We’re out in Iowa for the weekend. A meet was planned in Sioux Center which is in the top northwestern corner of the state. We had originally planned to come for the one in two weeks until we realized Elianna’s regional meet was the same day. The college meets come to a total of five, not including the team 5k they run at the start of the season, or the conference meet where only the top 8 runners of the season participate.

I’d come to every single one if I could, and am still bummed about missing the Augustana Invitational in Sioux Falls. It’s worth it to me to be here for them especially knowing how fast it all goes. Even now we’re already at midterm, and before you know (Lord-willing) two years of college will be behind us. Elianna is on a college visit to Concordia Seward with one of her friends. She doesn’t want to go there but went for the trip.

A policeman pulled me over not long after I’d started to drive and gave me a speeding ticket with a fine for $175. I took it stoically and didn’t say much about it at the time or later and neither really did anyone else. My aunt and parents said goodbye to my grandma and began their travels home from New York. We’ve been keeping each other informed with a group text sending flight info and driving times and pictures of the trees.