GOOD FOOD

Boy, I'm slipping! We only ate out 4 times during October, and two were at lunch. Since we were on the road, and got up at 4 a.m. and ate a granola bar, we were ready for a late breakfast before we left Des Moines. The GPS listed a diner down the road, and we love diners -so, we stopped at the 5 & Diner. We both had the short stack and agree they were some of the lightest, best pancakes we've ever had. Even the light syrup was good. The place was full and all the food looked good!

LAST WEEKEND

I finally got the pictures from last weekend in the computer, so will catch up. We hadn't seen much of Lucas this summer, so wanted to get to one of his athletic events, so we drove up to Des Moines to see him play basketball. He did very well. The pace of the game is very fast, so it's tough to get good pictures. He's #4 in the grey uniform.

STILL IN KANSAS CITY

We're still in Kansas City-sitting in a motel room, waiting for them to put in a new transmission in the RV. Thank God it's still under warrenty! You know all this stuff is above my head, but apparently the Allison Co. tried to save money on some bearings and they ended up costing them thousands of dollars in replacement transmissions. They were amazed that we were able to hobble in to KC. Hopefully they'll be done around noon and we'll be able to head out. We had to stay in a motel, because they're not used to RV's and were afraid to let us stay there. It's also jacked up, so it would have been difficult.
Anyway, I don't have my pictures in the computer yet, and don't have the cord with me, so I'll back up to last weekend later.
For those of you who believe in prayers, our son with five children lost his job on Friday-nothing he did, just a sign of the times. If you pray, please add Russ to the list, if not cross your fingers! Those of you who know him, know he can sell ice to the eskimos, but times are tough. We'd appreciate your help.

KANSAS CITY

Well, we're a little further south, but it's not a whole lot warmer. We're doing some research while we're here, at the genealogy library. We had a couple problems on the way down from Omaha. We had to put air in one of the jeep tires three times-I'm sure glad Don knows how to get the air from the RV. That works pretty slick. We took the tire to have it fixed at Sam's Club, and they did it for free. Don can't believe it yet. We had another problem-the RV transmission light kept coming on, and when you started it, it went immediately into 4th gear, and remained there. We have an appointment on Monday to see what's going on. Hopefully it can be fixed rapidly, I'm ready to go to Branson, where it's warmer. When we left Omaha, Carrie was real sick with the flu and Russ was coughing. She's doing better after another trip to the Dr. and Russ is better. Jake was sick yesterday and Jenna stayed home today, but Russ thinks they're making progress. We're hoping to drive up to Des Moines to see Lucas play basketball this weekend. Nothing else new. How about those Hawks!!!!

UPDATE

We're back at Lake Manawa, enjoying the wildlife-the deer, black squirrels, birds and ducks, wild turkeys, etc. Yesterday when we walked on the trail, we had to wait for two deer to get out of our path-you might know I wouldn't have the camera with me.
Unless the weather changes, we'll be here yet this week for Jake's last football game. Then on to Kansas City for a few days of genealogy research, and on to Branson. By the time we get there, it will be Christmas in Branson-Andy Williams decided it would begin on November 1st this year. It will be fun to see the lights and get in the holiday mood. That's our plan, however, Mother Nature is in charge!

ST. CECELIA'S CATHEDRAL

In other towns, we look for the Cathedrals, but never have in Omaha, so today was the day. Like other cities, it's at the top of a hill surrounded by big, old houses, near downtown.

Inside, it's simple, but elegant.

It has lovely windows, made of little pieces of glass.

This one is known for its huge organ and famous choir that specializes in Gregorian chant.

TRICK OR TREAT

It's fall inside, and winter outside. This was our scenery this morning.

There's a Good Sam rally here this weekend. I can't imagine having one at this time of year, where they have an open air building. They put those tarps up last night to have a potluck. You wouldn't have to worry about the potato salad spoiling-but it might freeze!

I think we'll learn from their problems and not have a picnic today!

I have the feeling we'll be walking at a mall today.