My first driving experience of more than an hour since the accident -- I really enjoyed it! I finally felt like I was contributing something, rather than poor Phil doing everything! We are off for Springfield, Il -- where Abraham Lincoln lived his adult life (about 20 years) before going to the White House.
There was lots to see, ranging from New Salem Monument outside of town where he lived before getting married. This is where he studied to be lawyer, got his first political experience, and made his first home. In Springfield, there is his old law offices, the original State Capital (where the Lincoln-Douglas debates took place), and the home that he and Mary bought for $1500 and lived in as they raised their family. It was handicapped accessible (they had wheelchairs to loan, as the site covers several blocks and a number of period homes) and quite interesting.
The most imposing site though, was Lincoln's Tomb on the edge of town. Right in the middle of an otherwise normal cemetery, rises this very fitting memory to one of our greatest presidents. Did you know Lincoln only had 1-2 years of formal education? Everything else was self taught. His wife, and 3 of his 4 children are also buried here. He only had one child (he had 4 sons) grow to adulthood. The others all died of "consumption". We would now identify the problem as tuberculosis, or another related type lung problem. Lincoln's assassination and the loss of her children, nearly did Mary in. The last of her life was lived in unhappiness.
Off toward Indianapolis. Last night in Illinois in the border town of Danville.
What a nice city! They have done a great job of combining their historic buildings and monuments, with the new construction. Well laid out downtown, with all the "Civic necessities" -- football, baseball, and basketball stadiums, Civic Center, downtown shopping (Nordstrom has a huge store-covers a large block), and government buildings all located near each other to share mass transit, parking facilities, etc. Nice hotels in the area, everything clean, and very impressive.
We have now seen 2 Scottish Rite/Masonic Temples that are more spectacular than any church in Portland. It really brings home how important and powerful the Masonic movement was (and is?) in other parts of the country.
They have a central circle downtown with brick roads all around, nice historic buildings ringing the circle, and a beautiful War Memorial in the center. About 2 blocks away, another huge memorial is either being built, or undergoing massive restoration. Veterans are obviously very important in this state.
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PHIL-OSOPHIES
And you think the roads are bad in Washington County! Be thankful! The roads throughout the midwest - east are horrible. It is because of the constant freeze-thaw in the winter that causes their breakdown -- and they are constantly repairing some part of every road! You'll have a mile or 2 of decent road (last year's repair), several miles of horrible, bumpy road (next year's repair) and then several miles of construction -- it seems to be a 3-4 year cycle of constant work -- everywhere we go. Plus every major city seems to be building new freeways at breakneck speed. Since they can't pave during the winter, they really hit it hard during this time of year. What a mess -- and the lanes are narrow, and people drive like maniacs - we just try to stay out of their way!
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On to Columbus, Ohio, where we are putting down "roots" for about a week. Dr. appointment Wed. Amish country Thurs. or Fri. a Buckeye game on Sat. and the Rolling White House gets fixed starting on Monday. We'll go to Cincinnati while that is happening, and then off to Akron, where I was born when we get the rig back. Lots of errands to be done while we're here, but we'll still try to take in some of the sites. This is a big town of about 700,000, not including the suburbs.
Just got back from the Buckeye game -- Ohio State won on a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon. We had great seats, down near the field in the corner of the end zone. Phil said handicapped sections are like watching from your own patio -- with 96,000 of your closest friends! The game was good, the bands' wonderful, and the cheerleaders (especially Miami of Ohio) were fun to watch. Miami's cheerleaders do lots of stunts, which are exciting to watch -- and they were right in front of us. I think the largest of their girls was a size 4! They were tiny and very good.
This week really flew by! You can feel fall in the air -- cooler nights, leaves rustling around your feet, and bright sunny, but cooler days. The Dr. report was good. 2 more weeks in the cast, then a removable boot -- and the beginning of getting back on my feet! Both of them!
