Hello again, friends.

I debated continuing a blog as KJWandering as Jan died last year. But she is still here with me in spirit, so I have decided to continue this blog as I make my way across the US to my home state of Washington with Charlie, and then back to New Zealand alone.

My world has truly changed. When Jan died, I ended up with a dog and an RV, neither of which I understood or knew how to care for! So I have gained new skills as a senior. Selling the RV was nearly as hard as letting Jan go. Because she and our dream travel around the US were tied up in the RV, I was emotionally off center for the several days of negotiation, sale and transfer of belongings. I have found my feet again and am planning to leave North Fort Myers, Florida on May 12.

Meanwhile Charlie and I are staying with Carla, who cared for Charlie the month of November when I was in New Zealand. She has a 3 bedroom house so we plenty of room, and I am enjoying cooking in a full sized kitchen again.

We will take a funny, circuitous route from FL to WA. There are 3 states I have not driven in: Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky. So our route is north through those states, then Illinois and Wisconsin, and then across the north on I 90. A friend in WA is considering taking Charlie into her home if he settles well with her dachshund. We all have our fingers crossed.

The next 2 weeks are dedicated to medical, dental, and grooming appointments. I have to get all my life belongings into 2 suitcases and a carry-on. I continue to give away clothes and items that really do not have to go back to New Zealand with me. For the most part, the preparation is positive and exciting. I am heading to a new life without Jan in the flesh, but in my memories and in my heart. The old Wanaka community will be reassuring as I rent a small house near friends.