My mama and me
Mom's back at her home in Terre Haute, Indiana

July 7, 2016 - Thursday

72 degrees/foggy/calm winds

Bloomington, Illinois

I'm sitting downstairs in the lobby of the hotel this morning after having enjoyed a breakfast of biscuits and gravy, a roll, juice, and coffee. Sargie? She's on vacation and temporarily enjoying a life of luxury by sleeping in. After two long days of driving, it feels good to be lazy this morning. Check out time is at 11 AM. I doubt we'll leave much before that. 

We waved goodbye to Pekin, Illinois, Wednesday morning and arrived in Terre Haute, Indiana, shortly after noon. 

Mom was happy to get home and after a short lunch, Sargie and I hugged and kissed Mom then headed back north.

We spent last night in Bloomington, Illinois, and enjoyed walking the afternoon and early evening away around Franklin Park, a historic district in which my old fraternity house is located.

There are many large homes and mansions in the area, most well kept.

My old fraternity house. My room was under the peak on the third floor facing this side. There's an air conditioner in the top middle window.

This cardinal is the first that Sargie has ever seen in real life. It was her sister, Susy's, as well as her mother's, favorite bird. 

We later drove to Miller Park, walking around, looking at the various tributes to those who have fought in past wars.

Perhaps the most interesting is the large memorial dedicated to those who fought in the Civil War and are buried in McLean County. It's impressive to say the least.

Remembrances of WWI and WWII are also prominent with displays from countries who fought on both sides.

Perhaps the most interesting is this tiny tank used in World War I

Miller Park is quite large and has a pool and fountain for small children, several play areas, a children's zoo, and a good sized lake.

Something that was most evident were the amount of people, many children, who were spending the summer evening fishing. As with the night before in Pekin, we saw young people enjoying nature.

Miller Park was our winter hangout during my college years. We donned our ice skates almost nightly and played many games of blood and guts hockey under the lights that shone alongside the lake. Looking back on it now, it's a wonder we didn't kill ourselves. 

I'm not sure what's on the agenda for today. No doubt, we'll continue our journey towards home. What we do between here and there and how far or fast we travel is completely up to Sargie. 

Meanwhile, it's time to get another cup of coffee, think some deep thoughts, and read the news online.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...