Soul Man

Here's Jeff hamming it up with Jake and Elwood Blues - the Blues Brothers at "That 50's Diner" on the way from Springfield to Chicago.

The Mary Lincoln Polka

A visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and this is a must see place. The museum is very well done with two terrific movies with special effects that boggled our minds. (We saw one movie twice to figure it out.) They move you through Lincoln's life and presidency and keep it interesting. I got to meet the family outside the model White House while Jeff hung out with General's Grant (right) and McClellan. Later we saw the Union Station and the Old State Capitol.

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy...

Started off as a restful day as we awoke to a huge thunderstorm. Poor Ziggy was terrified and her teeth were actually chattering as she shook and trembled. We got her into bed with us and snuggled and we were all happy. When the rain stopped Zig and I went for a walk and dodged the cicada's who are everywhere and making a cacaphony of background music. Finally decided to go out and explore and first stop was an early lunch. Our Chicago cousins told us about Charlie Parker's Diner which was featured on our favorite show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. This place did not disappoint. It is located in an industrial area and is housed in a Quonset hut. We went inside to a crowded place with happy diners and great waitresses. They had a lasagna special, but Jeff told our server that he didn't come here from South Carolina to eat lasagna. Bring on the specialty horseshoe. Jeff went for a pork tenderloin smothered in cheese sauce and covered with french fries. All this atop a piece of bread. I had a breakfast "pony" a bit smaller with two eggs over easy, bacon topped with cheese sauce and hash browns atop a slice of bread. I am still smacking my lips.
Jeff signed their guest book and the host told us he and his family were leaving for Hilton Head tomorrow. Small world! We may go back for breakfast tomorrow as it is really great food and a friendly place.

Old MacDonald Had A Farm

We drove throught the heartland today where farming is big business. Along a two lane state road we passed many family farms with lots of high tech equipment. Farmers are still at the mercy of the weather and put in long, hard hours of backbreaking work.

It's A Bird, It's A Plane....

Today is National Superman Day and we drove through Metropolis, Illinois, and visited the big guy himself. Jeff and Ziggy pose with Superman while I get a little friendly with the superhero. Jeff is my man of steel and the billboard welcoming us to town.

You're In The Army Now....

We passed through two towns today that proudly displayed the names of active duty troops on phone poles. We are impressed and think it is a terrific idea. Thanks to all our troops and we appreciate these towns letting us know how proud they are of their young men and women.

Cicadas - Before & After