Day 4: Stockton (home)

Probably the best deal in hotel/motel continental breakfasts goes to the La Quinta. Well let me clarify since most, if not all, are complimentary. Usually you get danishes and donuts with milk. Here you can make your own waffles, how cool is that. They give you the batter and just pour it onto the waffle maker and in less than 3 minutes, you have waffles.

I began my drive home by first dropping Miguel off at the airport in Sacramento. About 90 minutes, after I drove by my K-8 school of Delta Island, I made the turn down Clifton Court Road and as soon I got past the asparagus packing plant I saw the familiar reflection of the giant red barn with its tin roof from less than 5 miles away. Next to that barn is my house.

As I got closer, I noticed something new – the 21st century moved into the neighborhood. Next to my house is a cell phone tower located about 150 yards away from my house. Those of you with Nextel can now get full bar reception by my parents. I asked my dad about it and he said the ranch owner rented out the land for $600 a month and free service.

I spent the day taking a lot of photos in the 90-plus degree weather and before I got to my parents I started to feel a little ill. Apparently I failed to take into account not being used to the hot weather and air conditioning at my sisters. I developed a huge headache and wouldn't let it stop me from taking as many pictures as I could.

My sister Mary and her husband stopped by to say hi and talk. She was only here for an hour before she had to go back to Stockton. We made plans to go out to dinner at a Mongolian BBQ restaurant in town. Now, this is not the mall version of Mongo, it's an all you can eat place.

I took more photos before I couldn't take anymore and came inside.

I tried to relax as much as I could before I took my parents to town for dinner, but couldn't because of my head. I may not burn since I was born with a natural tan, but I can retain a lot of heat.

But I couldn't afford rest because this was my only day at home. So I got my parents to town. Before we went to dinner, we had to make a quick stop at Walgreen's for medication for my mother. I found out she is taking 11 different pills for a variety of aliments: diabetes, high blood pressure, ect. My father said he takes 7, but he also said that the government pays for most of it.

After that we went to dinner with Mary and talked. I just wished I were feeling better.

Before I went to bed, I walked around the house just to see things as they are. I stepped into the laundry room and as I moved back, felt something squishy. It turned out to be a slug; at least I hope it was a slug. Yes, I kind of freaked out and immediately washed that feeling off my foot.

And to think, I was missing this in my life.

Next Stop: San Leandro

Miles traveled today: 139

Miles traveled total: 602