It's getting there....
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
More from the trip
Well, after having gorged myself on impossible foods with no exercise during the trip, I'm finally back down to my desired weight. Portion-control, fruits and vegetables, and cardio are my friends once again. My teeny-tiny tummy is back. Plus, Rob and I have made a pact to each other. No fast/junk food on the trip home. We bought a Coleman cooler we will stuff with fruit, vegies, hummus, wraps and lunchmeat. Since we are taking the trip in 5 days instead of 3 this time, we will stop at rest stops to eat instead of Jack in the Box or Arby's. No wonder we felt like rotting shit last year. 15 hours in the car+Big Mac+dog on doggie downers= one bigass stinky car, let me tell you. Not this year, friends! We learned our lesson, and healthy is the way to go.
Also, picked up my latest rolls from the developer. Here are some pics from the trip with a few others thrown in. Enjoy!
Patrick's Point, Trinidad, CA
Rob and Enzo with the dumptruck
Sassy really wanted in that pool
Rob, Enzo and Bert (my stepdad) playing soccer
In Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma, CA
Les and Joe, Les' surprise party
Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
Patrick's Point, Trinidad, CA
Strawberries at the Farmers Market on Pier 39, San Francisco,CA
Looking in on a bakery in North Beach, San Francisco, CA
Cherries at the Farmers Market, SF
Chuck, Universal Grille, Cincinnati, OH
Crabs on the Wharf, San Francisco, CA
Also, picked up my latest rolls from the developer. Here are some pics from the trip with a few others thrown in. Enjoy!
Patrick's Point, Trinidad, CA
Rob and Enzo with the dumptruck
Sassy really wanted in that pool
Rob, Enzo and Bert (my stepdad) playing soccer
In Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma, CA
Les and Joe, Les' surprise party
Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
Patrick's Point, Trinidad, CA
Strawberries at the Farmers Market on Pier 39, San Francisco,CA
Looking in on a bakery in North Beach, San Francisco, CA
Cherries at the Farmers Market, SF
Chuck, Universal Grille, Cincinnati, OH
Crabs on the Wharf, San Francisco, CA
Monday, June 25, 2007
Quad Cities- A love letter
3 weeks from today, Eureka will be a fading memory. At last, a year-long nightmare will be over, and we will be traveling toward our new life. What is odd, of course, is the idea that we are moving to a place we have seen millions of times before. We are moving home. And we won't have to find places. We won't have to search for grocery stores, gas stations, malls, a vet, the movie theatre. We will just know where it all is. It is the most relaxing, surreal feeling I think I've ever had when it comes to moving on with your life and starting that new chapter.
People in California often wonder why we are so happy to be moving home. They often believe that, outside of California, the world does not exist. They can't understand what the allure of the midwest could possibly be. "Why do you want to go there when you could be here?" they ask. There are numerous answers to that question. Such as, I enjoy seeing the sun, and warm weather. I would like to see the leaves change in October. I would like to play in the snow with my dog come January. I would like my child to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.. I would like for my kid to play with Lesley and Corey's kid anytime they like. In turn, I like my midwestern structure. My rules. Am I becoming a republican? Christ, no. I am a product of my nurturing, my environment. And after 30 years, I finally understand that this is okay. I quite enjoy it, actually. I've traveled the big world (and I-80 too many times to mention) and I finally realize all I want is to go home.
When Rob and I were home those last few weeks, it was as if Eureka didn't even exist anymore. Being there was comfortable. It was right. We wanted to stay, we didn't want to have to pack up and come back here for four weeks to hash out the rest of the moving details. Everything about it was so damned perfect. I also think that 8 days of sunshine helped that, too. But there are just things about the Quad Cities that I love, and today, I'd like to share them with you.
1. We have Whitey's Ice Cream.
Sweet, creamy, wonderful goodness that is Whitey's Ice Cream, which is the Quad Cities claim to fame. Whitey's is a QC institution. Whenever one comes to the Quad Cities, Whitey's is the first place you must stop. If you ever come to visit, ask me to take you. I will never refuse a visit to Whitey's. EVER. Lactose intolerance be damned!!2. We have Lagomarcino's.
