Day 2

True to my word, I rolled out of bed and ran this morning in Tulsa - Lori too! We were in the car by 7:30am and rolling down I-44. No trip on the Will Roger's Turnpike would be complete without a stop at the McDonald's over the interstate. After some coffee and a picture, we were heading to the Missouri line! I have been on this road many times in my life going to my grandparent's home, but I've never driven it. I could hear my parent's voices saying, "this is God's country!" As a kid I didn't think God would want to live anywhere other than Texas, but I have to admit the drive through the Ozarks was stunning! As we were nearing Rolla, I asked Lori if she would mind taking a side trip to St. James, MO. This was the first retirement home of my grandparent's until 1983. It's the one I grew up going to. I was driving the Durango and as we pulled into town I recognized the gas station and the corner bar. My eyes started to blur up with tears and I missed the turn to 510 E. Eldon. We wound our way back and drove to the house. There was a young lady in the front yard getting the sprinkler ready for her daughter to play in. I couldn't speak and Lori graciously took over and told the women I would like to have my picture taken in front of the house. After thanking the young women we asked her for suggestions on places to eat and ended up at a local dive for a grilled cheese sandwich. This had been a good day and it was only 1:30. While Lori drove I began reading Eat, Pray, Love orally. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK -STOP READING THIS AND GO BUY IT AND READ IT BEFORE THE MOVIE COMES OUT! I read until we could see the Arch in St. Louis. I can only remember being here once before and I was very young. We walked up and gazed at the architectural wonder. It was really quite something! Knowing that I hadn't run in Missouri. I handed Lori my purse and camera and took off. The Show-Me state was now showing me how hot it could get! We took off again, crossing the Mighty Mississippi and into Illinois. More reading and talking - what is that crop we keep seeing? corn? wheat? I can't tell. The gas bell dings and we realize uh-oh! Natasha, our Garmin, gets us to a Love's where we fill up and I run again - just around the parking lot, but I did run in Illinois! Lori's at the wheel all the way into Indianapolis. We found a hotel, had a good meal and are ready to get some sleep. It's been a good day friends. Make that a great day. More tomorrow - Ciao