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“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

The Work Goes On

Another busy day. We are really beginning to see the results of our work. The house has great character. The area is called Vinegar Hill. The neighbors are friendly. Yesterday a lady brought cookies. Today another neighbor brought chicken salad and a book about the history of the area. I can see why the midwest is called the heartland of America. If I could be here without the winters it could be really good.

Yesterday I was able to create another legendary tale for our family. The story will start with “… you remember the time Papa tried to wear a crock pot as a helmet”. I can’t wait to hear all the embellishments. Since the tales will be much better than the truth, I will just let you hear the tales and not document the truth today. We plan to leave for home Friday morning.

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A cobblestone alley in downtown Burlington.

Progress

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Today we made good progress getting unpacked and getting things arranged. The movers left this afternoon. Clark mowed the yard and I ran the weedeater. There is still a lot to be done but we are able to see daylight. Clark has to go back to work tomorrow, so that will slow us down.

We toured Burlington this afternoon. They have some really gorgeous parks. One of their claims to fame is Snake Alley. The crookest road in the world.

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It’s not 6.5 hours

We made it to Iowa. It took 8 hours not 6.5 as Clark had told me. Of course at my age there are regular diversions which lengthen any trip but Clark was still off. They have a great house. I will post some pictures later. We are busy getting everything arranged and unpacked. We went out to eat last evening and got a quick tour of Burlington but it was late and I need to see it in the daylight. Thunderstorms last night and again this morning. More to come.