Praying for Rain~

 Today, the promised rains - have started with a misty drizzle.  We're well over 2" below normal for the year & ended last year in a deficit. The numbers are sobering.  The forecast is for three days of possible precipitation adding up to hopefully .5".  We need five times that amount just to catch up.  

February 20, 2026

The only real snow we had this winter was four inches in February.  Since then, we've only received a dusting with almost no moisture content.  With the moles digging from below & the squirrels digging from above, as dry as the ground is I can only hope the plants survive.

March 15, 2026 - The Lowlands~

It's been so very dry, it's almost hurtful to be outside for any length of time.  My eyes dry out, my skin feels like I live in the Sahara.  The storms will start across the middle of the country, then split to the north & to the south.  They have missed us, Nebraska & most of the Midwest.

Photo by PR Newswire~

The photos & story's coming out of Nebraska are so horrifying scary.  The scope of the disaster will be felt for many years.  Third & fourth generation ranches, burnt to ash.  Our area has had a Red Flag Warning in place for weeks & weeks. With the winds blowing up to 40 mph gusts almost every day.  20 mph winds have become our new norm.  Many of our local volunteer Fire Departments have gone to help in Nebraska.

3/31/26 The Marsh

Even the lowest area of our property is dry, normally the grass here is emerald, green.  Some years, there were large pools of standing water.  I've been watering all the trees, shrubs & flowers we've planted since last fall.  Our local water bill has climbed, due to new housing developments & the resulting need for a larger sewer treatment plant.

April 1, 2026 - Nika's tree~

This afternoon, we've received .01 of moisture so far.  The air smells so fresh & is charged with negative ions.  To be rid of the dust is wonderful.  When I spoke to Butch this afternoon, he'd driven in pouring rain from the Iowa state line at Walcott 337-miles to Greenfield, IN just east of Indianapolis.  I told him to fill a trailer & bring some back with him!  

End of March, On the Trail~

Already the end of March.  If I were to give it a description it would be windy.  We've had days in the 80's & others in the low 40's.  A roller coaster typical of the Midwest.  I hadn't been out on my bike since the 18th at the lake.  With the warmer temperatures & ceaseless winds, I knew the trail had to be very dry.

Boehner Pond~

The early morning started out sunny, then the clouds rolled in.  It was breezy when I dropped Finn off with Doris.  By the time I reached Malvern, the wind was gusting.  My plan was to ride south, to my usual turnaround spot at just over seven miles.

This was the first time I've seen algae growth at the pond.  Its water has been open for many years, so I don't know if the dry weather might have contributed. 

Intersection of 312th~

The countryside had a gray, drab look to it.  The air felt too dry for even a remote chance of rain.  

Deep ruts~

The trail surface was horribly rutted in several places.  I'd forgotten how much more of a challenge it is to ride after the winter months.  Since my accident last August, I'm more watchful of the surface conditions than I used to be.

Sunshine~

I was about three miles out when the sun broke through the cloud cover.  The temperature instantly climbed.  I took my vest off & was still plenty warm.  The wind was non-stop, I could hear it blowing a tune between the spokes of the wheels.

West branch of the east Nishnabotna River~

I had the trestle to myself & stayed a while to enjoy the view of the river.  I haven't yet returned to the trestle over Silver Creek, since the game cameras were installed.  It was my favorite section of trail & I've missed it.

On the White Cloud Trestle~

What's saving this trestle from the neon lights & game cameras is its distance from the trail head at Council Bluffs.  I'm seeing more & more eBikes on the trail.  They make it much easier to ride distances only dedicated cyclists used to travel.  Of course I ride one now, so what can I say.

Hard at work~

Further up the trail, I could hear the beep, beep, beep, of a bulldozer back-up alarm.  A farmer was busy taking down nice big trees near the creek.  They grew at the corner of what evidentially was one of his fields.  Trees going down, something I never like to see.  When I think of the years it takes trees here to reach any size at all, it seems such a shame.  This tiny corner can't possibly produce enough to make it worth removing substantial trees whose roots filter the water draining off the fields into the creek.

My largest obstacle~ 

This tree was down about two miles from where I usually take a break & turn around.  The biggest disadvantage of an eBike, is the weight.  The battery is the majority of the difference.  It's a catch 22, since a larger battery gives you more distance.  This bike weighs 20 lbs. more than my analog bike.  Too heavy & too awkward to lift.  I managed it though.  I lifted the front wheel over the biggest limb, popped the back tire over, then went up the berm to the right.  From there I went around the rest of the crown to the far side.

