A funny thing happened on my way here

Hope is a hot commodity these days. Everybody wants some...

But more importantly right now... How the heck are you?!? It seems like it's been forever!

Yeah, yeah... I know... It's my fault. I don't even know where to start. We were in Minnesota and Illinois for a little over a week, I was working on rewriting the same sermon into something different every day, it's been hot, I took a long running break - which kind of threw off everything else... You know, some stuff happened. But I still had you in the back of my mind all that time. :)

MINNESOTA

We went to Minnesota June 26-July 2 to help the boy and his wife and son move. They went from a rental house in Minneapolis into their first home-that-they-own (or, the bank, actually) in St. Paul. We drove up on a Thursday - in what turned out to be a 10-hour trip ending in torrential downpours the last couple hours - then rented a Uhaul and moved everything on Friday. From then until we left on Wednesday we 1) got 5 bookshelves and 2 heavy wooden wardrobes at Ikea and put those suckers together. Ugh. They have a lot of books and a king foam mattress all of which went up a tiny, steep staircase! It just about did the two of us in. 2) We also found a used electric mower on marketplace, they bought that, and I spent half of one day mowing over and over and over their lawn that was a little out of control. 3) Then we pretty much just put stuff away and played with the now 9-month-old grandson! Anyway, it was a nice time, and it's a super cute house in a really cozy neighborhood with sidewalks and close to stuff.

BUDA

Wednesday, July 2, we drove the six hours from St. Paul to my mom's house and stayed there until Friday. I did the usual work-around-the-house-and-yard while Jane went over to her brothers house and stayed with him a bit. We did go out to eat with my mom one night in the local watering hole and managed to see several people that we kinda-sorta knew, and several more that my mom was just sure we knew who they were (not). Anyway, we had a nice time but were glad to return home on the 4th of July. The cat was actually happy to see us too! Though the poor little thing was hoarse from meowing so much while we were gone. :(

CARDIOLOGIST

Somewhere along the line Jane has now acquired a cardiologist, and had a couple appointments. She complained to her doctor that her left arm went to sleep now and then, and kind of hurt sometimes. Also, she's had trouble getting back into running - losing her breath so easily. So he referred her to the cardiologist who recommended a CTA stress test with contrast (and something else at the same time but I can't recall the name of it). That test actually showed that her arteries are in good shape - other than there is apparently a 5-5-ish cyst in one of them. They believe that may have been there for some time, and don't think it's a problem, but they're having her do an 'exercise echocardiogram' on a treadmill just to see if that has something to do with the breathing problems. So that's been fun! :/

PREACHING

Oof... I preached at our church gathering this past Sunday. I'd kinda/sorta been preparing for it since late-January-ish... and that is WAY too long to prepare for a single message. Anyway, it went fine (meaning, no one was physically harmed during the process), but it was just one of those totally flat dead-air type days. The entire service just seemed 'off,' the air was unusually warm, and there just seemed a lack of energy about the place. But, whatever, ya know. However, I was reminded of this quote from Bruce Thielemann: "The pulpit calls those anointed to it as the sea calls its sailors. And like the sea it batters and bruises and does not rest. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you are going to have to do it again." Yep.

MUSIC

This past weekend was a good one for us musically. Summertime in the Fort means 'Rock the Plaza' for us. The local downtown library has free music (with food and drinks) every Saturday during the summer. The time-frame has shrunk considerably over the years (I think it's only 8 or 9 weeks this summer), but we've been doing it since at least 2009, and I believe it started a few years before that. Anyway, this past Saturday was a bit like old times. They had some of the older bands, and there was just a really good vibe in the air. The last of 4 groups was a mix of musicians forming an 8-piece jam band - which we like. They were grooving 'Into The Mystic' (the Van Morrison classic that I walked the daughter down the aisle to), and just as a tear was forming in my eye, the local minor league baseball team's end-of-game fireworks show started! It was a grand way to end the evening the day before I was to preach! Then, like that wasn't enough, Sunday night we had tickets to a concert at the phenomenal Sweetwater Performance Pavillion. The 7pm show started with Yasmin Williams solo, then The Wood Brothers just rocked the house, and ended with St. Paul and the Broken Bones!!! We didn't know it was going to be a 4-hour show, but it was pretty fun if I do say so myself. I was really impressed with The Wood Brothers (our first time seeing them), and especially their drummer who also plays keyboards WHILE drumming! The Broken Bones have blown us away both times we've seen them. It was a fun weekend musically all the way around.

