tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86483706420030996662024-03-13T09:17:11.915-07:00Shadow MamaChasing kids, chasing dreams, defining meLinda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.comBlogger518125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-85739323911016623362022-01-01T07:46:00.004-08:002022-01-01T07:47:02.066-08:00New Year, No Expectations<p> Let's see what 2021 dumped on us...loss of Jay's mom, quarantines, recovery, work stresses (understatement), return of epilepsy, storm damage, crop failures, blown engine, wrecked vehicle, increasing prices, and decreasing availability of products. </p><p>I vote for a restart. Let's do this, 2022!</p><p>I'm not usually superstitious, not even a little stitious. I believe in God, not fates or luck. But, just for fun, I searched up foods that bring good luck, foods to eat on a new year. </p><p>The black eyed peas, I knew, thanks to our friend Jenna making black eyed pea dip one New Years Eve, decades ago. Apparently, it is "peas for pennies, greens for dollars, gold for gold" so we should be having black eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread.</p><p>Pork is supposed to bring prosperity and progress, because pigs root ahead as they eat, or because pigs never look back, according to a highly professional google search. Personally, I know pigs as wicked smart and therefore highly destructive animals. So, I guess if we can use our brains to wreck some havock in the year ahead by eating pork, let's do it!</p><p>And, I think family is the KEY to a great new year. </p><p>So, I found a way to combine all of those in tonight's meal. I'm making my Aunt Alice's Chalupa soup, substituting half the pinto beans with black eyed peas. We will add some fresh greens from our high tunnel (albeit probably spinach or kale instead of collard greens), and some hot cornbread muffins. I think we are covered. </p><p>May 2022 kick 2021 in the tail. </p><p>--</p><p>My Crazy Ol' Aunt Alice's Chalupa Soup</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3-4 pound pork roast</li><li>1 pound pinto beans (or 1/2 pound pinto beans)</li><li>1/2 pound black eyed peas</li><li>1/2 cup chopped onion</li><li>1 T salt</li><li>1 T cumin</li><li>1 can green chilis</li><li>7 cups water</li><li>2 garlic cloves</li><li>2 T chili powder</li><li>1 tsp oregano</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Mix all ingredients and cook on low in a crock pot for 8 hours. Enjoy!</p>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-23115036810663145552022-01-01T07:46:00.003-08:002022-01-01T07:46:45.782-08:00Socially Distancing VacationHow we kept our distance during a cross country vacation<div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1WoduEAz-eU2s72MaHW0txU3FOZGcTzuq" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1WoduEAz-eU2s72MaHW0txU3FOZGcTzuq" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BsLGqTTD4FuQirZSpmskaxEa24zwsQ0w" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BsLGqTTD4FuQirZSpmskaxEa24zwsQ0w" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=15RP75A6oHeIv-KJxilXsVOC4YJPXJYlr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=15RP75A6oHeIv-KJxilXsVOC4YJPXJYlr" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VAeUFPVGKosiW33XQTXE8I7rW91LnYYr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VAeUFPVGKosiW33XQTXE8I7rW91LnYYr" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1S0hJTxYTruTQk51NJnjaORyQ7yBJvmb4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1S0hJTxYTruTQk51NJnjaORyQ7yBJvmb4" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10FHwDtlBqfspsBCV03bCFNRR-e6D950d" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10FHwDtlBqfspsBCV03bCFNRR-e6D950d" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nvVUvejmF_r8mFygFxot8-5dNiju5n8Z" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nvVUvejmF_r8mFygFxot8-5dNiju5n8Z" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GZK0gR15RkFVqmBId2qiebKvP1CPZuVF" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GZK0gR15RkFVqmBId2qiebKvP1CPZuVF" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-45182916451057647962020-08-04T20:42:00.001-07:002020-08-04T20:42:43.881-07:00What I think it means to be a momThis day was like so many as of late: long and busy. I “started” the day out with a twelve-hour hospital shift with very little air time. <div><br></div><div>Then I came home, to a delicious supper my hubby made for our family. That was wonderful! </div><div><br></div><div>And then I could have gone to bed. Seriously, would have fallen asleep in minutes. But, nope.</div><div><br></div><div>Outside to help pick 25 pints of cherry tomatoes for tomorrow’s farmers market, because hubby couldn’t do it today while he was preparing for the new school year and kids were at band camp.</div><div><br></div><div>Then bed? </div><div><br></div><div> Nope! Youngest son has a dozen “look what I did, mom” moments to show me. </div><div><br></div><div>Then read bedtime book with youngest two, add bedtime prayers, and kiss good dreams into their foreheads. And tuck them in.</div><div><br></div><div>Then bed?</div><div><br></div><div>Nope. Make sure my high schoolers have what they need for the morning (6:30 XC run, then band camp all day, then piano for one and babysitting for the other). And make sure they get a few minutes of mom solo.</div><div><br></div><div>Then bed?</div><div><br></div><div>Nope! College kid called, which is rare, so you make time for it.</div><div><br></div><div>Then bed?</div><div><br></div><div>Nope! Now I’m too wound up to fall asleep! And so I blog and read and read blogs and avoid angry social media and discuss bills and tractors and farming plans and injured farm cats and bombs in Beirut. </div><div><br></div><div>And, then bed?</div><div><br></div><div>After a daily scripture? Hopefully. Because it starts all over again in just under seven hours.</div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-52094590478514253532020-06-18T21:09:00.000-07:002020-06-18T21:34:44.914-07:00How We Socially Distanced on a Cross Country Trip<br />
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The Sleichter seven have just wrapped up a ten-day, ten-state family vacation with very, very little human interaction outside of our
family. It’s not that we are bunch of introverts; we just knew the importance
of socially distancing while the coronavirus has the nation in its grips. This
fact was made even more evident by the need for me to be tested for Covid right
before we left, not because of symptoms, but because of exposure to positive
patients. (Results were negative, FYI)<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, here’s what we did. We had a bag full of face masks for
the family. I had bought some masks for Katie to take with her on her trip to
Taiwan last fall, so we had plenty on hand. These weren’t very necessary, as I
was primarily the person who had contact with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ENLR6w1TZxvdkQKgOurPT5vO7JqsHb7k" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ENLR6w1TZxvdkQKgOurPT5vO7JqsHb7k" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMfELisYPCFquEkDslV4jybvhuXIX1y4U9Mbiuaz7QBPbejSVPilVwc0zLR-UuH3n7vH_uXQqWZmqr2frdITG-DomLpkzhWIUA8CIbFu3wfPdsXm8insjdEYlNHM-SdNMG-f4wJK2PxUX/s1600/IMG_3297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMfELisYPCFquEkDslV4jybvhuXIX1y4U9Mbiuaz7QBPbejSVPilVwc0zLR-UuH3n7vH_uXQqWZmqr2frdITG-DomLpkzhWIUA8CIbFu3wfPdsXm8insjdEYlNHM-SdNMG-f4wJK2PxUX/s320/IMG_3297.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We ate breakfast and lunch as picnics or from our groceries.
Most of our supper meals were take out, eaten back in the rooms we had
reserved. The three times we ate in restaurants, the restaurants were very
diligent about socially distancing, leaving big space between tables, with all
the servers wearing masks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1_XwNXuOI-hFoAGPr7RZkXAm8Js9979VT" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1_XwNXuOI-hFoAGPr7RZkXAm8Js9979VT" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Our destinations were all very “great outdoors” and ideal
for socially distancing: Carhenge, Mt Rushmore, Glacier, an Oregon ghost town,
an Idaho National Forest, and Yellowstone. But the people vacationing were also
politely following the new cultural guidelines of “making space”. For example,
at Glacier, the number of people at the park was way down, and the hikers and
bicyclists were politely distancing. My kids probably got tired of me saying,
“Sleichters to the RIGHT!” every time we met someone on a trail. Where the
trails got narrower, people were polite and took turns moving off the trail
while the next group walked past. Or, if a group was slower than us, they would
move to the side when the trail widened and let us by, as we would do for those
faster than us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17hZzhksgrOMF-B5M36GggXwiB8ZjNxeR" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17hZzhksgrOMF-B5M36GggXwiB8ZjNxeR" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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The parks themselves had things in place to encourage
socially distancing. For example, whether due to construction or covid, the
sitting area at Mt Rushmore was closed off and only certain trails were open
for hiking. At Yellowstone, the indoor facilities were almost all closed, so
your time was spent in the open spaces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvYrdqaZQfsoA4U5E9befpc37imV70-v8kBsaxH5QWzXEDLBHflJKyOTndAtlV01zJgUOlvbsK9-WYVtIdMROo1yvvksLKVwW2FeMp6CJRRzzGMYnj0BlRN4rHFB3xfKq8xbXG5dM80v8/s1600/104325908_2690287537907870_3638901427446326148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvYrdqaZQfsoA4U5E9befpc37imV70-v8kBsaxH5QWzXEDLBHflJKyOTndAtlV01zJgUOlvbsK9-WYVtIdMROo1yvvksLKVwW2FeMp6CJRRzzGMYnj0BlRN4rHFB3xfKq8xbXG5dM80v8/s320/104325908_2690287537907870_3638901427446326148_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was like a social experiment, seeing the differences in
how the states were handling the virus. Kansas and Nebraska and the corner of
Colorado we visited were diligently following recommendations, asking people to
wear masks as they entered buildings, having more closed dining rooms.
Washington and Idaho didn’t seem to care any more, even having amusement parks
open and every dining room we saw opened up. And that's why in Washington and Idaho, the kids were even more isolated from the public, per our request.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And lodging in a cross country trip during a health crisis?