Lagomarcino's was the first confectionary in Moline in like 1912 or something. It's old fashioned, right down to the hanging Tiffany lamps, counter with stools, and hardwood booths. Go for a light lunch and a not-so-light dessert, such as their Hot Fudge Sundae. Again, who cares about lactose? I'll take a pill!3. We have Happy Joe's Pizza.
Enough said.4. We have the Mississippi River.
The majestic, mighty Mississippi, which flows right through our little place in the world. There is nothing like walking down Ben Butterworth parkway at dusk, or watching the Boat Parade on the 4th of July, sitting on the banks of this great lady.5. We have Arthur's Garden Deli.
A Quad City favorite for the best damned sandwiches in the known universe. In the past five years, I can't find a sandwich that rivals good ole Arthur's.6. We have John Deere.
Did you know the Quad Cities is the international headquarters for John Deere? I bet you didn't.7. We have the Bix 7.
Bix Beiderbecke, the known jazzer from the 20's, spent much time in Davenport, Iowa before heading off for ill-fated stardom. Every July, the city of Davenport puts on a jazz festival in his name. About thirty years ago, they started up a race to go along with it. The race originally started out as separate from the jazz festival. A few dozen people ran the first race. In the mid-1970's it was affiliated with the festival, and slowly began to grow. Today, 15,000 to 20,000 people typically run it. It is one of the largest non-marathon running races in the country, and draws top runners from all over the world. The 7 mile course is known for its outrageously steep hills. The first mile of the course is all Brady Street Hill, completely uphill. Spectators line the 7 mile course, which I have taken part since childhood (watching, of course. Not running).You totally want to come visit me now, don't you?
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Nostalgia Trip
When Rob and I were home in the Nati during our trip back East, Matt and Jason had finished the edited copy of Chess on DVD, and so gladly gave us many copies in which to share with friends and whatnot. Having some free time today, I popped it in, and sat down to watch what was, most likely, the most fun I've ever had on stage.
When it finished, and I was in tears, I began to realize that the crying was for more than just the sad ending. I really missed being on stage. The last was, of course, Chess in May of 2006. Has it really been that long? Yes, I went six years without so much as a toe on a stage, but after having done 6 shows in two years, I really longed for it. This feeling of dread, longing, desire sort of filled me up, until I couldn't function. I couldn't put away the clean clothes, or make the bed. I missed those people, true, but it was performing that I just ached for.
When we move, I'm not sure what sort of musical opportunity I'll have in the QC, unless I make it for myself. Not many companies there do the kind of musicals I enjoy, which is one of the reasons I will be starting up my own group. I'm hoping, by next May, I'll be back on stage. I'm hoping to get my friend P-dub down to do Last Five Years with me (hint hint should you be reading this, P-dub). If he says no, then I'm hoping to do Elegies by William Finn. I know many of you fine readers aren't that versed in MT, but Elegies is a beautiful little piece for a cast of 5, with nothing but a piano, some stools, and a few props on stage. Hey, it's a new theatre company, so don't expect grand sets, lights or orchestras.
Because I was so nostalgic for Chess today, I'm posting some photos in honor of my achy breaky heart. Much apologies for Billy Ray Cyrus now screaming through your head.
Rehearsing Quartet during sound check
Michael Shawn and I hanging out
Poor Matt's head, after the light fell on it at dress.
Me, Chuck and Matt, Cast party at Luna's
After having drank a bottle of champagne, drunk off my ass during strike
My boys-Chuck, Thurm, B and Robert
When it finished, and I was in tears, I began to realize that the crying was for more than just the sad ending. I really missed being on stage. The last was, of course, Chess in May of 2006. Has it really been that long? Yes, I went six years without so much as a toe on a stage, but after having done 6 shows in two years, I really longed for it. This feeling of dread, longing, desire sort of filled me up, until I couldn't function. I couldn't put away the clean clothes, or make the bed. I missed those people, true, but it was performing that I just ached for.
When we move, I'm not sure what sort of musical opportunity I'll have in the QC, unless I make it for myself. Not many companies there do the kind of musicals I enjoy, which is one of the reasons I will be starting up my own group. I'm hoping, by next May, I'll be back on stage. I'm hoping to get my friend P-dub down to do Last Five Years with me (hint hint should you be reading this, P-dub). If he says no, then I'm hoping to do Elegies by William Finn. I know many of you fine readers aren't that versed in MT, but Elegies is a beautiful little piece for a cast of 5, with nothing but a piano, some stools, and a few props on stage. Hey, it's a new theatre company, so don't expect grand sets, lights or orchestras.
