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On the road again…… Can you hear the song?? 
The bank just got the appraisal and it covers the sale price of the house! That was the last hurdle. The title company gave the buyer a firm date for closing as January 31. Aside from it being probably the worst time of year to travel from one coast to another, I’m excited… OK, and a little scared….. but it’s a done deal. The house is sold. My employer knows I’m leaving. The RV is packed. The house is empty. There is no turning back.
While my normal speed for getting from point A to point B is that of the road runner, I think this time, I’ll take the trip slow and easy. With old age comes wisdom (HA!). I’m figuring a week at most and planning on a southern route to avoid the worst of winter. 
It’s been 20 years since I’ve lived on the East Coast. Can’t wait to see everyone, but sad to leave here as well. It’s the end of an era for me. Traveling has been fun, but at this point, I feel as if I’m wearing a pair of ruby glass slippers, clicking the heels together and chanting, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”
I did have a few friends offer to fly out here and drive back with me, but if anything nasty were to happen while they were with me, I’d never forgive myself. After all, I’m the one who decided to go back, so it’s up to me to make it work. And logistically, I don’t think it’s possible to fit another human in this little Mini Winnie of mine. It’s jam-packed.
I’ve put a sticky note on my dashboard: “No drama”, to remind myself I’m not looking for any more adventures other than to quietly, enjoyably, efficiently and safely get across the continent. My anxiety level rises and falls capriciously without any need for influence from external circumstances. Silly, really, when you think about it. It’s just a series of short trips hooked together one after the other. And who hasn’t done tons of the short trips alone? (Yes, this is what rationalization looks like….)
So, the dogs, “Minnie Winnie” the RV, and I will be starting up early on Jan 31, heading south. Goodbye OR-Y-GUN. Goodbye everyone, and thanks for sharing your lovely green state with me for a little while, I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s time for this Yankee to go home.