Those 70ish Girls

How did I get two days behind? The last post was about what we did Monday night. This is Thursday night and we’re in Minnesota.

We’re staying at this beautiful KOA Park in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Last night we were in Chamberlain. SD.

This is Dignity…she is a beautiful statue. She sits on top a hill at the Louis and Clark rest area near Chamberlain. SD

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I’m really sorry about this, but I have to go back to Tuesday in Murdo. 

Tuesday in Murdo

We got up Tuesday morning and attended a wonderful breakfast held in my honor at the Star Restaurant. I have come a long way from the days when only the cream of the crop got to work at Cafe 16.That’s what the Star was called back then. Frank and Pearl McCurdy owned it. Anyway, those cream of the crop girls made a boat load of tip money waiting tables at Cafe 16.

I never got to work at a prestigious place like that because I had to rent rooms at Mom’s Chalet Motel, and then turn around and clean them in the morning. Yes…I was a chamber maid. The only summer I did something different was when I bailed on Mom to go work at the Frosty Freeze because Connie Jackson worked there and I wanted to be like Connie. That didn’t exactly work out because Connie didn’t work there that summer.

Excuse me a second here. I was informed today that some people are following this blog because I said I was going to write about the two month epic road trip we’re on and they’re not that interested in my “Murdo Girl goes to Murdo” stories.

Road Trip on Wednesday

We left Murdo on Wednesday morning and traveled to Presho to attend a luncheon in my honor at Hutch’s Restaurant. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot we saw a crazed fan run out to greet us. When I entered the restaurant, I was quickly rushed to my seat. Kip eventually got through the crowded room and was seated beside me. The people hosting the rather lavish luncheon were so filled with awe and excitement, they could hardly talk, so I did my best to keep things going. I love it when I don’t have to talk over other people.

Eventually the invited guests found their voices, so I concentrated on eating my chicken fingers and fries. After lunch I spent some time autographing my recent books. Man O man was I getting tired. I perked up a little when they started handing me lavish gifts. Words can’t do them justice, so I’ll have someone draw some photos for you. They won’t be autographed, however.

Back off from the bag Kitty and stay away from my Bings.

Seriously, it was a day that will forever be remembered by me as one of the highlights of my life. How often do you get the opportunity to meet, for the first time, someone you have felt a close friendship with for a couple of years. I don’t know how I got to be so blessed to have these amazing women in my life.

I crowned them…love you Sherri Miller, aka crazed fan, on the left, and Dianna Diehm aka Pearl like, on the right. Amber Diehm, the beautiful girl in the top photo is Dianna’s daughter. Her dog Arf, is Soo’-tah in Dakota’s Story.

Now where was I?

After the breakfast in my honor on Wednesday, I was rushed to the home of Sheila Hurst for a private coffee party. Wouldn’t you know it? We were stopped by what we thought might be the press, but it turned out to be relatives. It was so nice to visit with my cousin Terry and his wife, Kay.

Terry and Kay

The dogs had a great time running around Sheila’s beautiful estate while Sheila and I conversed and of course she asked me to autograph her copy of my Connie’s Story book. I casually asked Sheila if she knew of anyone who had actually read it. She didn’t look at me when she thought for a minute before she said, “No.”

Shortly after that, I had to leave. It was time for me to meet Teresa Palmer at the Murdo Drive-in. She had a twist cone and I had the shake that will one day be named MG’s shakin rhubarb shake…in my honor.

Teresa is a neat person. I consider her a good friend and it was fun to spend some time with her. Besides that, I love having my picture taken in front of the drive-in. It’s painted my favorite color.

Let’s see what else? Oh right. I dropped by my old grade school to see Tammy Lindquist Van Dam. Imagine my surprise when I saw my sign. Tammy knows how much I love signs and banners.

After we left the school, we went to see the 1880 town. It was great. We especially loved the “Dances with Wolves” display. I’m sorry I don’t have pictures of it. It’s very impressive.

These are some of the original buildings featured.

I’m going to post this post…post haste. Kip and I have to get back on the road this beautiful Friday morning. I’m not finished with my Murdo tell all, so stay tuned. Wait until you find out what my old football team did. Yup…the guys I used to date finally touched base with me. No pun intended.