Tomorrow is an important day for me. Near the end of my ride, I will pass the mid-point of this trip and be facing fewer miles than I have traveled.

The psychological impact is notable.  As with all challenges worth the effort, this one comes with profoundly moving moments that at times get lost in the chronic leg numbness, unnatural proximity to road kill, foreign insects, and acts of nature that could make a person of lesser faith question their God.

It is a peculiarity of this kind of quest that it generates from your noblest self,  but exposes your least attractive.

And then, another moment.

Please meet Myron Stiles  A bartender at the HoffBrau Steakhouse, Myron is working toward his teaching certification and a Master’s program in Education Administration.  Born and raised in Amarillo, he has an easy style and the good ear that comes with his profession. 

Myron Stiles

And so, these moments ease the ride.  Nice.

Practicing openness can take many forms.

When my friend Maureen from Roseville suggested that I create a photo journal of the diner food that I eat on this trip, I was intrigued.  Deciding to expand on the idea, I committed to ordering whatever the house specialty was, photographing it and eating it.  My cardiac health aside, this little gambit has worked out better than I anticipated.  Tonight, however, I will admit that my heart sank just a bit when the waitress at the Silver Moon Cafe told me they were known for their beef green chili stew.

That sinking feeling turned into a thump when it was placed in from of me.  I proceeded with caution and must report that this was one of the most satisfying meals that I have eaten in recent memory.  Sweet reward.

My favorite part of the debate tonight was when the discussion turned to reasonable discourse among people of opposing views.  It must start with our leadership, but it is clear to me that we all, as an active citizenry, are called to get uncomfortable and engage in the process.  Plainly stated, our isolation is not serving our democracy.

In that spirit, I would like to introduce you to Morley and Vaniece Sprage.  En route home to Utah, they were traveling with their 3 year old granddaughter Tiedra.  Morley and Vaniece have been raising Tiedra since she was 3 months old.  They married in 1954 and have 4 children and 14 grandchildren.  They speak candidly of their fears and their faith.

The Sprages

Enjoy and, occasionally, order the house specialty.

It is back.

On this rainy day in Albuquerque, NM, I am feeling especially blessed.  I am not usually given to assigning sentimentality to ‘things’.  But as I put my VOTE flag back on my scooter, it was impossible not to connect it to the love and support from the incredible people, known and new, in my life.

For my new readers, you should know that my VOTE flag almost did not happen.  Early on, I discovered that I could not purchase a stock flag pole that fit my scooter.  My brother-in-law Marty McKay stepped in and designed and machined a custom bracket to fit my bike.  Sadly, at the outset of this journey, the flag was lost.  When learning of this, Levie of Levie’s Alterations in Bakersfield, CA, offered to make me another one.  In Williams, my friend Shayne Newbold attached the hardware to secure the flag.  And here in Albuquerque, Michael Resudek of Imagic Printing (on Louisianna Blvd) created the transfer prints to complete the process.  Oh, and a shout out to Veronica and her manager at the Rio Grande Best Western who, when I could not get a cab, kindly drove me in the hotel shuttle to pick up the transfers.

It is a small and touching symbol of the grace that has defined this journey and my life.  Please indulge me on this post as I miss my friends and family.

It starts with my children, Bobby and Katie.

There has not been a day since they came into my life that I have not cherished and been in bewildered awe.  They are good, kind and funny (seriously, these two are hysterical).  And there are few things that I have greater faith in or admiration of.  My world is joyful for knowing and loving them.  I miss you both.

(Note - This photo is a polaroid manipulation by Marisa Zucek, mother of beautiful Addison running toward Bobby and Katie)

I am at a loss to even begin to thank Derrick Kikuchi and Craig Wiesner.  My best friends, they are consummate examples of compassion, faith and service.  For going on three decades we have shared our triumphs and darkness with love and a light heart.  This journey could not have happened without them.  From the practical (giving up a combined 10 hours on a holiday to build and host my blog and endless IT support) to the inspirational (guiding my spirit and challenging my ideals) they are a my foundation. 

And my list goes on,

My sisters, Linda, Dianne and Debbie - For your wonderful humor,  unconditional encouragement and willingness not to mock me.

Marisa, Jamie, Addison and Daxton Zucek - For allowing me be a part of your beautiful family and for your endless talents which make me feel quite inadequate.

Mari, Steve and Amy Young - For your joy.  For supporting me though your concerns and loving me in spite of them.

Robert McDonald  - My ex-husband, and Bobby and Katie’s Dad.  For being great at both.

Juan Ernesto Rodriguez - For making every dream seem graspable.

Bob and Donna DeVries - For being my role models and showing me what is possible.

My fellow evil deacons, Sharon McClintock and Sue Skulina - For seeing the best in all things, my world is brighter.

My crew, Kelly Bailey, Bob and Pearl Campbell, Roderick and Merrianne Young and Carol and Dave Bassett - Your insights and laughter challenge and feed me.

My boss and yes, Republican friend, Don Metzger - For supporting my absence and my dream without hesitation.  And to Elina for keeping the work fires burning.

David Chien - For my blog layout and graphics design and to Tifa, Nel and the entire Houston team - I miss you all.

Lisa Rudman - For believing in a stranger.

I am forever grateful.