Turn around spot~

I rode almost to Queen Ave., eight miles south, before turning back.  I stopped for my break back at the bench to call Butch.  We'd both been fighting the wind.  He was crossing MO from IL, driving toward Kansas City.  It was blowing from the SW & would still be blowing against me on the way back.  

Going back north~

I made it back around the fallen tree, thankfully.  It's been so dry, the greens are late in appearing this season.  There was just the slightest flush of green along the edges of the trail.  Not even a sign of blooming wildflowers.  I'll have to wait for April showers before I get a chance to see them. 

I was tired by the time I was back to the park, but I always enjoy my time - in what nature - this state still has.  There are some beautiful parks & plenty of trails still to explore.  

Almost Spring - Finally!

 The weather is still on a roller coaster of warm to cold, cold to warm.  Yesterday was overcast all day & felt cold.  My Germaniums have spent several nights outside; we stayed above freezing & they're under cover.  

I had my usual morning at mat making, then took my friend shopping at Dollar General.  She offered to take me to lunch, but the day was so nice I declined.  Doris insisted on taking Finn & agreed that such a great day - especially with no wind was perfect for a bike ride.

On the trail~

I hurried home, loaded my bike & left for the lake.  I thought about trying the Wabash trail but didn't want to risk getting there to find it soft.  Monday we'd had another lighter dusting of snow & everything had frozen.  There were still puddles of water on the paved surface here.

Fenced Train tunnel, the next is covered~

I rode out east through the tunnels & had the rudest experience with other bikers I've had yet.  As I was a short distance away from the first of the two tunnels, a pedestrian was walking toward me, in the tunnel, staying to the right.  Behind him I could see two people on bikes coming fast.  As the first of the bikes came up on the person still in the tunnel, he moved into my lane & cut between us!  I had to come to a complete stop.  The woman following had the nerve to do the same thing!  It never ceases to amaze me at how rude people can be. 

Mid-American~

I peddled hard & fast to work off how steamed I was before returning to the park.  I never saw the couple again, which was a Good Thing! 

View from the old Campground~

A group of photographers were walking along the shore of the lake today.  When I was in the campground, I had two flybys!  The first was a huge Eagle, the second a big Red-tailed Hawk.  The birds were singing & enjoying the beautiful day as much as I was.

Crossing Indian Creek, heading East~

It's always an ahhh moment when I make the turn back into the wooded southern section of the park.  I only saw one other bike rider & a few people walking.

Shore of the lake~

I shouldn't have been surprised to see the rocks along the shore covered in a layer of frozen snow/ice.  I was surprised though, especially with the now wide-open water.  It made for an eerie combination.

My break spot~

I was riding later than usual, but the days are so much longer now!  Hours of sunshine to enjoy again, especially when we have a break from the wind!  I returned to town to pick up Finn.  He & Doris had spent the afternoon outside soaking in the rays.  My lazy boy had to yawn & stretch before accepting his harness.  It was such a beautiful evening by the time I got home; I sat out until almost dark.

First Ride of March~

 After a string of several gray overcast days, we received .65 of much needed rain last Friday & Saturday night.  Now, we're close to breaking records for warmth.  Today was expected to reach over 70 degrees with 20-30 mph wind gusts.  With the rain, the Wabash Trace would have been too wet to ride.  The last pictures I saw of the limestone surface, it was terribly rutted.

On my way~

As usual, being on the trail in the fresh air felt great.  There were more people at the park than I've seen in months.  I think the nice weather & longer days motive everyone to get outside & enjoy the spring-like weather.

I-29 foreground, I-80 east bound background

I rode further out the trail heading north that connects with the road going east to the Wabash Trail head.  It wasn't until I turned back south toward the park & the wind hit me in the face, I realized I'd be riding right into it on my way back.  

Shadow under I-29

The train cars were just sitting under the Interstate.  Being under the thunder of the interstate is a novel experience.  

Campground~

More of the dead trees have been cut out of the campground.  Some that I know were alive last season have also been cut down.  I hope some of the Mulberries were saved.  It's always such an oasis of quiet, after the noise of riding along the edge of Veterans Memorial Hwy.

The Lake through the trees~

The ride south along Indian Creek was a bear!  The wind was really gusting.  I ended up in Turbo & hanging onto my sun bill to keep it from blowing away.  It was a relief to make the turn at the SW corner of the trail system & turn east again.  The wind coming at me from the side was preferable to head on.