That took a little forethought. We stayed in motels that had doors direct into
our rooms, cabins that stood apart, or Air BNBs that allowed us to have a house
to ourselves. When we did have to stay in hotels, only I went in to the lobby,
and the kids had very minimal exposure to any other parts of the hotel, besides
the room we were staying in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1URjOAeHCRJC_FZmYd0tkxXludlGc_GZp" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1URjOAeHCRJC_FZmYd0tkxXludlGc_GZp" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Dining also took forethought. It’s one thing to decide what
you want to eat and in which town. But then it required facebook searching to
determine if the restaurants were actually open to dining yet, what their
restrictions were, was there any rioting in the area, and did the recession
already take them out of business. It might have been easier just to eat drive
through, but that’s a lot of fast food. And sometimes you just need to eat at a
table, with food not made in a fryer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Z8SxBv9Nu1rcGIWzLsuFKu4mMGLuR44v" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Z8SxBv9Nu1rcGIWzLsuFKu4mMGLuR44v" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were the only ones in the restaurant! No masks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And that’s how we safely planned our family vacation 2020. I
also took my temperature every morning and night to make sure I did not show
any symptoms of the virus myself. I feel confidant that there were no
potential point of contacts for my family members in the ten days. They are at more risk in their jobs (grocery stores and farmers markets) than they were on this vacation. </div>
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It’s a
pathetic shame to have to worry about coronavirus and rioting and recession
while trying to plan a family vacation. But at the tail end of the vacation, I
say the quality family time we were able to get was worth all the effort and
planning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-46434570791697296902020-06-18T20:46:00.000-07:002020-06-18T20:57:27.647-07:00Running goal: Goal to run<div style="text-align: left;">
Blame Cindy, my running partner and personal motivator. An idea to run occasionally became a challenge to run in every state we stopped. That goal was modified to be "exercise a mile" in every state, because there was no way I had it in me to run a mile after biking 12 and hiking 5 miles in the mountains.<br />
<br />
Why? Because we are in the midst of a health crisis in our country, and exercise boosts your immune system. Because we were going to be traveling for 10 days, and exercise helps prevent blood clots and helps eliminate those old-lady back aches. Because exercise creates endorphins, which will put the kids and parents in better moods for the days' challenges. Because it let us go off-trail and see some rarely seen areas. And so, here it is:<br />
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Nebraska mile, running the trail at Carhenge:<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pSVUH-LMd-FFMGLcjxQhzaU7czOJWB86" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pSVUH-LMd-FFMGLcjxQhzaU7czOJWB86" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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South Dakota mile, a hiked mile at Mount Rushmore. This one was tough because I put my mask back on any time we got near people. Have you ever tried breathing hard with a mask on? Not cool.<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZCHDZqH5UwWQDUOecW_MqFklUNenXv3_" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZCHDZqH5UwWQDUOecW_MqFklUNenXv3_" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-align: left; width: auto;" /></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1IENrbPzNKXwGETsQBCT7fgYCp_p4Le4s" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1IENrbPzNKXwGETsQBCT7fgYCp_p4Le4s" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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North Dakota mile, on the streets and fairground in Bowman, ND. Jay ordered lunch in the time it took me to make this run.</span></div>
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<span style="display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fwkK9YyTGZJpd4S8woXPoah4HE81U4Op" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fwkK9YyTGZJpd4S8woXPoah4HE81U4Op" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></span></div>
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Montana mile #1, a hike at Pictograph Caves near Billings, MT</div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bexelm-aahwWyKX48w0OaWJX8COdLcgY" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bexelm-aahwWyKX48w0OaWJX8COdLcgY" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Montana mile #2, a 12-mile bike and 5-mile hike at Glacier</div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1roM77dTKcYK9_fV098xep_dce7rRHj-f" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1roM77dTKcYK9_fV098xep_dce7rRHj-f" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gxFsrblqrZ6JN465iVEio_Y93jdB_h1L" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gxFsrblqrZ6JN465iVEio_Y93jdB_h1L" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-align: left; width: auto;" /></div>
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Washington mile is undocumented, because it was on a sad little treadmill in a hotel in Spokane. Because, it's really hard to run safely and socially distant in an urban area.<br />
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Oregon mile, in the freaking snow, past a ghost town called Flora, OR<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1dbpAJ_D6frRBn8EgaGCubreF1u9Nh_Eo" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1dbpAJ_D6frRBn8EgaGCubreF1u9Nh_Eo" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SDDfQvKW5F0rBvleurlRaE8PQDydkiOG" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SDDfQvKW5F0rBvleurlRaE8PQDydkiOG" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-align: left; width: auto;" /><br />
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Idaho mile, in the rain, in Kooskia, while the family ordered supper</span></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19p_6s_Xo4z3xPyzMXBeTHJd2QvKgWVAe" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19p_6s_Xo4z3xPyzMXBeTHJd2QvKgWVAe" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Wyoming mile, on the dirt mountain road near our cabin near Wapiti, WY. On the bottom picture, look for the tiny purple speck.<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1D3Rbb-epvr_Ls2Btdv4x29hMBJGMes0j" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1D3Rbb-epvr_Ls2Btdv4x29hMBJGMes0j" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1lSMc_DOJul6jQORtjn02uf9sXGOgz_Ee" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1lSMc_DOJul6jQORtjn02uf9sXGOgz_Ee" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; text-align: left; width: auto;" /><br />
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Colorado mile, in Julesburg, CO, during another supper stop. 94 degrees at 5 p.m. for this one, followed by putting on the mask to go into the restaurant where we were eating. I looked like a suffocating oompa-loompa.</span></div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1txon16X-I7QEaWz9V279dfAQusbeA5Ge" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1txon16X-I7QEaWz9V279dfAQusbeA5Ge" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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And, finally, Kansas mile, home sweet home, with said bad/good influencer Cindy, running past her wheat field, in the heat.</div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12V5jLbtAWLp6Vf-1_uYeKTr4DIFsfDeO" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12V5jLbtAWLp6Vf-1_uYeKTr4DIFsfDeO" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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I'm proud of this accomplishment, but more proud of my husband, who pushed, cajoled, bet, and nagged me to finish my set goal. Because he knew I'd be disappointed if I didn't. And for the record, I’m nearly 43. I ran in high school, but didn’t run again until I was 30 years old. It is my therapy, my relaxation. I’m not fast, I’m not ... attractive ... while I run, I'm flat out awkward. But I do it for me, and to set a good example for my kids.</div>
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Although running in a ghost town in Oregon in the snow may make me certifiably insane.</div>
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Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-39365169373915214702020-06-18T20:06:00.001-07:002020-06-18T20:06:29.454-07:00Cultural lessons from a cross country vacation<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We started out this vacation concerned about three things: a
deadly virus, a rioting culture, and a recession. But we ended it learning more
than we ever thought: history, geology, geography, and social injustices.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before we started our trip, I had read to John a few
articles about <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Lewis-and-Clark-Expedition#ref324377" target="_blank">Lewis and Clark</a>. Their journey started East of us, went farther
North than us, but did intersect our route multiple times. We read about their
journey at quite a few of our stops, including Great Falls, MT, and along the
Northwest Scenic Highway. And what we saw as a reoccurring theme is, they
wouldn’t have made it without the Indians.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And so many places on our journey were named after the <a href="https://nezperce.org/" target="_blank">NezPerce </a>Indians. Due to the repeat reminders, when we did have wifi, we used our
data to search for their history, the backgrounds, why they were so
instrumental in our country’s history in that area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What we read was ugly. Multiple tribes helped the “white
man” on his initial journey to the area. They told the travelors where there
were waterfalls, where to pass through mountains, hwo to get horses, where to
find food sources, and what food to eat when they were starving. They saved the
Lewis and Clark expedition from freezing and starving. Lewis and Clark
respected and appreciated their knowledge, but still thought of them as sub-par
humans, never equals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And what did the white settlers and the American army do in
return? Forced them out of some of the most beautiful, lush, bountiful lands in
our country...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e5qugthesOZwPlkAMhDBdV7CgTY4sE1J" imageanchor="1"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e5qugthesOZwPlkAMhDBdV7CgTY4sE1J" border="0" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e5qugthesOZwPlkAMhDBdV7CgTY4sE1J" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></a></div>
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and forced them onto reservations in drought-ridden, arid, rocky, deadly soils. If they resisted, they were killed or forced into deadly situations until they surrendered, as the Nez Perce Indians were. If they didn’t resist, they were killed, as documented at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_Creek_massacre" target="_blank">Sand Creek massacre</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/280/14923" target="_blank">This article</a> was one impressive piece of literature we found
in our research: (high mountain article)<o:p></o:p></div>
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And where are they now? Still on reservations, in low
quality housing, poor living conditions, with social diseases strong. Why is it
that the coronavirus is more rampant and more deadly on reservations than other
places? Is it lack of health care? Lack of education about the risks? Or is it
a continued distrust for a government who again and again has proven itself to
have the Native Americans’ best wishes at the bottom of their priority list?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I never thought we’d end a family-friendly vacation to
national parks into a history and cultural lesson on how our culture has abused
groups in the past. But I’m grateful for the ability to open my kids’ eyes to
the injustices of the past. And when they say, “That is just awful! but what
can we do about it now?” I can tell them, “Make sure it never happens again in
your lifetime.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1_foWpzI1BKeqJpvlxEjjcJ_E6QBlQUx1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1_foWpzI1BKeqJpvlxEjjcJ_E6QBlQUx1" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Learning about Native Americans</div>
Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-48256569895936783192020-06-18T19:54:00.000-07:002020-06-18T19:57:26.238-07:00Sleichter Summer Vacation, Day 10: Going Home<br />
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After taking this crazy trip to Yellowstone in multiple
versions four times, we learned one thing: power through for your drive home.
So, we were loaded up in the car and on the road by 7:30 a.m. We had eaten all
our stock of pop tarts, so it was a cheap McDonalds breakfast for most (Plexus
pink drink plus two iced teas for mom), and hit the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Google maps has served us well for most of the trip, but
occasionally it’s priority setting of avoiding construction or direct route has
sent us on some questionable routes. So when the signs say to go straight but
the Google map app said take Wyoming highway 120, we weren’t 100 percent sure
which way to go. With a minimal turn-around, we decided to follow the Google
maps. And, we found the best highway we have been on the entire trip. It was
wonderful, flat-ish, smooth, fast, and not very busy. Thanks to that highway,
and Wyoming speed limits, we cut across Wyoming in 10 hours, with a stop for
lunch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I’d regret not taking about that drive. You know how
they say if you don’t like Kansas weather, wait five minutes? Well, if you
don’t like Wyoming topography, drive five miles. We started in the snowy
mountains, 44 degrees, feels like winter. We drove through savannah, dry brush
pasture. We drove through cliffs of rock towering above, marked with which
prehistoric eras the fossils within the rock originated. We drove through
tunnels carved through mountains, saw train tunnels that looked like mine
shafts, saw boulders bigger than a semitruck and could track where they had
rolled down the mountainside. We saw rock slides and mud slides and arid areas.
