I finally got out of town again, after much too long in town. Because Chicago is basically in my backyard, I boarded the Amtrak and rode into town on Black Friday.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Black Friday, Buddy, and the Bean
Hello Lawnchairs!
I finally got out of town again, after much too long in town. Because Chicago is basically in my backyard, I boarded the Amtrak and rode into town on Black Friday.
I finally got out of town again, after much too long in town. Because Chicago is basically in my backyard, I boarded the Amtrak and rode into town on Black Friday.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Renaissance Faire
For my recorder playing debut, the ELIL Recorder Quartet (which I was invited to join this year) performed at a local Renaissance Faire in the lovely riverside town of Hampton, IL
It really was a great day for a Faire! Not too hot, sunshine, no rain.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Camping
Once a year, I like to take myself camping. I like camping, mostly. Even though it isn't one of very favorite things to do, about three years ago I decided that I should know things about camping. Namely, how to build a fire, how to set up a tent, cook food over a fire, stuff like that. And I needed to know how to do it on my own.
So, let's go to Wisconsin!
Monday, September 4, 2017
Itty Bitty Road Trip
Sunday, 3 of September.
Labor Day weekend.
I didn't want to not do anything or not go anywhere, and the larger plans I was knocking around for this weekend just didn't pan out, so I took a look at the Iowa map for places in the area that I had yet to see.
Labor Day weekend.
I didn't want to not do anything or not go anywhere, and the larger plans I was knocking around for this weekend just didn't pan out, so I took a look at the Iowa map for places in the area that I had yet to see.
First stop: Columbus Junction. Swinging Bridge.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Seattle Round-up
In this final installment of My Summer Vacation we take a look at all the other bits and bobs I saw and experienced while exploring Seattle.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Seattle Underground
On Thursday, we took the train from Tacoma into Seattle.
Among other things that day (see subsequent posts), we walked to Pioneer Square to attend one of the famous Underground Tours.Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Food: Pike Place Market Style
After arriving in Seattle, WA, and walking mostly uphill for over a mile to find the Jimi Hendrix statue.....
....I walked back down the hill to the Pike Place Market! I had a food tour scheduled for the afternoon, so after an obligatory Starbucks coffee drink I explored the Market whilst looking for the meeting point for the tour.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
San Juan Island...
...and the search for a whale.
After riding two planes, two buses, and a ferry I arrived at San Juan Island.
After riding two planes, two buses, and a ferry I arrived at San Juan Island.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
slap happy Sunday
Ah Sunday. My sometimes day off.
I stayed up too late last night to attend the Genesius Guild in the park performance of Henry V, which I will admit was a bit bewildering at first, as I was kind of tired from the 7-mile annual road race in my fair Davenport and Henry V is a very long play that I wasn't really too familiar with to begin with. But Shakespeare is meant to be heard and seen, so I stayed through the whole show.
Sunday morning came around and I couldn't sleep in because I was hired to play in two jazz services at a local Methodist church. Both went well, but took up half of my day, so after a quick trip to the grocery store I came home a took a nap.
But then, I got stuff done.
I stayed up too late last night to attend the Genesius Guild in the park performance of Henry V, which I will admit was a bit bewildering at first, as I was kind of tired from the 7-mile annual road race in my fair Davenport and Henry V is a very long play that I wasn't really too familiar with to begin with. But Shakespeare is meant to be heard and seen, so I stayed through the whole show.
Sunday morning came around and I couldn't sleep in because I was hired to play in two jazz services at a local Methodist church. Both went well, but took up half of my day, so after a quick trip to the grocery store I came home a took a nap.
But then, I got stuff done.
Cleaned the turtle tank. Water change, gave the glass a scrub. A healthy turtle is a happy turtle!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Windy
I know I just was in Chicago, but the Amtrak is so easy and cheap to use. I had a bigger mission though. I learned more about the tall ship Windy docked at Navy Pier and looked into how to get a chance to sail on ship.
After arriving at Union Station, I took a leisurely walk through the downtown loop to the Riverwalk. It's really a lovely place to hang out by the Chicago River. The path leads all the way out to Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
After arriving at Union Station, I took a leisurely walk through the downtown loop to the Riverwalk. It's really a lovely place to hang out by the Chicago River. The path leads all the way out to Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
Haha! My name is on a boat!
Sunday, June 18, 2017
$pending Diet
After getting my home into shape by giving away 1/3 of my stuff, I feel ready to focus more on getting my financials into shape. I'm already in fairly good standing with my money, but I do have debt, some of which I really want to get rid of sooner rather than later.
My student loan is on track to be paid down within 5 years, which is still too long for my liking, frankly, but I am paid ahead about a year and a half and I have been paying on it until it hurts. The car is also paid ahead, but not as much, and I feel like I should put more effort into erasing that debt first.
