Night One-Seattle

We are at the Sea-Tac Red Lion. Kelly and I finally arrived at 7pm. The weather is awful and the drive was slow and dangerous...I left Randle at 2pm with my "luggage" and Christmas gifts for Tyler and Jesse loaded. In order to get them to the car, Tracy and I got our old sled off the side of the wood shed, put soap on the runners, and headed out the front door. Once outside, we saw Elliot had piled the snow he plowed 4 feet high in front of the gate. Finally we loaded the sled and hitched Berkeley to it, and pulled it down the hill. It spontaneously self-unloaded a few times going down the hill.

Tracy had packed us a wonderful care package and gave us the first-aid kit, tire chains, and emergency pack out of her truck. She tried to give me the head of a rusty shovel (no handle) so we'd have it to clear snow. I declined. Robby and Kelly can use their hands. Tracy then hiked back up the hill to the house with Berkeley and Darby. Elliot hauled her stuff back to the house. Thanks for everything, Elliot.

We celebrated Christmas when I arrived at Tyler and Jesse's. They fixed a nice dinner and we ate while Kelly transferred her stuff from her car (mine now, and low and behold it won't start), Angie, and I went out to help Kelly. The way Kelly shoved her stuff in before putting up the split seat, made the seats uneven when they were finally both up. Robby will have scoliosis by the time we get to Boise. Also, a collision will send the chains into the back of his head. We need to rearrange a bit in the morning before we leave. Whoever sits in back will have to sit in the middle seat, since Berkeley (in a fit of neurosis) chewed the seat belts off on either side when I brought him home from the pound.

Tyler and Jesse were loving and generous in their gift-giving. I got running shoes...I need to sign up for a marathon. Jesse gets to go with me. And Jesse made me the most beautiful fleece blanket. And, they gave me a North Face fleece jacket that will wrap me like a blanket in the car. I will have warm thoughts of them all the way...though I always do. This adventure has brought out the best in everyone except me.

Well, it's late. We are getting up in 5 hours...Laurie, it's 12:11 and I am up!

Oh, and note to self---be sure and ask for two double beds from now on.