And we passed lakes of about every size and shape.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HjgvnDL1WgvQ6y_4VjDk7FbmFHnjZ5XX" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HjgvnDL1WgvQ6y_4VjDk7FbmFHnjZ5XX" border="0" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HjgvnDL1WgvQ6y_4VjDk7FbmFHnjZ5XX" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></a><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1T-OXoi5E05CZPlTZfh6hhka8ovw9TKPW" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1T-OXoi5E05CZPlTZfh6hhka8ovw9TKPW" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SQa_Ah21xXpON8aOnuxTrKAh8Tag2jEW" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SQa_Ah21xXpON8aOnuxTrKAh8Tag2jEW" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CZKPXjD3fN3FVtguwOleeC4lIF2ix0X1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CZKPXjD3fN3FVtguwOleeC4lIF2ix0X1" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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When it came time to decide where to eat lunch, we decided to make it kid friendly. We found a playground with picnic benches on the Platte River. That way, John and Natalie could play on the playground and burn off some energy; Maggie and Katie could walk the trail and get some quiet time away from siblings; Lainie could wander between the two (the joy of being a middle-tween), and Jay and I could have a space to work on the meal and plan. The plan seemed to work, because everyone tolerated the next leg of the journey, about 4 hours in the van to Colorado.<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cF_zTjzD7fKJPmy8EKjNhHmxQnj-1nv1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cF_zTjzD7fKJPmy8EKjNhHmxQnj-1nv1" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ffo9F228W_sITt0gyHfpw4d9wM0ZFqOA" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ffo9F228W_sITt0gyHfpw4d9wM0ZFqOA" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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Colorado?! Is Colorado really on your way from Wyoming to Kansas? Well, we discovered a few years ago that Julesburg, Colorado, is a mere 6 miles from I-80, and has a delicious, little, family-friendly café called D&J’s Café. They have all the favorites for our family: corn dogs, salads, hot dogs, grilled cheese, hamburgers, pizzas, mozzarella sticks, chicken fried steak, and good iced tea. (Seriously, make the detour. It’s worth it, and it helps keep a nice family in business.) And, this little detour meant I could run one last mile, to reach my goal of a mile of exercise in every state we visited.<br />
<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wt9EvqgVIUsBnsVMsRSc2Oa8CpFzUJvh" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wt9EvqgVIUsBnsVMsRSc2Oa8CpFzUJvh" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12tSBok1hH4O5cdt82OysxYT2H9d_gPag" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12tSBok1hH4O5cdt82OysxYT2H9d_gPag" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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The proximity to home meant, no matter how long those detours took, we would be powering through. Clay Center or bust, and thank goodness, because I think at this point in the trip, my kids may have been losing their minds. What surprised me though, was the slumber-party like atmosphere in the back three seats between my girls. John crashed out in the front row after a bedtime book and prayers. But the girls stayed up giggling together. It meant the world to me seeing my older two including the younger two in their conversations. I'm guessing that would be the highlight of the drive home for Nat, for sure.<br />
<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1rus9JCbtFK1paFVPP-_CPP7BgqF7M3vn" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1rus9JCbtFK1paFVPP-_CPP7BgqF7M3vn" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aN-Q8NwnmVAIP-UVLigstvK-057gj6fA" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aN-Q8NwnmVAIP-UVLigstvK-057gj6fA" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Then back on the road, with 5 hours or so to go. Another
GasBuddy look-up told us to stop in Ogallalah for gas. The kids begging meant
we stopped somewhere for ice cream. And since Amigos was right down the street from Dairy Queen, I even got my beloved crisp chicken burrito with ranch from Amigos! Even a day later, that was the highlight of the drive home. </div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1I8ZBnebDyystztT7ZwINxqJTjjLXWYzg" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1I8ZBnebDyystztT7ZwINxqJTjjLXWYzg" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Finally around York, the kids all fell asleep. After much begging, Jay let me drive home from York, since I was too hyped up on caffeinated tea and nearness to home to sleep. I woke up a little before Concordia, after seeing a couple deer on the highway, and wishing for another set eyes to watch for those buggers. (Tell me why hundreds of antelope in Wyoming and Montana know to avoid the roads, and Kansas and Nebraska deer just jump across at will?!) </div>
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But we made it! More than 4,400 miles, 10 days, 10 states, 3 national parks, more than a dozen national forests, probably 6 reservations, home around 2:30 a.m. </div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gV4Y8OBYhYl7ZQgtDPHBI1GcpIB_fIMF" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gV4Y8OBYhYl7ZQgtDPHBI1GcpIB_fIMF" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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<br />Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-34091804222277668522020-06-18T18:32:00.000-07:002020-06-18T18:32:08.646-07:00Sleichter Summer Vacation, Day 9: Yellowstone<br>
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Today was all about Yellowstone! We knew what we wanted to
see again, had some new spots we wanted to visit, and were looking forward to
more animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The animals thing kicked off right away. On the drive into
Yellowstone from Cody, we saw a big old buffalo and a newborn baby deer. The
deer unfortunately was on the road, but thankfully there was no sign of the
deer or its demise on our way back at the end of the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The travel was slow, thanks to construction, following a
couple RVs, and rainy weather. And we had some kids grouchy, some impatient,
and one who wouldn’t quit reading. So, I randomly started a game; with each
animal a Sleichter saw, birds not included, they would get a poker chip. Yes,
we had a pocket full of poker chips in the van; long story for another time.
Anyway, it worked. Immediately, my highly competitive children started looking
out the windows and seeing their surroundings.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
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Despite the traffic delays, we made it to Yellowstone, and
based on the online geyser predictor, we had just enough time to make it to Ol’
Faithful before it blew. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Old Faithful was on John’s wish list, so Jay busted his tail
as best he could through Yellowstone traffic. And we happened to pull into the
parking lot by the geyser just as it blew! John saw it start from the parking
lot, and saw it finish as we walked up there closer. The trail around the
geyser was closed, so there wasn’t much more to do there, so we piled back in.
I guess you could say, we came, we saw, we left.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I should probably add here that, if you intend to go to
Yellowstone, make sure you load the Yellowstone app on your phone, and load up
the map while you still have wifi. Because once you get near the park, you can
forget about having reliable wifi, cell service, or ability to make or receive
calls. Plus you can pick the spots you are interested in, and it will highlight them on the map.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1x9Ekalb2T57H5cFQ3LEaDVhL5LRQm8Uf" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1x9Ekalb2T57H5cFQ3LEaDVhL5LRQm8Uf" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Next after Old Faither, we were onto the geyser basins. I
could probably spend an entire day walking amongst the geysers and the trails
surrounding them. Despite the awful smell of egg farts aka sulfur, the geysers
are very humbling. It really shows that the whole park sits on a huge volcano,
and it’s the only place I’ve ever seen that looks so very volcanic. Still, the
girls weren’t in the best of moods on day 532 of our family vacation, and John
was still disappointed in Old Faithful, so we only hit two geyser stops. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We went to Grand Prismatic Springs, one of the most
beautiful blue/green geysers in the valley. It was a cold 44 degrees with
drizzle, so we had our winter coats on, and weren’t much for dawdling. Still it
was great to see them all, the various colors, boiling liquids, steam rising,
dribbles of water down the rocky sides. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vMpw96ot1QLLEdrMMSX9eNA3_KQURUnj" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vMpw96ot1QLLEdrMMSX9eNA3_KQURUnj" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Ug4Q4gr2CcdonAPjVXoZytE6hGHdvlaC" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Ug4Q4gr2CcdonAPjVXoZytE6hGHdvlaC" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BeTgz2BRNEcQS8O88e1eosIVbH4d6fOr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BeTgz2BRNEcQS8O88e1eosIVbH4d6fOr" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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We really had ran out of patients at this time. So, I told
the kids they could stay in the car or get out with me, but we were going to
the places on our must see list, whether they liked it or not. It was also
cold, drizzling, and lunchtime. So we had a very quiet picnic in the parking
lot a trailhead. We enjoyed watching the fly-fisherman, and watch the cars load
up and unload while we sat there.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18VTf0TUbBd4zfqNh4O8DPP1Q2pbB7MQ_" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18VTf0TUbBd4zfqNh4O8DPP1Q2pbB7MQ_" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Next on the list, our favorite, Firehole Falls. There is a
special branch there, where we have taken our family picture every time we have
come to Yellowstone. We were the only ones down the hill near the water, and
got the required family photo thanks to the timer on Katie’s phone. Then the
kids and parents wandered around, a couple kids heading up to a mini cave; a
couple climbing on rocks; and parents heading up a little trail. That
particular hike showed us why the falls sounded less intense than usual. Just
around the corner from our favorite falls photo, was a giant rock slide that
landed in the falls. No wonder it seemed different. It was just another example
of how Yellowstone is different every time you go there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PHpxbGl9uOM2f9XQ0EUcD-I3WjgbFd7o" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PHpxbGl9uOM2f9XQ0EUcD-I3WjgbFd7o" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17GFIkbhcJWm4NrOP9SCefCNxUzF4tHFb" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17GFIkbhcJWm4NrOP9SCefCNxUzF4tHFb" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wzoyYBKGPONrOGDQQ_VwYaY0NHmN4Jl2" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wzoyYBKGPONrOGDQQ_VwYaY0NHmN4Jl2" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1H6ouWoBdO7pZ21gUhtewZ9C-H_0k8aRs" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1H6ouWoBdO7pZ21gUhtewZ9C-H_0k8aRs" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NBXMjTQwRRrDecEZSGKO26kb5JrSWjuz" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NBXMjTQwRRrDecEZSGKO26kb5JrSWjuz" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Our next requested stop, and by “our”, I mean “mine” was
Mammoth Hot Springs. We had cruised by it yesterday in our state of exhaustion,
but I wanted to climb through the rock formations there, and the kids wanted
ice cream from the shop there. And Jay wanted wifi to check weather, with the
impending winter storm warning heading in from the west. We all got what we
wanted, and the littles and I had a leisurely stroll through the maze of
boardwalks that make up the northern most part of Mammoth Hot Springs
geothermal feature. And the ice cream and clean bathrooms were nice, too!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1feq4KYBZusXceIFFbrU434oXkNfCSrJl" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1feq4KYBZusXceIFFbrU434oXkNfCSrJl" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12yxvIJYhRQtFIwl7p0K92MOfyQj7ajKa" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12yxvIJYhRQtFIwl7p0K92MOfyQj7ajKa" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kWvVEcTEnaDANfp4wRkIJoBlXYrQtTla" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kWvVEcTEnaDANfp4wRkIJoBlXYrQtTla" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the car, with three goals to go, the day getting
long, and weather on the way. Jay was a trooper, cruising through the park. I
did get a lovely video of him asleep at the wheel, while we waiting a long time
for a construction flagman to let us through. Otherwise, he’s a rock star,
didn’t complain once. To Tower we went, to see the big waterfalls, Upper and
Lower Falls. This was high on John’s list, and we all like them for their
magnificent beauty and intensity. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12ITYG4ueYxctpd_8zk9EyjDS3vBHCsL2" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=12ITYG4ueYxctpd_8zk9EyjDS3vBHCsL2" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jay happened to turn a road or two early, so we found
ourselves on a one way on the north side of the falls. We have always visited
the south side. But the new view of the old falls was just as spectacular! I
was nervous with the wet pavement and steep inclines and deadly distances to
fall. But no one fell, and the photos and memories are amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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Back in the van, two more stops. We had no idea the
surprises we’d see on the journey, though. Another bear sighting, two for one!
