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There is nothing, nothing whatsoever, that clears the mind and gets ideas flowing like a good old road trip.

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So true, Switter!

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I love how you compared a runner’s high to driving. I’ve only been in that state while driving a few times on lengthy trips, but I know exactly where you’re coming from. Your new pup sounds wonderful, too! 🐶 Great read!

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It is a good feeling, indeed. And the pup is keeping us on our toes. Thank you, Justin!

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The process of how you get there and back matters a lot. Flying is so diffrent from driving, even if the destination and the time spent there are the same. Driving or going by train takes longer, but the time and the scenery along the way enrich the trip. Sort of like a meal with an appetizer and dessert, rather than just the steak! And btw, thanks for "petrichor" -- didn't know there was a word for that very special smell!!

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Hi, Jim. I like your analogy re travel! Thanks. For the longest time, until I actually saw "petrichor" in print, I thought it was one of those occasions where our English lacked a defining word for the event. Do you happen to know if there is an English word meaning the setting sun and the rising full moon being visible at the same time? "Selenelion" comes close but refers to a total lunar eclipse.

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I think I've heard people say "daytime moon" or "day moon" to refer to the moon being visible during daylight. I doubt there's a word for a full moon rising at sunset, but you could try coining one! Moonrise sunset? Two words though....

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It is a for a brief period of time just before the sun sets. A face-off of sorts. Yes, there needs to be a word for it. I've heard the Greek language has a word for it, as do others. Moonrise sunset is good - Solunar Showtime?? : )

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If Greek or another language has a word for it, we could just import it as is into English.

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Hey, James, I live in El Paso. The next time you cruise through town on I-10 give me a honk of your horn. I enjoyed this story of a lazy August day. Being a desert dweller, I could relate to many of your observations regarding the weather. Spectacular thunderheads develop east of the city early in the afternoons. Within an hour or two, they disappear and along with them the hope for much needed rain. Yeah, if I don't write something down, it doesn't get done--unless my wife reminds me to do it. She remembers everything.

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Hi, K.C. I really like El Paso. Was once big on moving there. Rain clouds, and rain, in the desert is just spectacular. My wife has that ability, also. A good thing but I've learned to think twice about what I say, and commit to. I'll honk next time I pass through - one long, three short. : )

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I'll be listening.

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I hear you about the drive, James. There's something very calming about long distance treks that I enjoy. I've driven from central Mexico to the Seattle area and back several times, but I prefer from San Antonio to angle up through Colorado and Utah. Once I took I-10 over to California and then up, but didn't like it as much.

And having a dog along is fun, too. Good for you! I'd sure Manna loved that...

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That's a long drive to Seattle and back. I have been through Utah a few times. It is a beautiful state. I take 5 and 10 when I need to make time. But can't seem to avoid L.A. traffic. About 2-3 am is best but even then it is busy. Manna had a good time for sure. Thanks for writing, Victor.

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Really enjoyed this James. The many and varied subjects show what a student of life you are. It's important as we get older to never lose that curiosity. But yeah, stay off the damn ladders.

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I'm glad you liked it! I'm trying to "not go gentle into that good night." But, I am getting someone to trim the trees. : ) Thank you, Jim!

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I felt myself relaxing while reading this. Thank you, James for a beautiful piece.

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Caro, thank you! I'm very glad you liked it.

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Sitting out in the back garden with your dog, gazing off toward the golden, rolling hills of California and the wildlife on the wing .... almost heaven, I'd say. I loved this post, James Ron. You are at your very best when you describe the landscape you love.

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I most appreciate it, Sharron! I know you know these hills. I'm trying to slow myself down and smell the flowers along the way. : )

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If not now, when, old man? ha ha ha! Hey. Next drive for you should be down the coast hwy 92 west to hwy 1 south Half Moon Bay along the coast to Santa Cruz. Lunch is on me.

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LOL! I know, right? I was thinking I'd like to get down your way to see you if you were willing. I would like that very much. It's not far but I was thinking lunch would be on me!! Is a Saturday a good day to meet up?

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ANY Saturday is good.( therookery@baymoon.com )

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Cool. Let's aim for early September, the 7th or14th. I'll be in touch well before then.

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Great writing, great description. Very calming and introspective.

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Thank you so much, Jim! I liked the way it came out.

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Thanks for an entertaining Friday afternoon read! I liked, "The drive itself is the thing. It is a drug, a high. I have yet to tire of it. It is like something I felt when running long distance." Same here!

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Thank you, Jim! Cool that you are a runner. I hope you are still running!

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Aug 16Liked by James Ron

Love the picture and stories about Manna.

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Hi Kent! Thank you! AI did a good job on the pic. Miss y'all.

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