Day 5 - Sheila arrives in Mecca.

The Travelers with Aunt Dottie and a Danica Patrick "wannabe"













Well, today we stopped in Rockford, IL, to see my Aunt Dottie. We haven't seen her in a very long time, but she is still going very strong and looks great! She wanted us to stay for a couple of days, God bless her, but we just didn't have the time if we want to make the Hand family reunion in Nebraska over Labor Day weekend. We told her we would be at her place about 10:00 AM and actually pulled in about 15 minutes early. I rang the door bell, and no answer, so figured she was still at church. Well, we sat in the driveway for about 35 minutes when I saw this smiling face looking out the window. She had been home all the time, but hadn't heard the bell. She felt so bad, but was so happy to see us. Had brunch with Aunt Dottie and then off to Minneapolis. A lot of driving today.

Every day has been an experience packing the Vette with the luggage. So far, we haven't disposed of anything except the AAA tour book for Ontario. We have two ice coolers that I manage to fit between the two large luggage bags and the bucket seats, and of course, most of the ice is melted at the end of the day. This is now the 5th day in a row that I have managed to spill all of the melted ice in the back of the Vette when I remove the luggage. When will I learn???

Today was a new experience for Sheila on the trip - She drove the Vette for quite a ways, and she had barely driven it before. She did a great job and will be able to help drive more often. The Vette is very different to drive than our other cars, and it took a little to get used to the cruise control and sensitive steering. We drive at the posted speed limits most of the time, and it gets a little hairy with some of the trucks coming right up on our back bumper.

Called my cousin Patty when we arrived in Minneapolis and we will see her on Monday. Aunt Dottie said Patty hasn't changed a bit and I would know her right away. (Now, you have to realize that the last time I saw Patty was in 1960 and she must have been all of 10 years old.) Patty is going to meet us at our motel in the morning and will be going to the Mall of America with us. Patty said I would recognize her because she would be the tall beautiful, stacked (well, not exactly her words, but close...), blonde. Standby for an update... K

Well we are finally here in Minn., St. Paul is a beautiful city, lots of green and reminds me of driving into Boston. As we plan on staying at this motel for a couple of days, was able to unpack a few clothes and place in drawers, ah, the finer things in life. Can 't wait to meet Ken's cousin and hit the mall, Ken's coming too and we all know how much he loves to shop. Will update on the mall tomorrow. S.