Back in the Valley of the Moon

by sonomasojourn

Three years ago, I packed up my life here in Sonoma (my three and a half month ‘Sonoma Sojourn’) and returned to Boston. At that time, I believed I’d be back same time, next year.

Three days ago, I returned from Boston to Sonoma. Smokey and I endured a turbulent flight (she threw up; I did not), and then encountered a kind (but not-so-smart) car rental agent. Take away learning: don’t ask Terry to see if there’s a less expensive way to rent for two months vs. what I’ve reserved to date. Not when you’ve been up since 4am EST and you’ve traveled with a cat in a carrier underneath the seat in front of you and both of you are dehydrated, exhausted, and wondering if this trip is a good idea after all.

An hour after first meeting Terry, we locate the red Ford Fusion that is to be ours for the next two months. I load in our luggage. I wash Smokey’s carrier as best I can with the small bottle of water hijacked from Jet Blue, along with a pile of Jet Blue napkins. I release Smokey to the wilds of the car’s interior, release the emergency brake, and accelerate north to Sonoma.

Through the city, through the Presidio, over the Golden Gate Bridge, breathtaking in its majestic rise: red towers against brilliant blue skies. We stop on the other side of the Bridge to take a photo … what would it be like to see this sight every day? I can hardly imagine.

We’re here now. Car is unloaded. Cat is settled in.

Definitely a good idea.

 

Even though we spent more time at the Budget car rental counter than desired, the brightly colored welcome sign made me smile.

Even though we spent more time at the Budget car rental counter than desired, the brightly colored welcome sign made me smile.

 

Iconic red against brilliant blue.

Iconic red against brilliant blue.

 

Smokey resting on the living room couch. She's back 'home'!

Smokey resting on the living room couch. She’s back ‘home’!