The contents of this journal has been written after the trip end.
It's been almost a year since I've been on the road for any extended time- the last road trip was October 2001, but that was out of Phoenix (after flying there from Houston) and not starting out of the driveway. I miss the road, but prefer now to do less driving and possibly into more self-sustained trips- such as extended backpacking. But for now, since this is only a 3-day long weekend, driving will have to do. Another road trip may in the works for Thanksgiving.
A couple of months ago, the Rodeo had all of its belts replaced, so that was one less thing to worry about. If the timing belt breaks, it could destroy the engine. The bumper is a little damaged on the side and the spare wheel tire has been slashed. What a year this has been for the Rodeo- before this, it was in excellent condition.
I've been thinkering around with no-run contact solution again, but the contacts should not be used more than 30 days with the no-rub solution. For $45, I also replaced the curly-temply earpieces on my glasses which have been broken for over a year. I was going to get new glasses, but these glasses are discontinued (in 1997) and my prescription has not changed.