Because I was so nostalgic for Chess today, I'm posting some photos in honor of my achy breaky heart. Much apologies for Billy Ray Cyrus now screaming through your head.
Rehearsing Quartet during sound check
Michael Shawn and I hanging out
Poor Matt's head, after the light fell on it at dress.
Me, Chuck and Matt, Cast party at Luna's
After having drank a bottle of champagne, drunk off my ass during strike
My boys-Chuck, Thurm, B and Robert
Monday, June 18, 2007
Two Weeks in Review
Well kids, we made it back in one piece. It was a lovely two weeks back with all the people we love and care about. Let me regale you with tales of the trip...
Monday, June 4
We dropped Maddy off at the boarders, then headed south for a day in Sonoma Valley. We arrived about 2pm to a beautiful, sunny 75 degree day, which was a welcome relief after weeks and weeks of 57 and partly cloudy. Our first stop was at the Sebastiani Winery, in the heart of Sonoma. Sebastiani was known to most winemakers as swill, until about 15 years ago, when their wines started tasting pretty amazing. We tasted 4 wines each, and ended up leaving with 3 bottles of our favorites.
Rob at Sebastiani
During our tasting at Sebastiani
Next, we headed up the hill to Ravenswood, whose slogan is "No Wimpy Wines". We were treated to 5 different wines by most likely the oldest man in Sonoma County, who also liked to give generous pours. By the time our tasting was done, we were pretty lit. We left Ravenswood with 4 of our favorites, one of those for our friends Matt and Jason, who we were to see in just a few short days in Nati.
Outside Ravenswood
The view from Ravenswood
Having our chocolates on the Ravenswood patio
After leaving Ravenswood, we traveled over to our bed and breakfast, called The Sonoma Chalet. Such a beautiful, secluded place overlooking the amazing hills of Sonoma. We were pampered by Jack, the sweetest little gay man in the world, who owns and runs the Chalet. We stayed in Sophie's Room, which had it's own private sun porch and beautiful details.
Rob on the sun porch
On the sun porch
After a shower, we headed over to The Glen Ellen Inn, just a few minutes away in Glen Ellen, CA. Rob and I stayed and dined at the Inn during our honeymoon in 2003. It is, to this day, still the best meal we have ever eaten at a restaurant. The service is impeccable, and the menu changes weekly. We dined on the patio and enjoyed a lovely meal.
Tuesday, June 5
I woke the next morning, quite early, and decided to go for a walk. Just down the block from our B&B was a bike path, cutting through the city. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and I loved seeing the sites while getting in my cardio. After a shower, we were treated to a healthy breakfast on the deck by Jack, who we found out was originally from Illinois, and went to the same college as Rob! Quite a coincidence.
We packed up and headed to the city by 10, and were driving over the Golden Gate about an hour later. Our first stop was the Japanese Tea Gardens, which in my opinion, were the most boring things I've ever seen. Then again, I'm not much for tiny trees and bridges over ponds. Next, we headed down to North Beach and did all kinds of touristy things. The point of heading down there was to get some amazing shots, which I got plenty of. We dined at the Wharf for lunch, then headed back to
Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate tasting and purchasing. We enjoyed a cookie sundae with dark chocolate syrup- man, was that thing good. We picked up some gifts for people after I shot some of the chocolate-making before our eyes.
At Ghirardelli
Next, we headed back to the Marina District, where I took some amazing shots of the Palace of Fine Arts. This is a beautiful structure, built for the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915. With all intentions of tearing it down once the event had finished, the city decided to keep it, and I'm sure they are glad they did.
Palace of Fine Arts, SF
After the Marina, we headed down to the Mission District, and did some shopping at our favorite little store, Therapy, where I picked up some magnets, cards, and another set of mugs we recieved as a gift last Christmas. We dined at this little sushi place across the street for dinner, then headed down South San Francisco and bunked in for the night at our hotel.
