Sunday, September 9, 2007
Farewell to Chicago
Just a short note: Yesterday we stayed around home. We did go out for breakfast at the same diner we had blogged about earlier. Then tidied up the place inside and out a bit. It seemed like we spent most of the afternoon on the Internet deciding on places to stay in D.C., New York City and Boston. Anyway we are headed to D.C. next. We estimate a two-day trip. The campground we plan to stay at in D.C. does have WiFi so should be able to communicate once we get there but don't know about in between. More sometime later.
Friday, September 7, 2007
An Interesting Day
We caught the 8:05 into downtown this morning. By the time we were ready to leave the train station, it was raining "cats and dogs',. So we headed for Dunkin Donuts for dounts and coffee. By the time we were done with our snack the rain had stopped and we were on our way. We headed for the Navy Pier but had to go about 4 blocks to catch the bus first. After we arrived we decided to take a boat tour to see the sky line of Chicago. It was enjoyable and informative. At the end of the pier CNBC was doing a live shot on the economy of Chicago. We knew they were going to be in town but did not know it was today. It was held outside and we just walked by. We were in one segment very briefly, and I think we were in another one as well. The one we were in is at this URL address. http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=504711082&play=1. If this doesn't work go to http://www.cnbc/, look for video, and scroll down until you see "stocks blown away by jobs". We were in another segment but it is not posted. Mike or Scott, could you please save a copy of the segment to your computer for us?
For lunch, we ate at Billy Goat's Tavern. hey are famous for their "cheez borgors" and Saturday Night Live used them in a skit where they would holler out "Cheez Buorgor, Cheez Buorgor, Cheez Buorg0r -- No Fries, Just Cheeps".
From there we walked the Magnificent Mile, a shopping area on Michigan Ave. Except for buying something at Wal Greens, we just looked. After that it was time for dinner. Glenda wanted to eat at Portillo's and try out their world famous hotdogs and we did. The only problem was we had just finished walking the Magnificent Mile when we started asking about the location and found out it was halfway back and 3 blocks west from were we had just come! We had already walked off the hot dog before we got it, but it was good.
We did decide to come home early and caught the 5:04 back home. We didn't know it was the express train, so we got home a half hour earlier than planned. Once in awhile you get lucky.
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMANDA -- Hope you had a great day celebrating with Mike and Ella!
For lunch, we ate at Billy Goat's Tavern. hey are famous for their "cheez borgors" and Saturday Night Live used them in a skit where they would holler out "Cheez Buorgor, Cheez Buorgor, Cheez Buorg0r -- No Fries, Just Cheeps".
From there we walked the Magnificent Mile, a shopping area on Michigan Ave. Except for buying something at Wal Greens, we just looked. After that it was time for dinner. Glenda wanted to eat at Portillo's and try out their world famous hotdogs and we did. The only problem was we had just finished walking the Magnificent Mile when we started asking about the location and found out it was halfway back and 3 blocks west from were we had just come! We had already walked off the hot dog before we got it, but it was good.
We did decide to come home early and caught the 5:04 back home. We didn't know it was the express train, so we got home a half hour earlier than planned. Once in awhile you get lucky.
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMANDA -- Hope you had a great day celebrating with Mike and Ella!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Time to Rest
Thursday
We decided to take the day off. We have had a half day to take it easy since we left a week ago last Wednesday. Got up after 8 AM and after we got around decided to go out for breakfast. We asked the campground owners about a place to eat and they recommended a little place a block away. They served breakfast and lunch only. It was a great meal. The people running the place were very friendly and we didn't get out of there until about 10:30. Glenda was so impressed that she went back and took some pictures -- Miss "shutter bug" you know.
Then it was time to do a little laundry. Went to the local laundry and was out of there about 12:30. After we came back to the camper to put the laundry away, it was on to Wal Mart for some shopping. They were having a 50% off sale on their dress shorts. They fit well so I bought several pair. I should be set up for next year as the shorts season is about over.
This evening we are getting the grill out and are having steak and baked potato with a salad. We ate breakfast so late that we dispensed with lunch.
I will say everyone has been very friendly to us. We had just gotten off the train downtown and were looking at the map trying to decide where we were at and what we wanted to do, when a lady stopped and asked if she could help. It wasn't long before someone else did the same thing. The bus drivers were very helpful as well as anyone else you might ask.
I think tomorrow we will get an early start an to see the Chicago History Museum. We talked to a lady when we were there briefly Tuesday and she was very impressed. She was originally from Chicago so that might have influenced her. I am making the assumption that the museum is about the Chicago area. We will see.
Glenda does want to take in some of what they called the Miracle Mile on the north side of the downtown loop. It is a mile of stores for shopping. What else could it be?Ha! We may also take a look at the Navy Pier, plus Glenda wants to have a Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo's before we leave town. Our dau ghter-in-law, Tricia, highly recommends it! After that I think that our stay in Chicago may be about over. It depends on how we feel as to when we will hit the road again.