A black bear and a brown bear crossed the road right in front of us! We sat
there and watched them for a couple minutes, amazed at their playfulness and
speed. But we moved along, so others could stop and gaze.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Za7bF2XUs6I9GXL5BFufFqQpi6ri5s5X" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Za7bF2XUs6I9GXL5BFufFqQpi6ri5s5X" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eapAfTqkCFEmX1D_REhF8akInl8yD7hi" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eapAfTqkCFEmX1D_REhF8akInl8yD7hi" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pE_HClaKOuW95Tu9ffdN45HRiiGNrDBe" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pE_HClaKOuW95Tu9ffdN45HRiiGNrDBe" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MqonF1qkdhW4mqlNwllftvkgu9-gLFm9" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MqonF1qkdhW4mqlNwllftvkgu9-gLFm9" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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First up: mud volcano. More specifically, Dragon’s Breath
geyser. If you only visit one spot, this would be the one. The sounds coming
out of that hole are terrifying and amazing. The earth is alive and breathing,
my friends! And, it’s not a far walk from the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tc6-DTXM83iUbfHbMcXK20U5jmPYN7yK" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tc6-DTXM83iUbfHbMcXK20U5jmPYN7yK" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BxjobYtxs7jLhdG-uBvJBY3XjYeWdnXj" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BxjobYtxs7jLhdG-uBvJBY3XjYeWdnXj" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And lastly, Yellowstone Lake. This is one “must do” for all
five kids. At this point, I was cold, and it looked wet, so I waited in the
car. But the kids had fun, and John had a blast! The lake is so massive, the
waves coming off it are similar to what you’d see in the ocean. And what an
idealistic, peaceful way to end our Yellowstone visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iqnsP5npqyRSFCfhZvjQQMKNLhYaX6L0" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iqnsP5npqyRSFCfhZvjQQMKNLhYaX6L0" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XDxxskKsbuIpTisyevJFQ3QcwnWcfyWd" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XDxxskKsbuIpTisyevJFQ3QcwnWcfyWd" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RDS4Sq93uiJPNlrZVD4mjScb-DHn483W" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RDS4Sq93uiJPNlrZVD4mjScb-DHn483W" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the park had one more surprise for us. On our journey to
Trail Inn at Wapiti, the cars stopped on the highway in front of us. And since
there was no flagman, we knew there must be animals. And what do you know, it
was a new species to us: mountain goats! I had never seen them in the wild
before this day. What a great ending to our park experience.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1xvd6zJs4GJ430skxemIA6_jue8uSdmWW" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1xvd6zJs4GJ430skxemIA6_jue8uSdmWW" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cerJ094DktTDl5qOspL6jHNO_1NbPRrP" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cerJ094DktTDl5qOspL6jHNO_1NbPRrP" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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<br></div>
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We weren’t up for another trip to Cody, and the littles only
wanted quesadillas or grilled cheese, and TV. So, after we got John ready for
bed, fed John and Lainie and Nat, and gave instructions to Nat and Lainie, we
walked across the parking lot and ate at the hotel restaurant. We were the only
ones there, which felt sad. But the meal was delicious, and service friendly.
We even got to hear the rest of the story about the wild fire and all the
firefighters hanging around the area. Apparently, the mountain just west of the
inn had caught fire a couple days prior to our arrival. Thank goodness the
firefighters were on it and got it under control before the neighboring ranches
were burned. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wA6yodwzw_Cgik_-Rl-FqsT57kZTsLoJ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wA6yodwzw_Cgik_-Rl-FqsT57kZTsLoJ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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<br></div>
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So supper and showers done, half the van packed, kids asleep
on time-ish, and plans for an early start in the morning. We have a 13.5 hour
drive time tomorrow, not including stops for meals and bathrooms and apparently
Jay is holding me to a mile run in Colorado. And so I sign off, and pray for
safe travels and sleepy kids in the car tomorrow, while we diagonal across
Wyoming and power through to home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-6433339356184031082020-06-18T18:08:00.000-07:002020-06-18T18:08:46.775-07:00Sleichter Squad Summer Vacation, Day 8<br>
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We started this morning out in Montana, went into Wyoming,
then Montana, then ended up in Wyoming. But mostly, it was YELLOWSTONE!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is our fourth trip to Yellowstone National Park, and
the first time we’ve seen the northeast corner of the part. From Red Lodge, MT,
to the Northeast Entrance is a little highway called Beartooth Highway. I read
that it was cool, a scenic drive, blah blah blah. But at this point in our
trip, our standards are pretty high.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tJKpuxSupBv2A76tmJu8rYyc7gn28eFS" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tJKpuxSupBv2A76tmJu8rYyc7gn28eFS" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p701l8bAVUOXfxxApujr2osNfXeZYdPI" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p701l8bAVUOXfxxApujr2osNfXeZYdPI" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZzM_smEpt1J4xK9iWb6yxM78xul0AvV_" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZzM_smEpt1J4xK9iWb6yxM78xul0AvV_" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16ZTHXQLvbV_9DkwnA7xsL4_ZPmTBm5QA" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16ZTHXQLvbV_9DkwnA7xsL4_ZPmTBm5QA" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1WwksjYgjaqn_ADHY4qZU1HstjLEwP6G7" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1WwksjYgjaqn_ADHY4qZU1HstjLEwP6G7" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Considered standards met. It is impressive. Jay described it
as breathtaking, spectacular, awe-inspiring. I also called it scary. “Lofty”
Jay says.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a steady switchback climb to an unbelievable 11,000
feet elevation. John’s hope for this trip was to stand on top of a mountain. He
got his wish. Besides the spectacular expansive views, we also some crazy,
death-defying skiing. We are talking skiing near vertical below what looked like
an avalanche snow ledge. We even stopped at the side of the road to watch three
guys go down the top of the mountain. Just insane. It put into perspective all
those random ski shows we see during the Olympics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then we stopped in Cooke City, just outside of Yellowstone.
I was impressed that they didn’t jack up their prices. We got our traditional
Yellowstone garb there for $10-$20 per shirt. Gas was high, but we had planned
for that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Did I mention how useful the GasBuddy app has been? It’s
not always 100 percent accurate, because it depends on people reporting the
price and prices change, but it’s saved us along the way.)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
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Finally, we made it to Yellowstone’s entrance. The journey
from Red Lodge to Yellowstone was long, but it was so beautiful, no one in our
car seemed to mind. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1FZeEbgcVLXF3mnUZfMRcpVCpkcQr2_O3" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1FZeEbgcVLXF3mnUZfMRcpVCpkcQr2_O3" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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We knew the northeast entrance was the best spot of wildlife
spotting, which next to hiking, is the Sleichters favorite thing to do. And we
were not disappointed. In the first hour in the park, we saw MOOSE! Two moose,
in fact, the first two I have ever spotted in the wild. Then bear, buffalo,
elk, antelope, marlamet (Sp? Like a fat little squirrel), and birds. Just
awesome!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Whdw_SZ-FcpcSdJS6tDxySa3JaaMCEm4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Whdw_SZ-FcpcSdJS6tDxySa3JaaMCEm4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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<img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1t0lXWp37Ba5Qu-DFAmVsTD7ctkzrTIAQ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1t0lXWp37Ba5Qu-DFAmVsTD7ctkzrTIAQ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14QDtPjqKqGHxvGKxGQT1aYmHj4gp7Pbt" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14QDtPjqKqGHxvGKxGQT1aYmHj4gp7Pbt" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Despite the many wildlife sightings, we were brave and
walked the trail to the Trout Lake. It said a 0.2 mile hike to the lake. But it
was more like a vertical climb. Kind of challenging, but nothing we couldn’t
manage. Then a picnic lunch lakeside. Jay walked the kids to where you could
see trout spawning, while I figured out what to have for lunch, when the plan
was tortilla roll ups and I left the tortillas in the van. Refer back to the
vertical climb. So, chef salad it was!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=193kJdb4Nkyavl4KEeNHqtyjFNBIrI3QX" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=193kJdb4Nkyavl4KEeNHqtyjFNBIrI3QX" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1St8q2Vv53RrJ4xZ9zh1YGmLQ17xTBLbN" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1St8q2Vv53RrJ4xZ9zh1YGmLQ17xTBLbN" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1YEIdoWC4t7KtZCSsIdPj7KawkMtdjsaC" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1YEIdoWC4t7KtZCSsIdPj7KawkMtdjsaC" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1v79XBrtc74OWA4QHVn97-GqATyyg0rCP" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1v79XBrtc74OWA4QHVn97-GqATyyg0rCP" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Then back in the car to meander, look for wildlife, and make
our way to the cabin outside the southeast entrance. It took most of the rest
of the afternoon to make it to our cabin, while just a few minor stops. It felt
like home, driving past the sights we have loved before, like Mammoth Hot
Springs. But it also seems surreal, how many offices are still closed, having
the road closed from Canyon to Tower for construction, and just no tour buses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got in the cabin, John threw a fit because the cabin
“only has beds and no place to play!” But the rest of us were pleasantly
surprised. We thought all the beds would be in the same room, but no, we have a
queen bed in one room, and two queens in the other. The girls prefer that
because – sorry Jay – Jay snores and they can’t sleep through it. It also means
John can sleep in our room on the floor. The staff here were very welcoming,
with an easy process for getting checked in.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
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Oh, and even the drive to the cabin was eventful, as we
drove through a recently extinguished forest fire! Many fire crews, a
helicopter, and some police were in the area. Pretty exciting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We did splurge into Cody for the first Chinese buffet we’ve
gotten to eat at since February. They modified their set up by serving us as we
walked through the buffet. It was worth EVERY dime, and not just because the
sweet waitress carded me for my beer. And while we ate, Katie did her homework
for her class sitting in Walmart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to the cabin, settling in for the night, get any
showers that needed, and then sit on the porch of the cabin and listen to the
Shonshone River power past. This is the point in the trip when we don’t want to
think about going home. So we will ignore it tomorrow, and just enjoy the big
big day in Yellowstone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-27135485776012445192020-06-18T18:02:00.000-07:002020-06-18T18:02:07.118-07:00Sleichter Squad Summer Vacation, Day 7How could it be day seven of the vacation? That doesn't seem possible!<br>
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Today, we dawdled. Lainie, John, and I were up early, but the rest of the crew were sleeping soundly. So, I set John up with some quiet entertainment, and Lainie I headed to the most beautiful church I have ever seen. The murals were awe-inspiring, and the sermon was inspiring, too. Between the sights and sounds -- because of course their vocalist could bring tears to your eyes -- and having Lainie time with just Lainie, I was wiping some tears during Mass. My only regret was not waking everyone and making them come to mass, too. My take away from the sermon was, Jesus invited everyone to the table, even the one person he knew was about to betray him. And in real life, we gather with friends and foes around food to find a common ground, to find peace and joy. For centuries, Catholics have been gathering around the communion table in times of anger and unrest to find peace. And in this time of unrest, it is especially important that we Catholics and Christians be Jesus's hands and mouths, to say and do what God would want done. Feeding the poor, healing the sick, welcoming all to the table... that's what we can do to help bring peace back to our world.<br>
