Des Moines

A long day of driving brought us from a rather grubby LaQuinta in Cheyenne, WY to a very pleasant Fairfield Inn in Des Moines.  The animals are fed, and so are we.  Everyone has had access to a bathroom – which is really the biggest deal for Hazel who has no access all day.  We are, by Jay’s calculation, 68% of the way to Hartwick.  The driving was tiring, but smooth today, with somewhat less traffic, fewer steep pulls, and somewhat less construction than yesterday.  But the real kicker yesterday that left me too tired to write was a huge downpour for the last half hour.  Between very heavy rain and the water thrown up by trucks, there were times when it was nearly blinding.  There were huge lightning strikes, adding to the scary atmosphere. Jay did his usual job of driving brilliantly, but it was nerve wracking at the end of a long day.

Charlie woke me late Tuesday night, needing to go out.  I was a little grumpy about it, but as soon as I opened the door to the outside I was looking at a stunning half moon, bright as polished silver in a deep blue sky.  He had me up again at 5:00 for a glorious sunrise.  As so often happens, Charlie’s needs end up being a huge gift to me.  I see things I might have missed, I’m reminded to pay attention, I move more, and I’m reminded how important it is to be aware of the needs of others.  Charlie lives in a world of abundance, and he’s helped me think more about that subject, as have responses from a few pals to that writing.  I think the heart of abundance is having not just what you need, but a good share of what you want.  I’ve wanted different things over the years – as I imagine everyone has, and so I think that what creates that sense of abundance changes with time and circumstances.  There must be people who find abundance in what looks to me like bleak Wyoming, and people who find abundance in the more lush fields of Iowa.

Enough for tonight.  I’m too tired to write about all the beautiful country we’ve driven though or all the corn. On to Toledo tomorrow.