vacation starts - right on schedule

After more than a week in the making, considering preparation, fights, mixed messages as well as actual packing, our vacation got underway yesterday a.m., as best I can recall at 9 by simply driving our way out the street in our new (rented) Chrysler Sebring, which I did bring from the airport the nite before.

Took $400 outa the bank, then drove northeast, west and then north on the 605, 210 and 5 (no, not area codes, actual freeways) to Redding, where at about 7 p.m., we found a real-life 49 dollar motel that was, well, good. Not great. Effortless, but tiring, first day.

Second day, more enjoyable driving thru the Shasta area, Yreka and into Ashland, spent time at Lithia Park, relaxed, drove over and saw Lenny not there, then to Joe's, went over to Lloyd's, saw Jim, traded some 45s...just like in the kiddie days, except I made $150 on two of them, got some good singles for the rest 17 vs. 17.

Hang out at Joe's tonight, do more Ashland tomorrow, then push on.