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So, you see why I was inspired! And that inspiration lasted about a hundred miles down the road. And then we were tired and frustrated and in a close space for a bit too long. Every family vacation has to have at least one breakdown, right? At least the break down wasn't the car.<br>
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But we continued forward. A stop at the grocery store to restock our food supply before we hit Yellowstone. A stop at a bookstore to restock some entertainment. A stop at a clothing store, to buy an outfit for 4-H. A stop at an antique mall, so Jay can do some perusing of his own. A stop on top of the continental divide, for a one of a kind picnic lunch.<br>
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And once we hit Red Lodge, MT, we regretted every one of those stops. Because this town is adorable. The downtown is trendy and cute and friendly. We ate at the Red Lodge Pizza Co, which was not only delicious, but also affordable and family friendly. We are staying at the Chateau Rouge, which surpassed our expectations, in both number of beds and bathrooms, as well as access to a little pool and hot tub. And the people have been friendly and kind.<br>
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Currently, I'm typing this at an all night laundromat, because we won't have laundry facilities the next two days, and we only packed for 5 days worth of the clothes, and we are running out of cold weather clothes because, well, it's cold. Did I mention we saw snow again today, this time at the top of the continental divide? Well, we did. At least I’m not alone at the laundromat; Katie is here doing her homework.<div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fXzCKTpOfvcGVIGbJTL9s-p0jK69vIwu" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fXzCKTpOfvcGVIGbJTL9s-p0jK69vIwu" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>
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But tomorrow looks to be nice. It should be a cool 45 when we leave in the morning, but will get up to the 70s by afternoon. Katie is finishing up her homework, since we won't have internet access for the next two nights. And I'm just tired. I adore driving 85 mph down the interstate, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get tiring after 5 hours. And someone needs to be rested and patient before we tackle a winding 1 hour drive into Yellowstone tomorrow morning.<br>
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Please no puking, this time.<br>
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<br></div></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-46924579651587175172020-06-18T17:59:00.000-07:002020-06-18T17:59:22.747-07:00Sleichter Summer Vacation, Day who knowsI promised today would be a big travel day, and I held to that promise. We left Spokane this morning after a coffee and iced tea run, and a visit to the Spokane Farmers Market. Jay snagged us some fresh Washington state bing cherries for the road. And we were off, destination: Oregon.<br>
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We had lots of surprises on this journey. First off, we had no idea Washington state had so very, very much wheat acreage. For an hour plus, we drove through steep hills covered with green wheat or yellow canola. Hill after hill, after hill, after hill of wheat sown clear to the pavement of the highway. Jay was impressed with the steepness of those hills and the ability and guts it takes to harvest them.<br>
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Second, we had no idea how deep Lewiston Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, were. We came around a curve and suddenly - BAM - it was a steep sidewinder of a road to a deep gorge. They are both cute, functional towns, and we were grateful for their McDonalds tea. I'm also grateful I downloaded an app called GasBuddy, which lets me price out gas in a region so I can get the best price. I mean, when you drive a 15 passenger van across a third of the country, it's good to save 10 cents per gallon when you can. ($2.13 was the price in Lewiston, Idaho, FYI.)<br>
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Third, we had no idea what we were committing to, with this crazy plan to visit Oregon. You know you aren't in Kansas when... the pickup in front of you with the snow blade on it is actually clearing the rock from the road, the rock that the rain has just NOW washed off the mountainside, the mountainside you are switchbacking down at a crazy 20 mph and still feeling like a roller coaster.<div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-DhOJGu6xJMKYCHFubP_3uvAW1CUXzSH" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-DhOJGu6xJMKYCHFubP_3uvAW1CUXzSH" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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But we pursued two goals. One, I made it to Oregon, with the GPS set for a little ghost town called Flora. There were a few occupied houses, so we felt we would upset the neighbors too much if we hung around long in our creeper van. But goal number two was to run a mile in every state we visited. And so, with full acknowledgement of my insanity, I got out at the top of a mountain in the SNOW in 40 degree weather with the wind blowing in an area where we knew no one, and I ran. Just one mile, and then my loving, supportive husband picked me up in our creeper van, and we jetted back to Washington.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Lbby6ssMAyBMo8j7EJIQ-rNOlowrXUks" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Lbby6ssMAyBMo8j7EJIQ-rNOlowrXUks" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Back to the zig zag, switch back, drop thousands of feet elevation, watch out for falling rock roads. <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The natives would laugh at us, and we thought it was all a great adventure, until a kid puked. Not the two previously known to get car sick, no... we had to add John to the list of Sleichters who don't like crazy up-down-zig-zag roads. But let's call it a puke-and-rally, or a one-and-done, and he was fine for the rest of our trip.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Which is amazing, considered the zig zagging didn't stop, even though the ups and downs did. We took the most direct route from Lewiston Idaho to Missoula MT, but that "direct" route is also called the Northwest Bypass Scenic Highway. I knew it went through national forests, but I didn't know it followed a river. And by follow a river, I mean when the river curved, the road curved. For more than a hundred miles. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We had to stop and get a real meal before we hit the national forrest, so Kooskia, Idaho was the chosen stop. After much research and debate to find an affordable, family friendly, and Covid-open place, we chose Kooskia Café. I hemmed and hawed about that Idaho mile, and if we could do it from Yellowstone and blah blah blah. So Jay, again being the supportive husband he is, dropped me off a third of a mile from the café and said "I bet you can finish your mile before we even order." And he was right. And I was grateful. Without that gently push, I'm not sure I would have gotten the Idaho mile, and I would have regretted it. And that café meal? Delicious and perfect. I got a chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, as I'd been craving. Jay got yummy garlic buttery steak. Katie got steak and eggs, Nat and Mags got shrimp, Lainie got an omelet, and John got his beloved corn dog.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><br><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#000000" face="times new roman"><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1sbqvrBm-wy1_w18XG1p8XNwkWV1L0MwR" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1sbqvrBm-wy1_w18XG1p8XNwkWV1L0MwR" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></div></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Then back on the road, grateful for the reprieve, for some of the most beautiful scenery we've seen yet. The rapids, tall trees of so many varieties, the sun that finally shown through all made for a relaxing but long drive.</span></div><div><font color="#000000" face="times new roman"><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1EpOGX5_oli8doJXH30-H8S-GNX69lO8w" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1EpOGX5_oli8doJXH30-H8S-GNX69lO8w" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qfwMqfoqWqtbFQ7zpjMbkKQj9s0g-wqn" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qfwMqfoqWqtbFQ7zpjMbkKQj9s0g-wqn" style="color: rgb(69, 81, 84); font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br style="color: rgb(69, 81, 84); font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"></span></font>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Finally, at 10:30 p.m. Missoula time, we got to our hotel. We settled for cheap on this night, one room with three queen beds. John fell asleep in the car, so he was an easy transition to the floor. And the girls didn't last long once we hit the hotel.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Tomorrow is a much shorter drive -- 5 hours compared to the 12 we did today -- and so we don't need an early start. There are lots of open stores around Missoula, so we plan on doing some 4-H shopping and some dawdling, before heading off toward Red Lodge. For the first day of this vacation, we will be staying in the same state all day tomorrow. As one guy at a gas station said to me today, "you guys have been in more states today than I've been in my entire life." </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">God bless Jay and the kids for handling this travel. And for being as enthusiastic about it as I am. Or at least, faking it.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br></span></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-8816035031816468532020-06-18T17:53:00.000-07:002020-06-18T17:53:27.840-07:00Sleichter Summer Vacation, Day 5Today was a travel day. We woke up in Montana, and ended up in Washington... with a few great stops along the way.<br>
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Up and at 'em and out the door by 8:30. Our first stop was the Canadian border. Thanks to Coronavirus, we weren't able to cross. Yep, Canada blocked their borders for Americans. Ironic, isn't it? Anyway, we still drove 6 miles out of the way to see the border.<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=149e6T7-9utJX0RUzvI-PeHJwojFLMZh4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=149e6T7-9utJX0RUzvI-PeHJwojFLMZh4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br>
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Next up was a short but sweet visit to a friend and former co-worker who lives on a ranch near Eureka, MT. John and Nat got to play with her sons and burn off some energy, and I got to see a friendly face!<br>
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Then back on the road for a twisty, curvy, mountainous, scenic drive from 2580 feet elevation to 2090 feet in about 30 minutes. Jay is a master driver, and I'm happy to ride shot gun on those stretches of road. The road followed the eastern border of Lake Koocanusa, the longest lake I've ever seen. It was cool to see the water in the lake transition from that crystal blue-green from the upper mountain area, to the deeper, darker blue as we neared Jennings.<br>
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We then stopped at Kootenai Falls and braved the swinging suspension bridge. Well, I braved the bridge; the rest of the Sleichters happy tromped across it without a care in the world. I hate weakness, including my somewhat new fear of heights, and so I do my damnedest to ignore the fear and brave what makes my fingers tingle. The picnic spot off the road at Kootenai Falls was nice, empty when we got there (advantage of stomachs set on central standard time), with a outhouse/bathroom and hand-washing facility.<br>
<br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qp_R2aSixuvM2wmccJVoVZcXWYCCdHkM" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qp_R2aSixuvM2wmccJVoVZcXWYCCdHkM" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TrDe5AZrCbP_qkJvo7J20l2hUhOEf9B5" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TrDe5AZrCbP_qkJvo7J20l2hUhOEf9B5" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">Back on the road, through the adorable town of Bonner's Ferry, we traveled with some napping squeezed in. We made it to Sandpoint, ID, for a cute little coffee and ice cream shop downtown. We liked the unique flavors offered there. For example, I got brown butter salted caramel; Maggie got roasted wild strawberry; and Natalie got peanut butter and raspberry jam ice cream.</span><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SspggKfIU80P9ctC6CfbGXWXZVC8gKwr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SspggKfIU80P9ctC6CfbGXWXZVC8gKwr" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qdhe17ncfuMXNNdcJgxLz8BNaJ-Qi0WV" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qdhe17ncfuMXNNdcJgxLz8BNaJ-Qi0WV" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RMbwaMBUk9WF0v7Njak4Jc-biXbbLdIh" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RMbwaMBUk9WF0v7Njak4Jc-biXbbLdIh" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div></div>
