My periodic trips to NC

are always pleasant and fun. The one just ended was also pleasant, but the drive over and back was not very much fun. I'm guessing it's the increased sense of drudgery associated with eight hours of driving in each direction. There was a time when I set out with vigor and anticipation, knowing I would enjoy the going as well as being there.

Now if I could be home right now and at my brother's in the next minute, I'd certainly do it that way. Flying would be one way to go, but it would be no more convenient and much more expensive. I'd leave the K'ville airport and fly to Raleigh; then I'd get a rental car and drive the remaining distance, about two hours drive. Or my brother would meet me in Raleigh, which means he'd drive four hours. Then there would be a return trip to the airport, another two or four hours.

Driving is the logical way to go, but I find it wearisome now due to time and distance. Eight hours on my tail is not so good for the back and adjacent muscles. Periodic stops are advisable, and I stop for restroom breaks and to fuel the car; the but more or longer the stops, the longer the trip.

Yep, I'm whining about something that's not very serious. But I think I will not run back and forth frequently to NC after retirement. While I like the visits with Bro and is wife, I don't like the before and after.

I also hated the weather. The temperature hovered at 100 degrees with heat index pushing it up to 110 or more. The one 'cool' day was Saturday when it was around 95 with low humidity, so it felt like 95.  So refreshing.  You could at least walk outside and breath which was difficult at 110 degrees.

One thing about the weather in eastern NC; it helps me appreciate the weather in K'ville. It gets hot here and it gets humid here; but the extremes are less common. It's true this summer has been unusually hot here and nearly everywhere else; but when a storm passes through TN things cool down considerably. Anyway, if I'm in K'ville I can hunker down in the house and keep my cool.

Celebrating Bro's b'day with him was very nice. He's a great big bro and I'm fortunate to have him still around.

Told them, though, that my next trip would be in cold weather whether it's a b'day, holiday or not. Ain't going in 100 degree weather.