We are not where we want to be. We made it home safely and scenically (see below), but with just one day to re-pack, we were on a plane back to South Dakota…for a funeral. My beloved brother-in-law left us while Paul and I were stopped at a rest area near Ghost Rock, in western Utah.

With the funeral planned for the following Saturday, it was pedal-to-the-metal. Luckily, Tioga Pass was open and no longer required reservations. We booked our flight, heads only slightly spinning.😉

I’m sure many—if not all of my readers—have been touched in some way by cancer. Pancreatic cancer is not something I remember hearing in my youth. But it’s a wicked monster, and the only good thing about this dreadful diagnosis is it gave us a deadline. A horrific one, but that knowledge allowed us to spend time with that sweet, wonderful, uncomplaining man until we knew there was nothing left for us to do but kiss him goodbye.

And, it went very fast at the end, which truly is a blessing.

Now, as promised, where did I leave off…?

Oh, yes, in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan). Our first leg of our return trip began at the Soo Locks, which is a marvel of engineering that facilitates the movement of giant cargo ships (and all of the boats) from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Think of it as a smaller version of the Panama Canal.

It was nearly impossible to show the size and scope of this operation in a photograph—and watching it in a video isn’t very exciting. But it is cool to see the giant ship as it exits the locks and the doors close so another ship can make its way.

We didn’t have a lot of time to explore the town of Sault Ste. Marie, but we definitely would like to go back when it’s not raining. Apparently, fudge is a really big deal.😉

We marveled at the backup of cars on the bridge connecting the United States to Canada as we headed west. Generally, we drove along the shore of Lake Superior, but the forest made seeing that a bit tough…until we reached a wide, sandy shore line where I got this great shot of an incoming storm front and the magnitude of the size of this Great Lake.

The next day’s drive through Wisconsin was nothing but blue skies and beauty. We even had time for a nature walk at St. Croix Falls.

We enjoyed a sort of convoluted zig-zag through Minnesota to stay near our old stomping grounds near Green Lake. The area has grown like crazy and our friend’s lake cabin has been replaced by a mega-mansion. Sigh.

We made it back to South Dakota and will always cherish our final time spent with Don, but since there wasn’t any thing we could do, we said our very tearful last goodbyes and started for home (next newsletter).

A THANKFUL HEART
by Melissa McClone
Love at the Chocolate Shop, Book 2

Chocolate is better than men, and so are dogs. At least, that’s what Dakota Parker tells herself as she mends her broken heart and finds forever homes for rescue animals. So far, so good. She can indulge her love of chocolate where she works while her foster dogs provide her with the unconditional love she craves. What more does she need?

Seattle architect Bryce Grayson is counting the days until he can return home to the big city with his father in tow. That is if he can convince his dad to leave Montana. Bryce’s escape plan, however, goes astray when he meets Dakota. Her sweet kisses put the chocolate she sells to shame. Maybe he should be the one to move to Marietta, but could he be happy living in such a small town?

He has until Thanksgiving to decide.

Download A THANKFUL HEART for FREE
at the retailer of your choice here.

With love and good wishes,

Deb

Coming Sep 12: the road home