Back home

Here we are on our way to Illinois, passing St. Louis, MO. Left on July 20, got there on July 21st. It was a long drive, but it was worth it. We were able to see my aunt for 3 days before she passed away on the 4th day (July 25th). We were not able to stay for the services, but we were there when it mattered - when she was alive.

This is a dairy farm we passed while driving up to Wisconsin to a cheese factory. I was in awe of how cool the weather is and has been up north. We are burning in TX with 105 degrees daily, while my relatives live in mid 50's degree at night!

We left Rockford IL on July 27th, headed to Port Clinton, OH to visit my birthtown of Port Clinton, OH. It had been a life-long dream of mine to visit where I was born before I pass from this earth and my parents helped to fulfill that dream. I cannot explain the "closure" I felt when we finally arrived. Just knowing my parents once walked those streets while in their early 20's...just can't put it into words.

This is my parents and me in front of the hospital where I was born. Of course, it's all modernized now, but it's still the only hospital in Port Clinton. Dad was worried about walking on the grass, until a nurse came out and offered to take our picture!

Leaving the beautiful state of Ohio. There, one more life-long dream fulfilled.

The reason I post this picture is because this semi was hauling this combine. As you can see, the tires had been removed. 2 other tires were strapped behind the combine. At one point the strap broke and one of the 500 lb tires cam bouncing down the highway!! It was a miracle of our Almighty God that no one was hurt! The tire bounced about 5 times and came to rest in the grassy medium. The shock of what had just happened hit us all later and we were speechless! Thank you GOD! for seeing that no one was hurt in any way!

TEXAS!! YES!!! It may be hot and it may sometimes be boring, but it's HOME!!

All in all, we were on the road for 5 days and we were in IL for 5 days. We traveled very close to 4K miles, averaging 850 miles daily, just my aunt and I as drivers. Wouldn't trade it for the world, but next time I'm going by plane!

My weight crept up to 228 while gone! UGHH!! Too many chips and junk on the road. It's back to slim fast and protein now. I HAVE to lose this weight! My son plans on getting married in Vegas in late October, I should be able to pull off a 30# weight loss in 3 months. I just have to DO IT!!