GoldenThistle of Simmer

We got started a bit late this morning because there were all those last-minute little things that I didn't think would take as long as they did, and then I decided I really should give my plants a little water before leaving. But I didn't want to turn the hose on until the Sparrowhawk was done with his shower. He had been awake in the night and slept in a little bit. This is the beauty of leaving a day early--there's no particular schedule, so it doesn't matter if you're late. Going through Chicago and the 80/94 interchange was just as horrible as ever. I always forget what it's like and then I'm like NOOOO. But too late, because you can't get out once you enter the vortex.However, we survived, and also survived the hour long construction jam on the west side. Once we got off on 55, through some more construction and into the vast green of down state Illinois, we were fine. Big sky, blazing sun, the energy pouring down every second without stopping, and miles and miles of corn, growing so hard you almost hear it. The prairie states are alive in their own special way.

We checked into the Super8 right about suppertime. Our window overlooks a field of corn that is separated from the building only by a thin strip of mown grass. It glowed in the evening light. We went down to Main Street, stopped in a modest looking brewhouse and ate the best steak we've had since the last time we were in Kansas--locally raised and cut. Then we walked up and down the street a little bit. Lots of vacant storefronts. Lots of second hand shops selling all the old stuff the old people are leaving behind. The town is bigger and more prosperous in some ways than when I was a child, but there are always a lot of people left behind.

Melancholy. Tired. Glad not to be in motion and to have a brief time to chill out before people begin arriving tomorrow! Grateful for a safe trip and a happy landing.