RUNNING

Yeah, so, I haven't really run since the end of May (I think). I've been riding the bike, if anything, and recently started walking more. Last week I did a run/walk thing one day, and again today. I've been nursing my sore left ankle hoping it's not achilles related, and I hope it's on the mend. We'll see. I need to start back into it if I'm going to do another half or four this fall, but the big challenge will be to not start back to fast or hard.

 

So, I guess that's where we're at. I need to get back into this habit - among a couple others - as well. I'll try to do better. 

I hope you've been well! Talk to you later!

Weekend in minneapolis

I've been meaning to make note of this since Monday, and yet, here we are... 

We made a quick trip to Minnesota to see the boy's family (and that newest grandson!) last weekend. A good summation of this visit: I took my shoes off when we arrived Friday at noon, and didn't put them back on until we left Sunday evening. It was that relaxing and splendid. :)

Once again we made use of the super-convenient Delta direct flight between our airport and theirs. Interestingly enough, it takes roughly 90 minutes flying from FWA to MSP in the morning, but only 60 minutes coming back at night. I wonder if the difference is air traffic around Chicago is less at night (at least Sunday night). I dunno, but they were both smooth and uneventful - which is the best kind (especially finding out about the Delta flight out of MSP that crashed the day after we got home!).

We took an Uber from the airport to Isaac's, and it was $50 instead of $20 the last time we flew up there. Maybe it was time of day... or maybe a different president... Again, who knows. Things change. Especially babies!

There is not much else to report about this visit. We tried to hold and snuggle with now-4-month-old Wynn as much as we could. Isaac said he'd been fussy lately, and he maybe was a little bit when we got their Friday, but it didn't last. Saturday and Sunday he seemed to be mostly sleeping, smiling, and starting to learn to giggle! Oh, and he can rip pretty good farts too!!

We ordered pizza Friday night, Isaac made us breakfast Saturday morning, had Asian take-out Saturday night, and otherwise just ate leftovers. 

Perhaps the highlight of the trip was Saturday and Sunday afternoon when we finally convinced I & R to go out while we stayed home with the boy and the dogs. And they actually did! I think they mostly just ran some errands, but they seemed happy to spend a couple hours each day just the two of them again.

It snowed most of Friday night and Saturday, and they maybe got 4" on top of what was already there. It was also pretty chilly (maybe 5°F), though it was supposed to be down to -11 when we left.

Saying goodbye was a bit hard this time - not just to them and Wynn, but this was also probably the last time we will see their old dog, Crosby. We've thought that before, but the vet has confirmed it's likely a matter of months now for the 15 year-old boy. They've had him since college, and I know it will be hard for them.

So, now we are back home. I do have to say, it makes me sad to be so far away. Even thought we don't see our daughter and her family ALL THE TIME... still... they're right here, and we can when we want. It's difficult to think about Wynn growing up and changing so much between each time we see him. But, I know, such is life.

I feel we've been fortunate to have seen the new baby three times in his first four months. Not sure how long we can keep that pace up financially, or how much longer they'll even be in Minnesota, but we'll try to enjoy it while we can.

Thanksgiving in minnesota

We spent Thanksgiving week 2024 in Minneapolis with the kids and grandkids this year. It was a pretty swell time all packed into Isaac & Ricci's house on 31st Avenue. It was cold, we had a little snow, but there was plenty of food, snuggling with the dogs and new baby, and everyone lived to tell about it!

