Home is on the horizon!

We spent the night last night in Platte City, Missouri. I think we must have made Andrew's trip complete because we opted to stay in a hotel and get a good night's rest. Even though we did not get to stay on the top floor or take the opportunity to swim, we found a Ramada and collapsed for a good solid eight hours - after he took the opportunity to channel surf for a few minutes. Thankfully, we were still able to grab a waffle at the complimentary breakfast because we had overslept. We decided that antique stores and flea markets would be good places to stretch our legs. Then it was on to Osceola Cheese. After we got our smoked string cheese and smoked gouda fix, we headed back to Mexican Villa for one last visit before heading home. Andrew has decided that burritos enchilada style are worth the drive! 

We arrived home about 8:15 and only partially unpacked. The dogs were thrilled to have us home, and we were thrilled to have finally arrived after 4425.8 miles! This trip began with such a rough start, but after the first two hiccups, the trip was WONDERFUL!

*** The day after we returned, Nathan and I worked half the day pitting 12 gallons of cherries. We have frozen many and prepared a few batches of jams and jellies. What a treat!!

Buffalo Bill Scout Ranch/ long road home

Today we have fluffy white clouds blanketing a blue sky. Temps started in the 70's and have now reached the upper 80's. We drove about an hour down the road and stopped in North Platte to see Fort Cody and the Scout's Rest Ranch. “Scout’s Rest” was the home of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. He built his 1886 French Second Empire house, a one-and-one-half-story frame dwelling that features a prominent tower for $3,500 back in the day. He also built the late 1880s barn, a cob house, icehouse, and a wine cellar. Cody was a pony express rider, soldier, buffalo hunter, and showman. 80% of the furnishings in the house are original to Cody. Andrew enjoyed seeing the buffalo up close. Their newest addition was a 3 month old calf. Initially, we thought one of the older buffalo was interested in having its nose scratched. Then it stood up quickly, spooking an even larger buffalo to his feet, and began butting the fence. We took that as our cue to move on. We took a few more minutes to talk with the animals at the petting zoo before hitting the road again.

It's a shame that this stop was not further along today. Because now it's just mile after mile after mile of corn fields as we cross Nebraska, but Nathan says that the view here is aMAIZing. I can SOYtainly hear my Pa-paw saying, "That sure is a pretty stand." Just a hop, skip, and a jump through Iowa, and we're back in Missouri. Thankful for the safe travels and His provisions along the way.