Go West...

Life is peaceful there! We've landed safe and sound at a beautiful and modestly priced hotel in Pueblo, Colorado. Last night we stayed in a state park in Kansas City, MO. Not much to report other than lots of driving - we saw a spectacular storm in Colorado - dark brooding clouds, forked lightening and hail. Ready for bed and another decent drive tomorrow to land in Taos. --JW (Go Sens Go!)

Wilderness Eve

Our last night of comfyness before heading to camplandia (though camping will be far more agreeable due to the generous lending of an air mattress from J & K). We hope to see much American wilderness, hopefully more of the furriness we saw today in Evanston and yesterday downtown. We roll on tomorrow to Kansas City for a night, then to Colorado Springs for a night, and then on to Taos, New Mexico. Tonight we go to sleep with funniness from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert dancing in our heads, and bellies filled with S's delicious quesadillas, homemade sangria and keylime cheesecake. Hmmm....we are certainly not roughing it (yet!). --JW

Pictorial Chicago

Chi-town Strut

Here is Driver J on the road to Chicago. A rather delightful journey it was, accompanied by tales of Alexander the Great, who, I am told, was the most magnanimous and brilliant of kings. --SPH

civil war beard? you decide.

Our last day in Columbus reunited me with the Shipka-nator - an MA friend from the Ohio. We ate, we laughed, we ate again, and sang along to Reservoir Dogs soundtrack, the only music (really) in Drew's G-man-mobile. Thanks Drew for the introduction to Handel's ice cream...the chocolate pecan really is the only flavour for us. We've now had a few Mohitos and are on to the wine with a host of delicious cheeses and olives in our wake. Jess is promising a mushroomy-pasta-y wonder for dinner. On our way to Chi-town tomorrow... --JW

Wedding Dress

Important additions to yesterday include delicious Mexican eats and a relaxing hookah bar.

Today we went with the K. and J. for a little shopping trip. K. payed for her dress, but more importantly, we put together this fine number for yours truly.

This evening will be spent at the Kikta's beside the pool; perhaps a bowling trip afterwards. Who knows what else is in store.

Best wishes to mums this day. --SPH

1492

Day 2 is warm, sunny and filled with delicious food. First words spoken this morning "I am so glad we're not in Kalamazoo". My memories of (what I now call) Kalamazon't are mostly of sweat and a nun who cut me in line at the sundae bar. We've explored Columbus, including a cavernous bookstore and a German area filled with sausage.

The evening promises more sausage and some adult beverages. The photos show Spencer and I outside of the sausage haus and Spencer, his sister Jess and her fiance Katie on the mean streets of Ctown. --JW