to find some yarn. Had a hard time picking colors, but finally settled on these browns.

Meanwhile, back at home, I was sneaking around knitting whenever Amy was out or sleeping. (She was home for a two week vacation from college.) Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get it done before she left.

Fortunately we were meeting up at Auntie V & M's for the long Memorial Day weekend, so she got this nice, cute, cuddly guy!!

So, Amy decided to use her culinary skills and WOW! us once again. She found this cool recipe (I'm assuming on the web, since that's where she spends a lot of her time, and where she seems to find all of her recipes).

She started on Saturday, by mixing the dough, dyeing the dough, layering the dough and freezing the dough.

Sunday, she cut the layered dough, baked the dough, then cookie-cuttered the baked cookies. She used icing to layer the shaped cookies and stuff them with M & M's. 

Finally we got to enjoy the pinata-ish cookies to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!! YUM!! Wish you were here to enjoy them with us!

This is the trayful of "extra" parts!!

Finished another pair of socks last night!! Yay! They are going to a very special sister!! She bought the yarn from the Rainbow Sheep Shoppe in Port Ewen. I had been trying to get to that yarn store for a LONG time, however it's odd hours made it hard to get too. One Saturday when I was in NY we finally got there when it was open.

I've had these and the last pair I posted in progress for a long time, so it's great to get them done...two FO's (finished objects) in one week.

These were made with Patons Kroy Jacquards Sock yarn, part wool, part nylon, called Tutti Frutti. I used a new needle that I bought from Yarndogs in Los Gatos when we were out at Christmastime. It's a size 3, but it's only 8" long. It was a challenge because the needle was very slippery. I'm not in any hurry to use it again!!

Last week I happened upon an article in the Colchester Sun advertising a rainbarrel workshop at Lakeshore Hardware. Bob and I have been talking about getting a rainbarrel for a while now, so when I saw the article, I signed us up.

For $30 we got a lovely pepperoncini scented barrel and all the parts to make a rainbarrel for our yard. There were helpful people from a few local places encouraging you to have a rainbarrel to collect the first of the storm water run off to help with streams, rivers, and the lake.They were also giving instructions and help at three stations to complete the project. 

First, we drilled a hole in the side, down near the base and assembled the faucet to get the water out. Then, we drilled a hole in the lid and inserted a louver and a screen for the water to fall into. Lastly, we drilled a hole on the side and up higher than the faucet for the overflow hose.

So now we have this great rainbarrel, so we can collect water, to water my plants, AND be a good conservationist and collect storm water, so it doesn't ruin the lakes and streams.

NOW...everyone help out and do a little rain dance, because we sure haven't had much rain lately, and we want to try out our new rainbarrel!!

Here's Bob with the finished product!

Today was a friends birthday, and Bob and I got invited to celebrate with her. We played Bunco (see rules below) with about 26 other people, which was lots of fun. It's a little confusing at first, but you quickly get the hang of it. You tally up your Wins, Losses, and Buncos, and prizes are awarded based on your score. Needless to say, neither Bob nor I won anything. 

Then came the pizza and cake...YUM! So in the end, we all won!

Bunco Rules:

• The "Head" table controls the pace of the game. The game begins when the "Head" table rings the bell. One player from each table starts the game by trying to roll "ones" with the 3 dice. Always take your roll using 3 dice. If 1 of the die shows the number currently "up" tally 1 point, if 2 of the dice show the number currently "up" tally 2 points.

• When you roll "three of a kind" of the number you are currently rolling this is a BUNCO !!!(21 points). Keep rolling and collecting points. Do not forget to give yourself, not your teammate, one BUNCO !!! point on the bottom of your score sheet after your turn is finished.. If at this time or any other time a player at the "Head" table rolls a BUNCO !!! the bell is rung & the round stops. The other players currently rolling finish their turn and continue collecting points .

• Remember, the fuzzy die is passed from player to player as BUNCO'S !!! are rolled.

• If you roll "three of a kind"--of another number--give your team 5 points.

• If you do not roll the number that is currently "up" the person to your left takes their turn.

• When the "Head" table reaches 21 points or rolls a BUNCO !!! they ring the bell to signal the end of that round. The number currently up changes to the next number (1 to 2, 2 to 3 , etc.).