We drove up from Fort Wayne Tuesday, leaving around 8am (the Feipels drove separately a tad later). It's ~570 miles, and took us about 8 hrs, 45 minutes both going and returning. Mid-Tuesday morning was a nice time to get through Chicago, and once you're beyond that's it's a pretty easy-breezy trip. All interstate (or at least 4-lane) via Rt. 30, I-80/90, I-90, I-94, and then a couple blocks to the house. The bulk of miles are actually through Wisconsin (Janesville, Madison, Wis. Dells, Eau Claire), and I had no idea the Twin Cities are only like 25 miles inside the MN state line.

Once there we basically stuck around the house other than Wednesday night we all went to an NBA game between the Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. That was pretty fun - especially for Caleb. We also did a group afternoon visit (Friday) to this awesome place called Can Can Wonderland (with a brewery attached next door). Otherwise there were visits to the park a couple blocks away (mostly for Caleb to play basketball), and walking or running along the Mississippi River 3 blocks the other way. Wednesday morning Drew and I ran the 2 1/2 miles past the University of Minnesota right downtown to U.S. Bank Stadium where the Vikings play. 

 

As for food, we did order pizza the first night, but beyond that Jane had made some soup and chili and we had a couple breakfast casseroles (other than the morning Carrie went and bought everyone donuts!). For the meal Thursday we had all the usual fixins: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stovetop, green bean casserole, corn casserole, rolls, and canned cranberry, with pumpkin pie for dessert. We were well fed and naturally I ate too much.

The house has a really small (I mean REALLY small kitchen), so we weren't able to sit at the table to eat, but instead we all gathered in the living room with our Thanksgiving feast. It worked out fine. And beyond that we had plenty of room. They have a nice basement with a large bedroom and even bigger area that is usually Isaac's office but was converted into the kids' sleeping area, as well as a large full bathroom. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms and a full bath too. For a fairly small house, it really did hold us all comfortably.

We returned home Saturday morning in 5°F temps and had another uneventful trip - though adding that extra hour going from the Central time zone to Eastern is not as nice as losing it on the way there.

Personally, I had a very nice and relaxing time. It was good to have everyone together, so special to see the older grandkids holding the new one, I enjoyed the basketball game and a couple chilly runs along the Mississippi, and I do have to say, I enjoy holding little Wynn. He is so peaceful, yet had already changed so much from just a month ago. I'm sure that will be even more pronounced as he gets older.

So, until Christmas, it is back to normal around here. I had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

We went to see the baby

We had a nice visit to Minnesota to see the newest grandchild. We flew out of Fort Wayne Friday morning (10/18) and flew back to the Fort Tuesday evening (10/22). Flying is not cheap, but it's so dang easy. We're 5 minutes from our airport, and they are 15 from theirs; plus the direct flight on Delta is only like an hour fifteen minutes. It's hard to pass up. And Grandma wanted to spend as much time as possible with Wynn!!

I do have to say, the fourth grandchild is just as special as the first three. It doesn't get any better, and certainly doesn't get old! He is the sweetest thing and allowed us to hold him and stare at him almost the entire time we were there. And, aside from a few times when he would open his eyes and try to hold his head up, he's a great sleeper!

The only downer of the trip was the old dog (Crosby) was not feeling so good. Isaac and I took him to the emergency vet after we got there Friday. They 'hope' he just had a bulging disc that was causing him pain and making it difficult to move. The vet hopped him up on Prednisone, Codeine, and Gabapentin. He had trouble standing and going from standing to sitting or laying. He was pretty wobbly and actually fell a couple times. By the time we left, the medicine seemed to be helping, but at fifteen years old he was still moving pretty slow. We were afraid he was going to die while we were there, and I'd say it won't be long. He was such a good boy though, as was Tig (the 3-legged dog). She was much more concerned about the new baby though, and making sure the humans were taking proper care of him.

