NE, IA, MN and soon the Northwest!

 I have been visiting with friends and family constantly and just haven't stopped socializing to write. I was also off grid all last week, so no wifi connection. 

Joyce and I walked all over historic Omaha. She lives in Dundee (yes, where Paul McCartney hangs out with Warren Buffet and Bono hangs out with Susie Buffet.) We walked a different direction each day and covered about 18 miles in 5 days. Here we are in Memorial Park at the traveling sculpture which is the same as the one in Key West and San Diego; however, I believe it is not as large. 

Willow peed in Warren Buffet's yard...her claim to fame on one of our walks. Joyce, Mike and I ate well and played well. Trixie, Steve, and Hiatt came for Saturday brunch, so I got to see most of the COT...Mary, Ray and Lisa, I hope to see you next time! Thank you Joyce and Mike!

I went back to J&Ks for a few days and then back into Omaha for a wedding. NE Carol's daughter, Emily, married Mike...a simple, fun wedding with lots of laughter and love. Congratulations Emily and Mike!

The bride and groom:

Carol and I had some fun of our own. 

I headed back to J&Ks for a few days and then took off for Iowa. I will never be able to thank Jerry and Kathy enough for their amazing hospitality. Thank you Jerry and Kathy...love you guys so much! 

I parked Minnie at the Dallas County Fairgrounds and Leslie, one of my high school pals, and her husband Paul, packed Willow and I into their car and into West Des Moines we went to stay. We went to a street dance, went kayaking, and bicycling. They live in a beautiful place and area near the Des Moines River. There is so much to do within minutes of their house and we took full advantage. Thank you Leslie and Paul!

And now I've been in Minnesota for a week to see my sister Suz, her husband Jay, who's been my brother in law since I was 13!, nephew Jason and his wife Kristin and kiddos Jason and Ellory, and niece Katie and her husband Erik and kiddos Mac and Bridget. I DID NOT TAKE PICTURES...what was I thinking? They visited my camp at Baker Park Reserve about 20 minutes from them,  a few times and then Katie loaned me a car so I could drive in and visit them. Their lives are a lot about the kids these days, but they make as much time for themselves as they can. PJ is working two jobs, teaching mountain biking and valet, Ellory is playing softball but loves basketball, Mac is playing baseball and Bridget is playing volleyball. They are cool kids and their parents are too and of course Grammy O and Poppa are the coolest. LOL. I hadn't seen most of them for many years...it was awesome. Thank you my MN fam!

Baker Park is next to Lake Independence and there are miles of biking and walking trails. I do have photos of the Park but since I was off grid...they haven't transferred to my computer as of yet. I am now in a KOA campground, not super cool like Baker Park, but I have electricity and water and wifi, and I can do my laundry. :) I start my journey to the northwest on Sunday. First stop is Sibley State Park just south of Bismarck ND. I'll start planning the rest of my path to Sequim, WA tomorrow. 

Peace, love and cheers! Watson

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