• The winning team stays at the "Head" table. Have one teammate move over a chair so they will have different partners for the next round. The losing team from the "Head" table goes down to the "Middle" table.

• The winning team from the "Middle" table goes to the "Head" table & the winning team from the "Losing" table goes to the "Middle" table. The losing team from the from the "Middle" table goes down to the "Losing" table & the losing team at the "Losing" table stays at the table but one player moves over one chair so they will have a different partner..

• At this point write W or L (Winner or Loser) on your own score sheet for that round. Keep your score sheet with you at all times. Do not stay with your partner--your new partner will be one person from the winning or losing team joining you at the "Winning", "Middle", or "Losing" table.

• The "Head" table rings the bell to signal the start of a new round.

I've actually been knitting a lot...3 newborn hats, 8 dish/wash cloths and a few coasters. Unfortunately I gave them away without taking pictures.

There are always a few projects in the works...a pair of socks for Vivian, a sweater for a special someone, a blue baby blanket for a new cousin-to-be in Canada, and these socks that I just finished tonight. They were made with Opal sock yarn that was made in Germany, part wool, part polyamide and knitted on size one needles. They are going to Amy's friend, Michaela as soon as she returns from Mexico.

Tim making stir fry

The view from our cabin in Gorda Springs

Tim at one of our very few (ha! ha!) stops along PCH/Rt. 1. See the snow capped mountains?!

Tim waiting for me to return from a side trip I needed to take along a steep slope to get a closer view. He said he wan't risking his life!

Hakone Gardens in Saratoga

My house on the hill overlooking Saratoga

Tomato, basil, pesto fondue at Rok, in Sunnyvale

If you ever need a traveling companion...take Tim!! He is so easy going, expects nothing (well, maybe a meal or two), and never complains (well, maybe once or twice about my driving). He pretty much goes along with whatever you want to do, and happily gets out and takes photos (or shoots from the car if it's raining). Although I sensed he was thinking, "Do we really need to stop at EVERY vista point/pull off?" he never SAID it. I finally promised him we'd just stop at specified Vista Points, and only the ones that were on the side of the road we were driving on, and he grinned! 

He's also really good with his iPhone/iPad in finding directions and YELPing us food and lodging.

Sooooo...THANKS, Tim!! for another great adventure in California. I'll give you a month or two before I head back. Be warned that next time I want to go inland to Sacramento or maybe North to Wine Country!!

So the train ride is over, now time for some fun with Tim and Vesta and the California countryside!

After manuvering the busy Oakland to San Jose to Cupertino rush hour traffic, I managed to find my way to Tim's office. Well, close enough that he could find me anyway. I let him know I was close, and the next thing I knew...there was Tim on the sidewalk. So, I pulled over, parked illegally, and jumped out and hugged him!! I miss seeing my kids when they are away, but I really miss hugging them.

Off to dinner at Arya, then back to Tim's place to get reaquainted with Vesta and settle in.

Friday...took Tim to the Donut Wheel for a donut, then dropped him at work. I ran a few little errands…The Apple Company Store, PO, etc. Got some groceries and we made stir fry in his electric wok. Pretty cool, even after spattering oil everywhere!!

Saturday...crummy and cloudy, so didn't roust Tim too early. I was content to snuggle Vesta and knit. Headed to BIg Sur and south. Had no reservations for the night, and after a deary ride down Rt.1 we managed to find a very interesting cabin in Gorda. Check out Tim's Flickr site if you want to see pics of this and/or the rest of our time in the area. Dinner at the Whale Watcher Cafe was good, then sleepy time after our long drive.

