I Love Driving Through the Berkeshires on My Way Back to CT from Syracuse, Especially After Thunderstorms and as Pink Skies Start to Move In

I made great time. The Thruway was light and flowing and I knew the only hiccup would likely be driving through the Berkeshires -- you go only as fast as the car in front of you. I almost made it through until the last 7 miles where I caught up to a tractor trailer, and 40 other cars. We went 20 mph in a 50 mph zone. Then, I hit major construction on route 8, post Waterbury. Good book, however, so it wasn't that stressful. Also came home to several new boxes of books sent from publishers. Will get into them sometime today.

Driving throughout the Hudson Valley actually has the same hills and mountains as we saw in California. It's just that ours are wearing clothes. That is...they are covered in trees and full greenery. It makes it seem as if it's not as mountainous as Sonora. The Berkeshires are beautiful and I love driving by all the lakes. I used to only go 17 through Binghamton, so when people visited me, I always wondered what they meant by driving by the lakes. Now that I know the Albany/Massachusetts route, I now know what they mean. I didn't realize there was a 20-minute, shorter route. Yes, there are tolls, it's a wonderful ride for the eyes. A wide world of broccoli.

Karal didn't settle for sleep riding home, but conked out after chowing down a bowl of food. I wish I got a picture of my father Wednesday night who snuck a slice of cinnamon cake after he claimed he was going to bed. A happy belly makes for a better life.

Speaking of, my goal is to be done working by 3 so I can attend World Cup games with a giant bag of Hoffman Hotdogs. I brought them back with me, as I know my friends wish they were sold in our groceries.

I'm also glad mom had a good doctor's visit, Cynde took her to get her hair cut, and the home-health aide will resume sometime this morning. Being with the parental units is simply about understanding routines, patterns, and habits. Keep the iPad in the right locations, remember the phone and glasses, keep dad's pills and meals in front of him, and know that many naps are inevitable. 

I prepped the coffee one last time before I left. I know how much I appreciate having it ready to go first thing in the morning. If I could lighten the load with one less morning hassle, then it is a good thing. 

Juneteenth is an important holiday. Always appreciated the episode of Blackish when Trey educated the audience about the debates that came up in his office. I will like post this and watch it again.