While in Austin...

Matt and I are at a hotel tonight. (It is closer to our appointment tomorrow.)  

It was 10:00 p.m., and Matt had just finished his shower.  As he was drying off, the fire alarm rang. Initially, I thought it was ringing because of the lingering hot-water-fog; we both stared at each other.  

Matt thinking, "Dang, I'm in big trouble now!"  

Me thinking, "I cannot believe we'll all have to evacuate because Matt takes too hot of a shower!"

I checked down the hallway and people were beginning to scurry out the exits; I could hear the alarm ringing in all rooms and the hallway.  Okay, maybe it wasn’t Matt’s fault.  Before I could enjoy my feeling of relief, I realized the alarm meant there was a FIRE!  Ducking back into the room, I yelled at Matt to get dressed as I gathered the important stuff--socks, soap, watches (yeah, well it seemed vital at the time!).  Looking back over at Matt, I saw that although he had vigorously dried his hair, he was struggling to pull his jeans on over his wet legs.  I convinced him to get downstairs with a harried look and a decisive, “Just GO!!”  After he hobbled out still trying to straighten is jeans, it dawned on me--I may have sent my one and only, wonderful, most precious son into an inferno! With horrific mother-visions, I wheeled around still clutching the hotel soap, scooped up Matt’s belt, and sprinted down the stairs to save him and his dignity.

Unfortunately, I was still wearing my reading glasses.  I “shaved off” too much of the final corner and smashed my face into the wall. 

Panting and a bit bloody, I slid sock-footed into the lobby yelling, “Matt, Matt, Matt!!!!”  There was no fire.  There was no smoke.  There were, however, all the firemen from the two large fire truck at the entrance.   Nope, I did not feel smart or brave.  Nope, nope, nope…

Got to bed about midnight.  Arranged all our things into manageable piles...just in case.  Matt wore his belted jeans to bed.

On the way to Davis Mts. State Park, TX

Matthew and I are in Austin, Texas, tonight.  It has been a nice trip south...okay, other than the heat.  And yes, I am going to say it--"I am HOT!"  I am hoping that the mountains will be a bit cooler--smiles!
Before leaving Iowa, Matthew was able to see his sweet girlfriend, Jasmine.

Matt and Jazzy outside the movie theater

We were also able to visit very good friends in Iowa City.  Thank you, Diane and Jill for sharing your home, your energy, and your friendship...I love you all!!  Sending positives and strength--daily.

Jill, Jorgito, Jenny, and Diane

Again, the drive to Fort Davis has been nice.  I've missed driving the midwest during the fall.  Although the trees have not yet turned the riot of autumn colors, the end-of-summer green is also beautiful.  Most of the corn and soybean fields look ready for harvest.  All the crops looked "good"; hopefully, that will mean a bountiful harvest for the farmers.

Golden Soybeans

Corn field in Kansas

We stopped at The Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, KS.  There, Matt met some old friends--

Either Matt isn't an actor, or the witch isn't that frightening!

Matthew and I drove the blue highways until Oklahoma City.  After that, I thought we would make better time in Texas if we "bullied onto" the interstate.  Wrong!  With all of the construction, drivers were even more aggressive than anticipated.  The traffic slowed to a stand-still in many of the one-lane areas because drivers didn't want to allow others to merge.  From now on, I think Matthew and I will drive Walden (the latest test name for the RV) on the less-frequently-used roads.  SMILES!

After our appointment at Sportsmobile in Austin, we drove through the Hill Country and are now in the Big Bend Country. (Fort Stockton, Texas, to be specific)  Yes, Texas is big enough to have large named and recognized regional areas.

We did stop to see a ranger friend, Diane, at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.  (Matthew and I loved working with her at Toklat in Denali.)  We went on the guided tour of the Texas White House (LBJ's ranch); I would highly recommend it.  *Thanks for the heads-up on that one, Dad!

We will be at our new place of residence tomorrow sometime.  Both of us--EXCITED!

Fun with friends/family in Minneapolis and Omaha/Council Bluffs

We arrived in the lower 48; it was still cool!  (Nope, no complaints.  I appreciate temps in the 50s/60s!)
Our first stop was at Minneapolis to see Katie!  (Matthew and I have both missed that woman!  She is a wonderful person!  Love you!!!!!)  The visit was way too short, Katie.  We will visit longer next time!!!

Matt and Katie at the Sculpture Garden.

Matt and a tired Wayne

Wayne, Katie, and Matt in Katie's beautiful home!

Wayne...smiles

Spoonbridge and Cherry 

We also enjoyed the Renaissance Festival...hmmm, maybe an event at which to volunteer!

The tournament field

My favs--bawdy and raucous!

Washing Wenches

The three Tortuga Twins
performing the comedy skit--Red Riding Hood

The perfect day to attend!

Matt's favorite performance--the clown

Fruit Ninja with weapons of the age.
Can you see the lime?

Next stop--Omaha/Council Bluffs!  Again, we only had a brief respite with friends.  (Matthew and I will be back in December and intend to stay longer to see more of you!  I hope you all have an excellent fall!)

Matthew and Diane
Love you woman!!!

It was wonderful to spend some time with the Weidner family--Sarah, Sue, and Tom!

Sarah's amazingly thoughtful pre-birthday gift was a DELICIOUS finale to a
great celebration picnic with family and friends!

Matthew and I were also able to watch Sarah's and Michael's basketball game on Tuesday evening.

Speedy Sarah (in the blue) and Michael (in the white)

Video of Sarah--offense and defense!  I was impressed with your skills, Sarah!!!  You too, Michael!
Thank you very much for everything; we had an excellent, albeit too short, visit!  Love you all and see you soon!
Matt and I are heading to Ottumwa for a quick visit, and then, we are off to Davis Mountains State Park in Texas.  We begin volunteering there October 1st.
Davis Mountains State Park
(Above-the information link about the state park.)

Denali, AK through Canada

Valdez-detour

It was an impromptu decision, and I am happy I made it!  For years, I have encouraged people to visit Valdez.  I remembered it as a beautiful Alaskan city, although details were "stuck" in the not-easily-recalled-without-a visual-hint recesses of my memory.  (Be fair; it was almost 20 years ago!)

Matt and I loved the drive into and out of Valdez on Hwy 4 (Richardson Hwy).  We saw numerous glaciers and waterfalls--gorgeous!

Worthington Glacier outside of Valdez

Horsetail Waterfall

Lowe River running snug against the road

The mountains going into Valdez hugged both the road and the river...

While driving in, there was enough mist/fog that I felt impelled to sing The Magical Mystery Tour.  (Nope, Matt was not impressed.)

Unfortunately, we only stayed the one night.  We will explore the magic of the place again...

Matt's favorite bird--Raven
This "dude" seemed a permanent resident on that wicker chair.
Interestingly, but clearly not intelligently, it perfectly imitated a gobbling turkey.
(The window looks into the campground kitchen/cafe...)

Fall foliage driving through the Yukon

Spotting animals

Matt LOVES this part of traveling long hours--getting money for spying animals before his Mom sees them!

Looking, looking, looking

Spotted you--Mom!

Grand bison

So far, we have seen four bison herds (and a few lone bulls), three moose, and a caribou.  AND, Matt, has earned $7.00!

"The first snow storm in Canada!"  (as declared on a local radio station.)
Weren't we lucky!!!  Happy first "snow day"!

The trees still had all their leaves...