I left Lafayette last Monday and went to Chadron State Park in northwest Nebraska. It was beautiful as was the entire drive through northern CO and WY on my way there. The rains have created an oasis of green where normally the summer sun has already turned much to brown. 

I arrived at the park and needed to dump the sewer tanks before making camp. I left Willow inside and the driver side window down about 7 inches. That little Houdini squirmed her way out of that window and flew to the ground 6 feet below. She ran like the wind up and down the meadow area by the dump. I couldn't stop the dump process so I just let her be. When I was done, I called her and of course she didn't come. So I got in Minnie and drove toward the campground. She ran gleefully behind me for about 2000 feet to the turn where I stopped, got out with her leash, and thank Buddha, she ran right up to me. Whew. She's finally decided she's not really leaving home, just taking advantage of my carelessness to get in a good run. One day I pray, that she can be outside Minnie without a leash. 

We spent the next 2 days hiking the miles of park trails. So beautiful. 

After removing about 20 ticks, we packed up camp and drove on to Burwell NE to my cousin Bill Watson's homestead. He is a couple miles from the Calamus Reservoir and takes his pontoon out as often as he can. 

Bill built his cabin from a kit. It's so nice. He looks down on the golf course which he is on everyday, sometimes twice a day. I stayed four nights and I am certain my liver could not have survived more. His son Paul, named after my dad, was there with his son Crendan. Paul just retired from the service...Green Berets. He works with the Special Services Foundation providing support for veterans. He's a special person who cares so much for his comrades no matter which war they served, the foundation provides life changing services. I was glad to get to know him again as an adult. 

Bill has an eight month old puppy, Joe, who was named for Bill's brother Joe who passed away suddenly and too early about 3 years ago. Joe is Joe reincarnated. Doesn't listen to anyone and loves the ladies. Joe loves to play and he kept after Willow until she finally learned how to play. A huge milestone in Willow's life. They played for hours and when I told Willow it was time to go to the next place, she was not having it and I had to carry her out Bill's front door. 

Yesterday, I arrived at my cousin Jerry Watson's home on a small lake near Springfield NE outside of Omaha. I have the perfect spot and they have the perfect home, outdoor living and beach. More to follow on this stay...we will be here a few days and will be back before we leave for Iowa in July. Stay tuned. 

Peace and party! Watson