First Day on the Road

Safely in a Microtel in Tucumcari New Mexico......almost to Texas. We went through about seventy five miles of ice and snow and temperatures today ranged from fifty to zero. Quite a day. We did view beautiful snow capped mountains that made us try to capture the sight for all eternity. Pictures don't hold a candle to the real thing.

We didn't start out yesterday because of the bad weather in northern Arizona and New Mexico. The residue we saw today confirmed our decision. I think that storm is now in the midwest. Our daughter Scarlen called to say it had dropped twenty degrees in ten miles and was snowing and blowing. Just a few minutes ago she called to say the electricity went out at home. Because the temperature is supposed to drop to zero tonight, we were concerned about the pipes in our house. Fortunately, we have a gas wall heater in the family room down stairs. We haven't used it this year. Generally, getting that stove started is the job of the man of the house and he happens to be next to me in New Mexico. Soooo, we gave the girls blow by blow steps on lighting the stove. First of all, I had to teach her to light an oil lamp. How funny.... I think while we have been gone for three out of the last four weeks she is learning a lot about what it takes to keep a home going. One thing we know....she and Lynette and Isaiah will stay warm tonight even if he electricity doesn't come back on. This will add a bit of excitement to their lives.....they will always remember that they slept in the family room on this night.

Looking at the map, we can't believe we have about 1200 miles to go yet before we get home. One thing we have learned again is that it is a very long trip from our home to our daughter and family in Phoenix. We haven't driven this route for years and have gotten very used to a four hour flight. Quite a difference driving 30 hours or more. Still, God is good and his safety and care are so appreciated.