Springfield, Missouri

Oh, you mean Missourah?

Yea, that state too.

Streets filled with restaurants, shops, nail salons, and OH MY GOSH! a real live mall!

And people were waving, chatting and oh so friendly.

AH!

Civilization.

Although I did not have a day off in Springfield I managed to go to the mall, eat at Thai Peppers (so good! but they don’t serve alcohol on Sundays–WARNING!– AND the picture on the website doesn’t look anything like the restaurant…hmmmm…), have yummy Greek Pasta at Zio’s and visit Ozark Gifts (one of those souvenior shops you follow for miles on the highway with big painted billboards that shout “WORTH STOPPIN’ FOR! and such, love it!).

Although it was a quick trip there is A LOT to do in Missouri.

The exact opposite from Manchester, IA.

Uhhhh. I needed that.

BeepBeep! I’m now in the land of the Blue Grass

Manchester, Iowa

After a quick stop and history lesson in Clear Lake, Iowa we headed for Manchester.

Population: approximately 5,000, on a good day.

A very, very small midwestern town. Small enough that I was being whispered about in the teeny tiny Walmart that was about 20 feet from my hotel. I, clearly, was NOT from around here.

To put this into perspective there isn’t even a McDonald’s. And there are only two classy hotel accomodations. The Days Inn or a Super8. Choices, choices.

The “big” fair was starting up in town. But apparently my co-worker and I were the only people excited for it!

We decided to take our lunch break (not that anyone was there to take a break from) to go see “Monkey Time” the monkey show.

Yup! Monkeys in Iowa, I am all about seeing that.

So there were were watching these monkeys. They were great, but the only people clapping were ummmm…us. Rough crowd over here in Manchester!

I got selected as a volunteer and a bird flew right into my hand. I saw a monkey with a red butt and a monkey with a blue butt. I even saw just some regular old, furry monkey butts.

That was probably the highlight of my stay in Manchester, Iowa.

Well I did meet some pretty interesting people. One man even told my co-worker and I that criminals should be, and I quote “castrated and fed it as their next meal.”

I also did a lot of cow and sheep chatting. Anything and everything that would get someone to talk to me in that small town!

Monkey’s are usually the highlight of any event or vacation so I am not really doing my experience in Manchester justice.

Put it this way, for the first time in my travels this year I have found a state where I will never, ever live.

Ever.

Sorry, Iowa.

Chicago, Illinois

Well, I really lucked out!

I was in Chicago for The Taste of Chicago which allowed me to well, taste Chicago. All of it.

I even licked the sidewalk.

Ehhhh. Not really.

But I did have a roasted corncob with soy butter rolled in cajun spices (with a Bud Select—NECESSSARY, it was spicy!), a sample size Chicago hotdog (a hotdog on a sesame seed bun with banana peppers, pickles, mustard and sauteed onions—AWESOME!), spicy as WHOA chicken wings, Chicago Cheesecake, and a chicken dumpling (doughy goodness).

My favorite food item was the corncob. So delicious!

After enjoying the vendors and their vending (!) I absorbed the hot sun of the not-so-windy city as I waited to view sample-sized entertainment by Broadway In Chicago (BIC). Chicago has their very own little theatre district. We say select songs from Wicked, A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde and Jersey Boys. All without waiting 4 hours like some people did. (Stevie Wonder was there 2 night before we got to Chi-Town and over 70,000 camer out to see him, I would have waited 24 hours to experience that!) We did have a seat but we did park our butts on the grass and only had to hang out for 45 minutes–fair trade I say!

This little snippet got my co-worker’s musical juices going and she just HAD to see Wicked. I told her we could try. I am not a HUGE musical fan. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rent on Broadway—NOT the movie—but other than that I am not all that impressed. Just too, too MUCH for me. I guess that’s the best way to say it.

So the next day, after we took the “express” train back to the hotel from the city—which expressly got us a $60 cab ride AWAY from our hotel–we headed back into family-friendly Chicago again, in an attempt to SHOP (! YAY !) and throw our names in a raffle for 25 dollar front row tickets to see “Wicked.”

I did not have time to buy anything at the many stores downtown because I WON!

Yup. I’m a wiener winner. Yours truly, won herself and her co-worker 4th row “obstructed” view tickets for 25 bucks a piece. And there was no obstruction, expect we couldn’t see the back left hand corner of the stage. But, no one likes that spot anyways…

And this time we took the RIGHT train back to the hotel. See, I’m a quick learner.

