Nebraska sure is big and boring

Monday Jan 26. We drove from Des Moines to Cheyenne Wyoming in weather that ranged from 9 above to -15. We stayed at the Days Inn in Cheyenne, which leaves a lot to be desired but was clean and warm. Dinner was Outback take out chicken breasts. In general the roads were clearexcept for about a half hour of snow, and then the windblown snow of western Nebraska and Wyoming. I took a picture of the sunset on the road in Western Nebraska. It was eerily beautiful, set in cloudy skies amid a flat expanse of land.Tuesday, we are headed to Estes Park after looking around Cheyenne and visiting the world headquarters of Sierra Trading Post. The picture is of a cowboy statue at the State Capital in Cheyenne. Gas is cheap in Wyoming, about $1.45 per gallon. Dick Cheney was good to his home state.

It is so cold, even Gus wanted to come inside. Next stop Estes Park.

Happy Family Time in Des Moines

Jan. 25th.  We left Buffalo Grove after breakfast and drove to Des Moines, for our next stop.  It was a seamless drive.   Got to Des Moines around 3, were so glad to see Melisa.   Her apartment is very nice---it's a new place, very cozy, small but nice sized rooms.    It's very good for her.  We went to dinner at the famous Rube's.   We first discovered this Iowa restaurant when Matt went to Grinnell College 17 years ago!  It's a "down home" place where you pick your own steak, from the cows that they have raised and processed themselves.   The steaks are huge, and the best you have ever eaten, and that is a challenge!  Anyway, Rube's has opened another restaurant near Des Moines so we hungrily went there, and it didn't disappoint.

We slept very well, and have had a really nice day today.  Did some shopping, ate lunch at the great Vietnamese restaurant next door to Melisa's apartment.   This morning, we walked to the neighborhood grocery store.  We love this neighborhood, she can walk to so many places, and the neighborhood is friendly and nice.   Later in the day we went to the art center, which is very nice and just the right size.   Bought some groceries for spaghetti, which Pat made, with Melisa's help.  Melisa made Pat's salad dressing.   We are finally feeling relaxed, very relaxed, and that we are on an adventure.    This has been a good transition.

Laura's Big Breakthrough

We have started our trip. The first leg ended with a stop in Buffalo Grove Illinois, to visit Jim and Laura Bernard (Pat's brother and sister in law). This was a momentous stop, as it is the first time that Laura has allowed a dog in her house. Gus is quite comfortable, and so is Laura.

Leaving the house in Ann Arbor was a bit complicated.  I couldn't find my cell phone and just as Pat was doing one of the final washes, I realized the pants and phone were already in the machine and under water when I realized.  ATT is sending a replacement phone to Salt Lake City, and it will be there when we arrive. I am glad it was covered by the insurance I had purchased.


We are both happy to be done with the clearing of the house phase, and are now on the road. We met Laura's brother and sister in law for dinner at "Mambo Italiano" restaurant and had some good Italian food.

When we arrived in Buffalo Grove found that the key to the Novato condo had arrived at Jim's house. (our landlord had to overnight it to Jim's--we are picking up equipment all along the way).

Most of you probably hadn't heard that Jason and Lindsey are expecting a baby in July. They have known for a while but wished to not share it until after the firs trimester. So last night we found out the great news---Jay and Lindsey are having a son! another boy! boyoboyoboy. Plus, she is 2 weeks further along than we all thought, so her due date is July 15th. Life is good.

Friday was a laid back day, didn't do much but decompress. Laura made duck for dinner, and we just kicked back and watched a movie and went to bed early. We needed a day like this this.

Today we are off to Des Moines to visit with Melisa. Pictures will be added later, when we have access to our computer, so check back in a couple of days.


Dan and Pat