I’ve been quiet for several days and, while there is much still going on in the world of politics, I am just not in the mood to comment on much that has been happening.  I’ve decided for the time being to just sit back and reflect as much has been said or written about the current divide in this country and I don’t know that I can add anything to the conversation; however, in my opinion, identity politics is the root cause.  I was raised to judge and accept people as people, not to even notice color or religion or gender.  I am extremely proud that my parents were blind to the differences that are now being celebrated by the left.  What the left does not seem to understand is that for true harmony to exist, we should all see each other just as people, as separate human beings.

But, as I said, I am not in the mood for politics.  I returned from Peru and Panama less than two weeks ago and now am focused on my next vacation.  I generally only go on one “big” vacation each year but this year, I traveled in May so have several months before going back to work.  When trying to decide what to do with my summer, I realized there are six US states I have not visited in any significant way, so, decided that I need to remedy this.  Unfortunately, geographically, this is a tough thing to do in one trip as those states are Maine, New Hampshire, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, and Alaska.  So, a few months ago, I decided Maine and New Hampshire should be my focus this year.

I am having so much fun planning!  Ultimately, I decided this should be an epic road trip for me and my dog.  Think about it.  I have traveled alone in Korea, Vietnam, throughout Europe, and occasionally in central America and managed to meet many, many wonderful people, most of whom approached me as a lone person sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant.  Besides the fact that I just cannot leave my dog for more than three weeks, I have decided that I need a companion for traveling in the United States.

Primarily, this is because back in 2010, I drove from Florida to Utah by myself (I had joined Americorps and was stationed out there).  During that trip, despite taking my time getting out there, I cannot remember one time being approached by anyone for conversation.  Then, shortly before leaving Utah, I realized that I missed having a dog so I bought a little Morkie puppy.  Then, when I returned to Florida, I had with me a little dog, my Chloe.  What a different trip.

Traveling alone in the USA can be lonely yet having a cute little dog is an invitation for people to talk to you. I am not above using Chloe to help me have a more productive and enjoyable vacation.  She is a funny, sociable little dog and will be a wonderful companion on this trip.  I found a marvelous website www.bringfido.com through which I made many of my hotel reservations.  They guarantee you a pet-friendly room, suggest pet sitters, and list pet-friendly restaurants.  I will be checking on the veracity of their claims but that won’t be until after my trip–we leave July 2nd!  Until then, a lot of my enjoyment is contained in the planning stage.  And look at my baby, you see above where she wasn’t exactly a happy camper as she was laying on top of my suitcase before I left for Europe.  Wait till she sees that she is going this time–she’ll be happier than when I took her on the boat ride in Naples…