I MADE IT! To Sunny Southern California and back!

As I mentioned last month, Janie and Pauletta encouraged me to leave this cold Oklahoma weather and head to the Palm Springs area.  They made all the arrangements and we left here early Friday morning, January 28^th.  The van was packed full with clothes and necessary supplies for a 9-day trip, and we even fit the Hoyer Lift in the van to make my transfers easier.  We spent the first night in a wonderful, specially-equipped room at the Hampton Inn in Albuquerque.  Janie and I passed the 1440 miles (each way) by listening to books on tape and playing a trivia game Alison sent to keep us from getting bored.

After the second long day of driving, we arrive at Indio, CA, and the home of dear friends June and Bill Murray.  Not only had June and Bill installed special ramps at their front door and patio door, June have a wonderful room set up for me with a view of their beautiful pool and flowered back yard overlooking the golf course.  She also prepared delicious meals and even shared her new puppy Brie with me.  She also gave me some wonderful morning backrubs that made me think I had gone to heaven!

On Monday, two more long-time friends from Fremont arrived and we all celebrated Pauletta's “big” birthday with a wonderful meal and June’s special made-from-scratch carrot cake.  Yummm.  Even though Kathi and Sue stayed with Pauletta and Steve in their nearby condo, they spend each day with all of us. I especially enjoyed sitting by the pool, picnics in the sunshine and visits with my dear California friends.  I must give a special thanks to Bill and his tremendous patience while 6 wild and crazy women (Pauletta is taking the picture) invading his home and office!

After 5 wonderful days spent in the warm sunshine of the Palm Springs area, Janie and I left for home.  Even though the weather reports sounded very daunting, it was only the last 45 miles that were snowpacked and slick.  We must have timed this trip just right, because a few days after we left Tahlequah, there was a huge snowstorm and another one a couple of days after we arrived back home.

I really feel a great deal of accomplishment after completing this trip.  Now I know I can go almost anywhere, as long as it is wheelchair accessible and I can get someone to drive me.  Thank you Pauletta and Janie, and June and Bill for making this road trip possible.