August 17, 2012.  Beginning our road trip today.

DAY 1........Portland, OR to Burley, ID
DAY 2........Burley, ID to Denver, CO
DAY 3 & 4........Denver, CO to Collinsville, OK
     My Mother passed away August 12.  The funeral service was Monday, August 20 in Collinsville, OK. We had to move our trip up a few days in order to make it to Oklahoma for the funeral.  It was a wonderful gathering of friends and family to celebrate the life of a nearly 93 year old Mother, Grandmother and friend to many.  The church in Owasso prepared a luncheon for our family.  There were around 40 of us kids and about that many friends come.  We ended with a graveside service where she was buried next to Dad, who passed away in 1976.

DAY 5.......Collinsville, OK to Springdale, AR.
DAY 6.......Springdale, AR to Branson, MO
     We are spending a few days with Debby's Mom.  I went to the eye doctor this morning to have some pictures taken of my Macular.  I am having a little trouble, either with my new glasses, or my left eye.  We are trying to figure it out.  We did a little shopping today.  I worked on Mom's Ice Machine.  Hope it works better now.  She fed me home made chile and pasta va zule.  If she keeps this up I may stay longer!

We have been having fun getting things together and fine-tuning our packing.  Our Toyota Sienna is a great road vehicle.  We have ample room; its very comfortable to ride in.  Debby slipped into one of the back recliner chairs and watched a movie on the 16" screen as we headed towards Denver.  I haven't tried that yet but my time is coming.

In Springdale, Arkansas we had a little fun with Flat Stanley at Chic Fil A.  Too bad we don't have one in Portland; the food is very good and the Lemonade is made fresh!  Their Peach Shakes are to die for!  Their business is really BOOMING for some reason.  Hmmmmmm.......

We will be heading back to Springdale Sunday afternoon to pick up Nancy & Ron and head for Nashville.
                                                            Mike