The "Black Cloud" is still hanging over us. Once again Murphy's Law is alive and well. We left Kansas City yesterday (Thursday) and drove to Sidney, NE.
http://www.sidney-nebraska.com/. The weather was sunny and warm - the temperature on the car thermometer was 71 degrees. Leslie bought an espresso in the afternoon and the lady told her there was a storm moving in. Broge told me that too but he said Denver was getting the storm. With my analytical mind I thought no problem - we're not going to Denver. I didn't connect the dots - we're going through Cheyenne and southern Wyoming which is only 100 miles north of Denver! John, don't you think the snow might come there too?!!! Duh? Leslie and I have decided we would really like to spend Friday in Sidney, Nebraska! It should be exciting. We're next to a Wall Mart so we can walk through there, visit some of the fast food restaurants, and enjoy the ambiance and luxury of Days Inn (they have a hot tub, swimming pool, and free breakfast)! The good news is we have warm, winter clothing so we are prepared. The bad news is the warm, winter clothing is packed in the bowels of the U-Haul!!
We found a volunteer opportunity in Iowa at the Visitor Center in SW Iowa. A nice couple who were volunteering told us about it. I know we would be really effective even though we had never been to Iowa until yesterday, were only in the state about 20 minutes, and only drove through a 20 mile section!!!
On our trip yesterday we did see Canadian snow geese flying north in their "V" formation. It was a phenomenal sight. We also saw a large number of hawks and lots of roadkill. As we approached Sidney we saw several giant wind turbines. As we left our car in Sidney we were greeted by a 25+ mph wind so understand why there are wind turbines in Sidney. Please note this is Sidney, Nebraska, not Sydney, Australia. We've been to Sydney, Australia too but not pulling a U-Haul from Virginia!!! We are getting into the western US terrain. Western Nebraska is like western Washington and Montana - lots of land and no trees!!
We have also been listening to books on tape. Renee' O'Brien got me started on listening to books. I told Leslie let's buy a couple of books on tape (actually on CDs) so we picked Memorial Day by Vince Flynn and Dear John by Nicolas Sparks. We both enjoyed the Vince Flynn book and started Dear John. About 3 minutes into the book Leslie said, "Oh, I've read this book!" Of all the books we could have selected we selected a book she had read!!!! Leslie was able to "read" it twice. Renee' is right. If you get a good book you sometimes drive farther so you can hear the next chapter. We have one more book - Mission Song.
Leslie continues to help me with the driving - not actually driving but coaching my driving, providing directions, and an occasional loud cry of fright ("Watch Out"!). We were on our Kansas City driving tour which was quite exciting. We visited Wal Mart and Starbucks in Kansas City!! Travel with John and Leslie and you will see some unique sights!!! As I turned into the wrong entrance to the mall Leslie had purposely decided not to give me directions. That made me realize I should really appreciate her directions and always follow them. I tried harder yesterday! Because of the stress of my driving and Leslie clenching her teeth she broke a tooth. She has a dental appointment next Wednesday!
Hopefully, we'll be on the road tomorrow after our exciting day today in Sidney. It will be difficult deciding which sights to see today! Should we spend half the day going to Wal Mart, walk in 25 degree temperatures with wind, watch TV, or read my free brochures about Nebraska?!!
The Weather Outside is Frightful, but the snow is so delightful......
I cannot believe all the bad luck you have had!!! Do you think the gods are telling you you should have stayed in VA? Leslie, I have been so sad about your leaving that I have not gone to swimming since--good excuse huh? Miss you guys and wish you safer traveling. There is NO WAY I would drive across country at 45-55 miles/hour. Good I am not doing the driving.
ReplyDeleteBroge says the first (original) Cabella's is in Sydney Not as interesting as WalMart in my opinion but still something to do... We are suppose to be getting up to 8 inches of snow in the next 2 days. It is currently 32 degrees. It was 51 4 hours ago. You should have stayed here to weather out the storm. That would have been fun
ReplyDeleteDear Leslie, to avoid additional dental bills, try driving. I drive, George gets to fiddle with the radio. We're both much happier that way.
ReplyDeleteWe, too, are having a bit of a weather problem. We're down in Florida for Spring Training and doing some photo shoots. Days have been great for photography and the public gardens have been spectacular but the nights....
Saw Strasberg pitch last night. I was dressed in 3 layers of warm clothing, including a hoodie and sitting under a blanket, but Strasberg was smoking hot. His first warm up pitch was 96 MPH. He definitely lived up to his reputation in spite of allowing 2 homers. The Nats even won - - we've now seen 2 victories.
If you want to follow the team, check out http://natsinsider.blogspot.com. It's written by an out-of-work former sports reporter from the Washington Times. We've even contributed to his "Send this boy to Spring Training" fund.
May the rest of your trip be less of a challenge. Safe travels.