We had an amazing stay at the Oak Brook DoubleTree. FREE WARM COOKIES ALL THE TIME! If you are ever in the area stay here! You will never need a thing! They think of everything before you even ask! Loved it. Seth at the front desk is even an alumni of the Walt Disney World College Program, like myself He noticed my Disney-ness before we realized we had the connection!

And don’t think I left the city without a slice of deep dish Chicago-style pizza. The hotel shuttle dropped us off at Giordano’s and we ordered the “Special” deep dish style. It was stuffed pizza filled with onions, peppers, mushrooms and sausage with sauce on top. The crust was to die for. I grew up on flat New York style pizza-which I love- but Giordano’s opened my eyes and mouth to the deep dish pizza.

So a lot of eating went on in Chicago. Nothing wrong with that.

The DoubleTree also has excellent fitness facilities—that helped out A LOT!

Hey! When in Chicago…

Mary Poppins comes to BIC in August I will miss it!

I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you all about my 4th of July! I spent it at Medieval Times in Schaumburg, IL. They were all extremely generous and even gave my co-worker and I the Red and Yellow Knight to cheer on during the knightly competitions.

I caught the carnation that he threw out to the audience–but I was not named the Queen of Love and Beauty like my Aunt was at her last Medieval Times experience. Some 5 year-old was. Lame. I’m totally cuter than she is.

Even though I cheered loudly while eating my gynormous chicken leg, rib and potato with my bare hands (no utensils at this shindig) he died. We did get to spend some time with the other Knights after the show, the ones who lived through dinner.

Nothing like celebrating our nations Independence with Kings and Queens at Medieval Times!

**BONUS STORY** (because you all have been so good!)

So this was my first time at a Medieval Times. We arrived right before the show started and they rushed us to our seats before the lights went out. As we approached our row I noticed the couple I would be seated next to was geared up in Medieval costumes.

YES! They had seated us next the actors. Shine the spotlight right over here Medieval Times! I’m gonna be a star! The man to my right kept calling me “My lady…” and I told him I liked his tights. He laughed. I then continued our conversation by saying this was my first jousting experience and my co-worker (who had been before) did not tell me I would be under dressed in my jeans and tank top. He asked me if I had anything that he was wearing at home. I explained that I was on the road and left my Velvet garb embellishe dwith gold thread at home.

Here I am chatting it up with the stars of the show. I am so getting a surprise!!

i was right!

When the drink girl came around the hand out alcoholic beverages the man pulled out his cash to pay for his beer.

WHAT?!

They can NOT be drinking on the job. Illegal.

Yea, they were totally just watching the show. Just tourists like myself.

Only they were decked out. And I was asking them about their clothing.

And they totally dressed up in Medieval costumes on purpose, for their own personal enjoyment.

Only in ‘merica my friends.

Racine, Wisconsin

Right on Lake Michigan—which I never saw!

We ate, we listened, we danced. All Racine, Wisconsin style.

Overall a quick but highly entertaining trip!

Racine, Wisconsin is the home to the annual $100 Hot Dog at Lakeside Curative. A great lesson learned in the storybook of my life! And a very fun work day filled with pictures, chatting and dancing! LOVED IT!

We had a FABULOUS Mexican dinner at Jose’s Blue Sombraro where they made “Tornados”– a margarita and sangria combo. I was hesitant at first but some guys at the bar—who actually studied at Eugene O’Neil Theatre in New London, CT, small world– highly suggested them. So, when in Racine! They were awesome. Craving one to this day.

I also got a little bit of puppy love at a local pet shop. Craving a little pet action (no animals on the road, although we suggested that our bosses allow us to cart around a team daschund…cute idea, huh?…they aren’t buying it) we mad a pit stop at a local pet shop.

When they realized who I was (yeaaaa celebrity status) they let me chose any puppy I wanted to play with! And of course, in the spirit of my job I chose the hot dog dog. I named him Frank. Meet Frank:

And yes I kiss puppies. Some people think it’s weird. Too bad!

So after a little puppy lovin’ my co-worker (total BAND GEEK, haha! She knows it!) convinced me to attend a Drum Corps.

Say What?!

This better be like Nick Cannon in “Drumline.”

