Nebraska!!

The inspiration from this trip came from the fact that I have a goal of visiting all 50 states.  As of the beginning of this trip, I had been to 35... or perhaps 41.  But more on that in a minute.  So back in March, Mom said to me, "What states do you need in the middle of the country?"  I answered, "Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota."  She said, "Well let's just do it!"   And the planning began.

The question about the number of states I've visited is due to the fact that there seems to be a family debate about whether I've been to New England.  I would have been about six years old, but nobody can remember if I was along on the trip or if I stayed behind with some grandparents.  Here's hoping there's a clear answer in one of my childhood photo books once I return home to North Carolina.  This trip I'm currently on will either bring me to 42... or 48... states! 

Regardless of the answer to that question, today was new state #1 for this trip!

And to be honest, the real reason for taking two days to travel 10 hours was so I could see these fine humans and have time to spend the evening with them!

No, they didn't manage to turn me into a Husker while I was with them.

We had dinner together and toured around campus and Lincoln a bit, then had dessert on their back patio, a view I had seen before only on zoom meetings!

A beautiful garden area that is also a popular wedding venue

State capitol, of course!

Outdoor dessert and hangout time on a BEAUTIFUL evening.

Thanks, friends, for a FUN evening.  Tomorrow the journey continues.  Next stop, Wyoming!