The road most traveled

Well, we were at it again. Another weekend getaway to West Des Moines and the last of face-to-face interviews at ITA Group. Now comes decision time -- both for ITA Group and for Mike. What a wonderful company. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, we had an opportunity once again (actually twice) to stop and dine at the World's Largest Truckstop -- Iowa 80, located almost exactly at the midpoint of our 308 mile journey along I-80. The rest stop presents a diner's paradise (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, just to name a few), shopping, and even a little package of Snowman Poop, selling for about a buck (don't ask).

Iowa road trip

A long yet fruitful weekend. Good fortune was certainly on our side for most of it. The Shanahan family left Thursday late morning for Des Moines, IA in pursuit of future opportunities. Mike was scheduled for an interview with ITA Group in West Des Moines on Friday. We had a wedding reception to attend in Muscatine on Saturday. Then hopefully a Bears' game to catch on Sunday. Looming was a not-so-favorable forecast that predicted the arrival of anywhere from 10-15 inches of snow.

But with Max, our faithful canine companion, remaining behind under the watchful eye of our sitter, we scooted out of Geneva about a half day or so ahead of the predicted snowfall. And the rest was a whirlwind of activity: interviews, hotel rooms, car rides, and bitter cold weather.

In between all of this was a wonderful wedding reception for friends Hannah and Brian. Su was able to dress up for the occasion (see picture above) and was a dancing machine on the dance floor. And we were thrilled to see old friends from our previous adventures in Iowa. After a long night, all of us turned in for the night, including Su's pals (L to R: Rusty, Sprinkles, Sunflower, and Brown Cow).

The aftermath: A smooth ride home, paved streets, a healthy and happy pooch, and a successful interview. Where do we go from here? Stay tuned over the next few weeks.