Sunday...woke to sun and birds singing! Hooray! My plan to see some beautiful scenery and the waterfalls at Julia Pfeiffer Park was going to happen. We drove North, making quite a few stops along the way to take in the beauty of the California Coast. If you have never driven up or down Pacific Coast Hwy/Rt. 1, DO IT!! There are so many places to pull off to gawk, so if you're the driver, take advantage of a few. We parked at Julia Pfeiffer Park and followed the path to McWay Falls. It really is amazingly gorgeous. Just a short drive up the coast was another beautiful spot...Pfeiffer Beach. We needed help finding the turn-off for the beach and a quick stop at the Ranger Station was very helpful. The ranger knew just what I was looking for. When he said, "toes in the ocean", I said, "show me the way!" After a treacherous drive through a "creek" made by the rain the day before, we arrived at the parking lot. If Tim had gotten his way, we would not have driven through this, but he wasn't driving!! The beach was gorgeous, the rock formations amazing. I wandered a little farther than Tim, since I had flip flops and he had sneakers, and no intention of taking them off. I found the coolest rock with a chip out of it, perfect for a tealight candle, so had to take it with me. It's now on Tim's patio! We made a few more stops before arriving at Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant for a yummy lunch. Our cabin for the night was nearby, so we checked in, had a nap, then went out to watch the sunset over the ocean and have dinner at the River Inn. Once again, more great food! 

Monday...left Tim sleeping while I went in search of coffee just a short walk back to the River Inn. Check out and on our way...back to Cupertino to check on Vesta, buy supplies for making pizza.

Tuesday...did my motherly duties and cleaned a little at Tim's. Dinner @ Fontana's on Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. Rainy, dreary, drizzly, didn't venture out too far. Happy to sit on Tim's couch with Vesta snuggled next to me and knit.

Wednesday...more motherly duties, waiting for maintenance man to fix shower door and patio door opener. Dinner at Rok, in Sunnyvale. Fun fondue/cook dinner on a rock, restaurant.

Thursday...finally some nice weather. A trip to Saratoga Springs and Hakone Gardens, by way of Stevens Creek Canyon. Beautiful ride through twisty, windy, hilly country, made a little frightening by near empty gas tank, but all turned out well. Grabbed Tim from work, my suitcases from his apartment, a final hug to Vesta, then off to meet Julia and Ryan at the Palo Alto Creamery. After a really scary experience in the crazy parking garage, I got to meet more of Tim's friends. He really has the nicest friends. Time to say goodbye to Tim, hug him one more time, then off to SFO for the red eye to Albany.

Monday, March 19 (Day 1)

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go…I've got 5 or 6 knitting projects, 8 movies on my laptop, various food, snacks, water, 4 small bottles of wine, 1 book, 2 magazines, 2 pairs of flip flops, oh and some clothes. Should keep me occupied for a day or three!!

After a few last minute errands, a yummy lunch with Bob at Martone's in Essex Jct, I headed the car south on the first leg of my journey. The car was inching to the right near the Charlotte/Essex Ferry, so I took that as a sign and hopped the ferry to NY. A gorgeous, but somewhat hazy view, as we sailed across Lake Champlain. I arrived at Patrick and Kathy's just seconds before Patrick. Said hello to Kathy, checked out the new kitchen and TV stand, then we were off to the Albany/Rensselaer Train Station. Patrick shoved me out and raced away with my car!! I got my ticket and proceeded to the gate to wait.

Nice older male Amtrak employee assured me he'd make sure I got to my train! Uh oh, they are saying only two pieces of luggage, and I have 3!! Guess my knitting bag will now be my handbag/purse as that does not count at a piece of luggage. 

7:05 PM Lakeshore Limited…all aboard!!

OK, they did not even look at my luggage…just asked where I was going. Up the aisle, down the aisle, not many seating options. They point you to the Chicago car, but don't assign a seat. On the train to Florida, they always tell you where to sit (and if you can lie a little, or have a really generous sister, you're all set!!).

Found an empty window seat next to an elderly lady…JACKPOT! She couldn't be nicer. She's been in NJ visiting a newly born great grandchild and is now heading back to Seattle. She's done this before and actually brought the California Zephyr from San Fran to Chicago on her way to NJ at the end of Feb. She is the nicest lady. Tends a rose garden in Seattle and is eager to get back and work in it. She pruned in Feb. just before she left, and says the buds should be popping by now. She has 9 grandchildren in NJ and 5 in Seattle. Used to work at the World Trade Center and is sorry she didn't get an apt in NYC after she sold her house, but chose to move to Seattle with her oldest daughter. Sounds like a live wire, the way she gets around at 85. She reminds me of Grammie Tucker (Kathy Girelli's mom) and is a whiz on her phone. Not an iPhone but she's texting away!!! She said she'd watch my stuff while I went for food and even got me a pillow!! I hope I'm as comfortable sleeping on a train when I'm 85!!!

