Black Hills

We made it here to Ft. Welikit in the Black Hills of South Dakota. After miles and miles across South Dakota with this view, we arrived yesterday afternoon. It is gorgeous here. Low humidity, temperatures in the low 70's. Perfection. All three of us slept like logs last night and we're very happy to be together.

Last night we took a walk and ended up at the playground where Piper challenged Papa to a game of tetherball. My photos are out of order, that one is below the next one. While they were playing, a group of little kids gathered round asking Piper to play with them. She's just like her Uncle Alex, he's the Pied Piper of little kids and always has little ones following him around. He's always been like that. He was a great elementary school teacher in Japan before he moved to London. Piper seems to have inherited that gift of being great with little kids.

She ended up playing with them for over an hour, organizing games of tetherball and volleyball. They all yelled, "same time tomorrow," as they left for their campsites!

Here she is with Papa. They played several games and I think they both won several. You can see her laughing like crazy for some reason at Papa in this picture.

Here's the view outside our camper door this morning. We love this place. I really think it's my favorite place to camp of anywhere we've been. We have a flat top grill that you see on the picnic table. It's used a LOT when we're camping. Last night Papa made burgers when we got here. Tonight is spaghetti and meatballs, (but not on the grill). Ha!

The reality of life in a camper with a teenager! This is the sofa that makes into a queen size bed. We've put a memory foam topper on top of the sofa cushions for her and she says it's really comfortable after two nights.

I'm in the process of doing a load of laundry as I type this. I have to say, this was an amazing and wonderful addition to the camper. Who would have thought I would be so excited over a washer/dryer? No more trying to find enough quarters to wash and dry clothes. Not to mention lugging them to the laundry room. This machine does both, wash and dry. I love having it.

I didn't go with Papa and Piper today. They're heading to Wind Cave for a cave tour and then to Evans Plunge, in Hot Springs to swim. It's an indoor natural hot spring pool. Lots of fun for everyone. Except me. I woke up to back spasms this morning before I even got out of bed. I think I tweaked it yesterday when I got out of the truck at one stop. I opted to stay at the camper rather than put a damper on their day of fun. I don't mind. I have my yarn, books, laundry to do and a recliner as well as that beautiful scenery to sit outside and look at. They both seemed disappointed, although I think with me and my issues, they should be used to me disappointing them. 

Meanwhile, Zoey stayed home at Piper's house with her sister, Lizzie. She doesn't seem too upset does she?  Look at those cushy blankets those babies get to sleep on. This is in Mandy's office while she works. They want to be with her. Mandy said Zoey did spend quite awhile sitting on the back of the sofa when we left her, staring at the door waiting for us to come back. I know how much she loves it there though and being with Lizzie so I don't feel too bad. We do miss her. Dennis and I both find ourselves looking for her here in the camper. Both Brad and Mandy work from home so the puppies have lots of attention and company.

Take care. I'm trying to comment on blogs while we're here as the internet seems pretty good this year. They must have installed upgraded WiFi. I hope you're all well and enjoying the end of May. I'll be back soon! We have a visit to Mt. Rushmore planned for tomorrow. We're letting Piper choose the activities she wants to do and she asked for a return visit there. We always enjoy it and it's pretty impressive to see.

Blessings and hugs,

Betsy

The Unclouded Day 

Words and music by Josiah K. Alwood

Verse 1
O they tell me of a home Far beyond the skies
They tell me
Of a home far away
O they tell me of a home Where no storm clouds rise O they tell me
Of an unclouded day

Chorus
O the land of cloudless day
O the land of an unclouded sky O they tell me of a home Where no storm clouds rise
O they tell me
Of an unclouded day

Verse 2
Well they tell me that He smiles On His children there
And His smile
Drives their sorrow all away And they tell me
That no tears ever come again In that lovely land
Of unclouded day

Chorus
O the land of cloudless day
O the land of an unclouded sky O they tell me of a home Where no storm clouds rise
O they tell me
Of an unclouded day

Repeat chorus