Robins

We are staying at an R V park that has a storage lot adjacent to the camping area. It's about a two acre space filled with motor homes, boat and assorted trailers in loosely defined rows. Bella the dog had been greatly interested in exploring the lot, so we set off on an evening stroll.
While passing a trailer that hadn't been moved in some time, Bella frightened three adolescent robins out of their nest. I had just enough time to get a good look at the birds and nest (which was poorly planned being too close to the ground if you ask me) when we were attacked! Birds arrived in force, at least twenty of them. They were diving at both of us, screaming obscene bird words and accusing us of horrible intentions. Oh yes, you may think that a robin is a benevolent bird but you have never faced their flap-winged fury. We were given no chance to explain. Poor Bella was terrified and I had a Hitchcock flashback. We abandoned the walk with our dignity intact, more or less. Bella no longer wants to visit the place.

Bismarck North Dakota

This is the Missouri River in Bismarck, North Dakota. It's beautiful, loaded with pleasure boats and jet skis on a Sunday afternoon. The banks are lined with parks. Jogging/biking paths follow the river for miles with original art works and play grounds scattered throughout.

We were on a riverboat tour when I took this photo. The temperature was in the high 70's and so comfortable John and I both got sunburnt before we realized what was happening.

The road along the river front was a lot of fun to ride the Harley on,so we went up river for about 20 miles. There are some beautiful new homes being built right on the river.

The land is mostly flat here, and there are a lot of bicycles on the streets. If I lived here I'd have to try the bike paths.

Today we toured Fort Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1871, it had a different name for the first few months then changed to honor the former President. It was abandoned by the Army in 1890 and torn down by settlers for the wood. Many of the older homes in Bismarck are said to have lumber from the origional fort.
The base was home to Gen. Custer, and he left from here to go to the Battle of the Little Big Horn. His home has been reconstructed for tours, with guides in period costume. I learned that the General's wife, Libbie, had a cook and two other maids to help her make it through the day in 1873. It took her 1 1/2 hours to get ready every morning (Considered quick at the time), and she changed clothes 3-4 times a day.

Our guide was dressed as a laundress. They had one laundress for every 17 to 20 men, and it was considered a good job. One of the most famous, a Mrs. Nash, followed the 7th Cavalry for many years. She not only washed clothes, she altered and mended them. Her services as a mid-wife were highly sought after, and she married multiple times. After her death it was found that Mrs. Nash was a man.

Brought to you by----------------

While watching the local news channel in Sioux City S. Dak., I was surprised to see an ad for an entire town.

I know that many small towns court retirees, but I had never seen a television advertisement of that type.

I have to say this town seemed great. While a voice-over touted the wonderful heath care available, the parks, the ease of navigating and general over-all friendliness of the townspeople, a series of still photographs showed senior citizens having a fabulous time! Why, they were dancing, strolling through manicured gardens, and chatting in the aisles of the super market. They were also dining in what looked like a four-star restaurant, which you could afford because the cost of living in this adorable town would be minimal, you know. There were even a couple of shots of locals, nubile young ladies, jogging in the park.

Yes, this would be a fantastic village to spend one's golden years in! Who wouldn't want to live there!

As the ad faded away a disclosure came on my T V screen.

Sponsored by "local" Bank, "local" Supermarket and -------------"local" Funeral Home

On the road

We are now in Sioux City, South Dakota. It's a lot cooler than Kansas City, and the humidity is wonderfully low.

Tomorrow we leave for Fargo, North Dakota. After looking around we will take a hard left and head to Great Falls Montana.

We are traveling with John driving the truck towing the Fifth-wheel, and I drive the car towing the Harley. It sounds simpler than it is. I drive in front, checking the rear view mirror constantly so I don't run off and leave him in traffic. We have walkie-talkies to communicate with each other, but I can't hear him page me. He pulls up closer and flashes his headlights so I know he's trying to reach me. We pick up other driver's conversations, making it even harder for me to hear him. In the mean time I have flown by the exit he wanted to take.

Earl the cat has decided he dislikes moving day. He hides when we get ready to leave, and we have to drag him out from under the bed. Once he gets in the truck with John things are fine.
Bella the dog rides with me, usually on my lap. She absolutely knows the truck and trailer are her home, and if John pulls out ahead of us she goes nuts thinking he's trying to "dump" us. I'm not worried though. After all, I've got the Harley.