Thank you all for the very supportive comments. I am really much better than I sometimes sound. A friend that recently lost his wife observed to me that when the grief came, it was still overwhelming, but that the episodes did not last as long. I think I am living his observation. When it hits, I’m despondent, and if I happen to be posting at the time, it comes through loud and clear. Outside of those times, I am seeing the country.

I don’t remember who suggested the blog. Thank you – writing helps.

It is beautiful. Left Boston early Tuesday and picked up Historic US Route 20 to Chicopee. I’ve learned that the “0” at the end of the route number means it is transcontinental. Apparently the longest current Route. It is also apparently the original Upper Boston Post Road. Getting off the Interstate system I transited many tired, former, mill towns. Lots of disused brick mill buildings. But because they date back to the days of water power, the route is gorgeous scenically. Lots of waterways of varying sizes with twisting roads through valleys and over hills.

Click to access 2020_historic_route_20_brochure_map.pdf

From Chicopee I took Route 5 along the Connecticut River up to Northampton and then Route 9 up into the Berkshires and over to Pittsfield. Three hours at the Berkshire Athenaeum writing schools papers and then off to the Walmart parking lot for a good nights rest.

Targeting Haverstraw, Hackensack, and Glen Rock for Wednesday…