June 21: Bountiful Blessings

Yes, it’s hot and humid. Yes, I took back roads that were curving and hilly, so it took me longer to get to the boat dock. And yes, there was no room for me anywhere near the water … 

But I found ice this morning, bailed out the water, and refilled the awesome, sturdy bags I was given back at the lavender farm. When I left the gas station, I forgot to close the back door (which I opened to dump out container after container of water) securely. I also didn’t lock the fridge in place. It took about three miles for the door to open (and shut) and the fridge to slide out (and lock in place). I could have lost Pye and everything at that end of the bus (cat bowls, container of litter, jugs of water). Took a bit for me to calm down, thank all the spirits, energies sent, and protective wards, and continue on my way.

Two hours later, the side with mostly just cheese and butter is at 47, but the side with most of my food is at 43. There is sun on my roof so the air conditioner is running, making it livable in here. (I don’t have a thermometer so I won’t know how hot or cold it gets in here … it is what it is. It was the same on Karma.) I ate tasty, healthy deli food from an employee-owned supermarket, while I spent an hour checking apps and found “Jackson’s Place” listed with a phone to call. It’s only 10 minutes up the road from here, so that’s where I’ll be staying, with WiFi and electricity (two things I rarely have) so we can sleep more comfortably tonight when it’s 84 degrees. 

I am grateful for safe travel, beautiful views, mostly well paved roads, getting down to only one fly still inside, and noticing my sleeveless short cotton dress was on inside-out (after getting the ice).

I got across the Mississippi River on a different bridge than I expected and I wasn’t prepared, but I didn’t scream or get stomach cramps. Could be because I was on the road before I am usually out of my hammock. I was also blessed with three garbage pails at the gas station, one for each of my bags of trash, and getting to add Illinois to my list of states for the three miles from the center of the bridge to the Wisconsin state line.

It’s only 3pm, and I know I’ll have more reasons to be grateful before I sleep. May you as well.