She is a lady I'd love to meet. Well, actually I'd like to meet both of you. I've been fortunate over the years to have connected a few GPers on the way through to somewhere. I guess being in proximity of a major interstate has some advantages.

Did you have coffee, tea or a snort? LOL.

A snort? you guys are too much. Love Ya Steve S.

That must have been fun, wish she would post more.

That is so weird -- I was just thinking about Batya this morning, in a gardening context, and wondering if she was still in the Chicago area.

It's great that you two got to meet face to face!

Yes, it was lovely!! Putting a face on folks is a treat, and so was that fabulous cherry pastry Michelle baked...we did find that we could have gone on for hours, very pleasant time, well spent. Go! Visit each other! Yahoo!

The rest of my trip was a continuing adventure. As I pulled up to their lovely home, I noticed my car was leaking some vital fluids. Michelle and husband Steve gamely brought out flashlights and helped me check under the hood, and after much too short a visit I was off to Madison to see folks I hadn't seen in 25 years. After much catching up and laughter, the next morning I was off to 3 hours north, past Tomahawk. Those buddies also took me to their mechanic just to check out the car, and for no money and with huge generosity, they added more vital fluids and a leak sealer and said I was good to go. Off I went to more dear, old friends. The next morning, they also took me to their trusted car guy, 20 miles away. More fluids, more checks, more generosity, and "You're good to go". With my buddy Tom with me, we set off back to the farmhouse, only to get between two hills and no transmission. Conked out for good this time, so his delightful wife came out with the truck and they towed me back to that same car guy, who promised to call me with his opinion. Back to the farmhouse, yummy eats, and then the call, which he started out with the question "Are you sitting down?"

Of course the old gal had to be put out of her misery then and there. I was offered $50 for it as junk. Back again 20 miles to strip the licenses and stuff in the back, and goodbye car. Left the jack and crowbar and extra car fluids with my buddy as a thank you for all they had done (and for the hot tub on a clear cold evening in the country).
Another buddy going my way generously drove me back to Madison, where that day I had a visitor date with an even older friend who is a long time guest of the State. No car, blizzard coming in, I rented a car and drove an hour and a half for a bittersweet, lovely chat with a man who was delighted beyond words to see me. As we chatted and made believe this was just a normal visit between old friends, the weather got worse outside. Even though he had wrangled an extra hour's time for the visit, by 5:00 I had to say reluctant goodbyes and get back on the road to Madison.
I drove 20-30 miles an hour in a blizzard for two and a half hours. I couldn't figure out the mechanism for the wipers, and so pushed it manually while steering the entire way. It's been years since I've seen snow, much less drove the interstate in a blizzard.
Returning the car at the airport, I realized I had forgotten to fill up the gas tank, and they were going to charge me through the nose. Back into the car, back into the blizzard, back to the rental, and my friend's husband played white knight to pick me up and take me to their home. More laughter and food, and this morning (as we gazed out on 15 inches of freshly fallen snow) I got the bus to Chicago, hauling duffel, pillow and the license plates. Eight blocks walk to the train, and good old mom picking me up.
Besides being grateful for good friends and the generosity of near and complete strangers, it was a great trip. I have 15 more days here, and then back to Haifa. I have seen the midwest in fall, and it has filled me up like ambrosia. I have heard the cruch of clean snow beneath my boots. I have reconnected with the comrads of my often mis-spent youth, and found them to be the same old friends still, albeit a little rounder and carrying pictures of grandchildren. I am astonished at how much I slip into being at home here, with a ready-made group of folks who remember me when, and love me anyway. It's a little scary to know that I may not be back for this long for a very long time.
And here's to making lemonade out of the lemons that come our way. Thanks for all your good wishes, Batya

As one of the lucky ones to have Michelle as a friend, I know what a treat it was to spend time with her. I envy you both.

Batya, I am so happy for you that you could be back for at least for a nice visit, sorry that your car died while you were here.

Have a safe trip back and stay safe when you get there.