sorry about that.  I really am.  Soon as we left the coast of Oregon we found that reliable wireless internet was not a common feature.  I had totally planned to be able to keep the story up while I was traveling but to no avail.  I am home now, got home yesterday midnight, and I plan to catch up and post tonight or tomorrow.  Again terribly sorry.  I hope at least a couple of you rode out my absence.  I have no reward for it but my gratitude.   

Edit: if anyone cares we drove from Arizona, through new mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, and back to Arizona.  Wheee!