It is 82 degrees this afternoon and it feels warm but the leaves are rattling in the trees like its fall. The weather people are talking about highs in the 70's in a few days so the weather may change rather quickly. We had a bit of rain this afternoon but not much. More later. I can't seem to load any pictures so I'm sending a video of the L train.
We decided to take the day off. We have had a half day to take it easy since we left a week ago last Wednesday. Got up after 8 AM and after we got around decided to go out for breakfast. We asked the campground owners about a place to eat and they recommended a little place a block away. They served breakfast and lunch only. It was a great meal. The people running the place were very friendly and we didn't get out of there until about 10:30. Glenda was so impressed that she went back and took some pictures -- Miss "shutter bug" you know.
Then it was time to do a little laundry. Went to the local laundry and was out of there about 12:30. After we came back to the camper to put the laundry away, it was on to Wal Mart for some shopping. They were having a 50% off sale on their dress shorts. They fit well so I bought several pair. I should be set up for next year as the shorts season is about over.
This evening we are getting the grill out and are having steak and baked potato with a salad. We ate breakfast so late that we dispensed with lunch.
I will say everyone has been very friendly to us. We had just gotten off the train downtown and were looking at the map trying to decide where we were at and what we wanted to do, when a lady stopped and asked if she could help. It wasn't long before someone else did the same thing. The bus drivers were very helpful as well as anyone else you might ask.
I think tomorrow we will get an early start an to see the Chicago History Museum. We talked to a lady when we were there briefly Tuesday and she was very impressed. She was originally from Chicago so that might have influenced her. I am making the assumption that the museum is about the Chicago area. We will see.
Glenda does want to take in some of what they called the Miracle Mile on the north side of the downtown loop. It is a mile of stores for shopping. What else could it be?Ha! We may also take a look at the Navy Pier, plus Glenda wants to have a Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo's before we leave town. Our dau ghter-in-law, Tricia, highly recommends it! After that I think that our stay in Chicago may be about over. It depends on how we feel as to when we will hit the road again.
It is 82 degrees this afternoon and it feels warm but the leaves are rattling in the trees like its fall. The weather people are talking about highs in the 70's in a few days so the weather may change rather quickly. We had a bit of rain this afternoon but not much. More later. I can't seem to load any pictures so I'm sending a video of the L train.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Learning the Ropes
Tuesday
We left the motor home about 8:15 this morning and got into Elburn about 8:35. The train did not leave until about 9:20 so had quite a wait. The ride into downtown took 1hour and 20 minutes. It was our first trip on a commuter train so we were on our toes a little learning how things worked but wasn't a big deal once we figured it out. I can not imagine making that trip twice a day for 40 years but I'm sure there are some out there that have done just that.
We then took a ride on the L, the above ground subway. Again it wasn't a big deal but did have to figure their system out. As with the train above, each route is color coded.
We ended up at the Chicago Zoo but decided to go on down the Chicago History Museum. After we arrived we found out it was to close in about an hour so we went on our way. That was OK because what we really wanted to get done was learn the area and how to get around. The only thing left is the buses and think we have that covered too.
We did go to the Sears Tower and up to the Sky Deck. It was an impressive view. We stopped by the Chicago Board of Trade. They had a visitor's center but would not let visitors in to see the trading floor due to security concerns.
The Chicago River runs right through the downtown area just like we all have seen on TV. A person's neck could get a little sore from looking up at all the tall buildings. It is beginning to get late so will conclude for tonight. More later.
Wednesday
We caught the 8:05 this morning and was downtown about 9:30. Jumped on the L and headed for the Museum of Science and Industry. We had to transfer to a bus to get there but all went well. I think it was around 11 am before we finally arrived. That was a lot of riding. I don't think we saw half of what was there. It closed at 4 pm. The highlight of the day for me was the German U Boat what was captured during WWII. It was very impressive to see. For an extra charge we took a tour of the inside of the boat. There is not much room inside one of those things and they were at sea for 3 months at a time.
It did rain on us after we got back to the downtown loop but it never rained hard. After about a half hour it was all over. We did duck into a couple of stores to look around but didn't buy anything. We ate a bite of supper and headed home. It was a little after 8 when we got home. More later.
We left the motor home about 8:15 this morning and got into Elburn about 8:35. The train did not leave until about 9:20 so had quite a wait. The ride into downtown took 1hour and 20 minutes. It was our first trip on a commuter train so we were on our toes a little learning how things worked but wasn't a big deal once we figured it out. I can not imagine making that trip twice a day for 40 years but I'm sure there are some out there that have done just that.
We then took a ride on the L, the above ground subway. Again it wasn't a big deal but did have to figure their system out. As with the train above, each route is color coded.
We ended up at the Chicago Zoo but decided to go on down the Chicago History Museum. After we arrived we found out it was to close in about an hour so we went on our way. That was OK because what we really wanted to get done was learn the area and how to get around. The only thing left is the buses and think we have that covered too.
We did go to the Sears Tower and up to the Sky Deck. It was an impressive view. We stopped by the Chicago Board of Trade. They had a visitor's center but would not let visitors in to see the trading floor due to security concerns.
