*MON Jul 28* Monday was a 19 mi March: from Ashland to W. Omaha, NE. We got up at 4:45am had an early breakfast and tried to get on the road early. The Marchers didn’t circle up until 7am. And there was work to do to get the church left ‘cleaner-than-we-found-it’. My job on breakfast cleanup was done, so after the circle-up I left for W Omaha. It was a long ride. I didn’t get to Hope Presbyterian church until 12:30pm. I ate lunch and phoned Joan Wallace, my friend and host for the next 2 days. She indicated that she could come and get me when I was ready. I told JJ that I had put my bike on his trailer when Don and Jane McClain arrived! They indicated they had stopped in to see Joan and would take me to her house. When we arrived we met Joan’s daughter, Jil. Joan indicated she had the bathroom ready for me. What a treat to take a bath and not just a quick shower. (*Here's the picture that Joan took when he was presentable.*) We had a leisurely afternoon and shared the history that linked us all together. I learned that Joan is self-employed, which means she can make her schedule to suit her needs. She arranges translation of Spanish, French, and Thai on the Internet: amazing. Don had already chosen a restaurant in the Farmers’ Market where he wanted to have dinner. We went out and had dinner. We came back and continued our sharing history and reminiscing until bedtime. Joan had given me her bedroom and Jil was sharing her bedroom with her mother. What wonderful friends, is all I can say. *TUE Jul 29* Tuesday was an easy morning. Joan made sure I had my favorite breakfast, granola and yogurt. She offered to take me shopping because I needed bicycle gloves, etc. We got the shopping done and Joan made a lasagna dish for the potluck for the Marchers at a church halfway to the next campsite. Don and Jane and Patty and Dick Whiteman joined us. We continued to share stories from the past. We also agreed to attend the Rally at the café near the Tuesday night campsite. I had the opportunity to introduce Joan, Don and Jane and Patty and Dick to the Marchers. At the cafe the Prairie Gator Band played a set of music and paused for announcements on Climate Change and fundraising for the March. When the band began playing again our ‘crowd’ decided to leave. But it was a good day for the marchers as well as for me personally. [image: Inline image 1] -- Peace, David
