Remember that when you leave this Earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given, a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. -St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Saturday and Sunday

April 30 and May 1     Driving through many rainy states


I forgot to mention yesterday - when in the campground in Byram, MS - you can hear the train whistles very close by, but they did not sound between 9pm and 5am.

Early Saturday morning I left Byram, MS headed out on I-55.  Some scattered showers, no heavy rain as I drove.  This route took me more west than I needed to be. With all of the rain in the area, I opted to stay on the major interstates and hopefully avoid flooded roads. I was on I-55 all day Saturday, ending up for the night in Sikeston, MO at Hinton RV Park, 2 blks from I-55 and one mile from I-57.

There is flooding near the town of Sikeston, the town did not flood but the surrounding countryside and farms did. Some of the people staying in the RV park were flooded out of their homes. The National Guard was set up in town to help out. I was told that they didn't have time to fill sandbags, and dumped truckloads of dirt at the end of a road, to create a temporary dam and keep the flooding out of the town. It rained most of the night Saturday and stopped by 5:00 am Sunday. I was on the road at 7am Sunday, I stopped to take pictures of the train depot in Sikeston and headed to I-57.


It was warm and humid, no rain this morning. It was foggy in some areas, on the bridge over the Mississippi River with all of the fog below, I could not see the water. I drove on I-57 until I reached Neoga, IL then I headed north on Hwy. 45, driving through small towns and following the railroad tracks and stopping in a few country stores.
This area is familiar to me as we would travel these roads on the weekends taking photos of trains, silos, old falling down barns, etc.
Today, May 1st, would have been my 35th wedding anniversary. 

I arrived home around 4:30 today.

Lots of mixed emotions today. Listening to the folks in Missouri talk about the flooding, reading about the number of deaths from the tornadoes in Alabama and other states last week.  Remembering happy times traveling with my husband.

Feeling very grateful to be able to follow my dreams and finishing the first trip of this journey. Feeling sad that I am doing it alone. Feeling proud that I am able to do it alone, although I am not really alone. Others have been very helpful.

Learning to ask for what I want and to repeat it when I am not being listened to. And learning to ask for help when I need it, instead of struggling.

It has been a great week and I can't wait until my next trip!


Beware of Illinois taxes:
I've been paying $3.69 to $3.89 for gas, here at home its $4.85.
Also, the IL tollway charged me double ($1.50) because I have 6 tires, I paid tolls in other states and they charged me the car rate. I was told that the I-Pass discount only applies to cars.

Have a good day, Teri

7 comments:

  1. I'm sure you thought a lot about your husband today. I can feel both the sadness and happiness in your blog. You are not really alone at all. Have you thought about looking into some of the singles RV groups? Sounds like they plan some interesting events and caravans. Just a thought.

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  2. Glad you are doing whatever you can to live your dream. You have a great attitude and a strong determination, which I admire. I am sorry you did not get to celebrate that 35th anniversary with your husband. I am sure you hold him close in your heart. My thoughts are with you.

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  3. I'm glad your solo trip went well. Merikay is right there are many solo groups out there I belong to RVBuddies around the camp fire its a free group and there are many women from all over the Country and Canada as well. There are many more but some have dues and fees,
    I understand the feeling of the missed anniversary, I bet he is proud of you for going on like this.

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  4. Teri, you are never alone in Blogland, the welcome mat will always be out and the light left on here at the Weeb Ranch, We look forward to a visit when you do get out this way. Whenever you hear a train whistle it will remind you of the 35 years you shared your husbands love of trains,Donna tolerates my obsession and has sat many time next to the train tracks with me.Sounds to me like Illinois has the best politicians money can buy.Be safe out there, and enjoy your next trip, we will be looking over your shoulder and enjoying the view too. Sam & Donna.....

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  5. Teri, you are a strong and determined woman, one worth admiration. I have always lived by the old adage: God never gives us more than we can handle, it helps me through many tough days. Take care and smile! Just keep on going!
    Janine

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  6. So glad you've got your first solo journey under your belt. I can't say it gets easier, it's always a challenge, but so worth the effort. :)

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  7. So, all in all, did u have a good time? You were near where i spent the winter when u were in Destin. Love the Emerald Bch, but not Destin really as u say, it is very commercialized. Navarre was more little home town.
    So glad some one agrees with me on the Bin Laden thing.
    Yes the Alaska book was good, Glad u liked it too!

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Hi, I welcome your thoughts and comments.

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Overnight stays in these states:

Overnight stays in these states:
It is the sandstorm that shape the stone statues of the Desert. It is the struggles of Life that form a person's character ~ Native American Proverb