omissions & more

A few oversights from last post......While in the Catskills, we visited the site of U.S Grant's cottage where he wrote his memoirs shortly before his passing. Very moving for an old Civil War fan like me. Previous to that stop was Bennington Vt., home of Hemmings Motor News (fun place) and their Moose Festival. There must've been 35 life-size moose figures painted in various schemes for the annual competition. Cool!! It was a neat town overall and not too busy.
After the previously mentioned NY, Ohio, and Springfield IL experiences, we got to visit an old DiCola family friend near Chicago ( Ken Thomas ). He's frail in condition with a failing memory, but it was a great visit that we're so glad we made. Many happy past memories were enjoyed.
We're presently in N.Dakota, about 90 miles NE of Fargo, visiting our prairie friends Barry & Janel Getz. Barry's from Lancaster, and Janel's family has been long-settled in this area. They're of Norwegian descent, very musically oriented, and warm & friendly in nature. It's been a great time in this remote but peaceful area. What a pleasant change from urban hubub. ( Nasty winters, tho. Brrrrrr.)
Tomorrow, we'll head west with the 1st stop being T.Roosevelt State Park in western N.D. for a few days, then on down to S.Dakota for the Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands stuff plus whatever other sites we amble across. Part of the fun of this trek is the unknown & the unplanned!
Weather has really come around nicely, and we now hope to beat any snow & cold to the Rockies and Tetons! Y'all know us and cold weather blues.
Conrad's travelling well and both Joan & Tom are adjusting nicely. This is what we hoped for, and we feel exceptionally lucky and blessed to have this opportunity. God has been good to us..
Stay tuned and we'll try to keep u updated........