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Back on the road, again, with a goal of the next stop being our hotel. The GasBuddy app showed that gas prices were going to go up about 20 cents once we crossed into Washington, so we stopped in Hayden, ID and filled up. Then we finally unloaded in the hotel in Spokane, where it is two hours earlier than in Kansas.<br>
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We had been so good about eating out of our coolers for breakfast and lunch, so we splurged on take out. Katie wanted barbecue, so we did some searching on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and picked Outlaw BBQ. It was worth the mere 4 miles we had to drive to pick it up. Brisket sandwiches, pork ribs, shredded pork? Yes please!</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wTDoByYMStOOiStkpkFYo1xz1VOe-iY3" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wTDoByYMStOOiStkpkFYo1xz1VOe-iY3" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>
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Because of the combination of coronavirus restrictions and rioting in the area last week, we couldn't or wouldn't go tour the famous Spokane riverfront area. I was so surprised how little people are socially distancing, or even wearing masks around here! Because I will be going home after this trip and working at two different hospitals, I have been diligent about socially distancing and wearing my mask while in public. Oh, you should see the weird looks I get, the same weird looks I got in Clay if I forgot my mask in the car.<br>
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One guy heard we were from Kansas and said, "oh, this must be weird to you, with all these wacko liberals around!" I told him we have Liberals in Kansas, too; it's all the pot shops that seem foreign to me. Idaho definitely had some interesting yard signs, especially in the mountainous areas. There are some very different cultures up here, and I can see why the clashes between these extremes could lead to unrest.<br>
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But that's not for us to worry about today or solve on this vacation. Our goal is to ignore the problems waiting at home and enjoy this family time. With a few exceptions, the kids continue to do well in the car, and if one gets grouchy, we either feed them into a better attitude, or a sibling teases or jokes them into one. I hope that continues, as we are about halfway through our crazy vacation of 2020.<br>
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<br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-21363704447973548032020-06-18T17:46:00.000-07:002020-06-18T17:46:48.675-07:00Sleichter Summer Vaca, Day 4<br>
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We spent all of day 4 in Glacier. We woke up later than we have yet this vacation, and were still out the door around 8. Based on a conversation with a fellow traveler, we heard you could rent bikes in Glacier, which would allow us to go to Avalanche Lake, a spot we've been told is a Must Do. Well, it was a bit of a snafu, learning we couldn't rent them where we thought, then trying to piece together a bike order for 7. But by 9:30 or so, we were on our way, with six assorted bikes and one bike trailer from Glacier Outfitters.<br>
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Now this might have been one of the craziest things our family has done. We hopped on the bikes, picnics and drinks and bear spray packed securely, and skimmed around the barriers blocking drivers from Going to the Sun Road. And we road 6 miles, 6 hilly miles, one way. We had one wipe out but no injuries. I swear I was going to have bugs in my teeth, from smiling so big while riding. The forest was amazing, the cool mountain air washing down the road as we struggled up the hills and sailed down them. The journey was almost as good as the destination. But the biking was probably the easier part of the day.<br>
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Once we reached the trailhead, we had a 2.4 mile hike to the goal. We can all walk/jog/run 2.4 miles easily. But this was 2.4 miles in the mountains, and we almost climbed elevation the entire way out. My watch claimed about 650 feet climb; the girls watches said we climbed 80 stories. But it was worth it.<br>
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The trail journeyed through a microclimate with a warm breeze in the middle of the mountain air, lush with hostas and ferns and prickly squash-looking plants. As we rounded the corner, the rock faces seemed to rise from the ground, overpowering the sky, broken by four cascading long white ribbons of waterfall. The small rocks felt soft against our shoes. The wind did not move around Avalanche Lake, as if nature itself recognized the sacredness of this oasis. A mother duck and her five little ducklings swam playfully near the shore, bringing a smile to my face as I set out a picnic for my five little ones. An onery ground squirrel playfully danced between groups, stealing a cracker from Jay, an apple from an older woman nearby. The sounds of giggles from kids putting their feet in the cold snowmelt water gently echoed through the valley.<br>
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In a time when the world seems at the brink of war, this one location was medicinal. I actually shed a tear as we were leaving, thinking about the reality I was returning to: covid, school funding, the fight against the police, racism, recession. I want to stay in the bubble.<br>
<br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Ogqxd420lRPb2Dxzy3IT6PhlgLQoeb9t" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Ogqxd420lRPb2Dxzy3IT6PhlgLQoeb9t" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vxJxKA2WXfPBa5heZVHi4KDCPW23Bdjl" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vxJxKA2WXfPBa5heZVHi4KDCPW23Bdjl" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">But alas, we had to head back. After a picnic of cheese, crackers and pepperoni, gogurts, and strawberries, we started off. And that meant a 2.4 mile hike down and about 6 mile bike ride. That's where the downhill was really felt, and appreciated. John did need a few more stops on the journey down, stopping to throw rocks in water where he could. No bears were seen, but we did see a few deer, as well as the rubbing marks from the native bears. On the way back to McDonald Lodge, we stopped for a "short" 0.6 mile hike to John's Lake, but the nearest we could get was very swampy, so we didn't stay long.</span><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1__aWyMSdFmD65zQEjOtSyejJ6l7m3Raz" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1__aWyMSdFmD65zQEjOtSyejJ6l7m3Raz" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div></div>
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After dropping off the bikes and picking up our van seats, we wandered around Apgar Village and McDonald Lake for almost an hour. I even laid down on the beach and fell asleep for about 15 minutes, Jay standing guard nearby. The reflectiveness of the water, the plethora of colors in the rocks, the soothing cool mountain breeze made this worth the stop and a great place to relax.<br>
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But we were all wiped out from the workout of the day. Back to the beautiful cabin, showers, and grilled pizza supper. We made our plans for the next day, while the kids watched Phinneas and Ferb. And Katie worked on another test for her online courses. A cool beverage on the porch, just looking at the mountains, the scent of campfire smoke in the air, was a great way to end Day 4.<br>
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<br>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-53606456533443788592020-06-10T20:30:00.001-07:002020-06-18T13:13:08.429-07:00Sleichter Squad Summer Vacation Day 3<div>
We had every intent of a slow start from Billings, MT, this morning. But my internal clock had me up at 5:15, John and Nat at 5:30, and so everyone was up by 6 a.m. After some grumbling and grouching, we got the van loaded and hit the road... to Krispy Kreme. And McDonalds, for tea. Then we hit the road and saw unique, amazing scenery.</div>
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Our lunch stop was a beautiful Ryans Lake Dam Park at Forsyth, MT. The picnic area was breath-taking. You could hear the roar of the dam, smell the dampness in the air. The picnic area itself was well-maintained, with open air and roof-covered tables. The big excitement was this little guy, whom Natalie almost stepped on. We later investigated and think he is a kind of rattlesnake. No harm, no foul, and a little more caution as we continue our adventures. Oh, and the menu? Sandwiches, chips, go-gurts.</div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SA4XQW_nutIDEbha3HLhz3FCF5ifI-Ne" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SA4XQW_nutIDEbha3HLhz3FCF5ifI-Ne" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1V0ScvdpMbK55183aa6cmiyx5T6tYhV0B" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1V0ScvdpMbK55183aa6cmiyx5T6tYhV0B" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=13mW-1_W5E1hJgFfeyQQhmKzuFtlvkgK2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=13mW-1_W5E1hJgFfeyQQhmKzuFtlvkgK2" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Big drive of big skies </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random stop in Dupuyer for a bathroom break, and ice cream!</td></tr>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1omY6Stc5sBGxRIxjmyVfP_w0dSjli_Zg" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1omY6Stc5sBGxRIxjmyVfP_w0dSjli_Zg" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kgFne_KXZK3yM2t-TtU-W_RS7VJv5lvL" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kgFne_KXZK3yM2t-TtU-W_RS7VJv5lvL" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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And then, finally, we made it to Glacier. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our cabin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Tx63XqhIJ22Yb4n9DoCGF_q1cF9YtSL6" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Tx63XqhIJ22Yb4n9DoCGF_q1cF9YtSL6" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie chillin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qp7_F_jAm76D73MJHckIFRy3x559rIMe" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Qp7_F_jAm76D73MJHckIFRy3x559rIMe" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves hiking and photography</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nLGPiq3Q8UBljnHYTj5RDG0nnXtRiaqh" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nLGPiq3Q8UBljnHYTj5RDG0nnXtRiaqh" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14lHi3POfdiW0DRqJziwHdKBGGiKzNKwU" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14lHi3POfdiW0DRqJziwHdKBGGiKzNKwU" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River into Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Bri5OAUc0ONkWn7uXEvyXmetN6_YCFoj" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Bri5OAUc0ONkWn7uXEvyXmetN6_YCFoj" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little hike, because Glacier closed at 4:30 p.m.</td></tr>
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We then headed back to the cabin, got showers and packed for the next day, and enjoyed sitting on the porch, drinking a cold beverage, and watching the elk walk past our cabin. If you are looking for a place to stay, I would say confidantly that Glacier Homestead is worth every dime.</div>
Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-76233615709156454892020-06-09T20:59:00.000-07:002020-06-18T13:12:36.832-07:00Sleichter Squad Summer Vacation 2020, Day 2<div style="text-align: left;">
Day 2 started bright and early, thanks to John's internal clock. We hit the road early, drove through some beautiful Black Hills. This bridge made entirely of wood was work some oohs and aahs from our crew. First stop: Sturgis. McDonalds for iced tea for The Mama, Sturgis Coffee Company for some foo foo drinks for Katie and Maggie, and a driving tour of Sturgis. Then we headed north toward Bowman, seeing some seriously impressive bars and concert areas around Sturgis. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1uOvf_0gSqNk16KjMC1RqMtbwhW1eiKwa" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1uOvf_0gSqNk16KjMC1RqMtbwhW1eiKwa" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge was supported by wood beams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gqbJKFBMIW0EYzHWk2DjGL20bnEOeuUO" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gqbJKFBMIW0EYzHWk2DjGL20bnEOeuUO" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturgis concert/rally area</td></tr>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eZ3115-OVCuWE516diM5sFSAvmeHf6u2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eZ3115-OVCuWE516diM5sFSAvmeHf6u2" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The beauty of SD</td></tr>
