Saturday began at 6 AM in the Best Western hotel in Sidney, Nebraska. I chugged coffee and listened to a couple of truckers exchange opinions on various states they drive through.

One declared, “The only place worse than Nebraska is South Dakota, by the Badlands.”

I thought that was a little harsh. The breakfast looked horrendous so I took coffee and a banana back to the room and Banjo Man fixed some instant oatmeal.

We won’t stay there again.

We were on the road by 7:20 and pulled into Nancy and Ned’s driveway in North Platte exactly two hours later. It was to be a “coffee and chat” stop, but Nancy had prepared brunch.

I’m a bit embarrassed to say we gobbled it up. Their lakefront home is worthy of a magazine spread and so comfy. It was hard to leave. I should have taken pictures.

And then we were off to Omaha, which would be a 280 mile drive. I didn’t even flinch when we passed the exit to Grand Island, home of my favorite quilt store, which gives you some insight into how much fabric I already own.

We used the GPS to make our way into downtown Omaha. Yes, it was stressful. We are not used to lanes of traffic and a gazillion exits. Had a glitch with the parking meter (scan the QR code? download the app??), but we found the underground parking garage. Hurry for us, the hicks from Idaho!!

Marge and Ken awaited with open arms and all was right with the world. Niece Jenna popped in, as did nephew Graham. So good to see everyone. Very special!

Then it was time to make our way–in the dark, God help us– to our hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa five miles east. The GPS chose to quit, pronouncing it couldn’t find a satellite. The cell phone wanted me to download an app for directions while Banjo Man was panicking and whimpering, “Is this the exit??”

Then…”IS THIS THE EXIT????”

We made it just fine. Except when unpacking the car I realized I had forgotten to give out my gifts of apricot jam.

When I checked in, the receptionist informed me that breakfast would be from 7-10, but there was a wedding and a baseball team staying here and that the breakfast room would be “very, very busy”.

While I am content with a mug of coffee and a protein bar in the car, Banjo Man likes his free oatmeal, fruit, yogurt and juice. And maybe eggs, with an English muffin, too. He might be competing with a baseball team or hungover wedding guests.

Tomorrow should be interesting. I think we need to slow it down. Right now it’s an hour and a half past our bedtime and I intend to sleep past 6. Or 7.

We have no idea how far we will go, but the “early start” mode of the past three days is not happening!

Good night!