Amarillo, TX

We have been here in Amarillo for nine days, and yes west Texas is hot. I don't think it's as hot as some other places, and in the morning and evening it is very cool and comfortable. I have enjoyed just being here and relaxing. We did go to a nice church last week, and we went to the Big Texan for dinner. There were two men trying to eat a meal including a 72 ounce steak. That's 4 1/2 pounds of meat people. It would feed most families. They didn't finish in the 60 minutes alloted, so they had to pay $72.00. Yikes.

Today we are moving into the Palo Duro Canyon state park. We will stay there until Friday, unless I get scared. Then we will head to Dallas.
While we are in the 600 ft deep canyon, we will be without a cell signal for most of the time. So we will be in touch when we get back to the surface.

Donna

Dodge City, KS

We arrived in Dodge City, KS on Wed the 13, of June. We left on Friday the 15th and actually we didn't do anything in Dodge at all.
When we arrived we went to the "Water Sport RV resort" it was supposed to be this great place with a lake and all sorts of water activities. Well in reality it looks like a place where camping rigs go to die. It was junky and messy and no trees or grass. Just hot sun baked ground and miserable looking campers.
There was a really pretty park on the other side of the lake, but we found out that it was a membership only place and hence, not for us.
So we looked on our map and found Gunsmoke RV park. It, too, was tree- less, but we were in the high plains and I guess that's just how it is.
We were going to head to the Big Basin Prairie Preserve, to see the Bison and the stars at night, but just as we went out to get in the truck we noticed quite a huge storm brewing up. So, we stayed outside to watch the clouds roll in, took Max for a walk before the big rains came, and then as the first drops began to fall we went I think it rained off and on most of the night.
We packed up in the morning to head south. As we were leaving the campground we noticed some people who had been tent camping, all their gear was hanging on the fence rails around the tenting area.
I'm glad I have my 5th wheel, we were snug as a bug.
On to Amarillo, TX.

Donna

Abilene, KS

Well, we spent two nights in Abilene, KS. I went to the "Lucky Charm" Quilt shop in Chapman, about 10 miles east of Abilene. I hit the mother load of Wizard of Oz fabric. Yes, I am a fan, in fact I think it is my favorite movie. I bought a load of fabric and a pattern to use it on. Thank you Caroline.

The next morning, Tuesday, we headed into town and I got to shop at the "Material Girl" Quilt shop and what do you think? They had a whole ton of Wiz of Oz fabric for me to play in. I was very excited and bought another arm load. 
At about 12:30 our friends from KC arrived and after a quick lunch we had a great time touring the Eisenhower Library and Museum, boyhood home and Chapel where he, Mamie and one young son are laid to rest.

The home where Ike grew up is still in it's original location, and all the property surrounding it was purchased for the rest of the buildings. His home is a show case of needle work, quilts and other fine handwork done by his mother Ida. Also some of Ike's own painting is hanging in the home as well. His mother lived in Abilene until her death, which I think was around 1947. They have maintained the home beautifully, and have even used reproductions of the original wall paper.

It was a great day and there was just so much to see and read, it was a bit overwhelming.

I LIKE IKE

We saw many photos of his military career and I had never realized that the entire D Day event was his call. Many advisers and contributors, but he was the one who had to make the final decision.

There was a lot of attention to his time in the White House, I never knew what a great diplomat he was and as we heard him giving a speech, he is a man we could use today in the light of our current crisis.

After the day at the museum we went to the Kirby House for dinner, it is one of those gorgeous antebellum mansions. Though many have become B&B's, this one is a really nice restaurant. The food is really good, and the service is excellent.

After dinner it was time to say goodbye to our friends and as they were leaving Barbara told me that they would not be coming to visit us on all of our stops along the way. I am so disappointed. I thought they couldn't live without us.

Next time more about Dodge City,

Donna



   





                                                        

Dodge City

The welcoming party, Wed, June 13, 2012.


Donna

Is that Willie?

No it's us, "ON THE ROAD AGAIN." I love that song and it aptly describes much of our life. We have traveled, moved and rambled all over this great country, now we are getting serious about our traveling.

This morning we left Kansas City, MO and headed straight west to Abilene, KS. Our objective is to visit the Eisenhower library and museum. This little tiny town is packed with museums. An antique Doll museum, a Greyhound (that's dogs, not buses) museum. Train museum, Indian artifacts, fashion museum, telephones, and more. But don't try to eat lunch anywhere besides fast food. Almost everything here is closed on Monday.

I did find a Quilt shop, this lady does the machine quilting for you, she does not sell any kind of fabric, I was disappointed, but she did put me on to a quilt shop in Chapman, KS about 10 miles east of here.
It's just a cute little shop originally called Mom & Me, now it's Lucky Charm. I don't care what they call it, I found a pretty big stash of Wizard of Oz fabric by Quilting Treasures. I bought a pattern and a few pieces of fabric for a little Wiz throw.
Our campground this stay is Covered Wagon RV resort. Throw out the definition of resort you have in your head. This is a little more modest than that. Any way we're home for now in Abilene, KS.
Tomorrow we are meeting friends and going to the Eisenhower museum and the Material Girl Quilt shop, also closed Monday.


                                  

On the road with Max,
Donna