Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Back In Michigan

This is Nick, Me, and my friend Beth of Betty and the Headlights.

Well, Nick and I are back in Michigan! And I am happy to say that everything went well. Not that I was expecting my parents to be all weird or anything. I mean, I probably had one of the easiest times coming out of anyone I know.



I drug Nick around to all the things I love to do when I am home. Well, actually, not all the things, some of things there just was not enough time for.


We got into town and one of the first things I did was take Nick on Rush St. Rush St. is appropriately named: You drive down one hill and then up another. As you crest the hill, all that you see is the bluffs of the Illinois side of the Mississippi which are over a mile away. You are also about 200 feet above the river below. It is kind of freaky and you want to make sure you have good brakes!





We also checked out the city from the Fenlon Street Elevator. The elevator is a cable car system that lifts you 187 feet up the bluffs at an 87 degree angle. It is fun. Also a bit scary considering the elevator is about 120 years old.







The next day, Nick and I went to The Field of Dreams. It still amazes me that the movie has been out for over 18 years and there still was a crowd of people there. I guess it was true; it was built and they are still coming!







W went to U.S. Grant's Home in Galena, IL afterward and went shopping in Galena. Galena is a great little town in Illinois. It was the town of Chisholm, MN in the movie Field of Dreams. For those who are familiar with Michigan, it is kind of like Saugatuck but not quite as gay friendly.










This picture was actually one that was owned by U.S. Grant. I thought it was wild that it depicted children smoking. We debated exactly what it was the children were smoking! In many ways, Victorian sensibilities were much different than today! A painting like this would not be tolerated today.



Various family members just happened to "drop by" to see me (and to check out Nick!). But everyone was very nice. All in all, it was a good trip! Not enough time, but is there ever enough time?




On Sunday, we went to the Dickeyville Grotto. This is something that is probably not worth a trip in its own right, but a "Don't Miss!" if you are in the area. It was built by one priest (who must have been VERY bored!) many moons ago. It is impressive, but mighty cheesy.



Oh! Mom and Dad loved the frog!


5 comments:

Unknown said...

I love seeing pictures from the adventures of other people. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a good time.

Anonymous said...

It does sound like you had a good time and a positive experience with the folks. I think you sorely needed that. May it refresh your soul for a long time to come!

Ur-spo said...

very good photos
although the grotto took my breath away.

TigerYogi said...

At last we get to see your sweet face! :)

Steve F. said...

Congrats on a cool and non-toxic visit with parents...it's such a cool thing when it happens that way.

I'm glad your folks enjoyed the frog - that was quite an effort of love.

I guess I never knew you were from Dubuque. It's a great little town. I often wonder whether my own ELCA experience would have been better or worse if I'd gone to Wartburg...

And it is great to see your smilin' faces!