Traveling America Without Air Conditioning . . .

Yes, no air conditioning.  We began our journey across America at the end of June, heading first to Pittsburgh for a conference--knowing that we would have a wonderful time when we arrived. We were also looking forward to the drive itself.  That is, until our air conditioning failed the very first day of our trip.  And the outside temperature was in the low 100's.  As it happened, it was a record-setting heat wave that spread from the Western Midwestern states all the way to Pennsylvania.

I know what it means to be hot but to be hot and surrounded by extreme humidity is quite another thing.  And because the automatic fan action of the system failed as well as cooling capacity, we had to roll down the windows just to get some really hot wind moving.  Were it not for the spray bottle that managed to cool us frequently, I'm not sure either hubby or I would have made it.

I remember the trips across the country without air conditioning when I was a kid, and thought often that I would never have to endure such an experience ever again.  But little did I realize that such would be my lot this very summer.  Somehow life has given us another reminder that "while we are making plans, life happens."  So onward we go, journeying from Pittsburgh after our week there to visit with friends in Virginia, and now on to Georgia where it rained massive amounts both on the drive southward as well as after we arrived.  Things are certainly green down here, but the air is thick with humidity to the extent that it feels like a sauna.

One good thing so far:  our 1980 Mercedes 300D diesel is behaving wonderfully other than the climate control unit.  We are getting excellent milege and believe it or not, gas is still going down in cost.  In South Carolina, regular unleaded was $2.86.  Quite a change from several month ago.

So onward we go . . . traveling to Alabama at the end of this week, visiting with family and new and old friends.  It looks like the heat and humidity will persist.  Oh well . . . we can honestly say:  "There will be a "hot" time in the old time tonight."

America the Beautiful . . .

O beautiful, for spacious skies,











For amber waves of grain,













For purple mountains' majesty












Above the fruited plain,

America, America, God shed His grace on thee . . .

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea!

A very happy and blessed July 4th, everyone!!