Topeka......wow

Greetings from Topeka, Kansas,

Andy and I are very shocked as to how deserted downtown Topeka is for a city that is so clean. I wanted to go for a run but, wasn't sure if it was safe for me to since there is NO ONE on the streets. I did go for about a 2 mile walk and pretended that I was talking to someone on the phone the whole time.

The hotel where we are staying is an old 3 story apartment complex that has been converted into a hotel. I am tempted to ask the clerk at the desk how many "suites" are rented tonight. I did ask her about the Capital City being deserted and she said it is a ghost town on the weekends. Well, the bonus is they have free laundry facilites and WI-FI AND it's pet friendly. I wonder when we upload the pictures of the building if we will have Norman Bates in the background of any of our photos.

Somewhere inbetween St. Louis and Topeka we came upon a Stuckey's and we had to stop and look for Andy's sisters' favorite candy. No luck on the candy but, I did have a nice (but short) conversation with a fellow on his way home to Nebraska from Norfolk, VA. He had been in the Navy for 6 years and decided that he would go back to the family farm and work rather than face being "a reduction in force statistic." Funny thing I observed about him was what he was buying. One of those fake Mexican or Native American poncho's and something that reminded me of a "Plastic Jesus type" of figureen that would ride on the dash board of his car. Remember, we are at Stuckey's!!!! One stop shopping, I guess.

The dogs are being great. The only complaint that I have is that everytime a door slams in any of the hotels we have been in they "alert us." But, they are getting better.

No pictures to upload today b/c the card reader is in the truck and it is down 3 flights of stairs and we are tired.

Some things to note that I have forgotten to mention

---At one rest area in KY they have a picnic area and WI-FI zone (outside)
---A Biofuel station in Missouri
---There is a town named "Mexico" in Missouri
---No restaurants west of Kentucky have sweet tea; Andy is hating it.
---Realized when passing a military convoy give them the thumbs up sign NOT the peace sign.

Let us know if you are listening/reading this whether it be on facebook or if you become a "follower"

Tomorrow (Monday) we will be in S. Dakota. Tuesday we are going to Mt. Rushmore!!!

Happy trails

Nancy, Andy and 2 furry friends