Anyway, we mostly just hung around the house the whole time there. We ordered pizza one night, but otherwise Jane or Isaac cooked. We went to the store a couple times and got supplies, and Jane and I had lunch down the street one day. Fortunately there is a grocery store within walking distance (.4 miles), and there are all kinds of restaurants and such about a mile away - which could easily be walked to as well (it's all residential). It's a great neighborhood.

I did my 12-mile run Saturday along the Mississippi River. They have a great trail system, and it's only three blocks from their house. I ran 4 miles down to Minnehaha Falls Park, turned around and went back plus 2 miles to downtown Minneapolis (past the U. of Minnesota). It is really pretty, although from their house to downtown is quite a big hill. When I did my 4-mile run Monday I just went the other way to avoid the incline. 

All in all it was a pretty swell time and that baby is awesome!

Trip to minnesota

We have actually made a number of trips to Minnesota in our 40+ years together. Our first was when we were still in high school (1980-81-ish). My sister and her then-husband had just moved there. My sister still lives there (about an hour from the cities), but not her now-ex.

However, this was our first trip to Minneapolis specifically, as the boy and his wife just moved there in July of this year. She is teaching at a Catholic middle school, and he will be professor of ethics at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. 

We opted to fly on this visit. There is a direct flight on Delta that departs daily from Fort Wayne at 9:45am, and from Minneapolis at 7:45pm. So Saturday morning to Monday night was almost three full days! And the flight is a mere 1 hour 20-ish minutes (but remember the time zone change!). It also helps that we are 10 minutes from our airport, and they are 15 minutes from theirs.

The kids have a nice little house in the residential Seward area of Minneapolis. It is two blocks from the Mississippi river (which then includes miles of paved greenway trail), and there are several coffee shops, restaurants, and things within walking distance. It is much nicer in that regard than either of their homes in the Atlanta area. [This is everything except the kitchen, 2 full baths, main bedroom, and laundry room]

One interesting thing, Minneapolis, and Minnesota in general, is apparently super progressive. As you can see from the picture, apparently hardly anyone - at least in all the neighborhoods we visited - has much grass. It is very natural and "green-conscious."

While there we did take in some sites downtown, as well as the Mississippi River area downtown. We visited a couple of the lakes in the city, and Jane and I also got in a run along the Mississippi. We went from the kids' house down past the University of Minnesota and back (about 4 total miles - the last pic). 

Sunday afternoon we went to this neat little theater and saw Oppenheimer (which I liked). 

Monday (or was it also Sunday) we got a tour of the Luther Seminary campus. It is actually larger than I anticipated. We got to see Isaac's office, some of the classrooms, the chapel area, and they have one of the two known "death masks" Luther had made (you should google it). There is also this large portrait that is either Martin Luther or Jack Black. I couldn't tell.

The first day there we had brunch at a little place we walked to from their house, then lupper at an outdoor place along the Mississippi downtown. On Sunday we went to The Market At Malcolm Yards, which was pretty cool (near the U of M football stadium).

Anyway, I'm sure I am forgetting a ton. It was a very nice trip, we were glad they seem to like the area they are in, and we are looking forward to many more visits over the next few years at least.

Family vacation to pigeon forge

Our family took a trip to Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, TN last week. We rented a mountainside cabin just outside Sevierville and were tucked into a little area known as Smoky Cove. Aside from some adjustment to the hilly, tree-filled terrain (for me), it was a pretty nice and relaxing week.

There was a swimming pool at the entrance. It was a mere minute drive by car, but the steep hills made it about a 7-minute walk. It was nice to have there. I think the grandkids would have been content to just swim the whole time.

Everyone pitched in on food and we only ate out one meal. There was still plenty left to bring home!

