Thursday, May 26th, 2011 - At the laundromat!!

Hello again!

FINALLY figured how to get these blogs sent out to you, so now can get busy and catch you up on our travels.

First of all, several of you have called us sharing your concern for our well-being, in light of the severe storms and tornadoes here in the Mid-West.  We want to assure you that, to date, we have been quite safe and unaffected from the weather systems pounding Oklahoma, Kansas and beyond.  While we have experienced small amounts of rain at times, for the most part God has given us sunshine and blue skies and white clouds under which to travel.  We have had more than our fair share of windy weather, however.  In talking with "locals" where we have traveled, we learned that wind is normal for this part of the country.  Tom didn't remember that part of growing up in Columbus Nebraska!  Kids just play and have fun, don't think about the windy weather, I guess!!

When we last left you in Holbrook, AZ, we were hunkering down for the night and then heading east on Highway 40 to Tijeras, NM, just east of Albuquerque NM.  Once settled in in the camp spot, we drove just a mere few miles to Mike & BJ Zimprich's home there.  Mike and Tom, along with Larry & Jack, are OLD friends from way back when...Mike & Tom beginning in 4th grade and all the way through college graduation at Cal Poly, Pomona in 1966.  Over the years, they all "lost touch" with each other.  Then, last year they all found each other again.

We had a delightful visit with Mike & BJ in their absolutely lovely pueblo-style home.  And, oh my!  The reminiscing that went on was never-ending.  Thank you Mike & BJ for dinner and a  great evening of chatter!

Until yesterday, we have "one-nighted" it in each stop that we have made.  Here, we are staying 2 nights for an extra day of rest.  We've averaged about 250 or so miles each day so far.  

A few highlights include the Pioneer Village in Minded NE (just across the border from Kansas).  While I am not a person who enjoys museums very much, THIS one is a must for any of  you who might travel this direction in the future.  I actually was in awe of the fabulous collections of Americana at this place.  Old cars...close to 300 in pristine condition from the 20's forward.  Old sewing machines, washing machines, refrigerators, irons, oil lamps, ladies' dresses, airplanes, fire trucks, you name it!  The collections are housed in 26 different buildings.  There's an old schoolhouse completely furnished, general store, church, etc.  Needless to say this was time well-spent for both of us.


On thru Waco NE overnight.  Visited the place of Tom's birth and first 8 years...Columbus NE.  Visited with a long long long-time friend of Sis Nancy's from her high school days there.  2 nights ago we hotelled it in Yankton SD, and here we are in Mitchell overlooking Lake Mitchell from our campsight.

As I write, we are at the laundromat giving our clothes a fresh outlook on their lives!!  Later, we'll visit the Corn Palace (look it up on the internet for more info.) and this afternoon relaxation.


Tomorrow we will reach our destination after about a 200 mile or so drive to Elysian MN where Teri & Bob say they are anxiously awaiting our arrival.

So, there ends this edition of the T&D Travels saga.  Take care.