Happy 2008!Jan 1, 2008
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TUESDAY January 1, 2008
As I look back on 2007... well, since July of 2007, I am reminded of how far The Pierre Girls have come.
We have lived in the camper for 184 days with one another 24/7.
We have about 244 days left in the camper.
We are about 3096 miles from Rhode Island and have traveled over 5800 miles in our truck since we bought it.
We have attended church for 16 of the last 18 weeks in the following locations: Elkhart Indiana, Madison Wisconsin, Minneapolis Minnesota, Fargo North Dakota, Tacoma Washington, Salem Oregon, Grants Pass Oregon, Davis California, Sacramento California, Livermore California, and Berkeley California.
We have driven through 18 states so far and have slept overnight in 16 of them (we didn't get stickers for Pennsylvania or Idaho... drove through but didn't sleep over).
We have used 16 bottles of propane for heat and cooking.
We have toured two Capitol buildings; Salem Oregon and Sacramento California (thanks Kristen!)
We have knocked off one antenna, hit one street sign, bent two rear stabilizing jacks and dropped the camper on the truck only once!
We have read 41 books between all three of us.
Aisha and Renee have learned to knit (thanks Julie!).
Soleil has learned to sew.
Renee is no longer a vegetarian.
We fell in love with Tacoma (thanks Dannie, Michelle and Lori!)
Renee has had only two nervous breakdowns.
We have had two bleeding injuries (Renee and Soleil) and one cold (Aisha).
We have all learned how to rock climb (thanks Vaughn!)
We have enjoyed meals with many wonderful people who have opened their hearts and their homes to us (you know who you are!)
We have eaten oranges fresh off the tree (thanks Kate!)
We have seen roses bloom in December, almond trees, pomegranate trees, olive trees, bushes and bushes of rosemary, pepper trees, delicious wild strawberries in December, and have slept under a giant redwood tree named The Immortal Tree.
We have visited too many museums to mention, eaten too many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and made so many wonderful friends that our hearts are so full with gratitude for one and all.
Thank you all for your love, support, generosity, kindness and for making this the trip of a lifetime for The Pierre Girls!
Blessings to you and your family in 2008!
Remember to take time to truly be with one another.
Keep the circles open to let in the occasional "wandering traveler."
Make memories.
Take pictures.
Laugh.
Count your blessings... every day and often throughout the day.
Be grateful for what you have.
Tell friends and family and even strangers how much they mean to you.
Thank people for their gifts.
Pray for peace.
Have a peaceful and joyous New Year!
Renee
