Fortunately, we drove during daylight after that. In Colorado mountains we went from 16 to 20 miles-per-gallon, confusing sensors and causing "check engine" light to turn on. We successfully ignored it until it changed it's mind.

In Farmington, New Mexico, we spent a few days resting and coughing. We were about an hour away from buying a house when we discovered it needed new wiring, had a garden hose attached to natural gas line, and other problems we missed on our first visit. The old man begged me to buy it, called our motel room to tell me he needed money for open-heart surgery in three days, and called again to lower price, but we moved on. By way, house was to be a winter project, not a new home.

Monument Valley was beautiful, Christmas parade in Holbrook was cute, and despite various problems and illnesses, we're having a great time. You see, I didn't want to make you all jealous, so I left out a lot - constant sun, beautiful sculptures in Grand Junction, and nine times we've been in hot springs in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Next week we're going to Mexico for lunch. Hope all is well in Michigan. Adios,

Steve and Ana

Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid

Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing tradeoff of ‘maybe’ getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it’s a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you’ve bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you’re off hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.

Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages

Every airline has a ‘special offers’ page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these ‘special fares’ will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).