Wednesday, June 6
We woke at 4am to prepare ourselves for a 6am flight to Salt Lake City. The highlight of our day was really something. Going through security at 5am, I looked up to see a familiar face. It was a woman, sitting talking to one of the security guards and spraying her many tattoos on her arms. I did a double-take, and realized the woman was actress Janeane Garofalo, 90's film icon of sorts from movies like Reality Bites, The Truth about Cats and Dogs, Romy and Michelle. She is very tiny in person, and has become quite thin these past few years! Anyway, we sit down at our gate, and she comes and sits down there, too. I notice she is sitting next to another familiar face, a man I can't quite place but recognize nonetheless. Yet again, a tiny man in a black ball cap comes and sits with them, a face I recognize but can't place. They all were sitting first class on our flight, with us sitting just a few rows back. As we arrived in Salt Lake and were ready to deplane, I notice the tiny man's black ball cap says "Pixar" on it, and it hit me that this guy is Brad Bird, writer and director for Pixar movies. If you are a fan of Pixar movies (and I am), Brad Bird is the voice of the sea turtle in Finding Nemo, and the voice of Edna Mode in The Incredibles. We were stunned. Turns out, the chubby guy sitting with Ms. Garofolo at the airport was Patton Oswalt, comedy guru and star on King of Queens. Turns out, both Garofolo and Oswalt voiced the new Pixar flick Ratatouille, and were on a comedy tour publicizing the film. Quite a morning, let me tell you. It was a rough day, flying into O'Hare, picking up the car, getting stuck in Chicago traffic for two hours, then finally making it into Nati around 11pm. We were happy to be out of the car and to see Matt and Jason.
Thursday, June 7
Thursday was a busy day yet again, as Rob was having lunch with a professor at CCM, and I was having lunch with my old student Jessica and her mom, Diane. A quick trip to see Nikki at Vintage for a shine treatment, then coffee with my voice teacher Pat before heading back to Matt and J's to get ready for our night out to Mary's. I was reunited with my baby, Chuck, and then we piled into the rental, on our way for the big party.
Me and Chuck
When we arrived, most of the party had already arrived! It was great to see everyone again- Melissa, P Dub, Thurm, Mark, Sarah E... just everyone. I, of course, sang Heartbreaker (would I sing anything else and disappoint my fans?), then sang a rousing rendition of Seasons of Love with the whole gang.
Mark, Michael Shawn, Thurm, Matt, Flerlage, Mel, Daniel, Jason, Chuck after Seasons of Love.
Charlie, always at the ready
Awesome photo of Chuck on stage
My people love me
Doin' the Heartbreaker thang
Mark
Friday, June 8
A bit of a lazy day. Matt and Jason planned a small dinner party for the group, where we dined on spaghetti and meatballs, salad and lots of red wine. Towards the end of the night, we got a little punchy and started looking at pictures of sex changes over the internet. Yah, kinda scary.
The sex change photos
Saturday, June 9
Rob and I packed up, gave lots of hugs to Matt and J for having us, then drove home to Illinois for a week of house-hunting. My sister Tina and 2 1/2 year old nephew Enzo were staying as well, and it was a great evening, all of us together. We hadn't seen Tina or Enzo since September of 2005 at my uncle's funeral. Enzo was just crawling then, and it was great to see him getting so big. He sure loves his Uncle Rob and Aunt Ally.
Sunday, June 10
Lazy day of reading the paper, having breakfast, then some house walk-throughs before heading up to Morrison to visit with the Elflines.
Monday and Tuesday, June 11 and 12
We spent these two days looking at houses, and Tuesday we found the perfect one (the one we got). We filled out the application and waited anxiously to hear back.
Wednesday, June 13
Mom took a vacation day and we had a lovely girls day out. Mom treated us to side-by-side pedi's. We had those two girls in stitches as they did our toes, and we talked Mom into getting an eye-brow wax, which she loved. We headed down to the mall and had lunch, then shopping. That night, I met my blogger friend Tracy at Old Chicago for some chow and good conversation. It was so awesome to finally meet her, and know that when we return home, I have a new friend there!
