July 2021

July 2nd Ellis and I were chauffeured by our lovely children to the train station in the Twin Cities. We were going to eat supper at Cracker Barrel but there was a long wait. We went to Perkins instead. If we would have only checked the train's status at that point we'd have found out it was late and we could have stayed at Cracker Barrel. Instead, we ate at Perkins, got to the station on time, said our "Goodbyes" and scurried into the station. As we ascended the escalator there was a dull roar getting louder and louder. The gigantic waiting area was curtained off and a sign announced a wedding was in progress. (An African wedding by observation) I have heard praise and worship music and know it is kind of loud. Never have I heard noise to compare with this roar. Someone was bellowing into a mike. This person didn't need a mike, let me tell you. There were drums, there were people chanting. I recognized some Sunday school songs and prayers and blessing the bride and groom. The whole thing reminded me of  "The sound of war." When I peeked between the curtains I saw men dressed in white robes, ladies in fancy gowns, a small group shuffling in a circle in time to the noise.

We walked down the hall to the door, found seats and resisted the urge to plug our ears. There was no one to ask about the train status. We eventually found out the train would be two hours late. "I can't stand another hour of this," I moaned to Ellis. It is surprising what a person can bear. I leaned against my pillow and shielded my other ear with my hand ... and dozed off. 

When the train came and passengers walked past us it was interesting to see the furrowed brows and pained look on people's faces as the barrage of noise hit them. Maybe we looked the same to them. 

We were happy to find our seats on the train. By this time it was midnight so there was no trouble in finding a comfortable position and conking out. 

When you ride a train you throw away your watch. At the very least, pack it deep in your suitcase, and forget about the hours passing by. Sleep if you can. Write, read a book, crochet. Don't think about the delays, just enjoy the ride. It feels like stepping back in time to the days of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

                                  

Ellis's brother and his wife met us in Williston ND. We ate lunch then drove to the home place. Our stay there was superb. While the guys worked on the vehicle we were driving home we gals had a most amazing time visiting, crocheting, playing table games. More conversations, another round of crocheting and some more games. In between we fixed meals and washed dishes.

                                     

                                       

                This is the rig we drove home

                                           

We pulled this trailer- kind of an enclosed office on wheels - possibly used at some oil well site. (I'm not sure of all the history that goes with it.)

                    Tuesday,  July 6th 2021

The time to go home came far too fast. We left Ivan's at 4:15 am which is really 5:15 am because we're traveling east and lose an hour twenty minutes after starting out. 

We got gas at Grenora then Powers Lake and again at Velva, checking fluid levels each time and getting fresh air so Ellis could wake up. He was already sleepy! 

Ellis asked, "Do you want to drive?"

"I don't have experience pulling a trailer!"

"It's no different than driving your bus."

"But I don't have experience driving a trailer!"

Silence ...

"I mean pulling a trailer..."

"It's just like driving your bus."

"Okay then ...if you insist."

We pulled off the road. It is a long way to the ground with no running boards in existence or handles in the cab to hold on to.

We were both in our seats again when I discovered I couldn't pull the seat forward. After much grumbling and more adjustments we were on the way. 

Ellis is sleeping. I have time for quiet thoughts. I noticed all the miniature sunflowers along the road. I used to think they were black eyed susans, but now I know they only look like it from a distance. Up close they are quite different. 

There are lovely grasses in the ditches. We are passing beautiful summer bouquets every mile. I thought of the wild flower bouquets Krysta made for our neighbor using these gorgeous grasses for fillers. Wilma said, "Thank you!" then pulled out the grasses as we stood in her yard, talking. (Getting rid of the "weeds" in the bouquet)

The names of the towns intrigued me. Who thinks these up? Harvey, Anamoose, Drake .... each slowing us down to 25 miles an hour.

The sign that welcomed us at Anamoose features a moose head. The two oo's are the eyes and gigantic antlers loom above the head. Quite innovative!

We had a long drive home. Those 700+ miles never seemed longer. We avoided interstates and took back roads. There was no working AC so we were grateful for a cloudy day and even some rain as we got closer to MN.

This one of a kind vehicle is a 1981 Eldorada conversion van with low mileage and no rust because it spent its days in MT where they don't put salt on the roads in the winter.

                                    

As we drove along we started talking about what to do with the trailer.  Ellis has an idea to take the little house off the trailer and make a garden shed/she shed. I promise this was his idea. I didn't suggest it. I thought he was making another work project for himself by the sounds of it. I'm pretty sure I like the idea immensely! We'll keep you up to date.