IL to SD

Clearly my mornings are going to be difficult for me on this trip. I had an alarm snafu so I woke up at 5 instead of 6. On a normal day, I could roll with it. On a day when I have a long day ahead of me? Not so great. Remember my comment about quality family time? I guess not everyone felt the same way since my mom called to tell me that I am now dead to her. The trip can officially be called "Road of Failed Relationships." I wonder what new adventures will happen tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait.

The trip. I should mention that on my other drives between Chicago-Eugene and Eugene to New Jersey, I took I-80 most of the way. I decided to mix it up a little on this drive so I am taking I-90. I have never been west of Rochester, MN, on I-90, so I am looking forward to new scenery.

Wisconsin-Minnesota. I saw a car painted as a Green Bay Packer. It only made me drive faster. I saw my first buffalo and hitchhiker of the trip. I also saw a 60 foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant. With a little more warning, I would have pulled over to grab a photo. Instead, I almost swerved off the road. If only...

I listened to Prince and The Replacements as I drove through Minnesota. Weird thing? I didn't plan it. I am doing a blind grab from 2 boxes of cd's and it is what I grabbed. I don't think I will have that happen as I drive through South Dakota except I do have a Shawn Colvin cd with me.
I entertained myself today by counting dead pheasants on the side of the road. I made it up to 9. As I hit South Dakota, I decided I would also count the number of references to Mount Rushmore. Within 15 miles, I already reached 2. "Great Faces. Great Places" and "Heads above the rest"

What else? I had some Culvers which always makes me happy. We had a nice stop along the Mississippi River. We are staying at a Residence Inn tonight. They offer a free social hour with food and drinks. Tonight was beef macaroni and Miller High Life. If only I was here for chef salad, chili dog or hot hamburger night. I hope that hot refers to spiciness and not temperature. If so, I can't imagine cold hamburger night.

Oh the photos. I need to explain Pedro. He was purchased on a Charleston road trip with one of my former co-workers. We bought a few others for two of our co-workers. They gave me a great going away present of the three Pedro dogs touring NYC. Now Pedro is showing off to the others what he is seeing. I was forced to add someone else to our drive. Honey Onion, my stuffed nemesis, was forced on me by my brother-in-law (we have a long running joke about this stuffed onion). It wants to go by Walla Walla, WA. Honey is stuck in the back window. What does all of this say about me? I think Elston is relieved she is sedated.