FALL REPORT

Along the road we're noticing some color changes, sometimes hard to get from the RV window in a hurry. Some beans in the fields are brown and about ready to harvest. "Farmer Fred "(my name for my brother-in-law, Jerry White, who is my favorite farmer, and the only one in the family) might be interested to know that they already are taking corn out of the fields and we've passed many trucks on the way to the elevators. Time sure passes fast!

UPDATE FROM THE ROAD

We headed out Monday morning and made it to Rock Creek State Park, right outside of Grinnell. We stopped to see Heidi and Lucas, and then went to a Mexican restaurant with Wilsons and Fitzgeralds, and then back to Wilsons to chat and solve the world problems. As you can see, we didn't do very well-but enjoyed their friendship. On Tuesday, we made it to Utica, IL, and did laundry all evening. Wednesday we stopped in Elkhart, IN, RV capitol of the nation, right in the heart of Amish country. We took a short trip over to Middlebury and stopped at the bakery and restaurant at Das Dutch Essenhaus, and had a lovely meal. Mulert was happy because it included a piece of pie-you had your choice of 30 kinds-for Mulert that's like being in Heaven! They were out of his first choice of peach, so he had blueberry. (Note to Barb Wilkes-they didn't have grape-and yours is still his favorite.) I'm glad he was happy-I spent the whole night in misery. I don't know if it was the rich food or if Russ gave me his flu bug. Felt awful all day yesterday, but we still traveled to Birch Run, MI. It's close to Frankenmuth, where the huge Christmas store is. We plan on staying the weekend and touring the "thumb of Michigan". So far I feel better, so am raring to go.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN TOMORROW

We've had a great time with the family, and will be calling to get scores and see how the grandkids do in their various things. My pictures from Friday's game didn't turn out very well, except for the parents, grandparents and friends eating before the game at the Gridiron fundraiser.




We enjoyed the game and watching Dan and Jake play in the band, and Jake, the last couple minutes, play in the game. We missed Jake's game yesterday morning, but were proud of the great block Dan made at his. Hope they all keep up the good work while we're gone!


We don't have to be back here to the dentist until November 20th, so will head east tomorrow. Thought we'd share one more lake picture of some of the sailboats we saw this morning.

49ers finally!

Well, we finally got to one of Brian's games-once we were held up at his brothers game waiting for ambulances, and the other was rained out. It was also his father's first game as coach-it's hard to tell who was more nervous. They won in overtime, and everyone was thrilled! Brian had several tackles and carried the ball for several yards, so he was happier than he looks in his picture. He's #1.


The coach!



In action, but of course, not one of his good plays!

BLACK SQUIRRELS

Sometimes we forget to mention the things we've become used to. Here at Lake Manawa, a day doesn't go by without seeing several deer, wild turkeys, herron, gulls, and black squirrels. There are also brown squirrels, but Council Bluffs is known for the black ones. They even have a city ordinance "which makes it illegal to annoy, worry, maim, injure or kill a black squirrel". Here's one of our furry little friends.

DUMBEST PLACE

Even today, if you ask our kids where the dumbest place is that Don took us, I'm sure they'll answer the same thing-the Golden Spike Monument! Well, since we haven't been anywhere exciting lately as far as sightseeing, I humored Don, and we checked it out one more time. Words can not describe my glee! It's still the same-and the neighborhood hasn't changed either. Mulert tells me that it's the terminus of the Union Pacific railroad. I have several railroad men in my family tree, but still don't get excited. In other words, this is not one I'd recommend!

CATCH UP

Since I've recently given a couple of fellow bloggers a rough time for not keeping their blogs up to date, I'd better listen to my own advice! It took a couple of days to feel "normal" again after all those drugs they gave me, and to get my blood sugars back in control after the IV dextrose. We've spent most of the week taking it easy and catching up on things. I actually cleaned this morning! In between, we've been to many volleyball and football games, including homecoming at Burke High School, where the Bulldogs won 59-14, and Jake got to play 4th quarter. We bought new rain gear and were able to use it. Jake made one mistake. The ref put the ball in a puddle of water, so Jake picked it up to clean it off-he found out that was a no-no, and they got a 5 yard penalty. Another learning experience! Otherwise, he did well!

This time we'll share pictures of Jenna-#14, ready to serve.