Pizza and wine in the cafe car while i charge my phone…power not working by my seat!! BUMMER

My new mantra….glass of wine, asleep by nine. It's been a long day and the trek has just begun.

11:30 PM…Rochester. Finally remembered to "check in" at the train station on my Amtrak App. You can collect stamps at all the stations. Kicking myself because I missed Albany!! (and Schenectady and Utica and Syracuse). Wah! Although I have no idea what collecting stamps means, or how to see where you've been, thought it would be fun to do. You just open the App, click "check in" and YAY! You have successfully checked in at "xyz" station.

Tuesday, March 20 (Day 2)

That new mantra might be good for falling asleep, but I didn't stay asleep. The two chatty Kathy's in the seats across the aisle were very LOUD. They've been talking about STUPID teenage girl stuff..and I just don't care…want to sleep. Talked to Amy, and she said…HEADPHONES!! Good plan. Woke up around 1:30AM, somewhere between Buffalo and Chicago. Decided to watch a movie, since I had enough power on my laptop. Mr. Popper's Penguins. Only problem, I was LOL-ing and probably bothering the girls across the aisle who finally shut up!! Oh well.

Most of this leg of the trip was under cover of dark, so didn't get to see too much. Can't remember when I finally fell asleep, somewhere around Toledo, Ohio, probably! Got to see the station for South Bend, IN as a gentleman tried to squeeze between me and my seat mate to take a picture. Since he's a Fighting Irish fan, and an alum of Notre Dame and he was pleasant enough, we let him squeeze through for his photo op.

Arrived in Chicago pretty much on time. Was able to see Lake Michigan, US Cellular Field (where the White Sox play), the Sears Tower (which has been renamed to Willis Tower, who knew that???) and the Chicago River. Lots to look at, but also trying to make sure I have all my bags packed up and together, because this is where I change trains.

If you are at all interested in viewing the Lakeshore Limited Route Guide, here's the link. On the right hand side under Downloadable Info, choose Printable Route Guide. you don't have to print it, you can just view it online. Has lots of cool info! 

Figured there wasn't too much of a rush getting off the train, so took my time, said goodbye to friendly 85 yr old seat mate and wished her a safe trip to Seattle. Hope she has nice company on her next train. Now to wait around the Chicago Amtrak station for a few hours until it's time to board the California Zephyr for my 2 day trip. The lady on the train told me to make sure I went to see the Great Hall in Union Station, so I did that first. It was beautiful! And BIG! Finding my way around Union Station proved to be a challenge. Not sure why. Their signs really were not great. I did manage to find my way outside and walked the block around Union Station twice, just to stretch my legs and to say I was actually IN Chicago. The Chicago River was right outside the station, so I peeked at that. Also saw the Sears/Willis Tower which was looming right there. I wish I had been brave enough to get a taxi for a quick ride around the city, but I was not taking any chances with missing my train. The 85 yr old seat mate (really should have found out her name) told me I could get a city tour on a bus right from Union Station, but I'll save that for another time. 

Bought a few postcards, decided to get some food, since dinner on the train was hours away. Great soup and breadstick from my favorite Au Bon Pain. Had settled down to enjoy that and write some postcards when I heard a disturbance behind me…a security guard was rousting a squatter (bum, derelict, hobo, whatever!) asking him for ID. The squatter was not showing any ID or any ticket or anything that the security guard was asking for. The disturbance was getting a little loud, and by now there were 6 security guards surrounding the man and MY table!! YIKES! All I could think was someone was going to point a gun, and I was WAY too close for comfort. The lady at the table in front of me had asked the security guard near her, if we were safe and if he would protect her, he said, "yes", I said, "me, too?" Decided it was time to make a run for it. Grabbed my bags and took off!! They finally were able to roust the squatter, and the sleeping lady with him, and get them out of there! PHEW!! I have to say, I was a little freaked. 

