It all started when...
Lorenzo quit his job. It was the smart thing to do. The job sucked, had incompetent, incapable, inefficient, unskilled, inept, inexpert, unfit management (according to Lorenzo) and it was making him miserable. Lorenzo had begun to fantasize about horrible (but fun) ways of grinding his supervisors into mush. (Lorenzo has always had "issues" with authority) Instead, he decided to leave their employment. Back east in NY, Lorenzo's 87 year old mom had decided she must move herself into a small but, plush 'Senior Residence'. She has been alone since Lorenzo's Dad passed away, needs some help with everyday chores and being very social, wants more companionship. She called us to say she is worried about the move... will she have enough money to afford this residence, who will help her pack, how do you do squeeze a lifetime of stuff into a one bedroom apartment... so we decide to take advantage of our freedom and embark on a "Major Road Trip" to lend a hand, moral support and collect some cool stuff. We spend a couple days customizing the van (installing insulation and paneling, building a raised carpeted bed with storage compartments underneath, sewing curtains) as we will be LIVING IN IT for our MONTH on the road!! Our first stop will be (Viva) Las Vegas, then Taos New Mexico (Lorenzo skis), New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale Florida (more Lorenzo relatives), up to New York for a week or so and back to SF (by way of most of Colorado's and Utah's ski resorts). WHEW!

As a self-employed artist, I arrange to have an artist friend handle my current projects. I buy Lorenzo and myself color-coordinated notebooks to record our feelings, thoughts and experiences on our adventure. My sketchbook and paintbox are packed. An artist on the road, how romantic...
As a big chicken, I prepare myself for this unknown experience of living in a van on the road by collecting every map and booklet AAA has to offer. I pack every shred of warm clothing I own and wonder how in the world will I stay warm in a truck with Lorenzo who thinks 50° weather is 'nice'??? But, most importantly, where will I pee? Oh well, off we GO...