Homeward Bound - Day 4 ~ June 27th

We left Denver today around noon and heard thunder several times, although the sky was sunny and bright.  Quickly, that changed and we could see we were driving into a sheet of rain.  Lightening streaked down out of the sky as the rain poured down.  It was short-lived though, and soon the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds.  All day, the clouds moved around creating some very dramatic and artistic displays.  And all day, we continued to hear the rolling thunder, but no more rain fell.

Clouds in the Colorado Sky

Homeward Bound - Day 2 ~ June 25th

Resuming my blog is not easy.  I've written several things but deleted the words because they all kind of jumbled together and didn't make sense.  I thought writing some of my feelings down might be helpful, but they are constantly changing and hard to explain.  I think for now, I'm going to keep things simple.

When I saw this Sunflower today, I thought how tall and stately it was, and yet it keeps an aire of whimsey around itself that screams fun.  It has a goal and reaches for it... the sun.  By doing so, that Sunflower makes me smile.  I'm going to keep reaching.

Day 19 ~ Destination of Constant Change

After a fabulous night's sleep in Newton, Iowa, home of the Maytag Company, we got on the road around 10 a.m.  I had scoped out a Starbucks stop, in Newton no less, and found it was located in a HyVee Grocery Store.  This was a most perfect way to start the day, especially when we found the salad bar was filled with freshly cut fruit.  Funny how fruit seems to disappear from my diet completely when I travel.

Although we don't have destinations specifically carved in stone, we do have an idea where we are going.  For instance, we have been wanting to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park again since the first time we went over a Memorial Day weekend about 16 years ago, blizzard-like conditions kept us at the lower elevations.  Unfortunately, this year we will miss it again due to the wild fire in the Fort Collins area.  Not to worry.... we have a plan B.  Arches and Bryce!  I've been to both, but it was back in the film days, so I'd say it's about time!

We were all set to put miles on today working toward the goal of Moab, Utah, when I spotted the sign along the 80 saying we were entering Madison County.  Immediately, The Bridges of Madison County came to mind and with that we were off the 80 heading to Winterset.   We had a most splendid day driving all over Madison County visiting four of the bridges (Hogback, Cedar, Cutler-Donahoe, and the  most famous due to the book, the Roseman) all located on the dustiest, sort of clay-like roads I have ever seen.  After awhile the dust on our bodies mixed with the sweat started to feel like clay.  Did we care?  NO!

Hogback Bridge in Madison County

After the Roseman Bridge, we set our sights on Council Bluffs as a place to land for the night.  Deciding to take the less traveled route to get there is the bliss of traveling by car.  I love highways like the 80 due to the Internet connections we can get along the way, but really, those main highways are just plain boring.  When we get off them, funny... I could care less about Internet connections!  We were heading West when Scott asked, "Does that look like a storm brewing?"  Well, yeah, suddenly it was starting to get dark way too early.  Tho off the beaten track, I was still able to connect on the extended network long enough to find out that there was some incredible weather occurring in the Omaha area.  Last year's storms still remain in my mind and being in Iowa during severe weather is just plain frightening.  Now wanting to drive directly into it, we headed South.

Red Oak was South and had a Super 8, however, due to a car show, there were no vacancies.  Onward to Shenandoah, even further South.  This town has a Days Inn.  Now, we have stayed in some Days Inn and they are great, however, this one... well, okay.... staying positive.... this one has a fantastic shower with the best water pressure I've had all vacation!  I guess that counteracts the fact that as I got ready to drop one of the bags on the floor, out ran a huge spider.  I tried to kill it, and Bella thought I was playing a game so got right in there too.  I'm stomping my feet, yelling at her to get back and the spider escapes under the refrigerator.  Not one to give up, I began moving the fridge, when I catch sight of a spider, but I'm not sure it's "the one".  I quickly took care of that one, but continued to move the fridge.  Scott returned to the room with more of our stuff and helped me.  I guess it was "the one", but all night I've felt as if one is crawling on me.  Needless to say, nothing is on the floor and is tightly zipped for security.

We did not want to go back out so ordered pizza for delivery.  And, like I said, the shower was the best ever!  We opened a bottle of wine and had truffles for dessert.  Really, can it get much better?

