Thursday, September 25, 2008

Home at last!

Fifty six hours on an Amtrak train, and we are now home. It was actually 28 hours there and 28 hours back. It actually wasn't bad at all! I don't enjoy flying, as I like to be grounded, and traveling this way was more comfortable than a plane too. You can stretch out and sleep, and get up and walk around a lot. There is a dining car, where you can eat meals, and you can get out at some of the stops and walk around. At this stop (pictured above), we were in Shelby, Montana. Miranda ran around in circles, and got some of her energy out. There were around 35 stops between Seattle and Devils Lake, North Dakota where my relatives live. We met so many interesting people on the train, from a buddhist monk, to a couple taking a trip from Washington state to the mall of America in Minnesota because it was something they had on their bucket list. And then there was also the cutest older man with a strong english accent that couldn't wait until it was 7:30am on the timetable (his words), so that he could get out in Rugby, North Dakota and take a picture, because he was from Rugby, England. The trip was fast, and went well. It was a huge family reunion, and I got to see every one of my cousins that I hadn't seen in 20 years! My grandmothers funeral was beautiful, and I believe she is with the Lord now. My grandma was one of 17 children, and there are only two sisters left. I got to meet Rose, her younger, 90 year old sister. She was very sweet and when asked if she knew the key to longevity, she said she once heard that there are 3 things you need to do to live a long life-go barefoot, drink sour milk, and never get married!

I would take the train again in a heartbeat! It wasn't bad at all, I got a lot of handmade projects done, enjoyed conversations with people, my brother, and Miranda, and got some reading in too! And who knows, I might just start a bucket list too, and take a trip over to the mall of America myself. What fun that would be!

6 comments:

Teresa said...

Welcome home friend! Did your hubby pass on the message that tonight was canceled and moved to Thursday?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun. I would love to travel by train too, much prefer that to flying.

Michelle R Photography said...

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I can't even begin to imagine 17 kids. And all before the days of indoor plumbing, Cheerios and Toaster Streudels. Wow.... Big wow!

I'm glad you were able to enjoy your time with family.

Tereasa said...

Sounds like fun! Did Lilyann go, too? I took a train from Detroit to Albuquerque before Gabriel was born. I've wanted to take the kids, but wonder how long I should wait before they're ready.

Ronda said...

Riding the train is definatley on my "bucket list."
I glad your grandmother's funeral went well-it is always so nice to have family come together for support.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back safe and sound, so sorry for your loss.

The train is a great method of travel, I use it weekly - so green, reasonable and great for time to read!

Welcome Home!