After 9 weeks and 9,000 miles, I made it home yesterday evening. Last night I slept in my own bed for the first time since August.
The research end of the trip was very successful and I hope to return to South Dakota and Nebraska in the spring to spend more time in the archives.
On a more personal level, I must thank all of the friends and family who opened their homes to me during this grand voyage. It was a joy to catch up and share memories with so many people, and humbling to be embraced by them as I rambled from state to state (more than 30 in all).
More tales from the road will follow. But first, a show of gratitude to those who took me in and put me up:
- Steve and Paula in Ypsilanti
- Mint in Ann Arbor
- Justin in the Quad Cities
- Jeff and Rebecca in Lincoln
- Matt and Tabby in Lincoln
- Manisha in Omaha
- Bob and Becca in Brookings
- Pat and in Ellen in Reno
- Brad and Elizabeth in Santa Rosa
- The Fresno Reinhardts
- Megan and Noah in Orange
- David and Jen in L.A.
- Barbara and Bryan in San Diego
- Brad, again, in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Pete and Patti in Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Susan in Norman
- Kate and Bryan in Memphis
- Laird and Mary in Atlanta
- Erik and Joan in Charlotte
- And of course the Carolina Cousins of Catawba Coutny, a.k.a. The Pannell Boys
To all of you and your families, I am eternally grateful for your warmth and generosity. And of course my home will always be open to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Akim in Baltimore