Lots and lots of driving. Many miles. It occurs to me in retrospect, it might have been nice to keep a written log of where we stayed, how many miles each day. Ah well...it can be reconstructed at a later date.
Small motels, no wireless, no cell phone contact in all of South Dakota which is incredibly flat and boring (well, Hwy 90 is). We stopped in MN overnight and got up very early and did leave by 6 AM on Thursday. $4.30 got us two donuts, 2 large coffees and one small coffee for the road. We touched based with Stanley Kutler starting at 8 AM. He basically talked us in and we met for (more) coffee in Madison. What a fabulous fellow he is! I can totally understand how he and Linda would get along so well for 40 years! Working on his HBO deal about Watergate and he was on his way to Chicago do discuss production of his play, "I, Nixon." A lively intellect and a lot of fun. We gave him 2 apricots from the tree and some almonds for the trip. Good Jewish mother.
The next two hours were spent at the UW campus and wandering on State Street. Got the required Badger memorabilia and clothing at the student store, ate brats by the shore of Lake Mendota. Took a few photos and then pushed east. Good thing it wasn't dark. The roads are bad enough to navigate in daylight, with not such great signage.
So I'm here at OSRUI, Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute, the midwest camp of the Reform movement. Here with 5 other students (a small group) and Rabbi Karyn Kedar of a large congregation in the north Chicago suburbs. Interesting people...all of whom knew Karyn from before.
During introductions I did the expected meltdown (and of course forgot to bring my own tissues, shades of my first Kallah in 98 when I wept through tefillah (prayer services) with Debbie Friedman), but the other students are very understanding.
Wildlife yesterday included 3 cranes flying overhead. A lot more horses. And mosquitos!! When Shelley came to California last week (was it only a week???) she asked when it would get humid. "It won't," we replied. "You're kidding!" she said. Nope. And when do the bugs come out. "They don't," we said. "You're kidding?!" she replied. Nope. So for weather alone, Shelley thinks California is incredible. But here there are mosquitos and I didn't bring bug repellent. Just gotta remember to stay inside after dark. Took a Benadryl for the bites and it probably helped me sleep well too.
On the whole trip we logged the license plates from 36 different states and 3 Canadian provinces. A lot of Washingtonians on the road this summer. Gas prices varied from $3.86 to $4.39, I think. We were never sure when we crossed state boundaries would it be cheaper or more expensive in the next. The rest stops on Hwy 90 are really nice. Some are really big affairs attached to visitor information centers with nice gardens and informational signs outside.
So this is another stop on the journey. A temporary haven (and study) before I have to return to the new reality. They sing different melodies than in California, I heard last night. Shelley let me drive from Madison here to camp. That was very considerate...last drive. And now the Tovah car is on its way with Shelley to Stow, Ohio. The actual time of transition, saying goodbye to Shelley and Linda's car, was hard, but once past I hope it will be easier. Shelley left a message that there was so much flooding in this area that she had to backtrack almost to Madison to get going south to Hwy 80. Frustrating loss of an hour, not to mention waste of gas. I guess it's hard to keep up on where things bog down (literally).
The camp is lovely...so very green. Unfortunately we can't go in the lake but I plan to walk around a bit during free time. Two huge squirrels just ran across the lawn. There is wireless access in the meeting room of the lodge, with comfy couches. Joined by another Mac user here at the wireless outpost. I asked the manager if she could get some peanut butter so I can up my protein for breakfast...yesterday was way too many white carbs.
It feels wonderful to be studying again. I am looking forward to rejoining Melton classes in the fall.
It's only 6 AM in California...the post time is set to the time on the computer.
