The End-of-the-Trail on Route 66

The last part of our road trip takes us through New Mexico, Arizona and on to the California Coast where the designated ending to Route 66 is at the Santa Monica Pier.

THE LAST THREE STATES OF ROUTE 66:  

New Mexico, Arizona, California

NEW MEXICO - 487 Miles

Of the original 400+ miles of Route 66 across New Mexico, 265 miles are still drivable.  Running parallel to Interstate 40, this drivable, historic stretch connects iconic boomtowns like Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Grants, and Gallup. Travelers can experience vintage neon signs, classic motels, and deep Indigenous and Spanish heritage.

Highlights include the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, the Blue Hole, an 80-foot artesian spring, in Santa Rosa, the Nob Hill district, filled with vintage diners and local events in Albuquerque, and the McKinley County Courthouse (The Heart of Indian Country) in Gallup.

ARIZONA - 401 Miles

Check out the Petrified Forest National Park in NE Arizona. Spend a night in a vintage concrete teepee in Holbrook (AZ). Stop at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City and the Powerhouse Museum in Kingman, known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66”. 

Conclude your Arizona Mother Road trip in Oatman, as you enjoy a mountain drive through the Black Mountains.

CALIFORNIA - 314 Miles

From the Arizona border at Needles, the Route 66 Road Trip includes over 300 miles through the Mojave Desert, past historic ghost towns and those iconic roadside diners. Barstow offers a desert oasis featuring the ‘Mother Road Museum’. 

You will pass through San Bernardino, Pasadena & Los Angeles, then follow Colorado Boulevard directly to the Ocean. The official “End of the Trail”, complete with a sign, is at the Santa Monica Pier.

Summary

This concludes our scenic road trip of the iconic Route 66. We hope you have an opportunity to celebrate this famous highway’s 100 years during its Centennial by enjoying even a small part of the distance from Chicago to Santa Monica. 

♫ ♫ Get Your Kicks on Route 66 ♬ ♪ 

Related Links:

• Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning
• Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Middle Part

*This review of the third part of Route 66 was written by Wednesday Elf.

+All images in this review are courtesy of Pixabay and Wikipedia

+Travel tips for New Mexico, Arizona and California on Route 66: 

New Mexico Kicks on Route 66Check PriceArizona Kicks on Route 66Check PriceRoute 66 in California (Images of America)Check PriceRoute 66: 100 YearsCheck Price

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy Reviewed

A lot of dog toys are made for any size dog, therefore they tend to be small if given to a full grown large breed dog.  The BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid dog toy is big!  He is the perfect size for a big dog. 

When our son traveled out of town for a concert, he came back bearing souvenir gifts for everyone in the household, including Watson, our year old Labrador Retriever.  He brought Watson a Sid the Squid dog toy that he found in the Cracker Barrel shop on the way home.  Watson loves the big squid!  

Shifty Sid the Squid has legs that crackle which Watson really enjoys.  No matter which leg he grabs, it makes a sound.  Plus, if he bites the squid in the head, it squeaks.  Because of the awesome sound effects, the squid is easily Watson's favorite indoor toy ever.  

The first few nights "Sid" was here, Watson carried him to bed with him.  Watson's bed is at the foot of our bed.  Needless to say, as Watson would wake in the night or roll over, Sid would make a sound and Watson was on immediate alert, then attack.  Both my husband and I woke up laughing at the Watson & Sid battles.  It really was worth the disturbed rest.

The following morning Watson would bring Sid to the kitchen for breakfast.  Sid didn't eat breakfast, but he waited patiently for playtime.

Now, a few weeks later, Sid often remains in "bed" until playtime, but he is still Watson's first choice for play.  

Watson's squid is a different color than the one on Amazon, but they are the same toy otherwise. 

 

 BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy - for Dogs | Plush Squeaky Toy with Crazy Crinkle & Whip-N-Flip Legs - Interactive Thrash & Play ToyCheck PriceBarkbox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy

The Barkbox squid dog toy is 17" long.  He has a fat mantle (body section above the head & eyes) that makes him easy for our big dog to carry.  He can also be carried by his crinkling legs.  

Sid the Squid is made of a soft, plush material that is gentle on a dogs mouth, as well as a human's body if they get in the way of the thrashing squid. 

His eyes are embroidered instead of crafting or wiggy eyes that could be pulled out and swallowed.  Therefore, Sid is safe for roughhousing with Watson.  If his eyes were detachable, they would have been ripped out in minutes upon his arrival.

Clearly, the BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid dog toy was/is an excellent choice for an 80+ pound puppy dog that enjoys having a durable interactive toy.  