Me and Tracy
Thursday, June 14
Thursday, Rob and I headed to the Bettendorf pool for some sunshine and swimming. It was in the 90's and sunny the whole week we were home, and we were happy to get out and take advantage! After, we headed to Chili's for lunch and received a phone call from Alan Ford (our new landlord) that he would let us know tomorrow if we got the house or not. After a shower, we had dinner with two of Rob's new colleagues from Augustana at Exotic Thai, then hit some mini-golf, where I totally kicked ass.
Friday, June 15
Friday, we met with Les and Corey for lunch at The Phoenician, this amazing mediterranian restaurant in Davenport, all the while, trying desperately to not spill the beans about Les' surprise graduation party that would be heald the very next day. We treated ourselves at Two Rivers Massage, and celebrated getting the house that night at Bud's Skyline Inn near the airport in Moline.
Saturday, June 16
It was Les' big day, her surprise graduation party at their friend Mike's house in Bettendorf. She was quite shocked but grateful we were all there to congratulate her. We were so happy we were able to attend!
The volleyball game in the pool, Les' party
Les in the party hat
Mike and Beth's new daughter, Isabella
Rob and Sassy, playing catch
Mom and Bert took us out to Governor's Saturday night, where we sat on the patio and had a great time. Rob and I went for a drive, where I snapped this shot of the I-74 bridge and the great Mississippi at dusk.
We ended our trip with one last jaunt to Whitey's Ice Cream, the Quad City favorite.
Sunday, June 17
We had a nice Father's Day breakfast with Mom and Bert, then packed up and drove up to O'Hare. We arrived in San Francisco around 11pm Sunday night, crashed at the La Quinta, and were happy to have our own car back.
Monday, June 18
We left the City around 9:30am for the 5 hour drive back to Eureka. It was a pleasant, sunny day for driving. Knowing this would be the last time we drove on the 101, we stopped at Confusion Hill, a roadside attraction we have seen many times before. Confusion Hill boasts the Gravity House, which is quite a feat of engineering.
Rob in the Gravity House
We arrived in Eureka around 3pm, did some unpacking, and picked up our baby, who was tired beyond all belief. She is still sleeping now, and I think will continue to for a day or so.
After all was said and done, we are glad to be back in our own bed, with Maddy and our own cars. After two weeks of uncontrolled eating and very little exercise I feel a little... bloated. It's nice to be home, in my kitchen, where I know what I'm eating and can control my portion size and how much fruit and vegies I eat. Back at the cardio this morning, which is necessary. We were also able to change our reservations for the moving van and hotels. We are now leaving Eureka July 16, a full 11 days prior to our original date. Just 26 days, and we will be on the road. I better get packing!
Monday, June 4
We dropped Maddy off at the boarders, then headed south for a day in Sonoma Valley. We arrived about 2pm to a beautiful, sunny 75 degree day, which was a welcome relief after weeks and weeks of 57 and partly cloudy. Our first stop was at the Sebastiani Winery, in the heart of Sonoma. Sebastiani was known to most winemakers as swill, until about 15 years ago, when their wines started tasting pretty amazing. We tasted 4 wines each, and ended up leaving with 3 bottles of our favorites.
Rob at Sebastiani
During our tasting at Sebastiani
Next, we headed up the hill to Ravenswood, whose slogan is "No Wimpy Wines". We were treated to 5 different wines by most likely the oldest man in Sonoma County, who also liked to give generous pours. By the time our tasting was done, we were pretty lit. We left Ravenswood with 4 of our favorites, one of those for our friends Matt and Jason, who we were to see in just a few short days in Nati.
Outside Ravenswood
The view from Ravenswood
Having our chocolates on the Ravenswood patio
After leaving Ravenswood, we traveled over to our bed and breakfast, called The Sonoma Chalet. Such a beautiful, secluded place overlooking the amazing hills of Sonoma. We were pampered by Jack, the sweetest little gay man in the world, who owns and runs the Chalet. We stayed in Sophie's Room, which had it's own private sun porch and beautiful details.
Rob on the sun porch
On the sun porch
After a shower, we headed over to The Glen Ellen Inn, just a few minutes away in Glen Ellen, CA. Rob and I stayed and dined at the Inn during our honeymoon in 2003. It is, to this day, still the best meal we have ever eaten at a restaurant. The service is impeccable, and the menu changes weekly. We dined on the patio and enjoyed a lovely meal.
Tuesday, June 5
I woke the next morning, quite early, and decided to go for a walk. Just down the block from our B&B was a bike path, cutting through the city. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and I loved seeing the sites while getting in my cardio. After a shower, we were treated to a healthy breakfast on the deck by Jack, who we found out was originally from Illinois, and went to the same college as Rob! Quite a coincidence.
We packed up and headed to the city by 10, and were driving over the Golden Gate about an hour later. Our first stop was the Japanese Tea Gardens, which in my opinion, were the most boring things I've ever seen. Then again, I'm not much for tiny trees and bridges over ponds. Next, we headed down to North Beach and did all kinds of touristy things. The point of heading down there was to get some amazing shots, which I got plenty of. We dined at the Wharf for lunch, then headed back to
Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate tasting and purchasing. We enjoyed a cookie sundae with dark chocolate syrup- man, was that thing good. We picked up some gifts for people after I shot some of the chocolate-making before our eyes.
At Ghirardelli
Next, we headed back to the Marina District, where I took some amazing shots of the Palace of Fine Arts. This is a beautiful structure, built for the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915. With all intentions of tearing it down once the event had finished, the city decided to keep it, and I'm sure they are glad they did.
Palace of Fine Arts, SF
After the Marina, we headed down to the Mission District, and did some shopping at our favorite little store, Therapy, where I picked up some magnets, cards, and another set of mugs we recieved as a gift last Christmas. We dined at this little sushi place across the street for dinner, then headed down South San Francisco and bunked in for the night at our hotel.
Wednesday, June 6
We woke at 4am to prepare ourselves for a 6am flight to Salt Lake City. The highlight of our day was really something. Going through security at 5am, I looked up to see a familiar face. It was a woman, sitting talking to one of the security guards and spraying her many tattoos on her arms. I did a double-take, and realized the woman was actress Janeane Garofalo, 90's film icon of sorts from movies like Reality Bites, The Truth about Cats and Dogs, Romy and Michelle. She is very tiny in person, and has become quite thin these past few years! Anyway, we sit down at our gate, and she comes and sits down there, too. I notice she is sitting next to another familiar face, a man I can't quite place but recognize nonetheless. Yet again, a tiny man in a black ball cap comes and sits with them, a face I recognize but can't place. They all were sitting first class on our flight, with us sitting just a few rows back. As we arrived in Salt Lake and were ready to deplane, I notice the tiny man's black ball cap says "Pixar" on it, and it hit me that this guy is Brad Bird, writer and director for Pixar movies. If you are a fan of Pixar movies (and I am), Brad Bird is the voice of the sea turtle in Finding Nemo, and the voice of Edna Mode in The Incredibles. We were stunned. Turns out, the chubby guy sitting with Ms. Garofolo at the airport was Patton Oswalt, comedy guru and star on King of Queens. Turns out, both Garofolo and Oswalt voiced the new Pixar flick Ratatouille, and were on a comedy tour publicizing the film. Quite a morning, let me tell you. It was a rough day, flying into O'Hare, picking up the car, getting stuck in Chicago traffic for two hours, then finally making it into Nati around 11pm. We were happy to be out of the car and to see Matt and Jason.
Thursday, June 7
Thursday was a busy day yet again, as Rob was having lunch with a professor at CCM, and I was having lunch with my old student Jessica and her mom, Diane. A quick trip to see Nikki at Vintage for a shine treatment, then coffee with my voice teacher Pat before heading back to Matt and J's to get ready for our night out to Mary's. I was reunited with my baby, Chuck, and then we piled into the rental, on our way for the big party.
Me and Chuck
When we arrived, most of the party had already arrived! It was great to see everyone again- Melissa, P Dub, Thurm, Mark, Sarah E... just everyone. I, of course, sang Heartbreaker (would I sing anything else and disappoint my fans?), then sang a rousing rendition of Seasons of Love with the whole gang.
Mark, Michael Shawn, Thurm, Matt, Flerlage, Mel, Daniel, Jason, Chuck after Seasons of Love.
Charlie, always at the ready
Awesome photo of Chuck on stage
My people love me
Doin' the Heartbreaker thang
Mark
Friday, June 8
A bit of a lazy day. Matt and Jason planned a small dinner party for the group, where we dined on spaghetti and meatballs, salad and lots of red wine. Towards the end of the night, we got a little punchy and started looking at pictures of sex changes over the internet. Yah, kinda scary.
The sex change photos
Saturday, June 9
Rob and I packed up, gave lots of hugs to Matt and J for having us, then drove home to Illinois for a week of house-hunting. My sister Tina and 2 1/2 year old nephew Enzo were staying as well, and it was a great evening, all of us together. We hadn't seen Tina or Enzo since September of 2005 at my uncle's funeral. Enzo was just crawling then, and it was great to see him getting so big. He sure loves his Uncle Rob and Aunt Ally.
Sunday, June 10
Lazy day of reading the paper, having breakfast, then some house walk-throughs before heading up to Morrison to visit with the Elflines.
Monday and Tuesday, June 11 and 12
We spent these two days looking at houses, and Tuesday we found the perfect one (the one we got). We filled out the application and waited anxiously to hear back.
Wednesday, June 13
Mom took a vacation day and we had a lovely girls day out. Mom treated us to side-by-side pedi's. We had those two girls in stitches as they did our toes, and we talked Mom into getting an eye-brow wax, which she loved. We headed down to the mall and had lunch, then shopping. That night, I met my blogger friend Tracy at Old Chicago for some chow and good conversation. It was so awesome to finally meet her, and know that when we return home, I have a new friend there!
Me and Tracy
Thursday, June 14
Thursday, Rob and I headed to the Bettendorf pool for some sunshine and swimming. It was in the 90's and sunny the whole week we were home, and we were happy to get out and take advantage! After, we headed to Chili's for lunch and received a phone call from Alan Ford (our new landlord) that he would let us know tomorrow if we got the house or not. After a shower, we had dinner with two of Rob's new colleagues from Augustana at Exotic Thai, then hit some mini-golf, where I totally kicked ass.
Friday, June 15
Friday, we met with Les and Corey for lunch at The Phoenician, this amazing mediterranian restaurant in Davenport, all the while, trying desperately to not spill the beans about Les' surprise graduation party that would be heald the very next day. We treated ourselves at Two Rivers Massage, and celebrated getting the house that night at Bud's Skyline Inn near the airport in Moline.
Saturday, June 16
It was Les' big day, her surprise graduation party at their friend Mike's house in Bettendorf. She was quite shocked but grateful we were all there to congratulate her. We were so happy we were able to attend!
The volleyball game in the pool, Les' party
Les in the party hat
Mike and Beth's new daughter, Isabella
Rob and Sassy, playing catch
Mom and Bert took us out to Governor's Saturday night, where we sat on the patio and had a great time. Rob and I went for a drive, where I snapped this shot of the I-74 bridge and the great Mississippi at dusk.
We ended our trip with one last jaunt to Whitey's Ice Cream, the Quad City favorite.
Sunday, June 17
We had a nice Father's Day breakfast with Mom and Bert, then packed up and drove up to O'Hare. We arrived in San Francisco around 11pm Sunday night, crashed at the La Quinta, and were happy to have our own car back.
Monday, June 18
We left the City around 9:30am for the 5 hour drive back to Eureka. It was a pleasant, sunny day for driving. Knowing this would be the last time we drove on the 101, we stopped at Confusion Hill, a roadside attraction we have seen many times before. Confusion Hill boasts the Gravity House, which is quite a feat of engineering.
Rob in the Gravity House
We arrived in Eureka around 3pm, did some unpacking, and picked up our baby, who was tired beyond all belief. She is still sleeping now, and I think will continue to for a day or so.
After all was said and done, we are glad to be back in our own bed, with Maddy and our own cars. After two weeks of uncontrolled eating and very little exercise I feel a little... bloated. It's nice to be home, in my kitchen, where I know what I'm eating and can control my portion size and how much fruit and vegies I eat. Back at the cardio this morning, which is necessary. We were also able to change our reservations for the moving van and hotels. We are now leaving Eureka July 16, a full 11 days prior to our original date. Just 26 days, and we will be on the road. I better get packing!
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