Well, after the pricey admission–$10 to see ,what I thought would be glorified marching bands— I must admit I had a good time. These teams float across the field while playing instruments—you have to see it to believe it. They run around in full sprint WITH a Tuba. It’s not your “typical” halftime show. It’s like halftime show on crack. My favorite team and a team I met (yea i know some drum Corps people!) were none other than the Boston Crusaders. So I am now a fan. Even after that crazy $10 price tag…geeeeesh.

We then topped off the night by getting locked out of our hotel rooms. Which happens all the time to us.

WHY, WHY, WHY?! are hotel key cards shaped like credit cards if credit cards DEACTIVATE THEM. They also fit perfectly next to, inside of and JUST plain NEAR cell phones. Which ALSO deactivate them. Awesome. After our long day of work, food and drum corps watching, we were stranded in the hallway of the Racine Marriott waiting to be permitted the access to sleep .

And don’t just think we are lazy. This particualr hotel was shaped like a GIANT L. We were at one end of the L and the main desk was on the other end. As was the elevator to get there. Not a good design. At. All.

So, bring on the bell boy.

As I lay, defeated by my hotel key, in my “I Survived Hot Dog Day” t-shirt.

South Bend, Indiana

It’s hard not to make a grand entrance everywhere we go but on this particular time Veronica (our GPS) led us astray. She scared us into thinking we had to take a left like NOW! So we did. And there to our left was a very formal wedding. Going. ON!

Yes, the groomsmen were lined up in their tuxes, the guests were seated and the procession was beginning.

OH MY GOSH!

As I drove I covered up the side of my face and thought, “If this happened on my wedding day…ehhhhhh” Hopefully everyone can laugh about it later. I’m sure we made it in a few pictures—ehhh I am embarrassed just thinking about it! Sorry wedding in South Bend!

Veronica then “re-caculated” us to our Bed and Breakfast. The Oliver Inn. As we drove past the front of this old mansion we were so excited! And again! Another party! There were at least 50 people in the backyard and side garden dressed in their Sunday best—and all we could think “What are we going to ruin now!”

But it turns out this crew was happy to see us! And this is when we met the Inn Keepers Alice and Tom, who we would soon get to know very well!

“I’m going back to Indiana/ ’cause that’s where my baby’s from” – Jackson 5

So true

As soon as we had given tours, schmoozed with the party guests, received a tour of the Inn, and dragged my 100 pound suitcase up 3 flights of stairs I settled into the wicker furniture on the front porch. As I over looked the beautiful gardens and the traffic in front of me I decided to call Mifflin to tell him I was back in his home state—which he is very proud of (tattoo and all). I started the conversation, “I”m sitting here in the beautiful South Bend.” He though I was joking. “South Bend is dirty, what are you talking about?”

South Bend is a small city like all cities. At first, I thought it was all like the area I was staying in. Old houses, well kept yards, the feel of history everywhere. But it turns out that two blocks behind us was no so nice. Alice and Tom told us that there is a 90% drop-out rate for high school boys.

I know, shocking. And disappointing. And sad.

Even though there were parts of town that were not as nice as the section we were in I did go running each morning. And I felt safe!

The runs were absolutely beautiful. There were boardwalks along the “East Race” which runs off the St. Joseph River. The “East Race” was used to power the town years and years ago. During the industrial revolution the water power was used to power the metal works industry like that of the Oliver Family (hence the Oliver Inn I stayed at!) Look how much I learned while running! Yes, I was the sweaty girl reading the touristy plaques all over the place

As I am a tourist, all the time!, I also visited the College Football Hall of Fame. Where I tested my agility, balance, reaction time, throwing skills, blocking skills and my speed while I basked in the football history highlights and Penn State accolades. Oh I love it! And I will be back to spend more time!

I also visited the historic Copashalom, the Oliver Mansion, just a block away from the Oliver Inn. It was very interesting and I learned a lot about the South Bend community and the Oliver family– a must see when in South Bend.

And last but not least: I visited Notre Dame. I took my picture with touchdown Jesus–wearing my PSU shirt OF COURSE! Prayed in the Basilica on campus–it was breathtakingly beautiful and relaxing. And, as it had been for the past 2 years, I have had A LOT to pray for…that list just keeps getting longer and longer.

It was a nice campus, no PSU, but nice! Worth seeing once in my life !

Well, until PSU plays there!

I also spent a lot of time with our Inn Keepers, Alice and Tom, had the chance to play with local kids, played a little pigskin, ate dinner on the East Race and was the typical tourist—sans fanny pack.

JoePa is everywhere! And I love it!

With the kids at the church school. Too much crazy fun!