Winding down...

Here is a photo of the map on my closet door. WE FINALLY DID IT! It has been up in our house since before our 25th anniversary. First in the living room, then in my bedroom. It will be nice to retire it!



Today was the inevitable day back: Unpack. Go through the mail. Make out bills. Take care of laundry. Stop at bank. Make the expected phone calls.

Clean out the rental vehicle and return it. Even though I wasn't a fan of the Mazda CX-9, it was kind of hard saying goodbye. (And even harder getting back into the Ford Explorer and trying to remember where all the controls are!)

Joyce reminded me that we spent more time in the Mazda than we did anywhere else on the trip. She was right about that. Even though, I would never buy one -- it did run great and kept us on the road. Did we mention that we only saw three of those vehicles on our whole trip. We didn't see anyone driving one until we hit the 2300 mile mark! Crazy!

Went on a full walk for the first time in weeks. Have to say I really enjoyed walking the customary route. Even found another golf ball to add to my collection -- a Titleist!

I am posting the link to my Picasa web album of our visit to Hershey, PA tonight!

Trying to think of things we learned along the way.

DAVE's LIST...

I am definitely not as PATIENT as I thought I was (or as my wife knew I never was)!
Driving in big city rush hours is not my idea of fun - especially with a rental car.
The more expensive the hotel, the more likely your room will only have a bed and a tv.
Priceline.com is not always a good deal.
What looks flat and straight on a paper map seldom is.
Don't try to visit historical sites in Ohio on Monday or Tuesday.
I enjoy seeing good puppet shows more than going to museums.
No matter what the hotel's name is -- it's still just a hotel.
Most laundromats are pretty disgusting.
A GPS can take you to places you really don't to go.
You could spend your life in Massachusetts and not see all the museums or famous spots.
West Virginia has strange and unpredictable borders.
Beware of night-time road construction in Massachusetts - it's like driving in a disco light show.
When buying postcards to send to friends and relatives - you should really send them before you get home.
You can buy lobster for 6.99 a pound in New England, but try to find a summer sausage for that price!
Supermarkets that make you get their discount card to take advantage of sale prices are really annoying.
Always opt for the tour with a tour guide at famous landmarks.
Every house should have a piazza. (that's different from pizza)

JOYCE's LIST...

To be added later