Our bags our packed and we are ready to go...

I, a person who likes to plan and have everything go as planned, have vowed to be flexible and "go with the flow" on this trip.  If there is anything I have learned since Steve's diagnosis, it's to have patience at all times, to expect things not to go as planned and to not fret over the things that are outside of my control.  This new attitude was put to the test yesterday when unexpected and unexplained car problems threatened postponement of our departure.  However, I have also learned to read automobile manuals and was able to determine (well, actually, it was a guess) that the issue with the car was minor and likely everything would be fine in the morning.  I was right and with the help of my father, the problem was resolved.

Steve, Wayne and I were washing and detailing the car but apparently we got overly ambitious with hosing down the car and we flooded (??) the electrical system.  Upon reading the manual, it was the only explanation I could find given the panel indicator lights.  The manual explained that if the car is driven through a large puddle of water, the system can become wet and must dry in order for the car to operate.  Those of you who are car experts, forgive my layman explanation.  This morning, the panel indicator lights were off, so we hooked up the battery charger and after a while - all systems go.

Our planned departure was Monday, October 8, but following a strict itinerary is NOT in the plans.  So, with our bags packed, the important details taken care of and the car loaded we decided to hit the road this afternoon.

We made it as far as Danbury, CT before deciding to stop for the night.  This next picture is for Heather, Lyndsay and Sean and will become the topic of many future jokes, I'm sure.

Random comment of the day:  For the first time in several years, my siblings and I, along with our significant others, were together today with my parents.  We were celebrating Kiley's 14th birthday.