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We didn't know what to expect on the drive from Sturgis to Bowman. None of us had been in that part of the US. You know how I said the Sand Hills of Nebraska were sparcely populated? That was child's play compared to northwest South Dakota. It was stunning, and empty of people. The ranches were sporadic and probably mostly hidden from the highway. The pastures were gorgeous, short green grasses as far as you could see, only the occasional Butte to change the scenery. We did notice that there weren't that many cattle on the pasture, which I assume is a lasting effect of the blizzard from a few years ago. We assume the herds are still being re-established.<br />
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Next Stop was Bowman, ND, for lunch. I was on my own for the ND run, but I'm stubborn in that if I make a goal, I'm going to complete the goal. So, while Jay ordered some chicken strips to finish up our picnic lunch of chicken-cucumber-kale-spinach tortilla wraps, I ran around the Bowman, ND fairgrounds to get my mile, while K and M walked about the same distance. It was awfully nice to run in 55 degree wind, instead of 90+ degree calmness of our hometown on the same day. We even found a nice little playground and picnic area to eat lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1h6O8T5DSll_Yz-5FtrJvgWBSQk6NQdm7" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1h6O8T5DSll_Yz-5FtrJvgWBSQk6NQdm7" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic lunch at Bowman, ND</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cGPF7vSivA7c0GJ4JKvDAc9PaMcFl8Gf" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cGPF7vSivA7c0GJ4JKvDAc9PaMcFl8Gf" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Dakota mile, ran at the fairgrounds</td></tr>
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Then it was onto Montana. Four hours is about the maximum we want to stay sitting in the car, so we did some google searching and settled on Forsyth, MT, for a stop along the Yellowstone River. The area we stopped had a nice public bathroom/outhouse, and the river was running fast. All my kids need to be happy is rocks, water to throw rocks in, and a nice hiking trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1D3_BkJJRzVO-9ksifWQwnA9Qj0ZWCdaN" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1D3_BkJJRzVO-9ksifWQwnA9Qj0ZWCdaN" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Natalie's rock collection grows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1t-FU_ecTvBG5OcEvE90ZJ92bD4HMfU6W" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1t-FU_ecTvBG5OcEvE90ZJ92bD4HMfU6W" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone River at Forsyth, MT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e7biodQKFmCvJu6hXODmJQGoGrXVGKe-" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e7biodQKFmCvJu6hXODmJQGoGrXVGKe-" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wdkxnkl6DrRBCUYDi4y07U7_7jCXxotJ" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wdkxnkl6DrRBCUYDi4y07U7_7jCXxotJ" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone River at Forsyth MT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1F0KvfBqkNtz_cWi3A8LwTraK2q-AWdvU" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1F0KvfBqkNtz_cWi3A8LwTraK2q-AWdvU" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleichter Squad Selfie</td></tr>
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Once again, we made better time that I had hoped, so I didn't ask; I just drove to the Pictograph Caves south of Billings, MT. I should add that Jay would have been driving, but the weather was turning severe back in Kansas, so Jay spent the afternoon watching radar and directing our wonderful neighbors as to when to shut the buildings. And so, I got to be the head navigator and driver. And as such, I wanted to see some ancient cave drawings. There weren't many cave drawings left, but the hike was nice, the view was worth the 10 minute meandering drive, and the rock walls were impressive... at least to these Kansas kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Adr224LvsftkiW7pQsz1TgX9nrk-3kC5" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Adr224LvsftkiW7pQsz1TgX9nrk-3kC5" border="0" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Adr224LvsftkiW7pQsz1TgX9nrk-3kC5" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost Cave at Pictograph State Park, Billings MT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1uQW5shkwyGJg0MkKxOB69Joa7VSPketO" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1uQW5shkwyGJg0MkKxOB69Joa7VSPketO" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictograph Cave. The faded red in the middle is a cave drawing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gVOZFA6d6voCqLHLMs8Bt2nPgSw0xVPU" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gVOZFA6d6voCqLHLMs8Bt2nPgSw0xVPU" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Plains may have said that drawing on the right is a soldier and a shield, but John said it was a short fat man.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ueXUuPd1xEsMjz6QeMtjhFUvF8gHE12m" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ueXUuPd1xEsMjz6QeMtjhFUvF8gHE12m" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another little hike, about 0.6 miles, but had to watch out for snakes and heard some bats waking up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZM_WSFHTfdsrFVaoJe8KYOHFgLMPjApmNoapry9F9x90xp8S8f8sGrv6cOmLWZaChgq0NXBAKFMT24pBY4oA1tDxZJpxgrtO181qIowwMiNwjRXw3Qkr4VPJnEZDf-FOUx4zW8L4zsWG/s1600/03ADBAA6-FF66-4539-92D8-B66FC8DAC430-77CABFA0-7223-4B58-8143-D86F771FCACE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZM_WSFHTfdsrFVaoJe8KYOHFgLMPjApmNoapry9F9x90xp8S8f8sGrv6cOmLWZaChgq0NXBAKFMT24pBY4oA1tDxZJpxgrtO181qIowwMiNwjRXw3Qkr4VPJnEZDf-FOUx4zW8L4zsWG/s320/03ADBAA6-FF66-4539-92D8-B66FC8DAC430-77CABFA0-7223-4B58-8143-D86F771FCACE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After the caves, it was time to call it a day. We stayed at our first airbnb for this trip, and loved the space to spread out. Three bedrooms, one bath, kitchen meant everyone got a break from all this family togetherness. When I suggested we order pizza for the kids and Dad and I go for a date, it was unanimous. Apparently the kids like a break from parents as much as parents like a break from kids! So, Jay and I got a little date time, spent discussing the county fair, our travel plans, farmers market, coronavirus pandemic, and goals for the summer. Then back to the house for laundry and baths and relaxing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the agenda for tomorrow -- Glacier!</span></div>
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Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-73976755062778339212020-06-09T20:55:00.000-07:002020-06-18T13:09:48.411-07:00Sleichter Squad Summer Vacation 2020Today, we proved our insanity. Seven Sleichters, 3500 miles, 10 days, 10 states.<br />
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Day 1: We got up at 3:30 and loaded kids and final bags. We were able to get out Clay Center by 4:45 a.m., which put us in Nebraska by 6:30ish, and all the way in Carhenge for lunch for our first stop.<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZsYs1g1WILvrbpDtg8rGCOT4mE-Y-B4L" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZsYs1g1WILvrbpDtg8rGCOT4mE-Y-B4L" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14R7QMdXQ8bUXWHQHogL8cTP4Bc2xVxof" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14R7QMdXQ8bUXWHQHogL8cTP4Bc2xVxof" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1dz3VBJeeF_hdpt-dztFx3bpbNR1OUCM_" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1dz3VBJeeF_hdpt-dztFx3bpbNR1OUCM_" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1xRHZmxfwb1dArW5wzRIcPlI9f5UH4S7U" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1xRHZmxfwb1dArW5wzRIcPlI9f5UH4S7U" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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Carhenge is a weird and facinating art display created a long time ago. It's basically cars stacked with style. It also has a trail around it, which allowed us to accomplish our other road trip goal: to run a mile in every state we visit. Three laps around the trail and we've got the mile. Our picnic lunch for that day was hawaiian roll sliders, applesauce, fresh fruit, and water/gatorade.<br />
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Then it was load up and head to Custer, SD, which wasn't too far away -- about 3 or 4 hours. The breathtaking part of that drive was Dawes County, an area called Box Butte. It had breath-taking views of a massive valley, an area I had never seen before. Last time we made this drive, it was in the dark. The Sand Hills of Nebraska made Clay Center look positively metropolitan, which is a great thing when we are in the midst (or tail end) of a Covid crisis.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">We made such good time, that we weren't able to check into our hotel when we got to Custer. WE were too early! So instead, we drove the 20 minutes up to Mt Rushmore and walked 1.2 miles and about 300 steps up and 300 steps down on the trail to get close to Mt Rushmore itself. The exercise was invigorating, and all seven of us kept a pretty good attitude.</span><br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pE95AI9J_K9Y8xiSTCD40SU1wAb_0hWq" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pE95AI9J_K9Y8xiSTCD40SU1wAb_0hWq" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1yEdGaKFNcpHe6dJrqZNtfGM2yH4msBtQ" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1yEdGaKFNcpHe6dJrqZNtfGM2yH4msBtQ" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ilBkK7M6lYnkk-66DRQXt_EUn3ZKwl5z" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ilBkK7M6lYnkk-66DRQXt_EUn3ZKwl5z" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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Hangry was on the horizon, though, so we headed to the same restaurant we had ate at 5 years earlier: The Purple Pie Place in Custer, SD. Not only did they have the Littles favorites (corn dog, grilled cheese, and hot dog), they also had pot pie and prime rib sandwiches. Best of all, fresh pie and ice cream!<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wguQHd9tBqiZfLVB6J-5EXn1mE2FNWHK" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wguQHd9tBqiZfLVB6J-5EXn1mE2FNWHK" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1AXqFGlMAm2ntEXghUcRnT_6ez3jOYdLB" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1AXqFGlMAm2ntEXghUcRnT_6ez3jOYdLB" border="0" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1AXqFGlMAm2ntEXghUcRnT_6ez3jOYdLB" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></a><span style="display: inline; font-size: 12pt;">A little shopping, a 4-H zoom, an online class, a little window shopping, and a little TV, and the kids called it a night. Jay and I snuck down the road for a night cap, date time. We want to get going early tomorrow, so we can eat at Sturgis Coffee Shop, a Katie request. But for this night, the only dark drink was my beer.</span></div>
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Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-80267754961722463602020-04-09T16:57:00.000-07:002020-04-09T16:57:38.574-07:00Blind FaithThere is a lot of fear running through the world right now. Thankfully, fear is not a stranger to my heart.<br />
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You see, a dark period started October 2018. The sudden loss of Blake, caused by the damned disorder that have threatened my kids' lives before, followed so suddenly by the death of Jerry, our soft-hearted Sleichter patriarch... it was a death blow to my faith. I found myself on my knees in private, sobbing aloud, "Why have you forsaken me?" There were other consecutive blows: my friend's cancer diagnosis, caring for an abused infant whose injuries proved fatal, loss of physical promixity of my husband, the list goes on. In short, the devil was winning.<br />
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For over a year, I tried to climb out of the darkness. I tried to find the joy. I tried to find faith. I tried to believe that God was there, that eventually I would again feel the warmth of the Holy Spirit, that I would get through a sermon at church without crying in anger. I tried to put on the fake smile, to force the laugh, to be there for my kids. But, I stopped going to church every Sunday, found excuses to miss, would even schedule shifts so that it wasn't an option.<br />
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There is a song by Mercy Me, called "Even If" that I would listen to and try to truly hear. The lyrics are:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">They say it only takes a little faith</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">To move a mountain</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Well good thing</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">A little faith is all I have, right now</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But God, when You choose</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">To leave mountains unmovable</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Oh give me the strength to be able to sing</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">It is well with my soul</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">I know You're able and I know You can</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Save through the fire with Your mighty hand</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But even if You don't</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">My hope is You alone</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Would all go away if You'd just say the word</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But even if You don't</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">My hope is You alone</span></div>