 

Watson's Squid Friend has Reversed Colors. His Squid is Lime colored with Blue Leg Interior Fabric.
Watson still has his pretty puppy looks, but his body is full grown in the picture above, so you can see how big the squid toy is by comparison  

 

More Reviews for Puppies and Dogs by Contributors Who Love Their Dogs!

National Puppy Day

Best Gifts for Puppies

Back Seat Extender for Dogs - Large Hard Bottom Dog Car Seat Reviewed

Kong Wubba Toys for Puppies 

Everlasting Treat BentoBall for Puppy 

Milk-Bone Holiday Biscuit Treats

Easter Milk-Bones for Dogs 

Backseat Barker Dog Bed for SUV or Jeep 

Ortho Sleeper Comfort Couch for Dogs 

Indoor Dog Gates Reviewed 

Dog Agility  

 

Read More Product Reviews On
ReviewThisProducts.com

Or

Pet Related Reviews

 

 

BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy Reviewed written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Nightwork by Nora Roberts

 

I had read Nora Roberts books in past but had not read any in recent years.  I remembered enjoying her books, so when Nightwork was picked as our monthly book club read, I was looking forward to reading another Nora Roberts book.  I was not disappointed, Nightwork was a different type of book then I remembered Nora Roberts writing. (One reviewer calls it a Romantic Suspense Novel)  I  found the book to be an exciting read in which I eagerly anticipated what would come next. 

Book Highlights

The book follows the life of Harry Booth.  When he is only 9 years old he turns to a life of stealing in order to help support his single mother who is very ill.   When she dies he leaves Chicago, but he continues his "nightwork".  Over the years he perfects his craft and becomes a "master thief".  However, he is a thief with his own code of morals, which I found very interesting.  He also was very careful never to draw attention to himself.  As he moved to various towns during his life, he changed his name to keep his past behind him. 

He settled into a comfortable life, getting a job as a teacher and buying a beautiful home in a small southern town.  He meets a woman he adores, Miranda Emerson and everything seems to be going his way, until some dangerous associates from his past catch up with him.  His first response is to leave in order to keep those he cares about safe, but that doesn't work.  The bond between Harry and Miranda has become strong and he finds that he must address his past straightforward and reclaim the life he wants.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in the following formats: Kindle, Audible, Paperback, Hardcover.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon Nightwork

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Bissell Little Green Mini Carpet Cleaner ~ A Product Review

We live in an apartment that has wall to wall carpeting.  While it's wonderful to have that nice carpeting underfoot, it can also be a problem. 

As we are aging, we find ourselves a little less nimble and steady on our feet.  So taking a cup of coffee from the kitchen to the living room to enjoy, can and has been problematic.

Hubby and I both have issues with balance.  Years ago we could and did bring cups of coffee or tea into our living room without a problem.  Nowadays, with our aging bodies, we find that getting that cup to the coffee table without spilling, is a feat not often accomplished without incident.

So our once nice looking wall to wall carpeting was showing signs of spills and stains.  Even if we quickly grabbed paper towels to blot up the spill.

That being said, hubby did some research and found the Bissell Little Green Pro.  It is a small but mighty spot and stain remover for carpeting, upholstery and more.

Easy to bring out, light in weight and a powerhouse in cleaning, our once stained carpets are now clean and looking like new again.

Not only good for carpets, but it can also be used for furniture, pet beds, and car interiors.  It's small in size but big on cleaning.  It only weighs about 7 pounds and according to it's description on Amazon, it is 10 inches deep x 13.5 inches wide  and 12 inches in Height.  So being so small it's also easy to find a place to keep this handy dandy cleaning machine.

So now when we have an unfortunate accident, it's easy to get our little Green Machine out and clean the area that is affected.  We have already put it to great use for our own little messes and also for our pet's messes.  (We have a conure, who is not yet toilet trained).  Cleaning up after our loved pet's messes has just become so much easier.  This is also  great for puppies that are in the process of toilet training.  No messes are too small or big for this handy little machine. Bissell has many other options for you and your own personal needs you can check out this page, https://amzn.to/4gk1h2l to find the one that best suits your needs.

We are happy that we found this carpet cleaner as the stains were really an eyesore.  Now, we don't have to worry about those nasty spots and stains anymore and life again is enjoyable.  When you have stains on the carpets, it doesn't matter how often you vacuum, it just doesn't feel clean and it looks really nasty.  Not anymore!  

