Midwest Trip

Since this is the first time I've had a chance to update you on my wanderings over the past two weeks, I feel the need to catch up.

October 1 - I left my car in safekeeping with Norma in Wenatchee. After she fed me dinner she drove me to the train where I boarded and headed east.

October 3 - I arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, rented a car and drove to Decorah, Iowa. I met my two former roommates, Cozy and Nelda, from Luther and we all stayed at Cozy and Bruce's home just outside of Decorah. We had such a nice visit and enjoyed talking about anything and everything, getting caught up with each other. We had not been together since 1988. On Saturday we toured the Luther campus, then met Holden friend, Abbey, at Mabe's pizza for lunch. That night we went to our 45th class reunion dinner and got semi-reacquainted with former classmates.

October 5 - I left Decorah and drove to Pepin, Wisconsin, and had lunch with Will Chiles at the Harbor View Restaurant. Spent the afternoon with Stuffi at a birthday party in Stockholm. Butch Thompson, entertained at the party with a magical piano concert. That night I stayed with Stuffi and enjoyed her wonderful hospitality.

October 6 - I drove to Red Wing MN for a Feldencreis session with Lisa Walker and then on to Green Bay to visit my cousins, Sharon and Audrey. We had a scrumptious dinner and after dropping Audrey off at home, we went to Sharon's new condo (so beautiful) where we talked until quite late, catching up on each other's families, etc.

October 7 - I left Green Bay and drove to West Bend where I spent the afternoon and night with Jeanne and Jim Fellenz. Jeanne was my best friend from high school! Imagine, keeping up after 49 years. What a joy.

October 8 - Drove back to La Crosse, turned in my car, and got back on the train to return to Wenatchee.

October 10 - I arrived back in Wenatchee, picked up my car from Norma and headed for Washington's Long Beach Peninsula where I spent the next three nights alone at the Haines' beach house. This was a nice relaxing time where all I did was read, eat, sleep and take a couple walks on the beach.

Talk about hospitality! I met it coming and going on this trip. Everyone from Norma at the beginning to the Haines' at the end of this trip showed such wonderful hospitality, I was overwhelmed. As you can tell, this was a whirwind trip and if I could do it over, I would take a couple extra days. I would put some pictures here too, but I am not on my own computer and can't add them from here. More to come--check back later.