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!