After a marvelous 12 days at Ring Lake Ranch, we hugged our Wyoming friends goodbye and loaded up the Shangrilette.  When we stepped out of the rv in mid-Nebraska, every single one of us literally gasped.  I hereby apologize profusely for every mention that I have made of snow, hail, ice on the tent, the buying of blankets and sweatshirts and all things chilly.  Y'all, it's been hot here since we left, hasn't it?  Youch!!  We'd forgotten what it feels like.

I'm sure that Nebraska is lovely.  And Missouri, too.  It was startling to see trees lining the highway again!  Along the way back east, I read "The Jumping-Off Place," "Lakota Woman," "Wolf Stalker," (one of the National Parks mysteries for young readers) and finished Margaret Coel's latest, "The Silent Spirit."  Nebraska and Missouri are wide states.  I should've brought along some Willa Cather!

We arrived for a very brief stint at 6844 Collinswood Drive and were once again so deeply appreciative of those of you who are supporting our sabbatical by mowing the grass, watering plants, cleaning the house, and hosting the houseguests we've had in absentia.  Really.  Thanks, y'all.

Having washed the clothes and the rv, we are on the way back to the Great Smoky Mountains where we'll part with the Shangrilette and spend a couple of days honing our newfound fishin' skills.  We'll be in Atlanta by week's end to spend a couple of days with all the grandparents that we've missed so much!  On Saturday, we fly south to rendezvous with the Captain (Emiel) and First Mate (Sharon) of the Rose Sail Inn who will teach us to sail and navigate and otherwise enjoy the islands that they love.  (Who knows?  Maybe a little fishin there, too!)

Don't know what the wifi situation is in the places we'll be visiting next--so be prepared if it seems that we have fallen off the planet.  We're hoping that our continued absence from electronics will be just the thing to keep the Braves winning.  Have faith, worthy opponents:  we'll be back in time to ensure a deep September slump  =)

Peace and love~

Amy