I hope this helps you to make a great decision as far as keeping your carpets clean and fresh.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Pretty Pink Sunflower Outlines Home Collection

This Collection features an outline drawing of a pink sunflower with green leaves, is printed on a variety of items for the home. This collection can be colored/painted in by hand, and or enjoyed as they are.

This would make a pretty design for wall art in for a girl's bedroom. She can enjoy the simplicity of it, or she can paint it in.

Pink Sunflower Flower to Paint on Canvas
by CherylsArt

There are a variety of different canvases to choose from on Zazzle. Be sure to check the details for the one(s) that you are interested in. In addition to the finish or the material used, there might also be more or less sizes to choose from.

From my artist perspective and experience, acrylic paints dry much quicker on the faux wrapped canvas, as compared to stretched canvas. So blending mediums may need to be used to extend blending time on the faux wrapped canvas. Either option can make a pretty room addition.

A personalized canvas tote bag can be a fun choice for shopping, carrying gym clothes, shoes, etc. Zazzle has a variety of tote bag styles to choose from. The budget tote has a lighter weight fabric than the other tote bags. Handle color choices can vary depending on the bag style that you choose.

Stylish Pink Fuchsia Sunflower Floral Tote Bags
by CherylsArt

Tips: These can also be painted in or simply used without the addition of painting it. If one does choose to paint on the canvas tote bag, be sure to place a flat sheet of cardboard between the fabric layers, to prevent bleed through. Also, do this for painting of tshirts. There are acrylic paints that are made for multiple surfaces, and also especially for fabric. I recommend checking these out for the painting of any fabric.

Another home type item are the canvas aprons from Zazzle. They come in a choice of yellow, white, and khaki. They also come in a choice of adult style and children's style. The adult style has three pockets across the bottom, and it comes in a standard length or the long length. The child's apron doesn't have any pockets, and only comes in one length.

Outline art drawing, fuchsia flower coloring apron
by CherylsArt

If you choose to paint an apron, be sure to refer to the tips listed under the tote bags above.

Be sure to check out CherylsArt store on Zazzle for more pink sunflower themed items, including personalized notepads, posters, tshirts, and kitchen towels, through the link below.

Pretty Pink Sunflower Outlines Home Collection
by CherylsArt

For added inspiration, you can also scroll down on any product page on Zazzle, to find other products to possibly transfer that design to. Be sure it fits on the product before ordering, and even see if you can edit the product to get the design to fit within the dashed lines on the product.

You can also make a request below in a comment, and I will see what I can do. Zazzle has a lot more products to choose from.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Anti Slip Dog Protector Pads Reviewed

 The battle of the hardwood floors continues! Upon the positive recommendation of a friend with a senior dog I tried the Anti Slip pads to evaluate if this was a tool for the older dog arsenal. 

The stick on paw pads are shaped like the bottom of a dogs paw and are peel n stick. There are little rubber treads all over the stick on pads to help with traction on smooth floors.

Installation

The pads were easy to install and my dog tolerated them well. Did he love the pads? No But he didn't try to remove the pads either. I do think the tolerance would be dog specific as dogs can be very picky about their feet. However, compared to other senior dog products for traction the pads were one of the least intrusive. 

Do They Work?

Yes, they do help with traction.

Price Point

There are a few manufacturers on the market, search dog paw protectors online to examine the selection. The prices do vary. 

Recommendation

This is a product I ultimately returned. The product did work for my situation as  I found the removal of the product was too cumbersome and difficult. 

My friend loves the pads and reports the pads fall off regularly after a few days and she simply replaces the pads with no muss, no fuss. If the pads I used had fallen off that would be highly preferable than attempting to unstick the pads.

I definitely believe the pads are worth trying to evaluate if they are a good fit for your dog.

Which Product Helped The Most?

After weeks of evaluation and a few trial and error attempts,  I found the best solution actually using 2 products simultaneously : Dr. Buzby Toe Grips for the rear paws and the Tiger Toes socks for the front paws. 

Full Review on Dr. Buzby's Here.

Full Review of Tiger Toes Socks Here.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Borrow My Eyes - A Love Story and A Song

 

Borrow My Eyes, A Love Story

He sometimes watches her go about her day and wonders if she has any idea how much of herself she gives to the world around her.

She is naturally giving, not because she has forgotten herself or believes everyone else should come first, but because kindness is simply part of who she is. She knows who she is. She takes care of herself, yet when she moves through life, she sees beyond her own needs. In the smallest decisions and ordinary moments, she thinks of others. She notices what people need. She does what she can. Often without fanfare. Often without anyone realizing how much thought she has put into the simplest things.

And he loves her for all of it.

