Hope you found some success in your househunting adventure. It is tough to find a place that's affordable. Out here has gone bonkers. Though my little crackerbox house of 1000 square feet is worth somewhere between $250,000-350,000. Amazespheroids for sure.
As for farmerizm's, this is a bad year. I guess the midwestern farmers cant' even plant yet. Latest year ever. That doesn't bode well. You guys in the MW have been getting hammered. The jetstream is a bit of a wonky mess these days. Glad you are making a post series on your trip. Heck, if I can get 15 out of one snowstorm and running about at night like a nut, you should be able to get about 72 posts out. If you go by miles and such. And yours will actually be interesting ( :
Have a nice weekend and keep your feet dry.