Jjdillman Explores

We begin our travels to Chicago mid morning on Thursday July 15th.   We have decided to evaluate rest stops along our journey using an app called Rest Stops (ha ha) that is a combo of google maps and Yelp! I am obviously a bit behind in my journal so am able to factually dispute Republican VP nominee Pence’s view of the condition of Indiana.   Hands down the worst interstate condition and worst rest stops ever!!  I posted my view of this on the Rest Stop App – anonymously!  Not much to write about in terms of the topography other than the windmill farms that went on for miles and oh did I mention flat flat miles of corn fields intersected only by miles of bumpy interstate with no shoulders.

Alas, better times as we arrived in Chicago to pick up Tess and Sam from school and enjoy dinner prepared by Nancy.   We continue to be reminded of our blessings and the special times we enjoy with our family.   Friday was the day for Pop (and Mimi) to be Samantha’s mystery guest at her school.   Pop was quite prepared to discuss all of the characteristics of North Carolina including props such as a map, flag, sea shells and a book.   Samantha was so proud to have us and as we lost total control in the first 10 minutes she stepped in and took charge, calling on children and instructing us on how to pass out the shells and prepare the snack.   The pimento cheese was a big hit (thanks to Kate for the suggestion).  We went on to enjoy a birthday dinner on Friday for Tess and her birthday party on Sunday.   We fit in a cubs game on Saturday making sure to try the hotdogs as is our tradition.   I still am a fan of the Fenway dogs as sacrilege as that is in our family.    We always leave Chicago with our hearts filled full from the special time spent with the Dieners but heavy with leaving.   On to Wisconsin . . . .

Cincinnati was a wonderful surprise beginning with our hotel – a Residence Inn downtown.   The hotel was in an historic building and quite beautiful which we did not expect of a Residence Inn.   Our hotels have been selected with our furry passenger in mind!   Zena thus far has been a willing participant in our journey.   We were within blocks of the baseball stadium and the river front.  We were not able to see a game but walked around the stadium (reading all plaques and viewing all statues) The river front is beautiful, lined with restaurants and park areas.   There is a walking bridge across the river called the Purple bridge connecting Cincinnati with Newport Kentucky.   We were able to walk across the bridge and explore Newport on our morning walk along the river.

Of course, our main reason for choosing Cincinnati as a stop was to see the John A Roebling suspension bridge (predecessor to the Brooklyn Bridge).  When passengers first crossed the bridge on Dec. 1, 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.  Roebling went on to design the Brooklyn Bridge in 1888.   Fun day in Cincinnati – on to Chicago!