The Lake~

I had my ultrasonic dog barking deterrent with me today.  I put it in my front bottle holder so it's handy if I need it.  Two ladies walking a young German Shepard were ahead of me.  I announced my presence & watched as they grabbed at the dog & pulled him off to one side.  He instantly fixated on me & began trying to lunge my direction.  I pressed the button as I was going by & it was amazing to see him instantly freeze in place!  At the least, it distracted him long enough for me to get by!  

When Finn is riding in his cart with Butch & I, I follow behind.  He loves to bark like a fool at every person we pass.  The last time we rode at Lake Cunningham, he learned quickly if he did, I would press the button!  It's been a very helpful training tool & I highly recommend it.

Heading back~

The trail above is one of the least used, probably because it's a long walk from any of the parking areas.  Another reason it's my favorite.  As you can tell, the sky was such a clear blue!  It's getting so close to spring, you can smell it in the air.  I hope it's long, wet & mild!

500,000 Miles & the Fourth Year!

Butch & Maverick II

Today marks the Anniversary of Butch's Fourth year driving OTR!  It almost seems surreal it's been that long since the day he left from CFI for his first solo dispatch!

2-28-2025 Delivery, Flesh Company, Parsons, KS

The winter weather was mild for the mid-west.  Dispatching was consistent & the year started off smoothly.  It was a surprise when he started getting dispatches back to the Caves.  The Caves are huge & are used as a warehouse facility for many companies.  There are several entrances in both MO & KS & IL.

3-6-2025 Entrance to the Caves~ Independence, KS

These underground facilities have been put to use store housing treasures from the National Archives.  The more I've read about the area, the more fascinating it is.  It is as safe a storage as any I can imagine for a variety of assets that aren't safe in an area prone to tornadoes.

Butch flew out to Columbus & picked up Maverick II (#2616) March 11th.  The engine had been replaced.  This is the truck he finished off the year with & is still driving.

4-8-2025 Amish Horse & Buggy~

Butch was on his way to Massillon, OH in the photo above.  Can you spot the black horse & buggy waiting on the right - at the light at the upcoming intersection?  Just after he'd finished his time with his trainer, he'd followed a horse & buggy for miles in PA on a two-way road.

5-19-2025 Waiting to pick up at Independence, KS

May, the weather turned stormy with possible tornados in the forecast.  Butch arrived at the Caves late in the afternoon & spent the night just outside the entrance.  I told him if the weather got any worse, to go to Security & ask to go in!  

6-20-2026 Butch arrives home~

June 20th, Butch made an unplanned trip home.  I'd made an unplanned trip to the hospital.  It was such a relief to see him when he walked into my room!  I think my rapid recovery was due to his return!  I went home the following day.  

6-25-2025 Tune-up

At Nationwide in Omaha, it was time for Maverick II's (#2616) tune up.  The VNL 860 has been running perfectly with the new D13 engine.  Its size is impressive.  The semi weighs 18,200 lbs. 

7-3-2025 Love's Service truck arrives ~

An inside tire blew out at 5:37 p.m. on the trailer, 39 miles from Butch's delivery in Kentucky.  After calling Nationwide, he called Love's service.  The service truck made it to his location by 9:57 p.m. & had the new tire on by 11 p.m.  He had 28 min. left to drive on his clock.  He arrived at his destination within minutes of his 1 p.m. delivery time.

7-23-2025 

Butch was returning to Nationwide early in the morning, to pick up a trailer after a few days of home time.  Traffic was light when suddenly, a car came up in the outside lane & hit the side of the semi at the drive tire.  The car was thrown into the bull bar, bounced off from the impact, flew into the air, flipped over & landed on its wheels, on the shoulder.  Butch pulled off & called 911.  He walked toward the car to find a man in a police uniform, who had just gotten out of the car.  Bellevue Police & Emergency vehicles arrived on the scene.  After giving them his information, Butch was told he could leave.  We later found out the driver was a Bellevue PD officer.  

Maverick sustained a few scratches on the fender - each side of the drive tire.  The lug nuts were scratched, but the bull bar protected the front from any further damage.  We were thankful no one was seriously hurt.  Butch turned in his dash camera to Nationwide, who gave it to their insurance company.

