Author: Judi

Starved Rock State Park-Day 1

May 14, 2014 By Judi

3 crazy nuts I met in Utica joining me on my journey Frank is going green…LOL Illinois & Missouri Canal I&M canal On porch of shoppeCarved out of wood Great Ice Cream Shoppe This sign is what made me get their ice creamRead the line just above AWARDS!!! Awesome  On Visitor center grounds Dinnertime at the visitor center Falls at French Canyon-Starved Rock River from Eagle Cliff Aerial view of river from Eagle Cliff platform Pathway in park Something to look forward to-Hmm-mmmm? Uh-oh!!! Drive in to the park Peek a boo tree trunk Poem written after 2 unsuccessful attemptsRead More

Positively Pampered Plus

May 13, 2014 By Judi

  Yesterday, the 12th was a day of decadence for me and I loved it!  I had my nails done…fingers and toes!  And, actually, I sat right next to a Bright Spot while drying said nails!  Jan, my ‘drying neighbor’ has been out of work since October and her unemployment ran out on Friday. (happy news????)  Yes, because her son offered to let her stay with him, a friend gave her a tip on a job op over the weekend AND she had the interview TODAY!  Jan…I know you did great!    By then, it was time to get onRead More

Last Night in Paradise

May 11, 2014 By Judi

    I’ve had a lovely Mother’s Day here in Paradise.  First, I heard from all 3 of my offspring, my sista, and quite a few friends!!!  Just goes to show, love has no geographical boundaries…contact someone you love that’s far away!    There was a complimentary breakfast today for moms and families.  It was great to see such a terrific turnout.  I rode my bike quite a bit today…had to burn off those 2 pancakes, ya know! LOL Now, the thunder is rolling like the hills in Illinois!  I’m thinking the rain is on its way.    While IRead More

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

May 11, 2014 By Judi

   Happy Mother’s Day to all moms everywhere especially my Bright Spot moms that I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with on my journey so far!!!    Remember, moms…most of what we teach our children is by example.  So help them see their value by recognizing your own and encourage their dreams by honoring yours!  There IS enough love and time for you AND the kids! ***A special Happy Mother’s Day to Nicole…I know Cameron adores you and for good reason! ***Another special greeting to Rachel & Megan…Leon and Gia are very fortunate to have you for their moms!  TheirRead More

Just Another Day in Paradise

May 11, 2014 By Judi

   Yes, this is day 2 at Paradise Campground in Garden Prairie, Illinois!  Well, it rained like the dickens through the night….but the day has been gorgeous!  The grounds here are quite beautiful as well…perfect for walking, chillin’ by the water with your favorite book, photo-ops, swinging at the playground and YES…riding your bike!  I am happy to announce that my new bike’s tires are officially dirty…rode it for the first time today!  It was great!  On the first trip, I had a bag of freshly folded laundry hanging off the left handlebar! Then I just rode around for kicks!Read More

Synchronicity in Galena

May 9, 2014 By Judi

   The vertical water part of my last post is here!    After my ‘waking siesta’, I was on the road to Galena, Illinois.  A brief 25 minutes later, an incredible experience awaited me!  Sometimes an event is just plain perfect!  Joe, from Niabrara State Park had grown up here and told me of several places worth visiting, but once again time constraints insisted I prioritize…of course, I chose the waterfall at Galena Territory!  I drove into this gorgeous golf community not having a clue where to go and noticed a gentleman walking across the parking lot.  I told him I wasRead More

WATER – Horizontal and Vertical!

May 9, 2014 By Judi

   Last stop in Iowa – Dubuque!  I unexpectedly began my day at 5:30 AM in the ER of Mercy Medical Center!  My ankles and calves were pretty swollen.  The results of an EKG, an ultrasound, and some blood work showed that I’m in great shape over all…the legs aren’t accustomed to sitting and driving for 3-7 hours at a time however!  Solutions: 1-wear compression knee highs while driving  2-break up the longer drives and get out and stretch and walk around  3-use PC on lap on the couch with legs up or wear knee highs if seated at aRead More

Catching Up-Cedar Falls, Iowa

May 9, 2014 By Judi

   I planned to stop here because of the beautiful waterfall pic I saw on the internet.  As it turned out, that pic was from Cedar Falls, OHIO…not Iowa!  The woman at the visitor center, Becky, was so helpful AND kind as I continued to explain that I KNEW I saw a waterfall online each time she told me there weren’t any. I didn’t realize the ‘state’ difference until later that evening…so, sorry Becky!!! lol  Her kindness continued as she shared a Bright Spot with me- Her 13 year old daughter, Rachel, was recently confirmed, she was thrilled that the weatherRead More

Firsts & Sioux City Surprises PICS

May 9, 2014 By Judi

Thanks Walmart Trinity Heights Trinity Heights Trinity Heights Trinity Heights Trinity Heights Trinity Heights Flight 232 Memorial Flight 232 Memorial Quote by fireman carrying the child Flight 232 Memorial Traveling with the Greats! West Side Story curtain My FAVORITE sign so far…it’s an actual place! A beautiful home on Floyd St. 4th St where I had lunch-Sioux City

Firsts & Sioux City Surprises

May 7, 2014 By Judi

    Before I left for Iowa yesterday morning, I had a very interesting FIRST.  I did my dishes in the shower!!!  Last night…another FIRST…I stayed the night in a Walmart parking lot between very tall stacks of  mulch!       Finally, on a more serious note, I felt completely welcomed by a structure made entirely out of metal for the first time ever!  How is that possible you might ask.  There is a sacred place in this town, though based on Catholic theology, offers a place of prayer, solitude and beauty for all denominations!  It is called TrinityRead More