Day 23 ~ Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Well, We Survived a very CRAZY Midwest Storm last night!  Lights were out at the Nolte Camp around 2:00 a.m., we layed in bed watching the light show in the distance, but then.....the wind picked up, so we both jumped out of bed to get our awning pulled in.  We did it just in the nick of time because the wind would have ripped it right off of our fifth wheel!  Once we got back inside, we went back to bed and watched the wind whip the tree's around like a washing machine would agitate clothes!  About 15 minutes went by then the rain/hail came down.  The lightening & thunder was right over us now!  We saw one bolt of lightening hit the campground!  This was about the time when both Tanner and Frankie joined us up in the bedroom.  It just kept getting louder and louder!!!  Our fifth wheel was just shaking!  This went on for about 2 hours.  What a wild experience!

We got up early, around 6:00am, made coffee and sat outside and enjoyed the morning sunrise.  It's going to be another hot and humid day!  This was our day to get caught up on our chores.  The floors got mopped, a good vacuum throughout the RV, re-organizing paperwork and other newly purchased items.  A day to get things back in good order!!

Later in the afternoon, I (Jackie) got my haircut, and did some shopping at the mall.  Very relaxing.  John got the oil changed in the truck and went back to the RV to exercise the dogs.

We met up with Lori and Jim for dinner at the The Parlor Pub & Eatery.  Great meal!  After we ate, they gave us a great tour of some of the oldest homes in Cedar Rapids!  It was amazing to see all these homes.  The neighborhoods here are like something out of Norman Rockwell!  I told John we need to build a new home that resembles the architecture of an old home.  We were both awestruck by the beauty of these homes and neighborhoods.  We also got to see where John grew up as a young boy.  We all had a really good time together!  Thanks Lori and Jim for a wonderful evening!