Logistically, it was about a 7 1/2-hour Sunday drive down I-75 through Cincinnati, Lexington, and Knoxville, then a jaunt on 441 and some lesser-traveled winding roads to get there. The return home on Friday took more like 8 hours. Aside from some serious wind and rain in Lexington, it was a good trip both ways.

We mostly just hung around the cabin playing games and swimming, but did try for at least one outing each day. There are soooo many things to do, and most of them cost sooooooooooo much money. I still think everyone had fun.

Our daily itinerary looked something like this:

• Sunday - arrived around 4:30 pm, got settled, kids broke in the hot tub
  
• Monday - the kids & grandkids went for a hike; in the evening we all went to The Island in Pigeon Forge where we ate pizza, the kids did a couple rides, and we just walked around
• Tuesday - we all went miniature golfing at Professor Hackers Lost Treasure Golf in PF.
• Wednesday - everyone except me went tubing at River Rat Tubing and Whitewater in Gatlinburg
• Thursday - everyone except Drew went to Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (Drew left Thursday morning for home because he had a gig Thursday and Friday night). Everyone except Carrie and me went on the mountain coasters
• Friday - departure for home at 8:50 am

I tried to be a trooper - even jumping in the swimming pool with the kids and banging my knees on the bottom - but I had a bit of trouble adjusting to being swallowed up in the trees and mountainside. I wish I could relax and go with the flow more, but I just can't... so I'm working on accepting who I am and trying to not be so hard on myself. I didn't want to ruin anything for anyone else, so I just didn't do things I knew would possibly be too much. I think it worked out okay.

Overall, it was nice just to get away with the family. I wish we were all more well-adjusted, but we do alright, and I feel fairly blessed.

I will finish out by letting pics tell the rest of the story...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ***

Proverbs 4:23

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

39th anniversary grand rapids weekend

We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary with a weekend trip to Grand Rapids, MI. It started off a little rocky, but ended up being a swell time.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Downtown where we stayed for the marathon last year. It is conveniently located just off the highway along the river and allows us to walk most everywhere downtown. They also have a good restaurant on site (Burger Theory). It works well for us. You can see it in the background of the above pic.

FRIDAY

Jane drove us up after work Friday, because I was still wiped out from a head cold or allergies. It's an easy trip up I-69N to I-94W to 131N and took about 2 hours 40 minutes. Just as we pulled in the hotel parking lot though I got a text that a co-worker had tested positive for covid. She had the same symptoms I was having, and they started on the same day as mine! Ugh. So, after checking in, we found a Walgreens and picked up a couple rapid tests. 

It's funny how I was suddenly now sure I had covid. Jane went down and got us supper at the hotel restaurant and we just stayed in the room. My first test was negative, but I figured we would need to leave the next day to isolate at home.

SATURDAY (Riverbank Run, Founders Brewery, Holland Beach, Wolfgang Puck)

After a good nights sleep we awoke to a sunny Saturday... and I actually felt much better! It was the first time my nose hadn't run all night in several days. I took another rapid test and it was also negative. So, I don't know if I had false-negative tests or my co-worker had a false-positive. Either way I was glad to feel better.

It's a good thing we didn't have plans though, because as we looked out our corner hotel window we noticed all these runners going by! Turns out they were having the Amway Riverbank Run that morning, and it went right by our hotel!!! It includes a 5&10k and features the largest 25k in the country, as well as the USATF 25k Open Championship. There were A LOT of people, and I thought it was awesome they were having it while we were there. Bonus!

We had breakfast at the hotel and then walked down the street to the Amway building where the finish line was. It was hopping with spectators and runners and it was fun to mingle about.

We finally wandered down the way - about 1/2 mile - to Founders Brewing Company. We had a couple drinks and watched more runners go by. It was a cool place with a nice gift shop. At just after noon it was starting to get busy so we headed back to our hotel. 