Went to MacCombe Body Shop, who is doing the Van repairs. The parts still are in transit -- but they seemed hopeful they would be here when they needed them. We give them the Van on Monday -- and they need it for 8-10 days!! Not the 3-4 that the guy in Wisconsin said. Hmmmm. Called the Insurance Company just to check it out -- expect to hear from them on Monday. So, needless to say, we have had to alter our plans a bit. It appears we will have alot more time with our rental car than we thought. Think we will do, not only Cincinnati, but also go down into Ky. and also catch the Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and who knows what else!
We have seen alot of Columbus. Spent an afternoon exploring downtown, including the "Short North" -- an area similar to "The Pearl". Artsy and in transition. Their convention center is in this area and very interesting in its design -- it looks like a bunch of stage sets that didn't quite come together -- odd angles, mixed pastel colors, different elevations -- but fun to look at and the right scale for this area of old buildings housing fun shops.
Spent another afternoon (we usually do errands, make phone calls and relax in the AM) at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. They were awaiting the press to show off their new exhibit that opened the next day! Everyone was scurrying around putting the last minute touches on everything. They have done a world exploration - Safari style with maps. You go from the Himalayas, to the Rain Forest, to the Desert, through Outer Space and "drop into the Pacific Ocean" to find a Pacific Island Paradise. A very well done exhibit -- fun for families with kids, especially. Lots of interactive stuff, plus beautiful plant displays. Their outdoor gardens are beautiful and very relaxing. Spent a lot of time just enjoying the afternoon.
We went from there to The German Village. Beautiful old brick buildings, cobblestone streets (with people driving like crazy on these very narrow, rough streets - we feared for our Van at every intersection!) and a very neighorbly feel to the community. Found the famous German Restaurant--The Sausage House, and enjoyed an evening of good Beer, Sausages, and dinner. Had to indulge in their specialty -- Cream Puffs! Split one between us - they were huge, and delicious!
Sunday took us to the Amish area. Not as famous as Lancaster, Pa. -- but Ohio's Amish area is the largest in the world. One thing none of the literature said -- everything is closed on Sunday! We had a hard time finding a place to eat lunch! The place we found was done in a western theme. The owner heard we were from Oregon, and wanted to talk! He hunts near Pendleton each year, almost bought a Dude Ranch in Mt., and LOVES our part of the country. He couldn't talk his wife and kids into moving there (they are from Akron), so he brought the west to Ohio! The restaurant a large lodge type building and is well decorated with all his memorabilia from "out west" -- I'm sure his wife was glad to finally get it out of the house! He named it the West Fork after a place he had been in the Bitterroot Mountains.
We had a nice afternoon driving through the Amish country - it was rolling hills, neat farms, tiny towns, and closed shops! We did see quite a few of the famous bonnets and buggies, and just enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon.
As we headed back towards Columbus, we came upon the Longaberger Basket Company. They make exquisite baskets that get handed down from one generation to the next. This is another quality run company that is proud to show off their plant, headquarters, and their wares.You can even make your own basket, under the guidance of the professionals, -- just amble on up to the "horse" (the apparatus that holds the basket as it is made) and weave away! Their main sales channel is through "home party" representatives. It was a nice respite along the way. Well tended grounds, nice people, immaculate displays, pleasant entertainment, and a really nice touch -- they have a flag ceremony each evening as they take the flag down. You have to see the picture of their headquarters, which is down the road from everything else - quite a statement. I think it is a stucco type exterior. They also have a semi-public golf course and Inn. Phil was salivating over the course - it is supposed to be one of the "Top 10 courses you can play" according to Golf Magazine. It looked awesome.
We can't believe another week has slipped away. Next week the Van gets fixed (will take over a week due to paint drying times on the rear door, etc.) and we are off in a rental car to see Cincinnati, Ky, eastern Tn, a bit of W. Virginia -- and who knows what else! We'll make a loop, ending up back in Columbus. Yes, we know, this isn't on our itinerary this fall, and will really foul up those mileage estimates for the contest -- but what's a mother to do!