My student loan is on track to be paid down within 5 years, which is still too long for my liking, frankly, but I am paid ahead about a year and a half and I have been paying on it until it hurts. The car is also paid ahead, but not as much, and I feel like I should put more effort into erasing that debt first.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Goodbye, Stuff
Declutter. Minimize. Give away. Donate. Sell.
I have been getting rid of my stuff for the past several years. Every time I think I have my stuff level down to where I want it, I look around and find more stuff I don't use, need, want or love. I think this is largely due to my changing personal style and an evolution of how I regard things.
Books and CDs used to be incredibly important to me. Books still are important, but I've realized that I don't need to keep every single book I've read. So away went about 6 boxes of books. My shelves are still full of books, but not crammed full and only contain the books I regularly use or that have had a profound impact on my life.
I have been getting rid of my stuff for the past several years. Every time I think I have my stuff level down to where I want it, I look around and find more stuff I don't use, need, want or love. I think this is largely due to my changing personal style and an evolution of how I regard things.
Books and CDs used to be incredibly important to me. Books still are important, but I've realized that I don't need to keep every single book I've read. So away went about 6 boxes of books. My shelves are still full of books, but not crammed full and only contain the books I regularly use or that have had a profound impact on my life.
Monday, May 29, 2017
A Rainstorm in Chicago
The day started at 530AM. My mom and two of my sister's kids were sleeping in my living room.
We got ready, grabbed some coffee for the road and headed to the Kewanee, IL train station. About an hour drive.
We got ready, grabbed some coffee for the road and headed to the Kewanee, IL train station. About an hour drive.
Hog Capital of the World. With train station!
it's almost here!
Illinois Zephyr
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Vegas Flotsam
A photo journal journey through the Las Vegas area.
The first set of pictures are from 2016. I am not always good about doing things with pictures.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
A Weekend West
two and a half days.
Three states.
Two national parks.
One Ferris wheel/observation wheel.
I flew out Friday afternoon, arriving in Las Vegas about 315PM (Vegas time, gained 2 hours!). Note to other hostel dwellers: certain airport shuttles will not deliver you to the hostels in Vegas. So I wound up riding the shuttle that I had already paid for to the Stratosphere, which was nearest the hostel. The Deuce bus took me the rest of the way.
After finally getting situated in my bunk, and locking away my stuff in the locker, I set out for the Strip. The High Roller was my main objective. I had to skip it last year, but promised myself I would get to it on a return trip. Always vacation as though you will come back, but also as if you don't need to sleep. It's a fine balance between going full bore for what you want and letting go of things you can't control.
The High Roller. The cars don't stop moving, The wheel moves slowly enough that passengers can simply walk on as they glide by. You then watch the Vegas scenery as the car rises, reaches its apex, then comes back around to the dock. The view is pretty great, and it's a good way to take a moment and gather your bearings before heading back out onto the chaos of the Boulevard.
Saturday had a bit of a rough start. My tour guide had called me the night before to confirm pickup at the Golden Nugget. No problem. I had to be at the hotel (because they didn't do hostel pickups) by 530 to catch the bus. I had arranged for a cab to pick me up and get me there, but they didn't show up. The hostel was fortunately near the bus stop, so I walked around the corner hoping it wouldn't be too long of a wait. The clock was ticking though, so I called the phone number I had received the night before to let my guide know that I was having logistical issues. A few minutes later, he called back and told me he could drop by the hostel to get me. Wonderful, wonderful!
Three states.
Two national parks.
One Ferris wheel/observation wheel.
I flew out Friday afternoon, arriving in Las Vegas about 315PM (Vegas time, gained 2 hours!). Note to other hostel dwellers: certain airport shuttles will not deliver you to the hostels in Vegas. So I wound up riding the shuttle that I had already paid for to the Stratosphere, which was nearest the hostel. The Deuce bus took me the rest of the way.
After finally getting situated in my bunk, and locking away my stuff in the locker, I set out for the Strip. The High Roller was my main objective. I had to skip it last year, but promised myself I would get to it on a return trip. Always vacation as though you will come back, but also as if you don't need to sleep. It's a fine balance between going full bore for what you want and letting go of things you can't control.
The High Roller. The cars don't stop moving, The wheel moves slowly enough that passengers can simply walk on as they glide by. You then watch the Vegas scenery as the car rises, reaches its apex, then comes back around to the dock. The view is pretty great, and it's a good way to take a moment and gather your bearings before heading back out onto the chaos of the Boulevard.
Saturday had a bit of a rough start. My tour guide had called me the night before to confirm pickup at the Golden Nugget. No problem. I had to be at the hotel (because they didn't do hostel pickups) by 530 to catch the bus. I had arranged for a cab to pick me up and get me there, but they didn't show up. The hostel was fortunately near the bus stop, so I walked around the corner hoping it wouldn't be too long of a wait. The clock was ticking though, so I called the phone number I had received the night before to let my guide know that I was having logistical issues. A few minutes later, he called back and told me he could drop by the hostel to get me. Wonderful, wonderful!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)