Deep Freeze

The wind chill of -20 makes it sound worse than it was this morning.  The real temp without wind chill was a much better -6.

We were hopeful we would have heat in the van today.  No such luck, so we bundled up and kept the girls under comforters for the ride.  John had asked for AC in the new van.  I wish he had asked for heat too.  We stopped at a WalMart to buy warm socks.  Our feet were so cold they were numb.

Since it was so damn cold we figured we would bypass the icy back roads and stay on interstates. It was I 70 east most of the day.

We crossed into Kansas where it was barely warmer- 12 degrees and we stopped soon after to let the dogs pee at a truck stop.

Don't be fooled by the palm trees.  Plastic.  Totally fake.

At the truck stop we elected to try blocking the radiator with cardboard, since the extreme cold temps weren't allowing the coolant to heat up at all, and the van interior is warmed by the hot coolant fluid.  Success!  We have normal coolant temps and heat inside the van once again!  Thank god, cuz John was using the "S" word (Sprinter).

No offense to the good people of Kansas, but if there is a more monotonous state I don't know it. Mile after mile of flat wheat fields and tiny farm towns.

We filled up at a truck stop in Salina, and Vanessa wouldn't start.  A kind motorist gave us a jump.  

Our next stop was a Holiday Inn in Abilene, and again the van wouldn't start and she has sprung another coolant leak too.  I'm close to losing it after the events of the day, but fortunately John is here to keep me focused.  Now I too am questioning why we didn't get a Sprinter.  We will troubleshoot in the daylight tomorrow.  Or look for a rental car....

In the meantime, see if you can match the person with his/ her Kansas hometown.  We went thru all of these towns today.  And keep fingers crossed we aren't stranded in Abilene.  Please.

TOWN

1.  Ellis

2.  Russell

3.  Salina

4.  Abilene

PERSON

A.  Dwight D. Eisenhower

B.  Bob Dole (senator, presidential nominee, and Viagra spokesmodel. Can't blame him.  Not much else to do around here)

C.  Walter P. Chrysler

D.  Judy Barton, played by Kim Novak, in "Vertigo"