[Alan From NYC]

May 25. Left Erin, Mike and, after stopping at IHOP for breakfast, Bettendorf.

Arranged to meet up en route home with Ellen before my phone died (due to past due bill).

We arrived simultaneously at a McDonald's around noon. (Photo will be posted later.) Since Ellen had to be at work soon, we didn't have much time, but what we did have passed quickly and very pleasantly.

Arrived at Maumee, Ohio at the dinner hour and stopped for the night at a too hot room at the Econo Lodge. Dinner was mediocre Italian fare, but I also found a Cingular office and restored phone service.

May 26. Left Maumee after a so so breakfast at the Waffle House and cashing my payroll check to cover travel expenses.

Soon after, I got caught in a brief but nasty rain storm. With several stops for rest and/or food I arrived at my friend's house in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, where I'll be spending the night.

I should be arriving home sometime on Sunday. Sorry I missed the DC get together, but as I predicted, I was too tired.