A: Well, it can't be figured statistically really, too many variables. Like for example, hills. And wind. And the Stanleys (old neighbors of occupants) who moved to Sun City West.
So it's better to just forget estimating hours or setting schedules. Why not just enjoy the journey? That's what my in-laws did, bless their road-ravaged hearts. They hauled a piano, they U-Hauled! a piano, all the way to my house, on the coldest week of winter, because when Blake was a kid his mom promised him she would give it to him as he was the child most devoted to it. Now, after his mom got the Baby Grand of Dreams, she fulfilled her promise. I can't imagine how awful that road trip was. They never complained about how long it took. I love them.
And since the U-Haul had more room in it, they emptied their basement and grabbed the plaid couches that Blake and I used to spend way too much time on when we were dating...and actually got engaged on. Now THAT is an excellent Valentine's Day present. Thank you, Fred and Wanda!
We had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa we didn't even get out the camera (except for some shots at dinner where everyone's mouth is full. I won't post those. Wanda will kill me.) We took a scenic drive to South Mountain for a windy picnic in the back of the van, saw the Bodyworld exhibit at the museum and got completely spoiled for five fantastic days. We're so thankful for their generosity and their love. We were sad to see them go.
But at least we have the furniture to remember them by. Which brings me to another story problem:
Q: A teenage boy and girl who are dating can cuddle on one couch for three hours in 1993. How long can the same boy and girl cuddle on the same couch in 2011?
A: We'll never be able to solve this one. When we tried to re-create the scene, we didn't fit.
Fred and Wanda, you better send us the pictures you guys took. We were too lame to get any.
In lieu of pictures from our week together, I'll post a couple recont shots of my cute Dutch Baby.
It's not fair that we humans outgrow our ability to look so cute with bedhead.
I'm not opposed to zoos by any means (how else would you ever see how tall a lion actually stands, or see a kangaroo hopping in real life?), but there is always something depressing about seeing animals in cages. And Jack the Monkey, the main attraction of the attraction, is the best example. When we walked up to Jack's home he had a blanket over him and was rocking back and forth. After realizing we were there he came out and began his monkey antics, glad for the company I think. He lives alone, with no monkey lovin', and eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with flies on it. Not exactly the dream life of a chimp. He needs company. This is a call for all Maricopans to call on Jack. He's lonely. The kids won't realize that incessant rocking is a sign of serious mental distress. They will just like seeing the monkey.