Greetings from Milwaukee, WI.....(martha)

Wednesday evening we stopped in Canton (Ohio) to visit the Football Hall of Fame in the evening. Yesterday morning, our first stop was in Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That stop was a highlight.

The building was well designed with many levels, videos, film clips and private alcoves. It sits on the edge of Lake Erie adjacent to a Science Museum and the Stadium for the Cleveland Browns. Music plays continuously which creates an energetic atmosphere. Many exhibits were interactive. In addition, there were several "costume" collections worn by performers including Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson, etc. It is a good thing I'll never go on stage; I can't imagine appearing in public in any of those outfits.

After leaving, the rest of the day was spent traveling from Cleveland to Milwaukee. The day was overcast, gray and mostly rainy. Things slowed down passing through Chicago because of the volume of traffic. Road construction along the way brought back the old saw about two seasons in the Midwest. Winter and road construction.

We are stopping in Milwaukee to visit our niece, Anna. She and the other freshman attending Marquette moved into the dorm on Wednesday. We will see her after checking out and then continue our trip. Next stop is (Hastings,) Minnesota and the home of Jeff's sister, Jeanine and husband, Al. We will visit family and friends before our trek continues again.

GO!

Well, "all our bags are packed, we're ready to go," - almost. As soon as we load up we will begin our trek. Of course we leave with mixed emotions, and the impact of our departure may not sink in for awhile. But, I truly believe that Tucson is God's next place for us. I feel a certain peace and calm about all of this, and the "unknown" of Tucson is not too daunting to me. I realize that Martha is more aware of what she is leaving behind, so this is harder for her right now. At some point it will hit me too, but for now I am ready to saddle up our horses and head into the next Great Adventure God has in store for us.

Our thanks to all of you for your love, support, and encouragement over the years. We are better people for having had this time with you. Thanks also for all your gifts, letters, and special events that have humbled us and touched our hearts deeply.

Remember, this is not goodbye, merely adios until we meet again.

Jeff

Get Set....(martha)

We sold our home in July; our furniture, household goods and (my) car were shipped to AZ on July 30. While waiting to depart, we moved to the home of Mike and Gayle Andrews in McLean, VA. They are long-time friends (we all met as newlyweds in 1980). After nearly four weeks, we are still talking and remain the best of friends! In fact, they hosted a lovely farewell dinner at the Washington Golf and Country Club with Jeff's golfing partners and their wives. (Mike is one of Jeff's partners.) We wives count ourselves lucky we don't have to waste, oops, I mean "spend" time on the course with them. Besides, after my drive, I pick up my ball and walk until I can throw it on the green. My goal is avoiding a spot on their foursome. Whew, I have succeeded. We have been eating our way through our goodbyes in the last few weeks. Two more days of work. Two more "last suppers" and then we hit the road on Wednesday morning to begin driving. First stop is Ohio (rock and roll Hall of Fame.) The clothes barely fit and the jeans are snug, so we better leave soon! Yet, it is hard to leave behind our church, the other things we love and the deep friendships we have made.

Getting Ready

Well, Martha and I are in the last stages of leaving for Tucson. She will complete her work on Tuesday August 25th, and we begin our trek to AZ via MN and other points of interest along the way, the following day. We will keep you informed as to our progress and impressions. Jeff