We arrived just as it started to rain, so that seemed like a good time for a nap. It only rained maybe 1/2 hour and the sun came back out, so we decided to drive 40 minutes over to Holland to see Lake Michigan. We went to Holland State Park and walked out on the pier. It was amazing how much colder it was by the water. The temperature dropped over 20 degrees!

 

By now it was time to get ready for our big anniversary supper. We had wanted to splurge and try Ruth's Chris Steak House but couldn't get a reservation that morning. Instead we went to Wolfgang Puck's in the Amway building. It was just over the bridge from our hotel. The earliest we could get in was 8:30. We went all out and both got the New York Strip. It was really good! Our server (Chris) was superb as well. We shared a piece of cheesecake (so good) and when Jane asked Chris to take our pic for our anniversary he said the cheesecake was on him. He probably says that to everyone, but still he made us feel special. We walked home over the rapids, and it seemed like 39 years were treating us pretty well. I felt truly blessed as we drifted off to sleep that night.                          

SUNDAY

Perhaps the main reason we decided on Grand Rapids for our anniversary was to attend a Sunday worship service at our friends Tom & Kim's church. Tom is the pastor of Gaines Church in Caledonia, just south of GR. He and I have been meeting together once a week for almost 23 years now. We used to pastor neighboring churches, and now that they've moved we meet via video call. His dad had actually pastored this church at one point, and it's where Kim is from. It's a nice place and we enjoyed the low key service.

After church the four of us went back to GR and ate at The Old Goat. It was a cool place and they had live music for Sunday brunch. We visited while waiting for a table and our food (not the fastest service, but good food).

We finally left around 3 pm. It's an easy trip, and we arrived back home around 5:30 pm. 

Yeah, we probably spent too much on a hotel and supper, but how much is 39 years of marriage worth? I would say it's pretty priceless.

It was a nice weekend.

***

"Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love,
it would be utterly scorned."

- Song of Solomon 8:7

 

Ladies chicago weekend

"It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago... for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time." -Mark Twain

Boy, isn't that the truth!

Three lovelies - otherwise known as my wife, daughter and daughter-in-law - visited the city for the weekend. I'm told it was mostly a good time. 

They planned this weekend away to attend a live "The Popcast" show on Friday. Then they booked a hotel downtown and did some sightseeing the rest of the time.

It was cold and snowing when they arrived Friday. Saturday cleared off and they ventured down to Navy Pier, the Museum of Art, and various other downtown spots (walking over 8 miles). The DIL flew out Sunday morning, and J & C went to the giant multilevel Starbucks and then headed home themselves.

I'm told the hotel was nice - their room was on the 23rd floor - and they ended up getting complimentary breakfast for some reason (where they ran into James Cromwell both mornings). 

 

The only negative of the trip was someone stealing Jane's wallet Saturday afternoon. Apparently they took it right out of her purse as they sat at a bar downtown. She was pretty upset, but I was glad it was just her license and cards. The idiot scum immediately tried to make big-ticket purchases, so Jane was notified right away and shut the cards off. I tell you, though, I would consider suspending my commitment to nonviolence if I ever ran across these low-lifes! It is such a pain to file a police report, shut off and replace your cards, replace your ID and sign up for fraud protection/notifications, etc. I keep trying to remind Jane that she did not DO anything! This was not her fault... she was the victim of a crime. And it SUCKS being the victim of a crime! Grrrrr.

The thing about it, is it leaves you feeling so vulnerable. I suppose it's only fitting for Easter week. We should probably all feel a bit like that during this historical time of 'passion.' One never knows when the cock may crow...

***

Matthew 26:31-35

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Illini basketball game/buda trip

I finally attended a University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball game in Champaign. We've seen them at the Big Ten tournament, but this may have been the first time on their home court (although it's possible I'd seen them eons ago, I can't remember). Anyway, it was a great Friday-Monday trip!

BUDA

We left home for Buda as soon as Jane got off work Friday afternoon. It was a cold and windy trip, but at least the roads were good. We arrived at my moms that night and watched the Olympics with her until we went to bed.

