May 30 Day 3

Hi This is Phyllis! We left Brandon Manitoba this morning about 8:30. Took us three tries to get out of town since Ila & I are not real good with our directions--like north and south etc. We saw the strangest sight when we stopped in Russell MB for gas. There was a motel on wheels--like a modular house moving. Have motel will travel. Took a side trip to little town of Inglis where we saw five restored grain elevators. They won't be open for tours till July so we just took pictures and looked around. Traveled on to St Elijah's Romanian Orthodox Church way out in the country. There was a gentlemen there who had a key and let us go inside and see the church and told us a lot of its history and future. On down the road was the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and cemetery. There were workers there and we visited with them and took pictures. The cemeteries at both churches were very unique. We were sure from there that Linda had us lost and we would never see civilization again but once again her sense of direction worked. Since we have not had any ice cream on this trip, we stopped in Roblin and indulged (lunch). Spending the night in Regina SK. Saw a restaurant called "Kelseys" so we had to eat there. We hope everyone reading this is enjoying it as much as we are doing it. Keep us in your prayers.

Fri May 30 2008

Thur May 29 - Day 2

Greetings from Brandon, Manitoba! We arrived here around 6 after doing some motel shopping. This is the second night that we have been blessed with a reasonably priced room. Last night we all got a very good night's sleep. No one kept anyone awake with their "sleeping sounds." This morning we passed through some sugar beet country and even saw a plant with a sign that read "Crystal Sugar." There also were a lot of large elevators. We spent some time in the International Peace Garden on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba.

One of today's pictures is of the 9-11 memorial made of pieces of steel from the World Trade Center. The other is of the rock that tells about the memorial.

After sitting and waiting patiently at the customs station for about 20 minutes, we showed the lady our passports, told her our last names and why we were going to Canada, told her where we lived and went on our merry way. The road we were on first in Canada was poor to say the best. The speed limit converted to 70 mph, but I set the cruise on 50 and felt that was more appropriate. That road only last briefly and we had a little construction and were on to a good road.

This has been Linda writing tonight, and Ila wrote last night. It is a little difficult for some of we senior citizens to learn to type on a laptop.

Intl Peace Garden

Wed May 28 Day#1

Well, here we are in Fargo, ND. We have covered 500 plus miles and all three have shared the driving responsibilities. The scenery between Oskaloosa and here didn't change a lot except water, water everywhere in the lakes of Minnesota. But nice temp and sunshine. We hope you got some sun there today too.

Pretty uneventful day (actually). Seemed every driving event happened to Ila driving. First a semi who turned his left signal on and immediately moved into the left lane at our front bumper and then five-six deer who came scampering through some nice grassland but stopped short of the interstate. Thought we were going to get "run over" by the car behind us because they were traveling at 70 mph and we had slowed. Doubt they ever saw the deer unless they crossed after we passed. Then saw another deer way off in a field -- no danger. Actually, Ila began her day by spotting a deer standing in her neighbor's yard. So Tim Stursma, if you read this, you had a deer in your yard this morning. I grabbed a camera and opened the door and the deer ran to the yard behind us and turned and looked right at me. Only camera I had was not the best one so picture probably won't be that good.

We are staying at the Grand Inn and what a deal. We got a family room -- actually has two rooms with three beds. So perhaps the "snoring" won't complicate things too much tonight!!! We got the room because someone who had it reserved didn't show up by 6 o'clock so they let us have it.

The back door of the van has proven to be somewhat irritating to at least one member of the troupe who would be the 3rd set of initials in this blog setup. There was a song entitled "Third Man Theme" (many years ago) so maybe this will create new words for a new song.

Maybe tomorrow will let us find some more interesting things to write about. We will probably be in Canada tomorrow night. Ila was a tad challenged trying to get the internet connection to work but perseverance paid off and didn't have to find a kid to fix it. We will do our best to keep up the posting.

Getting ready

For anyone who might be viewing this blog, we are doing some testing and tweaking so a Michigan sunset pic seemed to be something of interest. Though we are not going that direction to Alaska, we are certain to see many glorious sunsets. The past three weeks have been interesting to say the least. One of our group has experienced some unexpected and challenging physical problems, but the doctor has given the green light and we plan to leave Wed, May 28 on our "dream trip." We know that the God that heals will guide and direct us and help us to meet every challenge along the way. We also know He expects us to be prudent and watchful to not put ourselves in danger. May those we leave at home rest that God IS our GUIDE and COMPANION. Some reading this may not have accepted His Love but perhaps something we say or do along our way, will plant a seed that will be watered and nourished by His Hand. This will probably be our last post before we depart on this journey.