Trip to Gerald - May 26 to June 3, 2021

Wed, May 26         heyooooooooooo

Abq to

Tucumcari 2:40, 186 mi to

Amarillo 1:41, 113 mi to

Sayre 1:57, 132 mi to

OKC 1:54, 129 mi to

McD 2:25, 167 mi to

Spfd 2:05, 132 mi to

Gerald 2:34 163 arrived!

We left at 6:03 am, almost on time. Elijah wanted to make oatmeal before leaving. The driving was very smooth and easy. Elijah commented about the time going by quickly. And it did. Compared to the trip in Nov. 2020, the van made much better time. We averaged about 80, the scion averaged about 70!

Elijah and I listened to Rachel Held Evans. He was diggin' it. It gave him a story to relate to. Though I don't think it strengthened his Christian faith. But, overall I think it was good thing for him to hear. We talked less than I would have liked, but we did talk some. I was able to speak to him about the value of putting yourself in a position to make money if there comes a time that you need or want to. That he should pursue writing, but that this is a good time to learn a skill that can earn good money. When I expressed some of my regrets of not making more money he challenged that notion. He said that we always had enough and what he was able to do was that much better because of it seemed even more special. That he appreciated that we emphasized the value of the things of life that are not related to money but the things that are more valuable than money.

We arrived at about 10:30 pm, which was pretty good time. The house had a strong smell of cat pee when we first walked in and it was even stronger in the bedroom where mihika and I slept.

Thurs, May 27

Hang out in Gerald, convert pics to digital - scanner?

Elijah, Anna, dad, and I went to the farm in the morning. Anna and Elijah rode the 4-wheeler by themselves. It was a certain level of independence.

Later in the day I was able to set up mom's scanner and I started scanning family pictures. I came across a big collection of pics from Jim Nix and scanned many more of those than I had planned to. (I hope to make some sort of collection, though that will be quite a big project.)

We played Trivial Pursuit. It was fun to pull out a few random facts from the 80s and 90s that the kids did not know. But, Elijah came up with some good answers too. It was cool to see how much he already knows, even before starting college.

Friday, May 28

Eric and family coming out to Gerald

Eric came out with the three kids. We went to the pond and Rebecca caught several fish. Eric was so excited for her. I was trying to help EJ but she was not into it and I didn't bring enough enthusiasm to keep her interested. I think she's used to a lot more enthusiasm from Katie and Eric than I usually give. Steven enjoyed playing with the old toys. Especially the hot wheels. The hot wheels are so old but the kids still enjoy them so much.

Elijah and Anna went back to Eric's house to spend the night and hang out.

Sat, May 29

Hang out in St Louis with Eric and family. 

Mom and dad, Mihika, Mary, and I rode down together and enjoyed the conversation and time together in the car drive to Eric's. I picked up some medicine for Mihika because she was not pooping. We stopped at the QT in Union and I enjoyed a frozen frappuccino. Yummm.

We showed up at Eric and Katie's and saw Phil and Susie and Genna Bromley. I talked with Genna for a bit and that was pretty nice. I met her boyfriend who was a nice guy. Outgoing and friendly. She is doing well. The ceremony was fine. Dad wanted to leave after staying just for a little while so before too long we were headed back home.

Sun, May 30

Everyone - church with Katie and Eric 

Kyle and kids - hang out with Angela

(mom and dad will head back to Gerald with Mihika)

Take Elijah and Anna back to Eric’s

Kyle & Mary drive back to Gerald

Drove to Eric's from Gerald with mom, dad, meeks, and mary.  Went to Eric's church where Katie led worship.  She shared that their church would be merging with another church.  Had sandwiches, chips, and yummy cupcakes from the vow renewal for lunch.  We got to hang out for a while at Eric's playing pool and talking.  On the way home we went to a used book store and savers in west county.  It was fun shopping together.  Driving through West County I noticed how hilly the roads are.  And how nice the houses are.  Gosh I was privileged to grow up how I did.  For dinner we got some Dominos pizza and then ate it at mom's real estate offices on Clarkson.  While we were waiting for the pizza a man came over to sell popcorn to raise money for a drug recovery home in Chicago.  Mom and dad talked to him about Tyler Clines.  That situation feels helpless but from that man's story it is possible for people to escape that lifestyle.  That evening we went home and I probably scanned more pictures.  

While all of this was going on I was trading cryptocurrency and it was on my mind more than I would have like it to be on my mind.  

Mon, May 31

Everyone - Gerald with mom and dad

Everyone sleep at mom and dad’s

I think this was the morning that I caught the large bass on my first cast. I was using the popper lure and it bit on my first cast. After that we caught few and not of note. Later that morning I went golfing at the Owensville golf course. I used dad's clubs and with the very small greens there I had a hard time with my short game. I scored in the high 50s. Mary rode in the cart with me. It was a worthwhile experience even if it wasn't that much fun for her.

I can't recall what else we did that day.

Tues, June 1

Van to Owensville for wheel alignment

Hang out with Eric and family (drive mom’s car to St. Louis)

Dinner with Michelle in Arnold

Everyone sleep at mom and dad’s

In the morning mom and I drove into Owensville to get the van worked on.  Mom said she would pay for the repairs.  Yay!  

On this day Mary and I drove into St. Louis.  We stopped at QT and got a frozen mocca.  Not as good as the frozen cappuccino.  We met Eric and the kids at the sculpture park.  Steven was wearing a dress but it really didn't seem weird.  We ate lunch together.  Leftover sandwiches Katie had from Which wich.  He complained about how often Katie goes out of town and leaves him in charge of the kids.  

After the park, Elijah, anna, mary and I went through north county and saw our old house and Susie's apartment and Lucas and Hunt.  Then we drove down Kingshighway to get back to Eric's.  It was quite an experience for them to see the poverty and stark contrast from Eric's neighborhood which is just a few miles away.  Elijah and Anna got their stuff at Eric's and then we headed down to Michelle's.  On the way we stopped at the Basilica and then we went to Ruthie's gravesite.  We made our way to Michelle's and it was really cool to see the whole family.  I talked with Kevin abt cars and Covid and old times.  It really was neat to see them.  I enjoyed talking with Kevin.  After some pizza and salad we headed back to Gerald.  

Wed, June 2

Last day in Missouri

Visit New Haven

Everyone sleep at mom and dad’s

Thurs, June 3

Drive back to ABQ0

Fri, June 4

Susie's birthday!