About That Peaceable Kingdom (July 17 - 23)

Dear Family and Friends,

After leaving Albuquerque, we drove to Pratt, Kansas, where Roger lived for six years during his childhood. It was fun seeing his old house and school.  Then it was on to Stockton, Missouri, via Wichita and El Dorado. If Stockton sounds familiar, it was here that we spent our first few days getting the Tour to the Collision Center in Springfield, which is two hours away. Thankfully, Kathryn and Mary welcomed us into their home and we will stay here until repair work on the Tour is complete.

We arrived in Stockton on the 17th which was our fortieth wedding anniversary. Those forty years have gone by quickly, packed with fun, family, friends and rewarding experiences. We are looking forward to many more of those special times in the years ahead.

We made a day trip to Springfield to check on the progress of the Tour. Our spirits soared as we saw the new windshield and refinished exterior in place. In less than two weeks, we should be on the road. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Our week, in what I am calling Peaceable Kingdom for several reasons: 1. Mary and Kathryn have offered sanctuary to us for as long as we need it as the Collision Center in Springfield completes the work on the Tour, and 2. Mary and Kathryn share their home with three cats and two dogs, that get along, and 3. they live in such a lovely area of the country where flora and fauna flourish (great alliteration). The following pictures will prove it.

Roger and I thank you for reading the blog and taking an interest in our life on the road. Next week will find us in Stockton with more shots from the Peaceable Kingdom.

Bear loves the freedom of Kathryn and Mary's backyard.

Frisbee is the game for me!

Kathryn has a great garden growing in Peaceable Kingdom.
This summer squash is huge!

Myrtle and Bear having fun!

More frisbee, please!

Mary cooking pizza on the grill.

Chefs Kathryn, Roger and Mary!

Joe is the alpha dog in Peaceable Kingdom.

Hosting Purple Martins is a fascinating hobby!  Kathryn's upscale Martin house was the home to families (around 70 birds) this year.
In this picture she has discovered that the fledglings are out practicing for their first major flight. The Martins in the area will regroup and together they will fly south for the winter. We learned that it is important to help the Martins as they are  a songbird species that has been endanger of extinction in the past.

I am giving Roger a haircut!

Roger and Bear watching Le Tour. This day was the Col de Galibier climb.
Last August, Roger got to cycle this area of France with our sons, Rob and Michael.
It is much easier to climb in front of the TV in the recliner.

In Peaceable Kingdom, the Batchelor Buttons and Queen Anne's Lace grow abundantly.