The severe thunderstorm warning has been reduced to just a thunderstorm watch, and almost all of the red has changed to yellow and green on the weather radar.  Knowing that will allow me to relax and get a good night's sleep.  Storms are being reported for the next couple of days in this area as well as the Denver area where we plan to pass through.  this could damper some of our destinations along the way, but it keeps us in a state of unpredictability, which we just happen to enjoy.

Day 18 ~ Destination Des Moines, Iowa

After a leisurely morning, which included Biggsby coffee and the clamor of children playing, we departed Grand Rapids by noon.  When Scott and I travel, we really only have a final destination in mind (this time it's home), so when I say in my title that our destination is somewhere, what it really means is that is where we ended up.  Everything is dependent on how we are feeling, how awake we are, if we are hungry, if Bella needs out of the car time, so you see how we roll.

That said, we had only driven about an hour and half when we made our first stop at The Chocolate Garden.  We had seen the sign on the trip in, and now we could not pass it up.  I'm glad we didn't.  The truffles made here have been featured on the Food Network and they have been named America's Best Chocolatier by America's Best Online.  After experiencing a taste test, I was sold!  Out of the samples, our favorites were the milk chocolate caramel and the salted dark chocolate.  Lucky for us, we can order online, too!

Truffle Tasting

The drive through the Chicago area was stressful as usual, but once through it, the rest was easy even through the construction areas.  It was nearing sunset as we got close to Des Moines.  The sky was not very cloudy, and I was not expecting much in the way of a sunset.  Still, we looked for a place to set up the tripods.  We saw a sign pointing into an Iowa State Park and there was a lake, so thought it might be a nice place to get the sunset while Bella ran around for awhile.  She's been a trooper on our travels.

We drove along the road and I thought to myself to be ready with my camera in case we saw a deer.  Instead, I saw some movement in the road and I let Scott know just in case he had not noticed.  He had, and slowed.  There on the road were two very juvenile raccoons trying to cross.  They had the good sense to go back to the side of the road, which made it perfect for me to get a good view.  All of a sudden Scott says, "G, get your camera."  Oh yeah... my camera.... DUH!  I don't work well under pressure, so my first shot was a terrible blur.  I really thought I would miss it, but then these two little twins went into a pose for me as if they do this every day for visitors.   I could not have asked for more looking out of a car window!

Twinies!

The sunset, as expected, was not that great, but the place for Bella to run around was fantastically huge.  It was great until she found the goose poo!  Why is it they always go for this kind of thing?  We now know two things that Bella would rather have than a doggy cookie...  A dirty rat head and a pile of goose poo!  In the animal world, they must be delicacies.

Our final destination was just outside Des Moines in Newton, Iowa, home of Maytag.  A late dinner at Montana Mike's Steakhouse was all it took to get sleepiness to set in.  Tomorrow is another day.

DAY 17 ~ Winding Down

Today was a full day and for some reason, I took no photos.  The morning was spent figuring out how to get an email link on my blog.  I'm still not sure it works, but I did manage to get it there.  In the late afternoon, we headed down to Kalamazoo once again for a last visit with Tami, Charlie and family.  We brought Jena and Lainey with us, and while Scott drove, all of us girls napped on the ride.  It was a pizza night and very relaxed.  It ended too soon.

I miss the midwest, not only because my family is all here, but because I genuinely appreciate a nice day when it comes along.   Since I pretty much only have nice days where I live now, I take it for granted.  The midwesterners jump for joy when the perfect day comes along.  My daughter, Beth, and son-in-law, Dean, lived in California for two years before heading back to the Midwest.  They used to jump for joy when it rained in California saying it broke the monotony.

Tomorrow we head back West.  I'm already looking forward to my next trip East in August!

Day 16 ~ View From the Top

A favorite place of mine is the Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  It was built way back in 1895 by Frank Henderson, who was a successful businessman in Kalamazoo.  Over the years ownership has changed several times including being owned by Frederick Royce of the Rolls Royce family.  Laura and Peter Livingstone-McNelis are the current owners and run a hotel bed and breakfast, spa, and French restaurant.

In the past, I have visited for several garden/home tours and once went with a friend who was invited to a mixer for someone running for local office.  That was the best time as we got to see places that were off limits during the tours.  I'm thinking a visit here for the royal treatment might be a fantastic birthday treat for me!

Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Across the street from the castle is the Mountain Home Cemetery.  Now, there are no mountains in Kalamazoo, but it is built on a steep hill and when the leaves fall off the trees, the view is astounding.  I would have loved to have seen the view, but have to say, I'm glad the leaves are on the trees since if they were off the weather would not have been even close to warm.

View from Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

We'll be heading home soon so squeezing in a lot of last minute family time.  We already have next year's trip on the calendar.  Can't believe our oldest grandchild will graduate high school!

Day 12 thru 15 ~ A Lot Going On

My blog has suffered as it has been a little hectic to say the least!!!  The weather continues to be sunny and has now gotten hot, which makes the park and the pool the perfect places to hang out with kids.  Besides the swings, water and hair-do creations, yummy food has been a daily event.  It's a good thing we've been active!  The high energy times will continue for the next three days and then we get back on the road where things will begin to wind down as we travel home.

Another fantastic thing about today, June 10th, is that Michael and Katie are celebrating their 12th Anniversary!  Congratulations, Mike & Katie!!!

Day 11 ~ Visiting Family

A Friend to Creatures

After the events of the morning, is it any wonder why I would be attracted to St. Francis?  My sister-in-law's, Kerry's, garden is filled with flowers and artistic sculptures. I missed the Iris in bloom but managed to get one that seemingly held on for me. 

We had a fantastic day visiting with Scott's family.  The weather has cooperated past our expectations in that it's mild, sunny, with gorgeous skies above.  It's been fun spending a lot of our visiting time on patios and porches, at baseball diamonds and parks, on the dunes and the lakes, and even eating outside. 

The entire family was not here today and they were certainly missed. Talked about, too!!!  :)  One thing we've learned over the years is, when planning a visit, it's impossible to wait until everyone might be available.  If we did that, we would likely never make it to Michigan at all.  So, we've learned to go when it's a good time for us, even if it means missing some this time around.  We've also learned that planning a year in advance might be a good idea!

Bella started feeling better and even got to play a bit with Mia, the Pug wonderdog.  Of course, after we got back "home", I discovered I had hardly taken any photos, but that is what happens when visiting family.  We get so caught up in catching up with the past, that the present waits patiently on the back burner.  That's what happens after two years of not seeing family!

Late Iris

Bella Emergency

Lainey and Bella at the Beach

How could it be possible for Bella to be doing this on Tuesday, and by the time she went to bed that night being in so much pain that she whimpered when we touched her?  By morning, she could not walk and I'm not exaggerating.  Scott called the veterinarian who opened the earliest and got an appointment for 9:20am.  By 7:45am, he wanted to go just wait in the office.  I suggested we wait until 8:30, but by 8:15, she seemed to be getting worse so off we went.  They took us right away when we arrived. 

Scott and I were scared.  Bella has become an important being in our life.  When I "rescued" her from the pet store, I honestly thought that I would have all the responsibilities of her care since Scott was used to huge dogs.  You know the kind.... a man's dog!  I couldn't have been more wrong.  We are both in it 100% for this little dog, and "attached" seems not a big enough word to describe our feelings for her.

Yesterday morning was scary and emotional.  Bella could not move her back legs.  She could not even get into a sitting position as we neared our appointment time.  If she tried to move, she yelped and whimpered.  The day before we had gone to the dunes and the beach, which didn't seen any more difficult than climbing mountain trails or our ocean beach.  She has hiked seven miles, walking the entire way.  She's a pro.  Which is why we were at a loss for what might have happened.  

Scott began to think that she might have ingested something and it was effecting her nervous system.  That was frightening because we had no clue as to what it might have been, if it were true.  We did have the presence of mind to retrieve her last stool sample out of the trash for testing.  

Not finding anything is difficult since then the only treatment is to manage the symptoms, which in Bella's case was pain.  There seemed to be no broken bones, nothing showed up in her stool sample, the ecg showed that her irregular heartbeat was because of the pain she was experiencing.  Our instructions were to give her a pill and keep her quiet.  I wasn't sure how the quiet part would go since she is such an active little thing, but because of the amount of pain, she hardly moved.....

....for a while.

By the time we got to our next destination (Scott's family), she was perking up.  We parked in the shade  with the windows down and let her rest for a couple of hours.  Scott took her out for a break and it was like a miracle had occurred.  She saw a bird and ran after it!  Mind over matter?  Miracle pill?  It was as if she had never had a problem at all.  By the time we left there, she was pretty much back to her normal self.

