Rowan and I are on the road again!
Many friends–old and new–have generously contributed to our journey: Mischief, Puck, Rowan and I all thank Beth Staley and everyone at Happy Dog Barkery in downtown Downers Grove, IL for contributing samples of the kitties’ fave dry food to ensure they don’t go hungry! Thank you, Karen W, for taking care of our home. Thank you, Doug, for responding so quickly to my call for help. Thanks to G for his generosity. Thank you–all of you–who have supported and encouraged us in our endeavors to achieve our dream.
Thanks to a generous loan from my wonderful Mom, we purchased Serenity Blue, our (new-to-us) 2002 Chevy Astro LS minivan. (Those of you who know us well will understand Serenity’s name; for those of newer acquaintance, watch Firefly!) A few simple modifications (more to come as we travel) and we began our journeys, anew.
First stop: a quick visit to Mom, in Osage Beach–quick because we left 2-1/2 days later than originally planned. It was great to see Mom; we will return, soon after this adventure. Unfortunately, we only had time for a few hours’ sleep, a quick breakfast (yes, I burned the toast!), and a stop at the local gas station: Mom saved her “cents-off-gas” discounts through the local grocer for us to fill up. What a savings–we paid 2.85/gal. with the discount! I haven’t seen prices like that in years! Thank you, Mom.
On to Lawrence, KS, for our beloved friend, Lizz’s wedding to her sweet Brent. A lovely outdoor ceremony–even the winds and the trees celebrated, singing to the skies and bowing to the beauty of the moment.
And dancing ’til dawn! Well … almost dawn–it was post-midnight, I think. Many of us–bride and groom and bridal party included–were still there at 2 a.m. Ish!
The venue was lovely: Victorian Veranda, just north of Lawrence proper. Outdoor gardens with trellises and arbors. VV is a B&B as well as a lovely event location.
Before you ask: I am *not* being paid for gushing!
Lawrence is a vibrant college town, home to University of Kansas, and Haskell Indian Nations University. Rowan and I camped at Clinton State Park, a large park with a lake, walking and biking paths, an archery range, and more.
We stayed an extra couple of days; Monday night, we viewed “Belle” at Liberty Hall, an historic theater on Massachusetts Ave. in Lawrence’s thriving downtown.
Lawrence has a varied and interesting history; I definitely would like to return.
At the moment, I am writing to you from a coffee house in Boulder, CO, watching the rain. As I am drawing this day’s missive to a close, I am filled with awe of the bold, fierce, vastly varied beauty of this world we live in. Mother Nature, I am in awe.
We’ll catch up again, soon–right now, I need to check on the cats. Yes, they came with us on this journey.
And with that tidbit, next up will be: Traveling With Cats!
Peace, Love, and Dreams,
Patti
Not all those who wander are lost
. ~J.R.R. Tolkien