RETURN TO OMAHA

We then returned to Omaha and had a wonderful time with our boys and their families. Carrie and Russ outdid themselves with their delicious meals, and somehow I'm proud to report I only gained one pound. We also celebrated Christmas and we're thrilled with our presents. Last night we had pork loin on the grill and it was very juicy. It's a little cold to try out the stadium seats on the picnic table, but it's going to warm up tomorrow. Thanks to all of you for a very nice time!

A FEW HOURS IN DUBUQUE

We delivered presents to Dubuque and visited Grandma, stopped to see Teresa and had my hair cut, took the wreaths to the cemeteries, stopped at Loras College and headed west. At Loras, we went looking for a memorial tree for Fitzgeralds niece, who died in spring. We were also able to see the new athletic building, including the basketball court and workout room. Here's a peek for the Loras grads.

We kidded Fitz that we earned our keep trying to wade through the construction to get to the tree. We really didn't mind.

Here's Audrey's beautiful tree.

GRINNELL VISIT

We had a lovely time in Grinnell, and want to thank Pat and Kathy Fitzgerald again for the hospitality. We had Christmas and a delicious dinner from Heidi and her family. We spent time, meals and card playing time with Wilsons and Fitzgeralds, and had lovely visits with Pat Cushing, Sally Rummelhart and Mary Comerford. I talked to Suzi Hansen, but ran out of time, and couldn't get to everyone. It was a nice visit. Note to Larry Wilson-Colette and I really, really, really enjoyed beating you in cards!!!

THANKSGIVING TRIP

We're finally back to our main computer for the blog after our 11 day trip up north, but I still can't show you a few pictures, because they're on the other computer. Before we left Branson and put the RV in storage at the campground, we had two eating experiences-one bad and one good. Don was hungry for lobster, so we went to a lobster buffet at Whipper Snappers-don't ever go there! Some of the food was hard as rocks, others tough and tasteless. The lobsters were limited and consisted of about five bites. When they asked how it was, I told them, and she actually told me the food sat there all afternoon. Of course there was no apology-just give me the $30. Yuk!! Our good experience was at Andy Williams' Moon River Grille. The decor was tasteful with some pictures of Andy and friends and his gold records around the bar area. They serve recipes from Andy's mother's comfort food. Very good.

Anyway, on November 18th, we drove to Russ' in Omaha, and got to go to Jenna's swimming meet(she did very well), and I had my dental checkup. We were also able to finish our shopping, before heading to Grinnell. The weather was awful between Omaha and Des Moines. This is what it looked like.

There were several accidents-here's a truck that apparently went under a Post Office semi, and ripped all the back wheels off of it. It's a lousy picture of the truck, but you can see part of the smashed part.

The wheels from the semi were about a block back in the center. I guess this proves it doesn't take much snow to cause havoc.

Of course, we can't forget the beauty of snow, even at a rest stop!

UPDATE FROM OMAHA

We're having some difficulty trying to get pictures from the file to the blog on this computer, so we'll have to wait until we get back to the other one. So, we'll catch up when we get back to Branson, probably on Saturday. In the meantime, we hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

On Thursday, we drove down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, one of my favorite towns. It amazes me how they can build on the side of mountains-even beautiful Victorian houses. The map looks like a maze! There are a couple of downtown streets with many interesting shops, but I think it's more fun driving around to see the old houses. Here are a few buildings.

This is the downtown hotel.

This hotel is up at the top of one of the hills-it used to be a cancer hospital years ago.

The Catholic church is tucked into the hillside below the hotel.

This is the view from the church to the side. It reminds me of the watercolor by Mary Ann Gloe of the church steeples in my old neighborhood in Decorah-I have it in the RV.

BREAKFAST WITH OLLIE

This morning we went to breakfast with Colonel Oliver North, and enjoyed his remarks about our "American Heroes", which is also the title of his new book. He talked about his many trips to Iraq, visiting the military, and told about their heroism and the good they've done. A perfect speaker for Veteran's Day!




Afterwards, he autographed his new books.

If you buy his book, he'll even talk to strange people!

Here's his bus.