Road Trip Photo Dump!

Roxy and Afro getting some treats

I can't tell you how amazing it was to get my kitties from the boarding place. Etta, Roxy and Afro absolutely showered me with love. Roxy sat on my lap almost the whole trip. Joan and Kanye took a bit longer to warm up.

Yakima 

It's so funny, once you leave Seattle, there is so much open space in Washington. It doesn't even feel like you're in the same state. The funniest thing I noticed was in Seattle it's nothing but Bernie signs, and in Yakima I saw sooooooo many Trump signs. It was terrifying. I told Derek that we needed to avoid any pit stops in Trump county!

Here are some pictures of the road trip. It was about twelve hours, give or take. The cats were so amazing. After all they've been through, they really handled the trip like professionals. We drove through Washington, some of Oregon, Idaho and then Utah. Fun fact, in Oregon it's illegal for anyone to pump their own gas. Isn't that so weird? I would have loved Oregon back when I drove. I always loathed pumping gas. the smell. the sounds, having to stand out there when it's cold. Yuk. There were parts of Oregon, and especially Idaho that really reminded me of the desert. Like I felt like I was in Arizona or something.

Afro in my new place!

Utah also has that dry look and feel. And it is definitely the hottest place I've ever been to. Like if you stand in the sun for more than ten minutes, you are a burnt piece of vegan leather. It's beautiful in it's own way, just very different from the vibrant lush green of Seattle. There are mountains everywhere you look. It feels like you can reach out and touch them. I've been trying to get a good picture when I'm out walking, but the sun keeps ruining my shots. I'll keep practicing.
My apartment is on a quiet little dead end street. Directly behind me is an elementary school. My kitties are going to have fun watching kids play! I live in a pretty residential neighborhood, and it definitely feels safe. I've met all of my neighbors, and they all seem pretty nice.
As I mentioned, yesterday I took a bus for the first time, and made it out alive. Today I am looking for a job, a bank, and Sprouts market. The grocery that is closest to me is the worst grocery ever. I am definitely living in a food desert. But, the awesome news is that there is a Sprouts market downtown somewhere, and I am pretty close to downtown. I've never been to a Sprouts before, but from what I understand they are a mecca for all things bulk bin. I will also be applying for a job there, because it's close to my home, and discount!
I have to say the one thing I am most struggling with is grief. I am so happy to have my kitties back. but I would be lying if I didn't say there is a void. We are incomplete. And I feel that loss so strongly. I worry about the others, I wonder if they're okay, are they lonely? It's a wound that will always be there.
I don't want to end on a sad note, today I am going to conquer the world, and make sure this never ever happens to us again.
I'll be back tomorrow with kitty and apartment pictures. The pace is pretty much empty, but hey, it's a home! And of course my kitchen has the most stuff of any of the rooms! Ha ha!