March 5 Bismarck, ND

Another day of driving and driving. The further east we got, the more snow there was, but didn't drive through any bad weather, just some drizzles and gloom.

The men's retreat is held at the Academy out side of Bismarck. We tried to get a room in the dorm, but only men are welcome here this weekend. Even the cook is a man, with all male workers.

We were only open an hour, but did a good business. We were at the academy a couple hours early, which was good. I took that time to take out all my Spanish books and put in all my Men's books. Our trailer just isn't big enough.

One of the leaders for the men's group invited us to stay for supper, and even gave us free meal tickets. The food was good but it certainly was a man's meal. It was chili, rice and bread. Nothing fancy. But especially since breakfast was a distant memory, we enjoyed and appreciated it.

Pastor Richard O'Ffill is the main speaker this weekend. He has written eight books. When I found out that he was the speaker, I made it a point to read some of his books. I've enjoyed them and would have loved to hear him speak.

While we were eating our supper, he came to our table and started talking to us. Actually he was giving me a hard time, saying I was spy from the women's Ministry. Luckily after reading his books, I knew he had a since of humor. Once I let him know that Jim and I were selling his book and without me, Jim couldn't be here, he changed his tune. Then I became the most welcome guest on campus. We were even invited to attend his meetings, as long as I set in the back! He's funny!

I think the attending men are in for a real treat this weekend.

We heard bad news today about our academy in Kansas. At the end of this school year, it will be closing. I understand the financial reason, but I still hate it. Not only was that four very important years of my life, but that's where Jim and I met, 50 years ago.

We borrowed a car from the Thompson's for the weekend. He was boy's dean when Jim was in school. Without the trailer, the truck would bounce around too much to drive. So, we are able to drive to town, find a motel and relax a little. It's been stressful trying to get here on time and be ready for our first sale. We're about 1,000 miles from home.