On the Road Again...

Glad to hear that John is doing well, what a day Melinda had too! Hope RR is feeling better...

I neglected to tell you about the drive from Sioux Falls, SD to Hill City, SD...we stopped at the 1880's Town, which Maddy loved. Then a drive through The Badlands. It is amazing! When I get home, I'll post some photos. Then a stop at Wall's Drug, which is actually a city block in size, at least, and Maddy wanted to look at everything! Finally got to our cute motel in the Mt. Rushmore area and met a kitty who had lost 3 feet in an ice storm. Sweet little thing also lost her ears so I loved on her a bunch, since I'm missing my Kitty big-time. Already told you about Mt. Rushmore. Yesterday, we did the Reptile Gardens (not my fave), Bear Country (fab) and Big Thunder Gold Mine (I did laundry, someone has to be the mom). Big day. And all this time, there are hundreds of Harleys everywhere as the annual Harley Davidson Rally in Sturgis, SD starts this weekend. Everyone we met was very pleasant, these are not Hells's Angels, just folks with nice bikes.

So today, we left early and drove for almost 8 hours to Kearney, NE. Just before we arrived here, we took a small detour so Gene could visit a wild horse sanctuary. I was more than a little afraid we might be bringing one home...it's a dream of his to have and train a wild mustang.

Tomorrow, we head home, and I'm ready, I miss my critters. That's all for now, take care everyone, this family is an orthopedic nightmare!

Joan

Update from the Perrys

Well, you'll all be happy to know John's doing great. This morning he wanted the Wall Street Journal and his laptop! We saw the doctor and he reported that it took him the most time to straighten out his bowed legs-- but he did it. So, John might be a little taller! He didn't get into his room and settled until 9:30 last night. But they had him up and walking the hall this morning. He's really doing better than I thought.

Oh, and yesterday was quite eventful-- besides witnessing a bicycle injury/car accident-- hit and run (john had to walk to the hospital and admit himself while i gave the police/ambulance all the info)-- after that a red light went on in my car and the shop did not want me to drive it, so it got towed to the repair shop-- so I shlepped all john's stuff for the hospital (walker, suitcase, laptop, reading material) to the hospital. I looked like a bag lady. And then this morning, if that wasn't enough fun... Rachel got the stomach flu. Although I want to be with John, I'm home cleaning up from sweet Rachel Ray. That's probably more than you wanted to know-- but alas-- life is colorful-- all colors! It is a wonderful privilege caring for my family. I believe John will do just fine. He's been working out hard the last several months, so I think he'll come back strong. We're delighted he might not have as much pain. Y'all know better than anyone! Just wished I could be two places at one time-- right now Rachel wins the "most needy award".

Well, actually I wished we could be three places at one time-- we'd all like to be with Dick as he's healing-- we miss you all especially when someone is sick-- that's the hardest time to be so far away. I send much love from us all here!

Home sweet home!

Here's a couple pictures from our backyard. It's been a mild summer-- so we've really enjoyed the back yard. You'll see our giant birdfeeder. John has become quite a expert-- on "his" birds! Simple pleasures!

Visit with the Silvens

We were at a tournament in Dayton (in the Spring) and stopped to visit Helen and Warren. What a great time! Thought you might enjoy seeing the pictures.

Mt. Rushmore

This morning we woke up to a light rain, but decided to go to Mt. Rushmore anyway, after all, that's why we came here! We got lucky and dodged the rain all day, but it was very cool and we were glad we had jackets. Mt. Rushmore is soooooo impressive! We took the hike which includes a zillion stairs, thank you Aleve! Then we drove by Crazy Horse then took the scenic loop through Custer State Park, viewing bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs, burros, mule deer and turkey. Beautiful! I commented on how much it looks like the Sierra! Tomorrow we're off to the Reptile Farm (I may wait in the car), then Bear Country. Everything is going well, no glitches in our travel (knock on wood).

Still waiting to see news on brother John...

XOXX Joan

Road Trip

Greetings from Sioux Falls, SD! Gene and I are on a road trip to Mt. Rushmore with his daughter Jenna and granddaughter Maddy. Yesterday, we drove all day to spend the night here in Sioux Falls. While here, I bought another guitar, one for camping and traveling. Fun! Today, we will drive to Hill City, which is near Mt. Rushmore and spend 3 days there. More to follow...

Good luck brother John on your knee surgery tomorrow!

Joan

Coco Bolo's

The band had a show last night in Aggieville (college town-KSU). Great crowd, even got a $100 tip from the owner! I think he likes us... Notice the stand-up bass player in the background, we were really crowded and the poor kid was constantly dodging Steve and his guitar. The 2 guys in Sonic Wood T-shirts are "Knot Heads" (get it?) It was a really fun night, and Gene's sister Lucia and her husband Jerry joined us from Independence, MO.

Hope everyone is well and have a great weekend!

XOXX, Joan