Over half way to the museum in Chicago, other whatnot...

I arrived in Austin, Indiana tonight. It's 314 miles from my house. The trip I planned on doing is 570 miles from door to door to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, but I added 30 miles for side trips I knew I'd take and it was easier to calculate mileage, too. Plus, 600 is prettier than 570, you know it is. I guess what I've learned so far is that I can focus on a single item and stick with it. But I get easily distracted. For instance, right now, I'm listening to a song by Blue October. That guy has GOT to be bipolar. His lyrics sometimes are so profound to me, and it feels good to know that somebody might understand how I feel on occasion.

DON'T PANIC!

Everything is fine, just sometimes I feel like being manic or depressed. I'll get over it. I know what to do. Just pray for me as I do for all of you. Someday, when this mortal puts on immoratlity, and sheds the weaknesses of the flesh, all these physical and mental deformities will be washed away in the blood of the Lamb of God. I've prayed for it to be removed, but the answer is no, and I know why and I understand it, and accept it. It's my calling and I'll magnify it. I'm putting this in writing to hold myself accountable. So this is actually what I've been learning, while riding. Actually, it's good not to be on the actual interstate, apart from getting arrested for riding a non-motorized vehicle in an interstate, I'd have been run over by a truck pulling a camel trailer by now, as I drifted into traffic, lost in emotional mental gymnastics rather than looking at the lane lines.

I picked up Anna, our Swedish exchange student from 2003, at the airport today. It was so good to see her. She has really grown up. Totally pleasant to talk to, charming, intelligent, funny. She is staying with Christy and Scott Smith until Cindy gets home and then coming over here. We are going hiking, probably Saturday. I think I'll take her up to Roan Mountain. It's about 6300 at the top, but you can drive right up there. Beautiful views of NC, VA, TN, WV, and KY from the top when you are not lost in the wild rhododendron gardens. I asked Loni to go with us, and she said she would go hiking. Have to see what her schedule is like.

Ok, bed time. I have to get up at 5, be at work at 6, get some data for a meeting with TVA and plan some trips to river gages to take our student trainee to on his last day. He's going with me all day tomorrow. We are going to determine flood stages on a few river gages in Knox County. Big day in the sun.

I love you all.