Decided it was time to go find where my train would leave from, charge my phone battery, and watch a movie while I waited. Found a seat in the waiting area, no power however, so waited and knitted. Don't know if I'm just a skeptic, or easily scared (YES! to both) but a man asked me to watch his bag while he "went for a walk". I said, "Sorry, I'm not staying here, and I really don't want to be responsible for just anyone's bag. He huffed off, after tossing his bag in a corner. I know we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I feel like I can pick and choose who's bag I might watch, and I'm not going to watch anyone's bag that just walks up like that. If I've been watching someone, and she's a nice elderly lady or perhaps a cute guy, I might watch their bag, but frankly, if my train gets called….I'm outta there!! 

Finally they said they would start boarding the California Zephyr heading for Emeryville, CA and all points in between! YAY! That's me. Gathered my stuff, got in line, only to find out they were only boarding seniors…something to look forward to. A lady with a little boy was in front of me, and asked if she could board with her son, the attendant looked at her ticket and said, "you're in a sleeper, you should be in the First Class Lounge." WHAT??!! "Me, too, I said, I'm in a sleeper, too"! We were directed to the First Class Lounge (who knew I was first class???) where low and behold, plush seats, water bottles, big screen TV, and no derelicts to be rousted by security! Shoulda found this place long ago…but how do you know this stuff? They also would have stored my bags for the whole 4 hour layover, so I could have walked around the block without dragging my baggage.  I'll certainly know for next time and I'm telling all of you…IF YOU HAVE A SLEEPER….FIND THE FIRST CLASS LOUNGE!! YOU BELONG THERE!! It wasn't long, and a lovely lady said to follow her to the sleeper cars. 

A short walk and we were directed to Car 532 and me to Room 11. My first glimpse of my sweet, little roomette. Sweet for sure, and LITTLE for sure. Enough room for me, and I would be happy to share it with Bob, or Amy, or Tim, and maybe a few others, but it was close quarters. Two big seats facing each other, with a big window between them. There were water bottles, lots of pamphlets, two full size pillows, lots of buttons to push! I spread my arms from window to door…yup, that's how wide it was. And it looked long enough that when the seats were down and I lay down, my head and feet would just about be touching. There was an upper berth, too, but when I read the "hook the safety harness to strap yourself in while sleeping" sign, I decided there was NO WAY I was sleeping up there. Still…enough room for me. Not much room for luggage, so I kept my two little bags with me, and put my other one on the luggage rack just outside. Found the bathrooms and the shower just before they made an announcement that we would be leaving momentarily. Thought I would head up to the viewing car, when they said, "Please take a seat, stay in your sleeper, do not walk around, it's very sway-y and bumpy as we leave the station." OK, guess I'll stay in my room. Checked out the pamphlets which had lots of cool info and a time table for when we would be arriving at each station. 

Here is a link if you want to see California Zephyr Route Guide…same as above, Downloadable Info, Route Guide. It is FULL of fun and interesting facts of things you'll see along the way. I highly recommend taking a peek if you have a few minutes.

Before long, Jeff, my sleeping car attendant was knocking on my door. He welcomed me and gave me the low down on where to find coffee, juice, ice; when the Dining Car attendant would be around for dinner reservations; pointed out the power and lights, and call button in case I needed him; and in general getting me settled in. He wanted to know where I was going, and chatted for a few minutes. Seemed very nice, and efficient. Said he would turn down my bed, just let him know when. He directed me to the viewing car and dining car. He recommended waiting to go up until the Dining car attendant had come through to make my dinner reservation, which, I did. 

Had to walk up a narrow set of steps, just a teeny bit challenging as we chugged along, but nothing I couldn't handle. Through narrow passageways and through another sleeper car, through one dining car, the kitchen car, another dining car, then VIOLA!! The magnificent domed viewing car…complete with plush, cozy seats and windows everywhere. WOW! Plopped myself down and enjoyed the view. 

Passed through a bunch of towns, stopped at a few stations, and by now I was getting pretty good at remembering to "check in" on my Amtrak phone app. Had to take a picture of the Burlington, IA sign, crossed the Mighty Mississippi, and when the conductor called out, "Ottumwa", I knew immediately that was where someone from M*A*S*H was from. Peeked in my route guide and sure enough….Radar O'Reilly!! 

