Chicago v. 27

On the field at Wrigley!

We have been so fortunate.  Counting our recent blessings:
1.  Just before we left for this shorter leg of our trip- a loop around Lake Michigan, we got the oil changed for the second time in our 6 month old RV.  The technician found an oil leak which could have been disastrous had it worsened on the road.  Need a new oil cooler and the parts won't be in until next week...  Change of plans... car trip!

2.  The Brennans.  Pat and the kids stopped over to check out the RV the night before we left (when we still thought we were taking it with us).  We talked about going to Wrigley, and Pat ended up calling a buddy in Chicago who got us an opportunity to get a photo ON THE FIELD before the game!  Becca ended up getting a couple of baseballs and autographs, and a wristband to run the bases afterward as well.

3. Ed Debevic's.  Such a fun place!  We loved it when we lived in Illinois, and it is just as rude and quirky as before.

4.  Our plan was to stay at the RV park on the Great Lakes Naval Station, which is right on Lake Michigan.  When that didn't happen,we were able to shift the reservation to the Gateway Inn at Great Lakes- same reservation desk, easy transition.  Taking the train into the city and the bus to our destination was easy.

5. The USO at Navy Pier.  The ITT folks at Great Lakes told us to stop in at the USO for a coupon book.  Becca loves using coupons, even if we don't really need the item (she is a marketer's dream!).  The volunteer at the desk insisted that we take a snack and a drink and come back if we need a break.  We did.  As the day waned, we needed a place to work through a near meltdown- making decisions, living with consequences, realistic expectations- the USO was there for us!  Happily for us, it was empty except for the volunteer, who wisely left us to whisper out our differences.

Waiting to ride at Navy Pier

5.  People who are enthusiastic about their area of expertise and who are fueled by kids' energy and drive to learn. These can be teachers, re-enactors,  facilitators, volunteers, or someone nearby who knows what is going on. When Becca shows interest and asks questions, she has been consistently rewarded with gifts of new knowledge and new experiences.  Just this week in Chicago, because she asked questions and was genuinely interested, she has run the bases at Wrigley, raised the sail on a tall ship, and patted the nose and tickled the tongue of a Beluga whale.

Preparing to raise the sail

We rode the tall ship "Windy" on which the actors told stories about piracy on the Great Lakes.  We had a few choices of programs, and this was Becca's choice.  The ticket agent quietly assured me that this was the best history lesson available, and it did not disappoint!  Who knew that the French king had decreed that all tricorner hats were to be made of beaver?  When beaver became scarce in Europe as a result, American beaver pelts were in demand. Thus followed pelt piracy!  Who knew that the demand for lumber to rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire would lead to lumber piracy?  Who knew that prohibition would lead to smuggling alcohol in blown out eggshells and empty shell casings?  We do now!!

 6.  The Pastor at St. Peter's in Chicago, who scheduled SEVEN Masses on the Feast of the Assumption.  The church is 4 blocks from the train station.  The crucifix on the outside is somewhat inset, so you don't see it until you are almost on top of it.  We looked up to a "WOW" moment!

A happy Becca outside Shedd Aquarium

7.  Getting to visit with friends near and far, and being their reason for doing something new.  Our good friend Karen Verner, who moved away from Hudson a few years ago, drove into Chicago instead of taking the train.  She scoped out the Shedd Aquarium with us to see if her little granddaughter Annie would like it.  It was great to see you Karen!!

 Many of our adventures would not have been possible without you, your knowledge of the places we are visiting, and your willingness to meet up, "tour guide", arrange experiences

8.  Sharing our experiences with you.  So many people have told us they are traveling with us via this email blog.  You motivate me to keep writing, and I hope you keep us in your prayers!

I have to stop counting now, though I could go on and on.  Every day we realize we are blessed, and every day our list of blessings grows.