Mighty Mississippi

There is the Mississippi!! We crossed yesterday, as I noted in the previous blog. The day provided us with perfect weather!!

We passed through numerous small towns to get to Peoria, most with a population less than
300. A mere distance of 15-20 miles between each town. How picturesque!! What pride they all take in the presentation of their homes!!
Every community had numerous American flags displayed most everywhere with red, white and blue decorations where there weren't flags. There must now be an abundance of water which wasn't available through Wyoming and South Dakota. Each house and farm has acres of lawn surrounding it. Acres. And I use to groan having to mow our little house lawn. No apparent weeks; no dandelions ... amazing!! Every lawn I pass I just shake my head in amazement ... what a great deal of work to keep that appearance up.

Many of the houses still hang out their laundry. Visual pleasantry with the white sheets flapping in the wind. Brings back memories of being a child and the "etiquette" of hanging out laundry. Yes, there is a correct way and method for those of you who have never routinely done so. During the winter months it was especially challenging. After a short time we could literally bring in "sheets" of ice to defrost in front of the stove.

We awoke this morning with the constant down pouring of rain which has persisted all day. What a perfect Day Off from riding!! There is a public display of fireworks down by the Missouri River tonight, however, I suspect not many will be attending due to the rain. Our Marriott Hotel has numerous soccer players and their families that were here for a large competition. Again, rained out; though I heard they were trying to relocate it to an indoor arena.
We had breakfast, did laundry, then went to the movie, "Angels and Demons". Good job, Opie!!

Had a great late lunch/early dinner at a Western restaurant (we came how far for that cuisine??). It's been entertaining to eat, and be served, in such a variety of diners. In Moorcraft, Wyoming, for instance, they only had 2 places to eat. For dinner we choose the non-smoking establishment. We should have been more discerning when there were no cars parked at it. We were the only ones there. The "waitress" was, oh, maybe 16. She had this hair-bang thing going on which started at the crown, was firmly sprayed in an arch over her forehead down to the tip of her nose. I never really did see her eyes. And her friends were sitting in the back with her. There was, however, no cig smoke.
The food was edible. I thought I would splurge for dessert and ordered the strawberry pie with coffee. To get her attention to order dessert, I had to fully extend my arms above my head, wave wildly, and finally yell, "Hey". Actually, that upset her as she had to then work. She made it to the table, and agreed to the pie. As for the coffee, she said, "But that means I have to make it". [Again, I can't make this stuff up]. Yes, I replied, that is why it is called "service". She did the "sigh-roll-eyes" teen maneuver and started to walk off. I stopped her and handed her our empty plates telling her removing them would be a nice thing to do.
She brought back the pie, without whip cream, mostly raw crust, sliding it across the table at me. Coffee came 20" later.
The next morning we opted for the pro-smoking establishment for breakfast. The older waitress was great. The smokers were in the front and we sat in the back. As we left, near the cash register was a Highway Construction Worker who (I assume) was just getting off work. She was just finishing her second beer (both bottles still there) and probably her second pack of cigs. It was about 0645.
In Marshalltown, Iowa we found this bar/restaurant that seemed to be OK. It was fair, at best, although the waitress was very young, inexperienced, and really sweet. While waiting for our food, we were playing with the condiments on the table. Now, being as ex-bartender/waitress, I know we would fill the table plastic bottles from a central supply every night. However, the ketshup bottle was dated 1969 (I kid you not!!), the Worcestershire Sauce bottle dates 1987. Hmmm....mm.m....

As a final amusing tidbit for you: The three of our don't routinely do the 'cell phone' thing. Each of us bought one for this trip. Mark and I bought the Prepaid TracFone plans, Ken sprung for the broader plan of AT&T. Life will now be safe since we can immediately, if needed, contact each other (isn't that what people say ... "I have it only for an emergency"). Well, our phones generally haven't been able to function most of the journey due to being Out Of Service. OK, I get the tower thing. But explain this one to me. While the 3 of us were together, Ken's hone rang. We all look confused at one another as he answered it, however, it was a Voice Message. From Mark (wasn't he sitting there with us???). From 6 days prior. Mark had called Ken to inform him he had turned and taken a different direction and would be waiting at a different pick-up place. 6 Days!!! Mark said he would now be really mad if he was still sitting there waiting!! Sure am glad we payed for those cell phones!!

A very Happy 4th of July to All of You!!