It's True - Everything IS Bigger in Texas!

I though of Izabel, driving through southern Arizona - seeing the yellow flowers lining the highway - same as the ones she enjoys in Fresno. Arizona is spectacular - rock formations, sky, cacti. I loved it!  New Mexico was more subdued in comparison. But Texas! Man oh man. I hated El Paso - a larger, more agressive LA. In my rearview mirror I saw a trucker in a blue trauck barreling down on the little cars in front of it. I gave him wide berth.  Suddenly my windshild was being pummeled - what was it? Bugs? Rocks? No - rain! Gigantic loud splats that woke up the cat.  I didn't like it either! Finally we got out of that crazy city into such wide open space I felt a wave of agoraphobia overcome me.   The speed limit rose to 80 - EIGHTY!  (70 for trucks and 65 for everyone "at night") and instuctions "left lane for passing only".   I don't like to go 80! My car whistles and starts to shake and I shake too. 

In the distance - and I mean DISTANCE, I don't think I've ever seen so far - were clouds that literally came out of the earth - like big white sea dragons. Bizarre.

I was discouraged to find our hotel was at Exit 138 - how far was that?  Then noticed that often numbers were skipped. Maybe I would get in before dark. Suddenly, flashing lights - border security. All trucks must stop. What about me in my little red car?

I slowed to 55 and eventually stopped.  A handsome light skinned black man asked, "Where you headed, ma'am?" 

"I'm moving from California to Kerrville" I told him.  Walter stood up and growled and started to bark at the German Shepherd sniffing the right side of the car.  I gave the border patrol office a frightened grimace. Would I be searched?

"Kerrville. . . " he said knowingy.  Was he thinking, that Kerrville was tolerant of Californians? 

Finally he waved me on.   I tried really hard to go 80 but my conscience - thinking of fuel efficiency - kept lifting my foot from the gas pedal.

Then bam! Sign says "Central Time" - and I lost two hours.

I found the hotel just as the sun was setting - a gorgeous cloudy sky - and when I got out of the car  fierce wind blew. I walked Walter back and forth but felt like we would both be blown away!  Too much wind!!

I hear John checking in. So will sign off. Must get up early tomorrow and head for our hew home.  Movers will be there at 4 to unpack beds - oh, yes,  turns out John could fit my mattress and box spring in the U-Haul but not the frame! Back to sleeping on the floor. . .he says' he'll bring it when he returns to CA to get the rest of our stuff.