Half way there

Arrived our destination at 5:30 p.m. tonight after a brutal day behind the wheel, particularly for 60 miles around St. Louis, MO where sub zero temps had permanently bonded a two-inch layer of packed snow to the freeways -- a six-lane perfect storm of Minnesota-type weather, inexperienced drivers and a low budget maintenance program. We somehow skated through their rush hour, which was very light, because, we surmise, nobody goes to work there when it is below zero.
We've now checked in to Cape Girardeau and ordered the baby back ribs. The tall blond delivery boy said "Thenk Yew M'am" with the sweetest twang.

It was a tough day for our road dog. She was very good, riding
quietly and contentedly in her kennel. But now it's time to
loosen up a bit. (There's been some joyous bed-jumping.)

We're told that this is a lovely city and the birthplace of Radio Personality Rush Limbaugh. He's long since left town, which is a pity, because at 2 degrees, they could sure use some hot air here.
The freeway surface looks promising for tomorrow. Our New Orleans host called us in the car on the way down to see if we wanted to watch tv in bed (we always do) and to sheepishly prepare us for what he called "the coldest day of the year."
We laughed and said no problem, his very worst would be at least 60 degrees warmer than the Minus 24 actual degrees that nipped at us as we parted Shakopee at 5:50 this morning.
Now THAT was brisk.