“I don’t remember being on this road before.”
Another half-hour drive and we decided to stay away from the major highways and enjoy some of the scenery. As kids the purpose of the trip was usually just to get there so we did very little sight-seeing along the way.
“You’re right, Mum. But, we decided we’d travel some new roads, see some new scenery. We thought you might like that.”
“But will there be time to visit Aunty K.?”
“Remember we told you that we were just going to travel to Belleville today and stay in a hotel tonight. We’ll have a leisurely breakfast and then make our way to Napanee in the morning to visit. We’ll be able to stay all day, until her supper time.”
“Oh, alright then.
A minute later her nose was buried in her book once again.
The car took us over rolling hills and through peaceful valleys. Patchwork fields, wildflowers waving in the breeze and trickling brooks danced across our field of sight. We enjoyed seeing the varied architecture of old houses and new, quaint villages and larger towns. We drove by the Bowmanville Zoo. Earlier we thought we might stop and visit there but the break at the mall convinced us that it would be too difficult for Mum.
“I don’t remember the trip taking this long.” Mum lifted her eyes from her book to the window. “I don’t remember being on this road before.”
A few hours later, with the help of “geeps”, my GPS, we found a nice “British pub” and restaurant.
“Where are we?”
“We’ve found an interesting place for supper, Mum, a British pub. They probably have some nice fish and chips.”
“I’ll just wait in the car. You can bring me a pack of chips.”
“Mum, you need to have some supper. We’ve found this nice place for you. I bet they make a really good cup of tea.”
“I’ve got part of that sandwich left, just bring me some chips.”
After some cajoling, arguing and putting our foot down, we helped Mum out of the car and up the stairs to the pub. Karen and I did enjoy a delicious meal of fish and chips. Mum had trifle. Following an arduous climb up, then down, a flight of stairs to use the “facilities” the three of us settled into the car again.
Continuing on minor highways and through a couple more towns we finally reached our destination for the evening.
“Are you sure the home will still let us in? It’s getting a bit late isn’t it?”
“We’re going to a hotel now, Mum.”
“But, I thought we were going to visit Aunty K.”
“Tomorrow, Mum. We’re going to have a leisurely breakfast and then spend the day with Aunty K. tomorrow.”
“Oh. Alright then. How much farther to the hotel? I’m nearly finished my book.”
“Nearly there. We’re in Belleville now.”
Overwhelmed by hot flashes I turned on the air conditioner – full blast.
“Mum, there’s a blanket there if you need it – and a pillow.”
Let’s journey together.
© Denise Budd Rumble 2009
I read your second installment-so good, not rambling and not too long.
I really like your blog page. You’ve done an excellent job. many blessings
Mary
By: Mary Haskett on August 24, 2009
at 3:19 am
Thanks, Mary.
By: Denise Budd Rumble on August 24, 2009
at 4:01 am
Loved this Denise. You need to write a book of these short snippets of your life. They are fun to read and say so much without–saying too much. Blessings.
By: Donna Fawcett on August 24, 2009
at 4:31 am
Thanks for the encouragement.
Yes, I certainly have enough “snippets” for at least one book!
By: Denise Budd Rumble on August 24, 2009
at 10:42 am
Keep it coming, Denise. This is good reading.
By: storygal on August 24, 2009
at 8:33 am
You are being polished to perfection, I can tell!
I loved coming along on the trip. And I’m with your mum–I would have had the trifle too. 
By: Belinda Burston on August 24, 2009
at 2:35 pm
Yes, my sister and I thought about it, but we’re playing Weight Watchers and had very few points left… But, at 81 I guess Mum can eat what she wants when she wants!
By: Denise Budd Rumble on August 24, 2009
at 4:06 pm
I laughed at your comment:
A few hours later, with the help of “geeps”, my GPS, we found a nice “British pub” and restaurant.
I call my GPS, “Nelly”
By: Kimberley Payne on August 25, 2009
at 10:56 pm
Hubby and I have discussed what to name her but “geeps” is the unname that has stuck. Why her? Geeps has a female voice.
And, when you think about it… hmm, a woman navigator just makes sense. I’m not afraid to stop and ask for directions!
By: Denise Budd Rumble on August 26, 2009
at 5:10 am
My kids keep asking me to do just what you’re doing in your writing. They’ve been asking me for years, I just can’t seem to get started. Maybe, just maybe, reading your “snipets” might be enough encouragment. Keep up the writing–it’s good. God bless~~~~~~Edith
By: Edith Sharp on August 26, 2009
at 1:45 pm
For years I asked Mum to write down her stories for us. My daughter and I both bought books for her for that purpose. To the best of my knowledge she’s written little, if anything in them. Next I bought her a tape recorder and showed her how to use it so she could “tell” her stories and record them for us at the same time. I think she’s used it once or twice – over at least ten years.
Yes, Edith, please do write your stories down. How to start? Put pen to paper and start writing, you’ll be surprised what comes out. And, the more you do the easier it seems to get. Just like counting your blessings. It might start as a slow trickle but soon grows to an all-out flood!
There’s only one person who can tell your stories – and that’s you!
Thanks for your encouraging words about mine.
Much love to you.
By: Denise Budd Rumble on August 26, 2009
at 2:18 pm