Home Sweet Home

After the screaming loud music and the cat scare yesterday morning, I gathered my wits and went to say goodbye.  It was rather quick since no one was up yet, probably due to the night serenading we experienced.

With only 90 minutes of travel to go, off I went into the worst traffic I've experienced so far.  Never travel around Hanford or Fresno at 7:30 in the morning.  Luckily I was in front at every stop sign save one before jumping on the freeway.

In no time at all I was home, sweet home.  After eight years, I'm getting that backing thing down pretty good.  Once the big yard gate was closed, the puppies couldn't get out fast enough.  They do love their big green back yard.  Green because it looks like the gardeners have given it plenty of water.  The grass is at least six inches tall.

I had already decided I would sleep for awhile before the major unpacking began.  I lasted about ten minutes.  I just couldn't stand knowing all that stuff needed to be removed from the rig.  Mostly cleaning out the fridge and gathering up a few clothes and dirty laundry.  Oh ... and Jonathan, and pet food, and coffee, and quilt stuff, and ....... oh the heck with it.  I kept at it until I was about half done.

In the meantime, I kept adding to my list of things to do.  I have sticky notes hanging everywhere.  The first thing will be to re-up my Pilot Flying J credit card for discount diesel.  I've been meaning to do that and just keep forgetting.

I located a new fuel station at Hwy 99 and Avenue 18-1/2 just North of Madera.  Easy in and out ... just go slow over the entrance road because it's trashed beyond belief.  BIG holes everywhere!!

But WAIT!!  Right across the street I see what looks like another truck fueling station with SHELL signs all over.  What's this?  I quickly looked for the big green price sign.  $3.89 ..... Pilot's sign said $4.10.  I turned left and slowly cruised up to the pumps, not really sure which way I should enter.  

Seven pumps and I was the sole occupant.  No waiting in line for 15 minutes like at Pilot.  Inside, I found some delicious smelling fried chicken ... LOTS of it.  Although tempted, I was just wanting to get fuel and get home.  

After paying up, the guy said they had just opened.  You're cheaper than Pilot I commented.  "Yes .. we will ALWAYS be cheaper than pilot".  Okay then ... you've got ME for a customer.  So I said I would pass the word.  The place is immaculately clean and easy to access.  There are not a lot of spots to stay overnight should you wish to, but the road in is brand new and smooth as can be!!

Today I'll spend most of the day trying to get rid of the stale house smell and finish up unloading the rig.  Then it's off to the Elks dump station.  I've only got a couple of days to catch up on sleep before the Pumpkin Patch saga begins.

By the way ... I think those cats followed me home.  First thing this morning, Jessie caught two of them in the back yard.  Hopefully they won't be back!!