Java Davis's Blog, page 35
November 6, 2014
Recalculating Route, by Beth Carpenter
http://theroadtripwriter.com/book-rev...
Book Review – Recalculating Route, Beth Carpenter (5 Coffee Beans)
Recalculating Route, by Beth Carpenter, is a well-written, nice story, harkening back to the days when “nice” was a positive adjective. Two single people with adult children are introduced by a mutual friend (and ex-wife), finding an instant sympathy with one another. They decide to test the waters by going on a road trip together from Arizona to California.
Ben, the ex-husband is not just an ex one-time; he has six ex-wives and has lived a wildcatter’s life. Marsha was widowed two years earlier. She and her husband were childhood sweethearts who had a truly blessed marriage. So on the surface, these two have nothing in common, and both families are concerned.
But off they go on their first road trip. They enjoy every minute of the trip, especially each other’s company. They plan a second road trip, and drop by Ben’s feisty mother, and all of their children.
There are plenty of familial issues, and the relationship becomes strained. But I very much enjoyed traveling with these two on their road trips, especially the trip to Seattle, one of my very favorite places. I was also anxious to find out whether or not there was a happy ending.
This book contains no foul language, no gratuitous sex, and no evil deeds. This cleanliness may not appeal to everyone, but I give this book 5 coffee beans, and a personal recommendation.
October 31, 2014
The Suitcase is Packed
The suitcase is packed to the gills even though this trip is not even one week long. Driving is the ultimate in self-indulgence: two coats, a tote bag full of snacks, a knitting bag, and a teddy bear. My cane hangs behind the passenger seat.
The gas tank is topped off and the oil was changed yesterday. The iPod is loaded with lengthy playlists. Even the rain can’t dull my enthusiasm.
So happy 
October 30, 2014
Getting Roadworthy
The car is going back to the dealership today to get checked out for roadworthiness. Warning to future purchasers: Subarus EAT oil, but they’re easy on tires and have excellent brakes. I’ll start packing today, as well. Can’t wait to hit the road!
October 26, 2014
Depression Carpenter: review from Goodreads.com
Mr. Serres received a free copy from a Goodreads.com book giveaway:
4 Stars: Honesty, modesty and kindness are some qualities not everyone can afford. This short story of Jake and his friend prove that it doesn’t take much to be happy and make some people happy. Money isn’t not the only thing important in life and this book shows it. A road-trip like this one, I’m in. It’s probable the best learning you can get in life, way better than school.
The book could have been a little longer, but it’s well written. Nice story and it met his goal, it touched me.
Yannick Serres (your favorite french quebecer reviewer!)
October 25, 2014
7 Days and Counting
Seven days from now, I’ll be on my way to Massachusetts. I’ll re-read the to-bring list that I wrote using my root beer fountain pen (yes, that’s what the color is called) with my brown fountain pen ink, a writer’s affectation. Hopefully, there will still be some fall foliage left to see along the way. There’s nothing better than a fall foliage road trip, ending up in a nice hotel with a free breakfast buffet and a heated pool.
October 20, 2014
Back on the Sofa
The husband, dogs, and I are back home again. The dogs are sacked out across the sofa, which is covered with a king-sized quilt to absorb the dog fur and rawhide chew residue. Goldie, a puppy and a nervous traveler, slept curled up with me last night, at home in our own bed. Today, she is peacefully exhausted, seeming none the worse for her visit to Grandma’s.
So now, my sights have turned to my next road trip, Massachusetts, where I’ll be traveling alone. The night before I leave, I’ll be handing out Halloween candy to odd-looking children. It promises to be a bizarre weekend.
October 17, 2014
Hitting the Road with Dogs
Tomorrow, I will hit the road once again, this time to my mother-in-law’s. It’s always good to see her, but the 3-1/2 hour ride always seems so much longer than the 7 hours to Massachusetts. I’m usually a solo road tripper, but tomorrow, I’ll be traveling with one husband and two dogs. The older dog is a seasoned traveler, but the puppy is a wild card. She did well the last time, but who knows about this time?
My husband and I can pack sparingly to take up as little room as possible in the cross-over vehicle. The dogs have their own gym back, which resembles traveling with young children. EVERYTHING must come. Food, dog biscuits, toys, rawhide chews, rice cakes, vitamins and supplements, harnesses and leashes, all of which are siren songs, excuses to stick their noses in the bag.
This will be my mother-in-law’s first opportunity to meet our puppy Goldie. I’ll be eternally grateful if they don’t have an enthusiastic collision. I’ll have the camera ready to capture a very special moment.
