First stop Albuquerque, New Mexico

On Monday we fly from Heathrow via Dallas to Albuquerque  where Bob and Mary, our friends from Texas, pick us up for the start of our two week tour of the national monuments (national parks) in Utah and Arizona.  Bob and Mary have done all the planning and arranging for this trip, so we have the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

It's going to be hot mostly (cooler up at Grand Canyon) so the usual packing dilemmas present themselves.  I know that I'll pack too much, just as I always cook too much (!), but I just can't seem to stop myself...

Food stocks are being run down in the house and Peter is gearing up for a trot down to the shops for last minute supplies and dollars...

Orientation

In order to get in the mood for our comings and goings to the US over the next year or so, I've been watching food network on television.  I didn't know it existed until Nancy (who is a foodie and very partial to Texas BBQ) told me about it.

'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' is a revelation!  I watch with my mouth hanging open, mostly in horror!

How am I going to keep my diet going?  This is a major concern!   It's been going so well up to now.  Do I have the self-control required to resist American portions?   All will be revealed - and maybe not in a nice way!