Saturday I got up and continued my running streak with a short run/walk. Jane went to her brother Keith's in Sheffield, and I did some odd jobs for my mom. I had to run to Menards and get an outlet cover plate and some furnace filters. I also inspected her newly broken washing machine knob. I showed her how to use a pair of vice grips to turn it, and ordered a replacement. I did a couple other odd jobs, then pretty much lazed around and watched the Olympics and some basketball on her cable TV.

CHAMPAIGN

Sunday we got up early and went for a run, then left for Champaign/Urbana at 9:30am to attend the 1 pm game. I/we have been there a number of times over the years. My dad did his graduate studies there. I attended Illini football camp between my freshman and sophomore year, my family went to the high school basketball state tournament several times, and we attended several concerts and conventions there after we were married. So, while not altogether foreign, it has been quite awhile since we've been there.

The trip wasn't terrible to start out. We'd gotten a dusting of snow overnight, and I swear it must have all stayed on the roads! Apparently Illinois doesn't salt their roads like Indiana does. It eventually started snowing again, and got harder and harder the further we went. I-74 from Peoria to Champaign wasn't the greatest and we saw several cars that had freshly slid off into the median. As you can see from this pic, it was near-white-out conditions as we got to Champaign. I was so glad to finally arrive.

It took about 2 1/2 hours from Buda, and we pulled into the I Hotel - where we were staying - right at noon. We were able to check into our room early, but we chose instead to head straight to the game. It was still snowing like crazy and we were drenched rats just from walking across the parking lot. Didn't matter. We showed our tickets and vaccine cards and we were in!

For some reason I forget that Champaign and the basketball arena and such are not all that large. Still, I loved the atmosphere of a major college game. And our seats were way better than I expected!! Section 223, row 13 was pretty near the top, but we were almost center court, behind the Illini bench, and while I intended (and forgot) to bring binoculars - they weren't needed at all. It was a great view for the sold out game. 

I enjoyed watching the team warm up beforehand. I spotted all my favorite players and coaches (which is all of them!). I was even able to recognize the 5-star recruit they had visiting that day.

The game was great - even though they didn't play the greatest. The first half we jumped out to an early lead and maintained double digits - up to 18 points - well into the second half. Then we got a bit lazy and it dwindled down to a 1 point lead before we finally held them off at the end 73-66 (I think). I was never too worried, but would have preferred a blowout! :)

THE HOTEL

After the game we trekked back to the hotel and found our room. The I Hotel is super nice, and the most convenient place to stay for Illini sporting events. There is free parking, and it is almost literally right in the parking lot of the State Farm Center. The football stadium is right next to that. I thought it fairly reasonably priced too at $129. Everything about it is perfect! I definitely recommend it!

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar is right inside the hotel, which is where we had supper and watched the start of the Super Bowl. There was also a free breakfast buffet in the morning. While at breakfast I spotted one of the Illini assistant coaches (GA). He met another tall guy in his late 40s/early 50s who was obviously involved with basketball either there or with some other team. Coach A actually said hi to me when he sat down right next to us, so I did the respectable thing and tried not eavesdrop on their conversation. I couldn't help overhearing a little recruiting talk (something about mothers), but I mostly just enjoyed being with my lovely wife.

AND...

Before breakfast we went for a run around the stadium area. It was single-digit temps again, but at least a sunny day. We checked out of our hotel around 10:30 and headed for home via I-74 to Indy and I-69 north to the Fort. We stopped at Payne's in Gas City for lunch, and made it in about 3 1/2 hours driving time.

Overall, it was a great long weekend. The kids and Jane got me the Illini tickets for Christmas. A perfect gift for me (although I'd have preferred a game earlier in the season to avoid the nasty weather). It was just an all-around nice and relaxing time. I felt happy and blessed.

***

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.

- Psalm 84:1-4