The Chicago River runs right through the downtown area just like we all have seen on TV. A person's neck could get a little sore from looking up at all the tall buildings. It is beginning to get late so will conclude for tonight. More later.
Wednesday
We caught the 8:05 this morning and was downtown about 9:30. Jumped on the L and headed for the Museum of Science and Industry. We had to transfer to a bus to get there but all went well. I think it was around 11 am before we finally arrived. That was a lot of riding. I don't think we saw half of what was there. It closed at 4 pm. The highlight of the day for me was the German U Boat what was captured during WWII. It was very impressive to see. For an extra charge we took a tour of the inside of the boat. There is not much room inside one of those things and they were at sea for 3 months at a time.
It did rain on us after we got back to the downtown loop but it never rained hard. After about a half hour it was all over. We did duck into a couple of stores to look around but didn't buy anything. We ate a bite of supper and headed home. It was a little after 8 when we got home. More later.
Time to Tour
Yesterday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel and hung out with the family and friends until most had left. Around 10 am we came back to the campground were we had been staying. We checked in for 3 nights but may stay longer. This morning we are headed to the train station to go to downtown Chicago to see the sites. We are looking forward to it.
Last evening I was sitting outside watching a hot air balloon drift by when one of the folks staying next to us came over. They were from New Zealand. They had rented a Cruse America mini-home and had to turn it in today. They had items to get rid of before returning their camper. They had 5 collapsible chairs as well as other items. I did take a couple of chairs but was not comfortable taking more. They went about the campground until all was gone. They were in a band and had been in the US for four weeks and had been in this area about two weeks. It was interesting to talk to them and they did have quite an accent.
Last evening I was sitting outside watching a hot air balloon drift by when one of the folks staying next to us came over. They were from New Zealand. They had rented a Cruse America mini-home and had to turn it in today. They had items to get rid of before returning their camper. They had 5 collapsible chairs as well as other items. I did take a couple of chairs but was not comfortable taking more. They went about the campground until all was gone. They were in a band and had been in the US for four weeks and had been in this area about two weeks. It was interesting to talk to them and they did have quite an accent.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Wedding Day
Our day got started by leaving the camp ground around 9:30 and headed to the hotel where we stayed with the wedding party. Roger and Suzanne, the groom's parents, took all of our side of the family that could come, out for lunch at Chilis -- another nice meal. Mike, Scott and Tricia joined us there before we were done as they had just flown in from KC. Then it was back to the hotel and had time to take a little nap before getting ready for the festivities. It felt good.
A shuttle was provided for those going to the wedding from the hotel to the golf course where the wedding was held. It was a nice touch and very thoughtful.
The setting for the wedding was at the Prairie Landing Golf Course on the green of the 19th hole. It is my understanding that some PGA tournaments have been played there. It is a beautiful golf course. The weather was almost perfect. A clear sky but just a touch warm with a little breeze.
The wedding started at 4:30. As with the rehearsal supper the night before, there were some tears of joy shed. The Dupage County Airport is on the north end of the golf course and a business jet or two took off during the ceremony to salute the new couple. As well planned as everything was, I thought maybe that was what was going on. Ha! Being an old aviation guy, I did wonder if the Thunder Birds or the Blue Angels would make a fly by for a salute, but they must have been tied up with other commitments.
The reception followed in the country clubhouse with a formal sit-down dinner followed with a dance. The five course meal was quite delicious. Everyone had a great time and our two little great-nieces, Tacy and Gena Mitchell, danced their little hearts out as well as some of us "oldies" -- Davis' and Southard's side. The table of first cousins had a little too much of a good time. Ha!
The Bride wore---Well ,you won't get that kind of information here but we would like to extend our congralulations to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Southard and all the best in the years to come. Dana, we are so happy to have you join our family. Curtis, you did a great job! Thank you, Roger and Suzanne and Keith and Janice Nelson, for a wonderful and very memorable time. Larry and Glenda
Saturday, September 1, 2007
day before wedding
Not much going on so far today for me. Some went golfing and some went shopping. The rehearsal was at 11 this morning. We hung out at the hotel and just took it easy. The rehearsal supper is this evening.
I don't know where we will be camping from Monday night on. We may move in a closer to downtown. The ride in on the train to downtown is an hour and 25 minutes from where we are now. I think it would be 20 minutes from the closer location. There is no wifi there so we will see. We plan on staying a few days and taking in some of the sites in the area. From there we will be heading east. More Later, Larry
The rehearsal supper was very nice. There were some tears of joy shed. It was a great evening. We made it back to the campsite about 11pm. We will be taking the motor home with us today but are planning on returning tomorrow and doing our touring from here. Larry
I don't know where we will be camping from Monday night on. We may move in a closer to downtown. The ride in on the train to downtown is an hour and 25 minutes from where we are now. I think it would be 20 minutes from the closer location. There is no wifi there so we will see. We plan on staying a few days and taking in some of the sites in the area. From there we will be heading east. More Later, Larry
The rehearsal supper was very nice. There were some tears of joy shed. It was a great evening. We made it back to the campsite about 11pm. We will be taking the motor home with us today but are planning on returning tomorrow and doing our touring from here. Larry
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