When they first met, she saw something in him, too.

She could see beyond the person standing in front of her. She sensed the road he had traveled and the pain he had carried. She didn't try to rescue him. She didn't sacrifice herself for him or make his wounds her responsibility. She simply understood that someone who had traveled such a difficult road might need a little more tenderness, a little more patience, and a little extra loving care.

So she gave it freely, simply because that was who she was.

And slowly, without either of them fully realizing it, she became the place he had been searching for his entire life.

Home.

Not just a house. Not just a person he loved. But a feeling he had never truly known before. When he looks at her, he sees quiet after the noise. He sees safety after uncertainty. He sees somewhere he belongs. He sees a life where he can finally exhale.

His life before her had not been easy. He had known pain, carried scars, and traveled through experiences that changed him. But it is never lost on him that, without her, he might never have understood love the way he understands it now.

That is why he wishes he could lend her his eyes.

Just for an hour.

He wishes she could see the woman he sees, the kindness she doesn't always notice in herself, the beauty that goes far deeper than what can be seen, and all the quiet things she does that make his life better. He wishes she could understand that when he looks at her, he doesn't just see the woman he loves.

He sees his fairytale hero.

He sees the person who helped heal wounds she didn't create. The person who erased pain simply by loving him with patience and sincerity. The person who saw his truth and accepted him without asking him to become someone else.

Most of all, he sees home.

And so, through this song, he gives her the only gift he knows she truly needs to understand his heart:

His eyes.

Because if she could see herself the way he sees her, she would finally understand the depth of his love.

"Borrow My Eyes" is his thank you to the woman who gave him more than love; she gave him a place in this world where he finally feels he belongs.

*********

"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

YouTube:  Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify:    Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Subscribe: Join the Journey: Get New Songs and Stories in Your Inbox

*********

🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed digital composition (Commercial Rights Held). The visual artwork may include AI-assisted digital elements. SOCAN Member.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Wait Till Next Year - A Book Review

 By Doris Kearns Goodwin

This is a memoir of a childhood time during the 1950s in the suburbs of New York City. It was a magical time of neighborhood rivalries when the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees all called New York home. 

Ebbets Field Postcard (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

Doris Kearns Goodwin was a very young girl as the 1950s began, and shared a deep love for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team with her father, who taught her early on how to keep score. This was a time before night games began, so daytime baseball games were the norm. Doris would listen to the afternoon Dodgers game on the radio, faithfully filling out the scorecards in the little red score book her father had given her, then describe the narrative of the game to her dad each evening when he returned from work. From this humble beginning came the start of her coming-of-age story related in the memoir “Wait Till Next Year”. 

Synopsis of the Memoir

Wait Till Next Year - A MemoirCheck Price

Doris’ stories as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, peopled by Jackie Robinson (her favorite player), Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider and Pee Wee Reese, also included her recollections of her family, neighborhood and childhood friends. She describes what it was like to grow up in Rockville Centre, Long Island in a time when neighbors were extended family; a time defined by post-war suburban growth, early television broadcasts and Cold War anxiety.

A delightful memoir of a girl, an era and a game! A growing-up time which came to a close for Doris with the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn in 1957 (along with the Giants) and the death of her mother. 

Author Doris Helen Kearns Goodwin

Goodwin is an American historian, biographer and political commentator who specializes in US presidents. She worked as a fellow under Lyndon B. Johnson, which inspired her writing as a presidential historian. Her Wikipedia story is here. 

Summary 

I was given this book by a friend who knew what a huge baseball fan I am. The gift came from a recent evening at the Kansas City Royals ballpark where, between innings, we had a discussion about the many baseball-related books we’ve each read. 

In addition to enjoying the book from a baseball-fan standpoint, I really enjoyed it from the fact that Doris Kearns Goodwin is just three years younger than I am and her descriptions of her life in the 1950s and the baseball teams and players she talks about were SO familiar to me, growing up in New York State in the 1950s. It was like she was describing MY childhood days! 

Plus, I was mostly a NY Yankees fan (still am), but also followed the Brooklyn Dodgers during their time as a New York team. I never forgave them (just like a lot of other Dodger fans) for leaving Brooklyn and never cheered for them again. Doris Kearns ended up moving to Massachusetts as an adult and gave up on the Dodgers; becoming a Boston Red Sox fan! 

Wait Till Next Year is very well written, well worth reading by anyone. It will especially appeal to fans of Baseball, and people who were young in the 1950s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have passed it along to my brother, another huge baseball fan! 

*Book review of “Wait Till Next Year” was written by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: