Illinois – Page 2 – Paint Your Landscape

Hola from balmy Mexico!

I guess you could say that I took a hiatus from blogging. I am not one to do a posting just to fill space – not going to bore you with how I rearranged my kitchen cabinets (which is a posting I actually came across recently).

We, like many others, have been patiently awaiting the rainy season as it has been a long dry spell. Many of those who have migrated south of the border (and locals perhaps) take a little break from this area during the month of May, which is our hottest month. Having said that, it still is rather pleasant here even at 90º, as we do not have the accompanying humidity during the dry season. We did decide, however, to follow the crowds and take a trip north of the border to see family.

Our first stop was Indianapolis to visit Terry’s sister and husband and to pick up a vehicle we have stowed there. Once the rains subsided (which had been plentiful this year in the midwest), we assisted in planting a garden, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Terry got the task of roto-tilling the ground before we planted so I am not sure that he has as fond memories as I do!

I was reminded by my sister-in-law that when I posted some pictures of family back over the Christmas holidays, I neglected to include everyone in the family, that being the four-legged variety of relative. My apologies to Frank and Pearl!

Pearl is very camera-shy (actually barks when you point a camera at her, as does Terry’s sister when a camera is pointed in her direction!) so taking a picture of her had to be a sneak attack.

From there we headed to Illinois to see my brother and family and to attend my godson’s graduation. We also had the honor of seeing said godson (Seth) decked out for his 8th grade dance, which was quite an event. It looked more like the prom to me. My, how times have changed!

8th Grade Dance — Seth and Friend Dressed for the Dance

Paige, Seth and Blake — Paige, Seth, and Blake

A rare shot of niece and nephews in the same photo: Paige, always the photogenic one; Seth, still no smile to speak of; and Blake, hamming it up for the camera!

Next on the agenda was getting ready for a very important graduation. I saw friends that I had not seen in 20+ years! It was a very good time.

Family at Seth's Graduation — Proud Parents and Siblings Awaiting the Graduate

Villa and Seth — Grandma and Happy Graduate

And that is about as close as we could get to capturing a smile on Seth’s face!

A grade school talent show was on the list of activities that we took time to see, where our niece Paige did a song and dance routine with several of her friends.

Paige at the Talent Show — Paige - the "Justice" Girl

After a few days of enjoying family in Illinois, we ventured to Ohio to spend time with Terry’s parents, assisting with as many projects as they would allow. The weather was very nice, as was our visit. We were both grateful to be able to offer a helping hand where needed.

From Ohio, back to the Indianapolis area to spend a night with niece Sara and her significant other, Nick. I am including photos of two more of our four-legged relatives, one who was overlooked in my last family posting (Bailie) and the newest addition to the family, Marge.

Out of control, boisterous Marge thought she was a cat in this next shot, attempting to climb as far into Terry’s lap as she could

We had a wonderful visit and the time flew by, as it seems to when you are on vacation. Is it proper to call it a vacation when you are retired?

We are now back in Mexico, returning to the rainy season and some amazing storms. It is a bit more humid than before the rains came and the temps are hovering around 80º. Not a bad gig if you can get it!

Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future; concentrate the mind on the present moment ~ Buddha

We have returned to sunny Mexico after spending a wonderful 5 weeks with family and friends. Our trip included an approximate 2000 mile trek from Arizona, to Oklahoma, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. For those of you up north watching the weather (and who hasn’t), except for warmer temps in Arizona and one day in the midwest, most days the temperature was frigid, but we were rewarded with a white Christmas and the warmth of spending the holidays with family.

Our first stop after leaving Arizona was to head to Oklahoma to visit children and grandchildren. We also had the opportunity to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a very moving tribute to those whose lives were changed forever after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 15, 1995. Looking across the expanse of the Field of Empty Chairs was a very humbling experience, one I will not soon forget. Each chair represents an individual who lost their life in the bombing, with names engraved on the bases. Smaller chairs chillingly depict the number of children lost in the daycare center that tragic day.

The memorial created by this tragedy was one of the most symbolic I have ever seen, with a reflecting pool sitting in front of the Field of Empty Chairs and The Gates of Time flanking either end of the pool. Engraved on the east gate is the time of 9:01, which reflects the innocence of the city prior to the bombing. The west gate’s engraving of 9:03 represents the moment that the city was forever changed, as the bombing occurred at 9:02 am.

One of many other noteworthy items on the grounds is that of the Survivor Tree, a 90-year-old American Elm that bore witness to the violence of that day, having been embedded with debris from the building. It was lovingly cared for and still is to ensure its survival, as it represents the strength of the Oklahoma City people. A message to visitors reads: The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.

The memorial museum is an interactive chilling chronology of the days, weeks, and years that followed the bombing. As one walks from room to room, chapters unfold outlining the chaos of that day. The Gallery of Honor is the museum’s most beautiful room, honoring the lives of the 168 who were killed. Families of the victims display personal photographs and memorabilia of their loved ones, while interactive computers provide personal stories.

I would encourage everyone to visit this memorial if possible. It will forever change you.

From Oklahoma, we drove on to Ohio to spend Christmas with parents and on to Indianapolis to spend time with a sister and her family. Giving the parents a break, we headed to Illinois to visit a brother and family, along with a good friend. The first night there I came away with a bruised knuckle, thumb and knee, reminding me that I am not as young as I once was and that air hockey, rip riders and pogo sticks are probably best left for the young!

Another must-see when in Ohio is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, containing three large galleries covering aircraft from World War II through our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A short side tour can be taken onto the active air force base to view Air Force One planes throughout the years, as well as a Research and Development wing. A Missile and Space Gallery rounds out the newer additions to the museum.

After the first of the new year, we stole away for a couple of days to visit friends in Columbus, Terry’s very dear friend from high school (how many of us keep in touch with friends from that far back) and his lovely wife.

Oklahoma family photos:

The Ohio and Indianapolis crowd:

The Illinois clan:

Some action shots of the nephews and niece and a wonderful reminder of special memories we all hold dear of Christmas – the smiles of children.

My oldest nephew and godson, Seth, did not participate in the above festivities but challenged me to a game of Air Hockey (what was I thinking?!) and could take credit for me sporting a black-and-blue knuckle and thumb for several days. Needless to say, I got trounced!

It was a bittersweet trip back to Mexico, given the time spent with family and friends, but we had to remind ourselves that they are just a phone call or plane flight away. Here is hoping that all of you have some beautiful memories of the holidays, with family and friends at the center.

May 2011 bring us all peace and prosperity and an abundance of blessings!