Pony Express Tom Meadows Style

We couldn't resist stopping to investigate after seeing this sign......

especially since Tom was making such good time across Nebraska in his own Pony Express style.

This is one of the original stations where Pony Express riders would stop and get a new horse in their 100 mile relay carrying mail across the West.

Check out the following job description.

  

In his own Tommy Express Style, we arrived in Cheyenne, Wyoming just in time to shop at the Sierra Trading Post Outlet. Nice new jacket, Lorraine!

Our last stop of the day was to buy a homemade apple pie, a Meadows tradition for many years known to appease the bears while camping.

Goodbye to our sweet family, Hello Nebraska

Grandma Lorraine gets her last goodbye hugs from squeezeable 9 month old Parker Thomas Gee.

What a precious boy!

Big Grandpa Tom and little Parker practicing the monster mash.

What a sweet family, we will miss you very much!

Loved our week long campsite in the Gee's backyard under the cottonwood trees.

500 miles later we tried another TV Food Network Eatery in Omaha known for their brined and smoked brisket sandwich....super yummy! 

Glen Ellyn in Bloom

Blooming beauties around Monica's yard...nice don't you think?

Monica's kitchen window box in full bloom. I'm so proud of you honey!

Baseball, Bikes and Baby

Although God has not smiled on the Cubs in 100 years (no World Series) they are still a dearly loved team and play in the most classic stadium of all time. Tom and Brian enjoyed a day at the ballpark eating Chicago dogs and cheering on the Cubbies who beat the Dodgers 1 to 0.

Getting to spend time with our grandson, Parker Thomas Gee has been one of the highlights of the week. Tom believes that brainwashing starts early.    

Monica has a cute and cuddley monster.

A family bike ride to Lake  Ellyn. Parker is lovin' being chauffeured about.

What a wonderful week with our family! We will be sad to say goodbye tomorrow but will treasure the memories of the sweet times we've had together.

Sunday in St. Louis

We had a great time of worship with our new friends at Clayton Missionary Baptist Church (not Ron Randel's home church, as we had thought).  

Here is a drive by of Busch Stadium the home of the St Louis Cardinals.

 We arrive at Brian, Monica, and Parker's home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois for more fun and family time.

Monday in downtown beautiful Naperville, Illinois the number one most desireable place to live in the U.S.A.

(can't you tell by our faces)

Cooling off our grandson Parker, as we enjoy 90 degree temperature with 80 percent humidity (but feels like 100 plus) you know, "Wet Heat".

Drives, Diners and Dinner

Main Street in Stroud, Oklahoma is on the infamous Route 66 where we had breakfast at the Rock Cafe

We agree with Guy Fieretti from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives that this was a very worth while stop.

The house special omelet and biscuits and gravey hit the spot.

In Rock Cafe tradition we left or mark on the bathroom wall.

500 miles later we arrived in St. Louis Missouri to enjoy soul food at Sweetie Pies (rating 5 stars).

Fried catfish, bbq ribs, blackeyed-peas, sweet potatoes, mac and chesse, okra and peach cobbler...

all cooked and served by the nicest people you'll ever meet.

A beautiful Saturday evening in downtown St. Louis.

Big Texas

A New Mexico morning begins with  an extra large size game of chess before heading into Big Texas.

 

Oh yes, we arrived at the long awaited visit to the "Big Texan" the home of the free 72 oz. steak

 "if you eat it in an hour".

Here is the big ole'steak. What do you think, did Tom give it a go?

It was hard to pass up a good deal but he decided to "pay" for a more sensible size steak instead of "paying" later with a belly ache. His 18oz. ribeye was perfectly delicious!

From Big Hats to Big Boots, it's all Bigger in Texas