Visiting Dad, Grandma and Grandpa
in Galesburg, Illinois

July 1, 2019 - Monday morning
70 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Terre Haute, Indiana

It's like the calm after the storm this morning following two days of driving, accompanied by no small amount of talking, laughing and reflecting.

Sargie's still in bed and I'm enjoying a bit of quiet writing time in our apartment before heading down to see Mom and enjoy sipping coffee and a bit of breakfast. 

We had a wonderful, albeit, very long drive on Sunday from Terre Haute to Galesburg so we might visit Dad, Grandma and Grandpa.

Mom, Sargie, and I, gabbed for the entire 500 mile round trip, occasionally mixing words with song. The popcorn and peanuts we munched on weren't bad either.

Traffic wasn't too horrible and even the construction zones seemed fairly benign.

We arrived in west central Illinois shortly before noon and went immediately to the memorial gardens.

Mom had brought flowers and with Sargie's help, both were decorated. The three graves are side by side by side.

We spent time telling stores and, in lone contemplation with our thoughts, talking with Grandma and Grandpa and Dad, each in our own way. 

The extreme heat dictated that our conversations be kept short. Saying our goodbye's, we made a bee-line for the car and began our journey back to Indiana.

My niece, Christy, Josh, and the girls met us in Terre Haute at Steak 'n Shake late in the afternoon. 

While waiting for our food, my great niece, Livy, and I, connected four straws so she could have a long, cool, drink, of Coke. Hard for her mom, Christy, to get too mad at her when it was Uncle Tom's idea!

By the way, the straw worked wonderfully. Livy (Olivia) and I are currently considering going for the record of creating the world's longest straw... at least one used in a Steak n' Shake franchise.

Grandma has never been one to allow any good conversation to go to waste. Surrounded by her grandaugher and great granddaughters, plus Josh, Sargie, and me, Mom was taking in the conversations and laughter from all sides.

We brought the party back to Mom's apartment later and had a wonderful family time. I got to know Josh, a former scout in the US Army, and my newest great niece, Jordon. I enjoyed both tremendously and am looking forward to the entire family coming to Pentoga Road for a visit.

Saying we slept well last night would be a gross understatement. Today's a day of rest and recovery between shopping excursions to one store or the other. We'll point the Kia back north early tomorrow morning and should arrive home sometime late in the afternoon.

Time to get this show on the road. 

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road, by way of Terre Haute, Indiana...

Livy, Sophie, Mom, Josh, Christy, and Jordon

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