A Traveler's Request

Well, we know for certain that this contract won't be extended again, so January 4th, 2012 will be our last day here.  One of the neat things about being a traveler is that you can request that the companies look for a place that holds some kind of particular interest for you.

John and I are interested in EVERYWHERE, but come spring John wants to attend a conference in Arizona to get in some CEU's (Continuing Education Units) before renewing his license at the end of 2012.  So, we've let the companies know that, if there's an opening in the southwest of the country, that would be our preference.  Might happen, might not.  You see, we believe that God is in control - and he's done a pretty good job so far!

Now, just in case, we give them preference #2 and #3.  It's gettin' kinda chilly up here in the north, so I'm thinkin' the Florida Keys might be nice.  If we HAVE to be cold, maybe Alaska would be another choice.  We usually tell the companies to give us "drive time," but I don't know what it would be like driving through the Yukon Territory in mid-January.

I've been through the Yukon.  Going catty-wampus (that's Texan for corner to corner) across the Yukon is like driving Texas top to bottom - it's a long, LONG way.  My momma and I decided a few years back to visit Alaska.  She was almost 80 and I was almost 50 (well, 79 and 49), and I don't like hotels or flying, so I told Momma we were gonna drive it - just the two of us.  What a trip that was!  We were gone 22 days and pitched a tent 19 of them.  We even shamed a few 20-30-40 year olds into pitching their tents, too.  They figured if two lil' ol' white-haired ladies all alone could brave the elements and wildlife then they ought to be able to manage it.

We took so many pictures of black bear that we finally gave up.  Figured we'd never get back to Texas if we stopped and took pictures of every one of 'em.  Eagle, moose, elk, deer, big-horn sheep, Dahl sheep, fox, coyote, antelope - you name it, we saw it and caught them on tape.  Even grizzlies.

And so, if you want to be a traveler and name your preference for a location, so be it.  Maybe you want to semi-retire and just stay sort of close to home.  YOU are the boss working for yourself.  You tell 'em, baby.