A Long Haul

Well, in two weeks I have managed to cover 2,600 miles or approximately 4,200 kilometers.  The trip across the Western part of the U.S. to the Midwest was smooth and uneventful.  That means there were no traffic problems, no car problems and no hotel surprises.  Montana and North Dakota are big states with sparse populations so meals and gas stops had to be coordinated.  Other than that it was an enjoyable trip.

First there was the scorching 95 degree F or 31 degrees C driving through Spokane, Washington and on through the Rockies into Montana.  Apparently I was too busy driving to snap any photos of the Rockies, you'll just have to take my word for it, I did cross them.

Saying goodbye to the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest.

Saying hello to the very hot and eastern part of Washington State near Spokane.

In both Montana and North Dakota the speed limit is 75 mph or 121 kph.  Can't say the last time I spent hours driving that fast, but the adjustment came pretty quickly since during my younger days I was known to have a "lead foot."

Here are a few photos I took out of the car as I was driving and then edited.   Full disclosure here, all the photos in this post except for Miss M were taken as I drove.  Hey a girl has to do something to entertain herself hour after hour and I have to say the photos aren't too bad considering the speed and the fact it was an iPhone.  (All were cropped to cut off the sides of the roads, dashboard and hood of the car and to straighten out the horizon, though.)

The foothills on the east side of the Rockies.

The Big Sky of Montana with a rain storm rolling in.

I stopped by a couple of homes where I used to live in North Dakota and Minnesota.  To say both had changed would be a gross understatement.  It took 30 minutes of driving around to find one because the bucolic rural setting I left (albeit 20 years ago) had turned into part of the city.  The other, newer home, had the siding changed to the extent I scarcely recognized it.  The adage is one shouldn't go back because disappointment is certain.  I was not disappointed but instead surprised in both cases.

The tree shading the house; I was a part of planting it in 1978.  Both sons grew up in this house.

That's three colours of siding; I'm not a fan

I arrived in Minneapolis just in time to offer a wee bit of help as family began to show up for Miss M's baptism.  It was a contemporary service with music specifically selected by her musical grandfather.   And she was a perfect lady throughout the entire day.

A special dress made by another grandmother.   It was perfect too.

My parents stayed with me for a few days in the condo and then we drove to the farm.  While there I got to see with both my brothers and their families.  In addition I picked up some bowls and other dining accessories my parents had stored for me that once belonged to my maternal grandmother.  Many of these items are now proudly displayed in the condo kitchen.  Those not showing will come in very handy and my Grandmother will be remembered as they are used.

Condo photos will follow.  Again you'll just have to trust a whole lot of "stuff" has been moved in, but it isn't ready yet for the reveal.

As for knitting, very, very little has been done.  There has been almost no free time it seems.  Another illusion to this point seems to have been shattered.  Retirement so far has not been that relaxing time I expected it to be; rather to this point it has been more busy than working.  I am not complaining one bit though; being close to family and friends has been great after spending so many years away.

Do stay tuned, though, I am quite sure the knitting will be back.