Dinner on a train for those of you that have not indulged is quite an experience. You get seated wherever there is an empty seat, so you never know who you might end up with. I had chosen to eat at 8 for whatever reason, and when I went to the dining car, which was pretty empty (so why couldn't I sit by myself???) they put me at a table with 2 young guys that were from CA and heading back that way. They were chatting to each other about places they had been, but they'd never been cross country on a train before. Before long, along came another guy that they put at our table. Small talk, try to seem interested, find out where everyone is coming from and going to. Eat fast, excuse yourself and RUN! The food was OK, nothing spectacular. One of the guys name was Hickory, and I said, "like from The Wizard of Oz?" and they were all, "What?". OK, so I guess I was showing my age, since they were all male and mid 20's or less and I was a 50+ woman. None of them believed me that one of the ranch hands name was Hickory. A man across the aisle, said perhaps he remembered that…he was over 20, but probably not 50. Anyway, I whipped out my iPhone and proved I was right!

Down to my sweet roomette to hide away for the night. Found that Jeff had already made my bed, so I didn't even have to find him to ask. I did attempt to take a shower, which was an experience. The train just keeps moving along, as you hang on and try to wash your hair with one hand!! Managed to get the job done, and get my jammies on. Too dark to see outside, watched a movie, then crashed.

Wednesday, March 21 (Day 3)

Managed to sleep pretty well, however I did wake up quite a few times. Think we covered the whole state of Nebraska as we slept. Today was the fun, awesome, amazing trek through the Rockies. Had breakfast, arrived in Denver around 9ish. We had to back into the station, so they asked everyone to stay seated. By now I was back in the viewing car. Decided I would camp out there for the day since that really had the best view, and you could see out both sides.

Made friends with another 85 year old woman who was going to Sacramento to meet her daughter. She lives just outside of Springfield, Illinois. She needed help plugging in her kindle, so of course I volunteered. She has taken this trip numerous times, and had all kinds of information and advice that she was willing to share. She said if I needed to go somewhere, just leave something in my seat, and no one would bother it, and it would save my seat. Good plan. We watched them wash the outside windows. Guess they wanted us to have a great view of the Rockies.

Finally took off and started the climb through the Rockies. Views were amazing! Around every curve, and there were a lot of them, was another breathtaking view. We went through 29 tunnels, one 6.2 miles long…Moffat Tunnel. At the end of the tunnel…BRIGHTNESS!! Winter Park Ski Resort. People were skiing right next to the train tracks. Pretty bizarre. Lots of snow around and more amazing scenery. I got out at the Winter Park Station, for some fresh (read COLD) air.  Along Fraser Canyon, through Gore Canyon, and along the Colorado River. Had lunch (YUM! Chicken, provolone, tomato on flatbread) with my 85 year old lady friend (Finally learned her name was Howardene!) and another couple (Carol and Jay) while we meandered through Glenwood Canyon and into Glenwood Springs.  The scenery is just amazing, and impossible to describe! I'm just enjoying every minute. 

Thought about going down and taking a nap, and tried, but couldn't sleep, probably because I didn't want to miss any of the sights. Stayed in my roomette for a little while, but then went back to the viewing car for better view. The colors of the cliffs are so incredible. They reminded me of the scenery we saw when we were in Arizona and Utah. I was just in awe of the majestic cliffs. The miles chugged by and I found it impossible to knit or read or do anything except look out the windows…it was mesmerizing!

Dinner, this time with a very nice couple from Mass. They were on their first cross country train trip, also. I enjoyed chatting with them, and dinner tonight was really good, steak, baked potato, salad, green beans. Really seems like all I do is gawk out the window and eat! I found it too hard to knit or read, or do anything because I didn't want to miss anything. Off to bed. Chased Jeff down, and he made my two seats into a bed in no time flat. He's got twin 8 year old girls and a 10 year old girl, lives outside of Chicago and misses his family when he's away. He will stay overnight in CA, then leave again Friday morning around 9 for the trip back to Chicago.

