Our last stop on this long trip was to Newton, Kansas to stay with Martie and Robert at their farm. Fence repair was occupying their time today, but we knew Martie was home to meet us when Daisy, Molly and Duke were on hand to greet us. You can always find the dogs with Martie.

One of these trips, I’m going to do a better job of getting pictures. I helped with farm chores—feeding chickens; gathering eggs (brought home a dozen); feeding the barn cats; petting Kevin, the turkey (he didn’t like it much); and feeding cattle and checking on them. The horses and donkeys are fed in the mornings. There is one cow that Martie will keep an eye on as she had her ears down, a sign of not feeling well. They currently have 19 spring babies, and use IVF and surrogacy to “pick” those babies and to time either spring or fall births. Three of the current Marky breeding bulls are at Martie’s dad’s farm in a pasture. If you pour apple cider vinegar along their backs and on their heads, they will live together peacefully. Cool trick!

Girl’s Night Out was at an Italian restaurant, Genova, in Newton with the most delicious rolls fresh from the oven, and great wine. The owner is most attentive to her customers, and told me if I didn’t like my wine, she would drink it. I did enjoy the generous glass! And the pasta was amazing. GNO has been meeting once-a-month for many years, and I join in when possible. These are college friends from WSU and it is so good to keep in touch with them. Did I get a picture of us? Nope😠 We even had a new honorary member with us; Laura, Marla’s daughter, has been our tour guide at the house in Florida, and is a delightful conversationalist.

This is the pile of mail that was waiting for our return. Time to finish and file the tax forms and get used to more space. It is good to be home!