Home and On The Range

Hello travelers and happiest of Mondays, though I do fully realize the oxymoron of that statement!

This last stop on our road trip travels was all about home. Oh, no, The Kiddo and I are not done with our travels, not even close…but the last stop took us to my hometown for the weekend.

A familiar landmark near my hometown

I took the old country roads I know like the back of my hand from the beach to my family home. I have to say, it was more than a little surreal to listen to music, with the current associations of today, while driving the roads filled with memories stacked up since my earliest driving days.

It was time for my brother and son to reconnect, and time for my little man to visit with my old man. And, we shared an afternoon and evening with the grown up kids from my days of childhood in a home more magical than any I’ve visited since. We shared stories of today; travels, tales of parenthood and ailing parents. We laughed until our bellies ached over stories about our parents’ shenanigans, wondering how there are still stories we haven’t all heard at this point in time. We drank Manhattan’s and Port. We were comforted, at least I was, simply by being in each others presence; knowing that this is a safe place of belonging. We all go way back, to the very beginning.

Earlier that day, my son and I shared a unique experience together that neither of us will forget. The world, and opinions are way too complicated for me to share photos here (but I have some awesome pictures!) of our morning out in a countryside vineyard where we both learned how to handle, respect and shoot a rifle. It was a rite of passage for the both of us; just in different ways. And, to see my son and brother bond is priceless. And apparently, I’m a natural. Be afraid…very afraid! 🙂

Before leaving, and heading to our next destination, I managed to get…

Dad-ism #4!
Me: Dad, what do you most regret NOT doing in your life?

…long pause…

Dad: Not being more friendly,  more kind.

I was stunned after that. I just nodded and thanked my dad for his answer. He’s so right. It reminded me, immediately, of the piece recently shared online – the commencement speaker who most regrets his failures of kindness. My dad, he’s a smart cookie.

Before we headed out, The Kiddo asked his Granddad to show him his Colonel uniform from his Army days, and with my brothers help, we got to see and touch and feel this incredible piece of history.

I loved our family stop; and it was hard to leave. Each place has that in common. After that,  we hit the road, turned up the volume and opened some candy for the next leg. Oh, the cherry sours? History. Thing of the past. GONE. (sigh)

And now, time for your thinkin’ and Googling hats…

CA DREAMIN’ TRAVEL TRIVIA QUESTION #4 (4 pts)

What small. CA town is considered the Earthquake Capital?

And today, we have a bonus round, for 3 points:

Which of the following CA towns is known as the artichoke capital of the world?
A. Greenfield
B. Barstow
C. Castroville
D. Artoville

Bonus bonus (extra 1pt) if you’ve ever HAD an artichoke!!

Until next time, safe travels
Wheels, heart, mind and soul.

Beep Beep,
Bonnie & The Kiddo