I'm Tired and Now It's Raining

Late January 13th

We've been on the road FOREVER.  Not really, I'm just starting to get crabby and tired.  Gary called me and we decided to stop at the next rest area.  I think we're close to North Carolina and after many pit stops for gas (yes, this girl DID pump her own gas), walk the dogs and coffee we are going to park for the night and sleep a bit.

It's starting to rain a bit, it's getting late and it's dark.  Let me tell you, I do NOT like driving in the rain.  About 20 years ago, I hydroplaned and hit 2 other cars.  Ever since then, I've not been able to shake my fear of sliding in wet weather.  Yes, I know, that's silly considering NJ gets plenty of it.  I can do it, I just am a tight bundle of cranky nerves whenever I have to.

I cannot wait until the next stop.  It seems like every few miles, as we get closer, the rain gets a little heavier.  Oh and now the sky is lighting up.  Did I mention, I hate lightning and thunder.  Double whammy is what this is.

What. The. Fudgcicle?!

How is the rest area CLOSED for renovations?!?!  GREAT.

We get on the phone and decide to keep driving until we find another.  Or, a truck stop. 

We finally arrive at one in North Carolina, and I'm DONE.  I'm not driving any more until the sun is up.

The rain has gotten pretty heavy now and Gary is heading inside to use the bathroom.  I'm sitting in the driver's seat, trying to calm my nerves a little when something catches my eye...it's one of the cats.  He squeezed through the blockade we had created in the back and is now climbing on the dash.  And there's the other cat, following suit.  Just great.

I manage to climb over the bags in the back seat and corral the cats to the far back.  Figuring out how they got through, and moving blankets, bags, small boxes to fill in any gaps was no fun, let me tell you.  After over 8 hours in the car, my body aches and I was twisting it in ways it isn't supposed to go, just to get the cats secured again. 

Finally, I'm settled with the cats and Gary is in his truck, settled with the dogs.  Neither of us are comfortable, but as always we will make the best of it.

Just a few hours sleep and back on the road for round 2!


To be continued...