8-31-2025

Above is the view inside the Kenosha Visitor Center, WI.  Some of the welcome centers Butch visits are beautiful & very informative.  The Schaefer & Hebior Mammoth's are 14,500 years old.  Kenosha County has two of the six oldest Archaeological sites in North America.  

9-23-2025 Ohio Welcome Center

Looking back at the month of September, Butch made a total of seven pick-ups & twelve deliveries to OH, TX, KY, IL, NE, IN, MO, KS & IA.  Driving the mid-west, after two years now, Butch still prefers to overnight at rest area's when he can.  Many of the rest areas or welcome centers have trails where he can take his evening walks.

10-27-2025 In the Caves~

This year, he made several trips to the Caves, both to deliver & pick up from several different companies.  He'd spent the night at the Ameristar Casino's parking for semis - across from one of the entrances to the Caves.  The following morning, he made his delivery. (Many of the early homes, churches, barns etc. in the Kansas City area were built using limestone block.

11-17-2025 6 a.m. View from the Love's Travel Stop, Bates City, MO

His favorite truck stop is still Iowa-80, but Love's is a second choice when there's a spot open.  He's seen inexperienced drivers cause damage to other trucks, already parked at the overcrowded truck stops.  He also has one or two smaller truck stops where he overnights, especially in KY. 

12-1-2025 - Leaving home~

Butch had been home for a few days.  He helped with the start of the Christmas decorations.  The furnace went out the afternoon before he left.  He called a friend who has a local HVAC company & thankfully the replacement was installed within two days!  Finn & I stayed warm with the fireplace & oil heaters.  Butch managed to stay just ahead of the storm to pick up a loaded trailer & travel east.

1-15-2026 Butch & Juanita

Those of us who crochet ground mats from plastic shopping bags, tell our family & friends to always be on the lookout for colorful plastic bags.  Butch found a truck stop with some bright red bags.  We gave then to Juanita, who makes some of the most beautiful mats of our group.  Juanita gives each completed mat a name.  The one above is the 55th she's finished, christened Hot Rod Hoge! 

2-19-2026 Gateway Rest Area, Mascoutah, IL

This season Butch drove Maverick #2555 from 2/25/25 to 3/11/25 a total of 4,297 miles.  3/12/25 Butch picked up Maverick II #2016.  From then to 2/25/26 he's driven that semi 115,566 miles.  

Total mileage with both trucks for the fourth year is: 119,971.  In the last four years of Over-the-Road driving, Butch crested the half-million-mile mark with a grand total of 502,797 miles!   

Congratulations to my husband for making his goal, staying safe & covering a LOT of miles at the wheel!

Third Year - OTR

Lake Manawa - Open Water!

 I shouldn't have been surprised when I turned into the park & saw all of Lake Manawa free of ice!  This happened in the ten days since my last ride on February 8th!  

Trail on the right, road on the left~

The day had started out sunny, breezy & warm.  We've been experiencing record breaking high temperatures for the first half of the month.  By the time I got home from mat making & loaded my bike, clouds had moved in.

Mid-American

The sun was still trying to break through but was losing to the wind-swept clouds.  I'd hoped to get Butch out on his bike during his last home time.  The weather had been perfect, but he had appointments scheduled.  He also finished the trim work around the utility closet.  All time consuming.

Cottonwood & Shadow~

I've been thinking I might break my record for rides in February, but with snow forecast Thursday, it may not happen.  The Cottonwood above is on a far corner of the golf course property.  I admire it every time I ride by.  It's been battered & beaten but still survives.

Eagles Nest~

I also stopped in the old campground to zoom in & get a photo of the Eagles nest.  It reminds me of the huge one our friend Dean had on his farm in WA.  I've seen the Eagles on several occasions & hope their home is protected.

Towards the lake~

The clouds continued to thicken & the wind was brutal.  I was determined to finish my usual loop & take my break at the lake shore.

Wind on the open water~

The wind was from the NW & blowing the waves my direction - which is about in the middle of the south shore.  It was cold too!  I stayed long enough to give Butch a call.  He was driving in 70-degree weather just coming into Missouri from IL. 

My break spot~

 I hope for the sake of all the ranchers in OK, KS & TX that the snow/rain we're expecting extends far enough south to help put out the fires.  It makes me sick at heart when I see the reports.  We've been under a burn ban for days now.  Even so, a few uninformed people have tried burning their brush piles.  Everything here is tinder dry.  I've been watering for almost two weeks.

Prayers for our neighbors to the south & hoping our weather forecast is correct & we see either rain or snow soon!