Days 5 & 6

Had a great visit with friends John and Patty in Terre Haute!  John was a Senior Chief in the Navy when I was stationed in London, and he took me under his wing and mentored me.  From him I learned a good work ethic, and how to be more of a self-starter, so I credit him for "saving me" from myself when I was a young sailor who was a bit lost. I guess after a career mostly on destroyers, he knew how to motivate sailors to do better! Went back this morning for another visit, where Lady felt right at home, and Patty was sweet enough to share stuffed animals she keeps for her sister's Miniature Schnauzer.  As you can see, Lady was delighted, and couldn't decide which to play with, so just surrounded herself with all of them.

Also, a belated picture of Barb and Marilyn when Jen and I visited them in Philadelphia!  

About 2 1/2 days of the drive was spent on I-70.  I can't believe how much road construction was going on! And if you don't believe how much of this country depends on trucks, I suggest you take a long drive on probably any interstate. Everything from bridge parts on "oversize" trucks to roof trusses to new cars to whatever Amazon is shipping (saw a lot of those).  Because of long delays for construction in a couple of places, my GPS took me on some very interesting back roads and through some lovely small towns.  I admit that I didn't stop at many places except for food, and a break from driving and to walk Lady. (She is currently in the need of a really looong walk - she's tired of the short pee breaks - ha!). But it was a lovely break from the interstate.  

I was on US Hwy 36 for a good part of today; four lanes but not overcrowded so a nice change of pace.  Not sure what road I'm taking to Kansas tomorrow - I usually wait until I plug it into the GPS and just follow directions. 

Tonight I'm in Missouri, and my plan for tomorrow is to go shopping in Quilt Mecca - Hamilton, MO, home of Missouri Star Quilt Company. I'm so excited to see the town that was transformed by quilting! As you could see from an earlier pic, there isn't a lot of room left in the car, so that will help me to stay under control.  Well, maybe ... I'll let you know how that goes! 

The last picture is of Lady looking at me from the back seat as I unpacked again for another night in a different place.  I didn't catch the first look on her face, which was pretty much an almost sorrowful WTF!?  But she has been such a trooper - and has been really good, and polite at everyone's house where we've visited. Not sure how I got lucky enough for her to rescue me, but here we are.  :)