Friday in Iowa
I was up at just before 4 a.m. this morning, sitting quietly with Karl at my feet, when the motorhome rocked slightly…a couple of times. I lived in California for 13 years and experienced a number of earthquakes – they don’t all “feel” the same. Some were sharp jolts accompanied by a loud crack of noise. Some were a rolling sensation, not unlike being on a boat in a long swell. Some were actualy shaking that went on for some time.
So, this morning, the rocking – and no wind, it was very still – “Earthquake!”, I thought…”But I’m in Iowa???” It was an earthquake – 5.2 according to the last thing I read – centered in Illinois 3 miles underground and approximately 350 miles from where I sit parked. It never fails to astound me to think how much force, energy and movement it takes for so much of the earth and the stuff sitting on the earth to move – even slightly…a scary, awesome, incredible force of nature.
A bit anti-climatic but Karl and I took a walk shortly after, even though it was very early. Thunderstorms rolled through early last evening and Karl decided the evening walk was unnecessary. It was quiet and NOT raining at 5 a.m. The weather map and forecast looked like it wasn’t going to stay that way for long, so I coaxed Karl out with me for a walk. All was accomplished in short order and we returned just in time.

No sunrise photos today! A good day to sit and work. We roll tomorrow for Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
















Karl and Bob… I often describe their “relationship” as similar to brothers. They tolerate each other, occasionally play which usually degenerates into someone being a bit too rough with the other so ending up in a skirmish with Bob usually drawing blood… Karl will certainly defend himself but he never seems to get that Bob is getting serious and Bob does not hesitate to use his claws when he’s had enough. One of the funniest things that happens is Bob will be sitting quietly outside intent on watching something and Karl will decide to start the play and run full steam towards Bob and just roll him over. Bob comes up fighting – Karl walks away with a pleased look and I swear he’s laughing! Bob pouts for a bit and no one can do a mad pout like Bob – purses his lips and looks extremly put upon.