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The true comfort I got from those words is knowing that someone who writes Christian music for a living, who is fully immersed in Christianity both as a profession and as a lifestyle, had struggled. They had their faith rocked and survived to the other side. And I could, too.<br />
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It took time. It took prayer, from me and for me. It took admitting I was rock bottom. It took one drunk bawling session with a cousin. It took a kick in the pants to my husband and from my husband. But I am back.<br />
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Now, I see so many others hurting. I see the friend who lost their barn to a fire, as their jobs are rocky, as their child got injured, as their schools are shut down, as they lost a family member. Have Faith and Patience, I want to say to them. I see the people furloughed, minimal income, afraid to leave their homes. Have Faith and Patience. I see the people home on lock down, afraid to leave their homes for fear of being sick, angry at anyone who dares to question the government edict. Have Faith and Patience.<br />
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It's easier said than done. I know how the darkness feels. And I'm afraid that you'll stay in the darkness until you seek out the light, both figuratively and physically. Force the prayers. Read the Bible. Ask friends to pray for you. Admit your pain, to yourself and others. Allow others to help. Allow others to pray for you. Get out in the sun. Turn on the lights in the house. Get moving.<br />
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You can take this advice or leave it. Either way, know I am praying for you. I'm hurting for you. I'm sorry you are hurting. And I pray you can find your faith and light again soon.Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-21846874935893169462020-03-23T14:56:00.001-07:002020-03-23T19:30:25.358-07:00Covid QuarantineWhat better thing to do than to document this crazy time!<br />
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As of last week, our family is on a kind of lock down, like most of the country. A virus called coronovirus or Covid-19, is scaring the world. It can be deadly, yes. Time will tell how deadly it actually will be. In the meantime, we are following the guidelines set by the government, guidelines to isolate, to help prevent sharing the illness with those who can't fight it off.<br />
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Jay started the process today of moving all his classes online. Katie started her online classes through K-State today, while the rest of the kids get another week before they have to navigate guided home schooling. I'm working, because when there is a virus, the nurses are still needed. But, I'm only working 4 days each week, so that means three days at home.<br />
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So, this is what day 1 looked like: Natalie making a puppy from a craft kid she had; Jay sitting through hours of zoom planning meetings; Maggie responsible for meals today, making lunch, supper, and dessert; Katie studying in her room; John writing letters to grandparents; and Lainie sewing on her 4-H skirt.<br />
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vuO6owb-HVkAQX766eP6-OpDu33n--7Y" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vuO6owb-HVkAQX766eP6-OpDu33n--7Y" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eXm5hlq03R2-eem2YGOlHh69ZSQgVVeh" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eXm5hlq03R2-eem2YGOlHh69ZSQgVVeh" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BfQQ1F2DL-7JpIGC4E3jHT9IFC9UrrWM" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BfQQ1F2DL-7JpIGC4E3jHT9IFC9UrrWM" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19sDGLO5nmdKYJCB8faWOVEUc614E7p2x" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19sDGLO5nmdKYJCB8faWOVEUc614E7p2x" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1u-EK43XVVs3gih7pwPYUaTip7UlLYV3b" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1u-EK43XVVs3gih7pwPYUaTip7UlLYV3b" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aelqtvCnSHzkqCwqAADFnJWfnzip2ZkP" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aelqtvCnSHzkqCwqAADFnJWfnzip2ZkP" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-40300758439719125682020-03-03T13:48:00.001-08:002020-03-03T13:48:18.998-08:00Catching upDo you see the cloud of dust as I clear off the cobwebs from this blog? <br />
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It's too hard to update a blog on a phone, but now that I have a computer -- watch out! ;)<br />
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So, what's happened since the last post...<br />
<ul>
<li>John's testing came back with no seizures during his extended stay. The activity that we thought were seizures, they attributed to side effects of his seizure medication. And with that long of an EEG looking clear, it means it's time to wean off and watch. John has been without seizure meds since June, with no seizures yet. We have the emergency med on hand; after all, we have been through this with Lainie a few times. But for now, we are happy to have him drug free and seizure free.</li>
<li>Speaking of Lainie, she is drug free and seizure free and thriving. Eighth grade has been great to her. Grades are great, her music is great, and she's got a competitive little streak in her when it comes to running that I for one didn't expect. Lainie Sue even medalled at league cross country this year! She's about to start track season, is about to enroll in her high school courses, and is in the midst of drivers ed. Hardest part for me is letting her go and knowing she doesn't need me to hover.</li>
<li>Natalie has never, ever gave the impression of needing anyone to hover over her. Nat is a force, likes to take charge (whether she should or not), is driven and competitive. She will always prefer outdoor chores or going to Market with dad over doing inside chores. We are challenging her a bit this spring, with her showing her first heifer (as compared to the much smaller bucket calf.) Keep in mind Nat weighs all of 55 pounds on a good day, so being intimidated by an animal that will get to 1,000 pounds is understandable. But she's being tough and mostly brave and working hard. Seems all my kids work hard. </li>
<li>Maggie and Katie... well I won't post about them, because they are old enough to get really out of sorts with too much said. But I'll just say -- I am so very proud of them both and the young women they are becoming.</li>
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Jay and I are working, too much, too hard. We have set goals -- financial goals, personal goals, professional goals -- and are chipping away at them. I've moved back to the local hospital, with a tiny commute, but longer shifts. That means I'm not home for supper 3 nights each week, which is difficult. It's not so much what to feed the kids; it's making sure homework and chores are done so bed time can be on time. But we are adjusting. I'm still working in the ER in the bigger hospital, partly because I LOVE the work, the challenge, and partly because of the extra pay. But it does mean I've been working 48 hours/week for the past 6 weeks. Too much. So much it got me knocked down and sick. But I don't learn and I'm back to the overtime this week. But that's details that interest no one.</div>
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So, why the refresher? Well, it's lent. And I gave up social media for lent. And have idle hands now that I'm not reading others posts and brain drains, etc. I have the itch to write. And, as I mentioned before, I have a laptop that's all mine that I can use to post. And what a better day to start than on John's birthday. </div>
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I guess what I'm saying, to absolutely no one, is … I'm baaaack.</div>
Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-44409033373750238122019-05-22T19:49:00.001-07:002019-05-22T19:49:56.949-07:00Maybe home tomorrowJohn only had one seizure today that I identified,but we will find out tomorrow what the testing sees. We are talking home tomorrow, hopefully. Wewere blessed again today with visitors to give me an hour or two out of this room, and John got spoiled with more hands on activities and toys. He’s sleeping now, but I just noticed his face is off color— hives or fever or something else? Timewill tell, I guess. But if you are going to get sick, this is the place to be.<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qN5nreHJCMn8EGmEqZ6mKgwez0Npojsv" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qN5nreHJCMn8EGmEqZ6mKgwez0Npojsv" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tENmgUev3ZncHywCgXIwB7w8BUF0aHFL" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tENmgUev3ZncHywCgXIwB7w8BUF0aHFL" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Gb6BqR7gdWtLPxSZC1bKaCxZ3OJ-ZpXW" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Gb6BqR7gdWtLPxSZC1bKaCxZ3OJ-ZpXW" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tyMrfc-hgT_i7b-UXWvb8uO3TbRmrL0a" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tyMrfc-hgT_i7b-UXWvb8uO3TbRmrL0a" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-74655740962829244812019-05-22T07:39:00.001-07:002019-05-22T07:39:59.403-07:00Day threeDespite a normal sleep last night, we are tired. Or maybe weary, ready to go home, hopeful we will get the answers we need. <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bZjH71PT__phiki6oXWGVkPu9t2POoc6" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bZjH71PT__phiki6oXWGVkPu9t2POoc6" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wEyeQRDkX1s8ZhAwI6wzuB7lJtLi0QDF" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1wEyeQRDkX1s8ZhAwI6wzuB7lJtLi0QDF" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-33584568259490569582019-05-21T18:04:00.001-07:002019-05-21T18:04:08.164-07:00Success?The combination of being sleep deprived plus the excitement of storms and fear for Aunt Jill’s safety after seeing her tornado pics was enough totrigger a little spasm of quick, little seizures. Now we are slap-happy and ready to go to sleep whenever I can get him settled down. <div><div><br></div><div>I’m so grateful for family who came up and sat with John today so I could get a bit of fresh air and recharge for the challenge of caring for a six-year-old boy in a confined space. </div></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-5723386132482789492019-05-21T07:59:00.000-07:002019-05-21T07:59:41.552-07:00Rise and shine4 am, time to start up again. They just informed me we will need to stay up until 3 pm. Oh goodness... it’s going to be a rough day.<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Z7N5pBmWufK9Mr0UCllyg1m7p_WOSv1K" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Z7N5pBmWufK9Mr0UCllyg1m7p_WOSv1K" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Update at almost 10 am: mama is wiped out, John entertained with iPad games, legos, and writing .For once, we are hoping for a kick up of seizures today, so we can maybe head home earlier than Friday. More seizures means more answers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zympt1aoMBGtZyBq4entroz207fa6LjK" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zympt1aoMBGtZyBq4entroz207fa6LjK" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1yBT9vXTZp4xPbx3RcfmZWF-x5lJBRhyf" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1yBT9vXTZp4xPbx3RcfmZWF-x5lJBRhyf" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-39744922425039286352019-05-20T21:30:00.001-07:002019-05-20T21:30:15.803-07:00O.T.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1S6ifbFGS9nf3aUSBNEJev5Sdtp9PWYNX" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1S6ifbFGS9nf3aUSBNEJev5Sdtp9PWYNX" style="font-size: 12pt; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">That tongue hanging out with any fine motor skill, that mouth opening and closing with scissor use, thought to be a cute quirk, actually one of the many reasons we are testing this weekend and again a different test in July... this little guy needs speech, OT, and probably more pieces to his education plan in hopes that we can help him keepup with his classmates. A repeat kindergarten won’t really help, because it’s not a maturity issue... that tongue out is one more sign of damage occurring in that adorable head of his. And we need the damage stopped.</span></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648370642003099666.post-72906312702678155442019-05-20T21:10:00.001-07:002019-05-20T21:10:44.453-07:00One more hourSleep deprivation: it’s not just for the patient.<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GIJ7IJKImcMfkwfk07jPGfWzmUPC6Sr3" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GIJ7IJKImcMfkwfk07jPGfWzmUPC6Sr3" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1IOkszM20Oj-H5rUaFzVcRJwsoaQzxbGJ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1IOkszM20Oj-H5rUaFzVcRJwsoaQzxbGJ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>Linda Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435196820889074041noreply@blogger.com0