The reasons are a mystery, but one thing that is no mystery is how important this fluffy, black ball of energy is to us!

Day 10 ~ The Big Lake & Baseball

Many times when I mention that I'm from Michigan, people wince because they think only of the winters that can be harsh.  But, there are eight other months of weather and when it's good, it's very good.  Like today...  it was perfect, with the bluest sky, and the fluffiest of white clouds.  Perfect for a trip to Saugatuck for a long walk on the beach.

After a nice lunch at Coral Gables, it was time to get ready for some action at Corbin's baseball game.  I've been going to these since he was just a little guy and now he's nearly 13.  It's amazing how fast time goes by, but the proof is right here as Corbin runs to first!

Life is busy here and almost non-stop.  I'm already thinking about the vacation I'm going to need when I get home.

Day 9 ~ Rest & Relaxation

A beautiful, quiet morning at the lake, some time for quiet refection, followed by coffee and muffins with my sister and brother-in-law.  Sound ideal?  It was!  Some busy days ahead, and now I'm ready.

Day 8 ~ Made it to Michigan

Robin & Kayla ready to sail

The last day of a long journey and we finally arrived at the intended destination.  Already in progress was a family gathering.  I had told two of my sisters that we would be there, but would arrive late.  Somehow, even under the influence of wine, they managed to keep the secret and my mom was totally surprised at our arrival.  It was a great time seeing people again after a years time, and we even got to meet the newest members of the family, Ethan and Emma.  The weather could not have been more perfect and food was outrageously delicious.  Staying the night at the lake gave me the best night's sleep since we left California

Michigan in June presents in beautiful shades of greens and flowers popping up all over the place.  The mosquitos have not yet come to life, and the humidity hasn't set in.  This and October are my favorite times to be here.  Good thing I still remember the winters, or I might be renting a u-haul!

Day 7 ~ Another Long Day

Today we drove from Hayes, KS to Walcott, Iowa (close to Davenport).  We did very little stopping except for gas and food.  We did take time out to enjoy lunch in Atchison, KS, birthplace of Amelia Earhart.  Independence Park runs along the Missouri River and had a great grassy area for Bella to run wild for awhile.

Bella has been the World's Best Traveling Dog in my opinion.  She's just easy.  Being only six months old when we took her on her first across the country vacation probably played a part in how she has adapted to long periods in the car.  The only time we hear from her is is she has to "go" before we've made a stop or if we are parked and someone walks by with a hat on.  Her traveling demeanor is part of the reason I just can't leave her at a doggy hotel.  That and the fact that we spend most days side-by-side.  Can't believe I'm THAT kind of dog person!  I guess there are worse things.

Get it, Bella!!!

Memorial at Independence Park

Day 6 ~ Onward to Hayes, Kansas

When we left Taos, we didn't know where we would end up.  The goal was to get in the car and drive until we couldn't drive any longer.  We accomplished that, however, probably could have gotten further had we not stopped along the way.

We weren't even on the road for an hour when we came into San Luis, the Oldest Town in Colorado.  It's tiny and I was surprised to see an Expresso Bar in a rustic building right on the main street.  Scott took Bella for a walk while I went inside for coffee.  There was, indeed, a small coffee bar in there, but there was also a workshop.  I asked the guy serving coffee what the area in the back was used for and he told me a most amazing story.  

The schools in the area were losing funding for the arts, so some people in the community came together to make a place for emerging and established artists.  It is funded by donations, coffee sales and special events.   Run by volunteers, it is an impressive endeavor to say the least.

As we drove into town, we had spotted an interesting building on top of a hill.  I saw a painting of it inside the coffee shop so asked what it was.  It had the look of a temple, but found it was the Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church.  Of course, I was intrigued.  We were given the secret way in, which was the road.  The other option was to park and climb up the steep hill.  Looking down on the town later, I was incredibly thankful for those directions.

So, our day of putting miles on, got slowed a little, but we came away with a feeling of inspiration and peacefulness that lasted throughout the day and into the evening when we stopped along side a country road to photograph the best sunset of the trip so far.  Even with all the stopping we pushed through to Hayes, Kansas, which left about 16 hours to our destination in Michigan.  Almost there!