June 26, 2016 Tuesday Howdy, Jim and I are in Shipshewana, IN at an Open Range Owners Rally. Our first rally was in Dandridge, TN last October. The good thing about these rallies is you get to see friends you met at the first rally. The rally rangers have a five day itinerary that includes, breakfast, wine and cheese greet and met, potluck dinners and tours to the Open Range factory. Shipshewana host the biggest flea market in Indiana along with numerous other shops and the best bakeries as Shipshewana is the home of the Amish. The farms are phenomenal, the food is amazing and the furniture they make is second to none. If we didn't have the fifth wheel I would bringing home a U-Haul. LOL We went to the flea market today and will go back tomorrow as they have an antique auction. This will be our last stop before heading home. More to follow. Love, Jim and Debbie

Friday July 22, 2016 Hello from Utica, IL, What a beautiful area. We are surrounded by cornfields on all sides. The lightening bugs have been in abundance. Jim and I visited the town of Utica, Ottawa, Starved Rock and the Illinois/Michigan canal. There is a lot of history here as Illinois is the home state of the great President Lincoln. Our 1st stop was to Starved Rock. There are various local legends about how Starved Rock got its name. The most popular is the tale of revenge for the assassination of Ottawa leader Chief Pontiac, who was killed in Cahokia on April 20, 1769, by an Illinois Confederation warrior. According to the legend, the Ottawa, along with their allies the Potawatomi avenged Pontiac's death by attacking a band of Illiniwek along the Illinois river. The Illiniwek climbed to the butte to seek refuge, but their pursuers besieged the rock until the tribe starved to death, thereby giving the place the name Starved Rock. The park has 2 million visitors a year and is the home to many hiking trails. Jim said that the bald eagles come back and nest here every winter. I also like the fact that they had a little history on the Conservation Corp as my Dad helped build the roads going into Glacier Park back in 1930. A lot of heavy machinery was not invented yet so a lot of the work these men did where by hand. We then went across the river and visited the Illinois/Michigan canal and dam which opened in 1848 and made Chicago and northern Illinois the key crossroads of the American mid-continent. Jim and I also drove to Buffalo Rock State Park where long before explorers, settlers and immigrants arrived in the passageway, native people lived here. Florida seashells found in this area suggest how far, and how complex the Native American trade routes were. We visited the small town of Utica and shared a drink with the locals which Jim and I love to do. Jim got some tips to the best golf courses in the area and as I write this that is where he is today. We went and had lunch in the small town of Ottawa which was as quaint as its name. Ottawa is the home of Washington Square which on August 21, 1858 is where Abraham Lincoln and Stephan Douglas had their 1st of many debates. Lincoln came to Ottawa several times throughout his career. He practiced law before the Supreme Court of Illinois at sessions held in the old LaSalle Courthouse. Lincoln also served as a claims commissioner for the Illinois/Michigan Canal. Have a great day, Jim and Debbie

Tuesday July 19, 2016 Hi Everyone, Sorry I have not posted in about a week. Sometimes internet service has been all but nil. Jim and I spent the last day at Spearfish at Mt. Rushmore. We walked as far as they would let you. It was a really nice weather comfortable day. Jim and I have been in Baraboo, WI for the last couple of days. We have visited the towns of Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells (which looks like Brandon, MO) and Reedsburg. We have done some antique hunting and Jim, of course has played golf. Michael, Shawna, Kylie and Mackenzie would love Wisconsin Dells as waterparks and roller coasters are very abundant. The big mansion and model T belong to the Ringling Brothers. There are a lot of farms that have been handed down from generations to generations. I fell in love with the old barns. I told Jim and I would to have a soy farm. Next stop Utica, IL.

Sunday July 10, 2016 Good Morning, Yesterday Jim and I spent a beautiful day at Belle Fourche. Cute little town with lots of history. Their museum boasted the most antiques we have ever seen. Jim and I love history so reading the stories of the pioneers that lived in and around Belle Fourche was inspiring. South Dakota sits front and center in the US, geographically and Belle Fourche holds the distinction as being the center of the nation since it is the closest community to the geographic point. The geographical center of the land mass of the US moved on August 21, 1959, the day Hawaii became the 50th state. The cabin was built in 1876 and was home of Johnny Spaulding who was an avid hunter, scout and guide. At one time Spaulding his brother, sister in law and 6 children lived in this cabin. We did some shopping in their quaint little town as there were a number of antique shops which we love. Spent the evening in Deadwood which was a crazy night as there were numerous groups running around in Superman shirts and pink tutus. We think they were bachelorette parties. Have an awesome Sunday, Jim and Debbie