(ONTARIO + MICHIGAN) + (ILLINOIS + INDIANA) = NORTH DAKOTA

This past week was full of new stuff. New blossoms included the perfume-y lilacs and multi-colour tulips. New plantings included peas and chard. Then we went on a new driving route (finishing up in separate vehicles --- read on), starting with a cousin-visit in hometown Windsor on Victoria Day. Over to Michigan for a cousin-guided pilgrimage to my late Aunt's house. Eventually to a niece's home where the gardeners graphed a new plot like a military campaign ---- what goes where? what colours/colors? sun or shade?

In the meantime, Pat needs a little truck and I'm always looking for the next red convertible. So who got their wish?? Both of us! Last week I found and "won" an ebay auction on a 1989 Dodge Dakota convertible pickup. I flew to Chicago on Tuesday, went to DeKalb Illinois to do the paperwork with the seller, and promptly drove 400 miles through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan to wait out the US customs 72-hour notice requirement. It's a beauty, kept in great shape with all kinds of new parts and upgrades. How cool is the burgundy velour interior with re-installed original cassette tape player?!?

Crossed the border with documents for both sides and only one dubious delaying customs lady (guess: was she on the U.S. side or a Canadian officer?) Very excited driving back home. I had driven 600 miles with just a temporary Illinois window sticker on the back window and no problems. But when Pat took her turn to drive about 60 miles, she was stopped THREE times by the highway cops (non-conforming sticker is supposed to be in the front window in Ontario). I think they just wanted to check out the cool truck.

You might recall we had one of these rare trucks, white, in the late '90's. Do you think this one will actually get dirty doing garden work?? Hmmm. Oh, and we always name our rides. A Dodge Dakota exported to Canada?? Obvious name ----  North Dakota!