A fateful injury, 4th of July, and the beginning of our adventure

Okay... a little snag - a little, tiny one.  Bright and early the morning of July 4, I celebrated by dropping my laptop directly on middle toe of my right foot, breaking it in a couple places and making a deep cut in the skin.  Photos are available, but I don't recommend them without a stiff drink.  Urgent Care confirms that the bone is broken and I will henceforth have my toe taped to the one next to it, soak the wounds 2 times a day, and sport that elegant, basic black color for a few days (changing, I'm sure, to the many colors of the rainbow as it heals and sheds its toenail.)  Yes, this happened the day before we drive off into the sunset.

[Lessons - 1. make sure your padded computer sleeve is completely zipped before I pick it up (so the laptop doesn't slip out AGAIN), 2. Always call the Nurseline to see if you need to go to the doctor, 3. Never use hydrogen peroxide on an open wound (it will break down the healing that your body is doing and make the healing take so much longer), and 4. When starting a journey, know that something WILL go wrong, and prepare to be flexible, especially if you are a klutz like me.]

The Fourth was wonderful, even with a mangled toe.  We spent it at a cookout and 4th of July party at our daughter's house.  The people were friendly and there were fairy lights strung across the yard, giving it a happy glow.  The hamburgers tasted so good and it was great to spend just a little more time with Meghan, Aram, their friends, and Aram's family.

My youngest, Meghan, blowing bubbles instead of fireworks.  It was gorgeous!

So, today, the first day of our journey, we drove an entire 40 miles to Lacey, Washington and I am now ensconced on a BnB bed with my foot propped up.  The camping will wait for a few days so the scrapes can scab over and infection is less likely.  (I will bring out the horrendous pix to display whenever it is suggested that I carry my own suitcase or walk more than 20 feet.  So, it's all good.)

Here is a pic of the final visit to the storage unit to drop off what we don't need and pick up what we did need before leaving.  We actually got everything else in the car, believe it or not, including camping gear and two suitcases each.  This and the contents of our car are all our worldly possessions (except for most of the art (stored with the kids), the family jewels (stored with Meghan) and the important papers in the safe deposit box).  Steve is an incredible packer, exhibit A below.

Everything in it's place. Jenga - pull one thing out and it all falls.

Himself across from the rose garden he tended at Mary Bridge/Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma.