POSTCARD FROM SPOKANE, WA - June 17, 2010

Well, we think we may have entered the Arctic Circle today!! Snow
covered mountain tops and 48 degree temps!!

Our fine hosts at Billings were all there with the kids in tow, lunches
ready for the coolers and smiles on all of their faces! The first night
in our hosts' homes went spectacularly well and even our rookies were
excited and eager to share their stories as they made their goodbyes and
hopped back onto the bus. Thank you, Billings!!

Onto the highway (yes, I-90, the same road that heads past East
Towne.....) with a few children snoozing for an hour or so before we
popped in a movie. We didn't mind the quiet time because the snow
covered mountain tops appeared almost immediately to the east of
Billings. For some kids, it was their first view of the Rockies and
even for the seasoned sightseers it was lovely! Our Captain Jim has
worked his "guns" holding onto the steering wheel of the 51,000 pound
45' long bus throughout the winds that gusted to 35 mph. It was quite
the wind whipping us around from all directions, but thankfully as we
got further west, it subsided...just in time to start with the rain! We
pulled in at one rest stop just to decide it was raining too hard, let's
go down the road to the next one. Did that, the rain had lessened a
bit, but what a shock when we got off to the frigid temp! Most of the
kids opted to eat their lunches on the bus-wisely!

We completed the 745 miles across the ENTIRE state of Montana and
crossed the border into Idaho. What a scenic drive as we approached
Lake Cour'd Alene, an incredibly gorgeous scene - we can only imagine
how much more beautiful it would be with clear blue skies! Only about
60 miles of Idaho we travelled through today before we entered
Washington. Good thing we are the United States and don't need to pass
customs officials at each border!

Only sprinkling as we drove up to Spokane Valley United Methodist Church
where our enthusiastic hosts waved to us from the doorway and escorted
the gang into the dining room for a fantastic, hot, comfort food filled
dinner certainly welcomed on brisk day! Following the dinner, into the
sanctuary, warm ups and then into concert attire.

We had another wonderful audience! So appreciative and were game to
participate in Sahayta! Passed with flying colors!! Wahoo! Fun, too,
with family joining our some of our choristers: Masha had her aunt and
uncle (also MY sister and brother-in-law!), Elsa had her aunt and uncle,
and Kendra and Laurel had a whole gang come over from Idaho! It was
fine to have that personal touch in the crowd!

Our usual scurry to get lined up with their hosts and grab their
suitcases and head off for a night of new friend-making here in Spokane.
What a great day and night!

Again, check out the web site: www.wisconsinchildrenschoir.org for
latest photo and video postings.

We are now TWO hours time difference and while it may only show 10:30 pm
Pacific Time, I think I'm still at 12:30 am Central Time!

Til next time,
Sue