Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa

After leaving Northern Wisconsin's and Minnesota's GREAT Fall colors, Iowa seemed dismal, but I am certain if we lived here we would appreciate its own natural beauty. I think after seeing so much grandeur, the more subtle graces seem ordinary.

I had held some notions that Milwaukee, Duluth, or even Minneapolis might be a Mayberry for us, until the temperatures dropped down into the twenties (evening lows), and the wind speeds gained to 25 mph. Suddenly, those seemed very romantic notions, indeed.

For the past two days, I've tried to keep Bigun exercised to his required 4 miles per day, minimum -- and found it tough even with the thinsulate undies, polartec jacket, vest, hat, scarf, and gloves. Four layers and still FROSTY!

Suddenly the warmer climates are very attractive. As DH stated with chagrin: "We're weather weenies!"

Tomorrow AM we head toward Kansas City, KS and I am hoping the cold spell will soften for us. From there, it's on to see my Great-Aunt in Marshall, and then onto St. Louis, MO. DH has a gun match in Memphis after that brief visit. It looks like October might be a four state month. Whew!

We've discussed our thoughts on Mayberry, and how our ideas have changed since we started this journey thirteen months ago. Nine and a half months left and I have to face the facts that we may be returning to Seattle/Kenmore to stay, after all. I hate the thought, but facts is facts.

Breaking from one's comfort zone and starting anew in mid-life is harder than I like to think, especially in these economic times. As DH continues to point out: "Why would we give up a good situation, in a place that ranks in the top five of all of our 'Places Rated' criteria, for an unknown?" I wish I could answer that with more conviction, but I cannot.

It's especially disappointing when HE actually found he LIKES the Midwest, which I'd given up hope for before we even started out.

Ah, well, time to stop moaning -- we've got a great life, better than many others, and I AM grateful. Very grateful. Perhaps it is my nature to just want a bit more, wherever I am -- darn it!