June 4th ~ Chrisman, IL to West Liberty, IA
Shirley and Gus as we start our adventure
Well, we are back on the road today. This time Tim and I have company (besides Gus that is). Tim’s mom, Shirley has joined us in the RV for the return trip. We will be taking the northern route from Illinois back to California with the intent of stopping at several of our favorite National Parks on the way.
We stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel early this afternoon. As we waited for our meal to be served, Tim and I were online trying to find a place to park the RV for the evening. A very concerned woman came over to our table, patted Shirley on the shoulder, and offered her a booklet called, “Good News, The Gospel of John & Romans”.
The woman was rather abrupt with Tim and I, feeling we were ignoring Tim’s mom by being on our cell phones and told Shirley she had a couple of “kids, just like us”.
By the time I picked my jaw up off the ground, she was gone…
Today also happens to be the 25th anniversary of when Shirley’s husband Larry passed away. I’m sure there were a few moments during the day that were difficult for her in recalling the significance of the date.
West Liberty, IA
This was just a travel day. We made it as far as West Liberty, IA which is only four miles from our first stop tomorrow morning ~ The Hoover Presidential Library.
Overnight: Little Bear Campground, West Liberty, IA
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that the second part of our road trip adventure is under way. We expect that the first few days will be a bit of an adjustment with all three of us confined in a 25 foot RV. This is all new for Shirley, so we will be taking it easy as she acclimates to her new environment.
A Note From Abroad 
How sweet of you two to show his mom some of our nation’s treasures. And empathies to Tim on the anniversary of losing his dad.
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We are excited to show her some of our favorite National Parks, especially Yellowstone.
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I’m enjoying your travels and excellent photography. Have a nice trip!
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Many thanks!
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Sorry, about your encounter – though it’s great, you are getting to show Shirley a little of your travels. It is a good lesson though for any of us, to not judge a situation on face value. That’s why I try not to form opinions based on social media videos. One never gets the whole picture, right?
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I can see how that looked to an outsider, but yes, without all the fact, perhaps it is best to leave some situations alone.
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Absolutely!
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Hi Joanne and Tim, Good to see you’re showing your Mom “the ropes!” of travelling as you know it.
I don’t always have enough time to keep up with you as there is so much to absorb on line, not to mention my writing… but do wish you well on your many journeys and would love to be a fly on the walls…. or trees. (https://joylennick.wordpress.com/ ) Travel well. Best wishes.
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Thank you so much Joy.
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Don’t you just love judgy people? 🙄 I wish you all a great return trip!
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HaHa Camie, a good lesson was learned where the old adage goes, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”. Not sure if that fits, but perhaps some are too quick to judge without knowing all the facts.
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I agree. 🙂
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That takes a lot of nerve! Ahh, well, sometimes you just have to ignore ignorant people. I hope the three of you have a wonderful trip back. What’s on your agenda for sightseeing?
janet
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Janet our main focus is showing her some of our favorite National Parks. Yellowstone, Bryce and Grand Canyon amongst them.
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How unbelievably rude and presumptuous … may you have glorious weather all the way back. 🙂
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Today has been beautiful! I think we are on a roll now 😊
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Oh my gosh, the things strangers say to try and connect.
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