Posted September 23: I just drove 2,000 miles, mostly on two-lane roads, small towns far apart, little traffic and few rescuers if things fell apart car-wise or otherwise. No problem. Then. Almost immediately after I pulled into in bro Robert’s driveway in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Ghost’s battery ‘gave up the ghost’ so to speak. Died dead away. If it weren’t for a world full of homeless people including millions of refugees, war, famine, glaciers melting, and the Cult of Trump, I might believe in a benevolent god—protecting little old ladies from car problems when they have ventured out on the open road. So, the good brother, he who can fix nearly everything, has tinkered a bit with under-the-hood stuff, replaced the battery…the journey will continue. But, first, here’s where I’ve just been.

Crossing Red River from North Dakota into Minnesota, lots of traffic and kind of lost so missed any Minnesota welcome sign that may have been there. That was sad since I’m somewhat obsessive about knowing when I’ve crossed state (or country) borders.

Dinner on the road. All the major food groups.

I’ve covered the Albuquerque to Sioux Falls miles, there to Roseau Minnesota miles, and on down to Blackduck, Minnesota, my birthplace!, where I’m staying at friends’ Judy and Ray’s house. The car has been unpacked, a few essentials made it into the frig, took that first shower in yet another bathroom (given that there are no two showers exactly alike in the entire world, first showers in new places always make me anxious). All of my book editing materials are nicely organized on the dining room table—that held an elegant brocade-ish runner and even more elegant antique cut-glass bowl until I so rudely disturbed some of the room’s prettiness.

Now I’m in Grand Rapids for a few days at Robert and Marsha’s before the serious book-work begins. But more about that later. First some more road photos. Family and Minnesota pics, comments, and wise sayings to follow in the next days.

THE GREAT PLAINS