Windshield Time

Any of us road warriors knows...the only true 'down time' we get these years is on the open road. In my case, I drive to the destination...or fly and THEN drive. The down side is it's too easy to get comfey and complacent and find your mind waudering and your eyes closing. NOT A GOOD THING. For some reason the other drivers don't appreciate it.

So. What to do. My favorite is books on tape and CD. You can borrow 'books' from the library. You can buy 'books' from Cracker Barrel. This is a wonderful program. You pay full price for the book...and get all but a few dollars refunded when you return the book, and here's the BEST part. Return the book to ANY Cracker Barrel. You do NOT need to return the book to the store where you bought the book. Check out http://www.crackerbarrel.com/trip-booksaudio.cfm?doc_id=48

The next easy source is to use http://www.audible.com/ where you can join their membership and earn points. Then you can buy from an incredible list of books and download them to a number of devices...including your GPS.

Third...book stores, physical and online. Don't forget Half Price Books, Barnes & Noble, Boarders, Books-a-million, even Walmart and Target. All but Half Price Books, offers the books at full price. I prefer www.amazon.com or ebay where you can get a book for a much reduced price because it's been 'pre-read'. Any way you do it, having a book read to you...ROCKS. The longer the book, the better. And if you missed something? Just re-listen to that part, or the whole thing.

Another trick I use for keeping my mind active is photography. I am always on the look out for something to take a picture of along the way. You never know what you might see.




Besides getting out of the car for the couple of moments to take a picture is a great time to stretch.

I also have had a chiropractor advice me to use all REST AREAS. Pull in and park in the very first spot. Get out and walk all the way to the other end of the parking area and return to the car. 2-3 minutes will refresh you and stretch your body out for the next piece of road.

If all else fails and you can not keep your eyes open, find a parking lot or REST AREA and pull in. Lock your doors. Leave your engine running for the heat or AC. Crank your seat back and take a catnap. It is amazing what a 20 minute nap will do to refresh you.

And always remember SAFETY FIRST. Hands free cell, NO TEXTING and pay attention to your surroundings!!! Travel safe!!