Day 26 — Greenwood, NE to Willer’s at Lake Elmo, Mn
Although today was not a long (distance wise), I didn’t arrive at Lake Elmo, Mn until late afternoon to surprise Katie Sly with my acceptance of her announcement for HS graduation and party (tomorrow). And surprised she was! Her mom, Diane, sure can keep a secret.
But back to the drive. Didn’t take too long getting around Omaha, Nebraska and crossing over the Missouri River into Iowa. The route passed very close to the place where Tom and I camped last year on the Lewis and Clark trek.
More evidence of high water and flooding was apparent. I went around Des Moines rather than through downtown. Later, on the radio, I heard that downtown Des Moines was being evacuated due to the threat of flooding. I wasn’t too surprised because: 1) Cedar Rapids was on the news all day because of extensive flooding, even downtown, and 2) because as I rounded Des Moines and went north, several buildings were underwater (except for the roof, which made me believe the building was under the roof and therefore flooded). Obviously, I’ve been alone too long!! For much of Iowa, I saw lots and lots of fields covered by water (or there are many more small lakes that I thought in Iowa).
What caught my attention later in the day was news of Tim Russert’s death. I had heard him speak at Econ Club at Lake Michigan College some years ago. He captured my attention immediately by his low profile demeaner. I felt he was one of the “good” guys. His comments were precise, balanced, and often humorous. He switched to a personal topic regarding the importance of parenting in our society and linked some of the social problems seen today as the result of poor or no parenting. I really had no idea what a power he was in political journalism. As I listened to the radio commentary and the messages pouring into the station, the miles quickly passed by. I felt as if I had lost something valuable
I really like my new Garmin for finding addresses I have never been to! The Sly house and environs are quite impressive. More impressive was the upbeat, laid back welcome in the midst of party preparations for tomorrow. Diane’s parents had travelled by train from Sodus (they live just down the street) and had also run into some travel difficulties that was flood related. We enjoyed a Thai dinner. Diane and I went to the lower level, she to study and I to catch up on my blog. I retired to my trailer parked on the street.
But back to the drive. Didn’t take too long getting around Omaha, Nebraska and crossing over the Missouri River into Iowa. The route passed very close to the place where Tom and I camped last year on the Lewis and Clark trek.
More evidence of high water and flooding was apparent. I went around Des Moines rather than through downtown. Later, on the radio, I heard that downtown Des Moines was being evacuated due to the threat of flooding. I wasn’t too surprised because: 1) Cedar Rapids was on the news all day because of extensive flooding, even downtown, and 2) because as I rounded Des Moines and went north, several buildings were underwater (except for the roof, which made me believe the building was under the roof and therefore flooded). Obviously, I’ve been alone too long!! For much of Iowa, I saw lots and lots of fields covered by water (or there are many more small lakes that I thought in Iowa).
What caught my attention later in the day was news of Tim Russert’s death. I had heard him speak at Econ Club at Lake Michigan College some years ago. He captured my attention immediately by his low profile demeaner. I felt he was one of the “good” guys. His comments were precise, balanced, and often humorous. He switched to a personal topic regarding the importance of parenting in our society and linked some of the social problems seen today as the result of poor or no parenting. I really had no idea what a power he was in political journalism. As I listened to the radio commentary and the messages pouring into the station, the miles quickly passed by. I felt as if I had lost something valuable
I really like my new Garmin for finding addresses I have never been to! The Sly house and environs are quite impressive. More impressive was the upbeat, laid back welcome in the midst of party preparations for tomorrow. Diane’s parents had travelled by train from Sodus (they live just down the street) and had also run into some travel difficulties that was flood related. We enjoyed a Thai dinner. Diane and I went to the lower level, she to study and I to catch up on my blog. I retired to my trailer parked on the street.
Posted by
at
05:56:49
Good job! …You did it!
Everytime i read your article, i will keep thinking for a long time.