Thursday, March 22 (Day 4)

Slept better the second night, as we chugged through Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah, until about 5 AM or so when it felt like I was on a roller coaster. We were ZOOMING and the car was quite wiggly and I was convinced we were going to derail. I finally sat up, which helped a lot, and finished a movie that I had started the night before. It seemed like a long time, but it really was less than an hour and we stopped rocking and rolling so bad. Somehow managed to fall back to sleep and woke up just in time to get a shower and get to breakfast before they stopped serving. Had breakfast with two young girls (20 and 21) who had been to Salt Lake City to visit one of their brothers. They were heading back to Martinez and then to Petaluma. They were pretty quiet, but chatted with me if I asked them questions. They were both in college and thought traveling across the country on a train was a great idea.

My friend Howardene had told me, if I could stay awake, (HA!) and if you were looking just in the right place at the right time as we pulled into Salt Lake CIty, you could get a great view of the Mormon Church. Would have liked to see that, but was just too tired. I had gone back up to the viewing car before I went to sleep and the stars and moon were amazing. I was wishing Bob was there to see the teeny crescent moon and whichever planet was near it.

Lunch time! Last meal on the train. Not really hungry since breakfast was only a few hours ago, but I'll get something to drink and maybe a salad.

OH NO!! What did Kenny Rogers teach us??? You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,. Know when to walk away, know when to run. And RUN is what I did when I got seated next to some big, old blabber mouth at lunch. He started blabbing about himself the minute he sat down and never shut up. I listened and nodded for 7-10 mins, then when another person was gonna sit next to me, I said, "ohhh gotta run to the ladies room before lunch. BRB". I ran like heck and didn't look back. He said he'd save my seat. Okie dokie!! Hiding in my sweet little roomette watching a movie and knitting. Didn't really need lunch anyway!!

Through Sparks, and Reno and into Calif!! Somewhere along the way, at some station we stopped at, some railroad museum people came on board and were talking over the loudspeaker and giving us lots of history, facts and information. It probably was very interesting, but I just wanted to look out the windows. We rode along the Truckee River and saw fish ladders where the trout travel up and down the river. There were also flumes which collected water and carried it down to somewhere, but didn't catch were. In and out more tunnels, through Donner Pass. Lots of gorgeous lakes, cliffs, snow, just amazing!!

Arriving Sacramento, capital of CA. Looked around for my friend to say goodbye, but couldn't find her. Had stopped by her room earlier to see if she was there, but she was napping.  Off to the left a huge row of wind turbines…seemed like a mile long. Past the graveyard for old warships. That was pretty cool. I told Tim next time I come out, we're heading inland to Sacramento and to look around there. We're a little behind schedule, and the one conductor said we would be trying to make up time, and he wasn't wrong…racing, racing, racing towards Emeryville. Made one final swoop through my roomette to finish packing my stuff and get ready to disembark. The time had sped by and it didn't really seem like 2 1/2 days had passed. 

Off the train, onto solid ground, find rental car and OFF TO TIM'S!! It had to be a sign that the train station in Emeryville is on Horton Street!!

So, I know it sounds like everything went smoothly and it was a wonderful trip, which it was, but of course there were a few minor, little issues…like the DRUNK people on the train…what is the point? They just kept drinking and were a little noisy and obnoxious, but there were enough places to go to escape. And the young man who thought it was OK to play his crazy rap/hip hop/??? music, LOUD, in the viewing car. Was I the only one bothered by that? No one else seemed too disturbed, however my lunch mates Carol and Don made a face to me, that looked like it wasn't making them happy, and an older gentleman sitting 2 seats down, turned around and glared at the guy, but no one said or did anything, and the conductor that walked through a few times, never said anything to him, so I just plugged in my headphones and listened to MY music as we moved along. There was also the issue of sketchy cell service, but I managed to stay in touch with family and friends, either texting or posting on Facebook when there was service.

Overall, if you have any interest in taking a train trip, I highly recommend it!! Perhaps you don't want to go all the way from the East Coast to the West Coast, but you definitely should go somewhere! My next plan is to fly to Calif to see Tim, then take the train from Emeryville to British Colombia, stopping in Portland and or Seattle on the way. Are you listening, Bob???

Pictures posted in next entry!!