Day 172: Road Trip to Galena

It was a short night last night considering what time we went to bed.  I got up and fixed breakfast and tried to fix coffee.  I just drink espresso, so I don't have a big coffee pot.  We used my dad's keurig and kind of flooded my countertop.  We also managed to get some coffee out of it too.  


We hit the road around 8:30 to Galena.  We took the scenic route out so we could see some of the countryside and sneak into Iowa to say we went to another state.  It was a nice day, just hot.  Once we got to Galena we grabbed some lunch at a place called Gobbies.  Linda and I shared a sandwich.  I really liked the salad that we got there with the raspberry vinaigrette.  Becky and Linda got to try beer nuggets for the first time.  I think they liked them.


After lunch we wandered the town, weaving in and out of shops.  We also did a little wine tasting at Massbach Ridge and Galena Cellars.  I love Galena Cellars.  Unfortunately it was time to get back on the road to make it home for dinner time. 

Dinner was kind of a pitch-in.  Linda brought lasagna, I made a salad, portobello mushrooms, and garlic bread, and Becky made crepes suzette for dessert.  It was a nice family meal, too bad we were missing one person: Lori.

Day 86: Roman Ruins

The day started off well with clear skies.  Our first stop was the Pont du Gard.  It is amazing to think that it was built about 2,000 years ago and it still stands strong.  I walked all around looking for the perfect angle and found it on the other side, down by the river.  While down there Linda told me to pick up some rocks.  As I bent down to grab some, I found a shard of pottery.  Maybe ancient?  Probably not, but it is a nice idea.


The temperature warmed up fast and we got back on the road to go to Uzes.  Before we reached Uzes, Janey found a winery, so we stopped in.  There is very little English spoken down there, so communication can be challenging.  We tasted several wines.  The tasting portions were quite large; about a fourth of a glass.  We bought three bottles of wine: red, white, and rose, and three glasses.  It was so wonderful.  Definitely a happy moment for the wine lovers.

We reached Uzes, but I don't think we actually found it.  The area we were in seemed much newer.  Some people were pretty hungry, so we stopped for lunch at a patisserie/boulangerie.  It was located in a roundabout, so we had to to turn around to make it back.  Provence has many roundabouts.  I think it is a great solution.  It would be nice to avoid all of these stoplights we have here.  The food was okay, but not exactly the kind of lunch I was searching for.  Sometimes when you are hungry you have to go for what is available.  It was so funny to see my Aunt Lori so happy.  At one point she sat with her bread and au pain chocolat in her lap.  She embraced it as if it had been too long since their last visit.  I think I could create a photography exhibit on people and what they love.

After are brief stint in Uzes, we went on to our last stop, Nimes.  It is a beautiful city that seems cleaner than Avignon.  The arena there is supposed to be the best preserved Roman coliseum, so that was neat to see.  We split up for awhile and I walked down the main boulevard.  We were reunited at the Monoprix as we shopped for food.


When we came home I had an espresso and au pain chocolat for a little energy boost.  After this sustenance, Christy, Janey, Linda, and I walked around and shopped for awhile.  During this time Becky and Lori stayed back at the apartment while some men worked in our courtyard.  While shopping, I bought many items including tablecloths and napkins.  Unfortunately the store was only open this one time.  He was very friendly and helpful.  Really, everyone has been friendly and helpful on this trip.


As we were walking down the main street in Avignon, I couldn't help but think that all of the guys look like guidos.  I don't know if they are watching Jersey Shore and thinking that this is the cool way to dress, but it is not attractive.  Someone should tell them.  All the kids are out on the street walking.  I suppose they don't have much homework.  


We came back from our walk to fix dinner.  We had hamburgers, salad, roasted veggies, fruit, avocado, aioli, and tapenade.  I'm a big fan of the tapenade. 


After a busy day, we decided to stay in.  Several of us drank wine and watched "Lorna Dune."  I'd never heard of it before, but I liked it.  


As I reflected on the day, I had some thoughts about the shortness of life and the lack of time available to be upset or angry.  I know some people get annoyed with optimists, but I really just want to get rid of all negativity and take in all of the good.  I think these thoughts arose because we were talking about my grandmother and how she is 87 years old.  For some reason it never occurred to me that she is aging.  I still picture her being in her 70s.  I miss my granddad and I worry about my grandmother without him.  I was trying to imagine today what holidays would be like without her.  I've never experienced that and I think it would be difficult to celebrate without doing it the right way.


I also had thoughts about Kendra.  Sometimes it is nice to get away because it truly makes me realize how much greatness there is in my life.  

I was also thinking about my mom.  I need to be nicer to her and try to spend more time with her.  I worry about her health and overall well being.  I want her to be happy.  This is what traveling does to me.  Sometimes I just need a new perspective.

Day 49: Feeling Full

I wasn't feeling well enough to go to Decatur for the whole weekend, but at least I got my fill with family time for the day.  My dad, Kendra, and I started out at 6 am so that we could spend the day with visiting family.  I will write more about this tomorrow when I am rested from my day trip

It is a now a day later and my mind is much fresher for sharing the events.  I had a great day spending time with my grandmother, aunts, uncle, and oh yeah, my parents.  Many projects were taking place in the McMullen household on Saturday.  For awhile we worked on sewing the quilt that will go in the blue room.  I really miss sewing.  In high school I used to have my clothing class at the end of the day and it was the best way to end it because I was sewing with friends and collecting my thoughts from the day.  I cannot wait to buy fabrics in Provence so that I can begin a project.  I don't know how I will get everything home from my trip, but I have a feeling creativity will be needed to determine how to get it back.

After sewing for a little while, it was lunch time.  We sat around and had great conversations about me becoming a flight attendant and my aunt Lori coming to visit me.  There was one scene I wish I would have taken a picture of, but I didn't.  My aunt Linda shared a little bit of her Blue Moon with my grandmother.  At one moment I glanced over and I saw her sitting with one arm crossed and holding up the other arm that had the hand that was holding the beer.  She looked out the window in what appeared to be deep thought.  
 
When we returned home from lunch I pulled out my mat cutter and custom cut two mats for pictures to be framed in the old computer room.  I love cutting mats.  I know I am weird. 


Later in the afternoon my dad, aunt Lori, and I sat down to try to create a tentative schedule for our trip.  We took a directional approach and based the days around when the markets would be open.  This trip is going to be so different than any trip I've been on and I cannot wait.  We will be cruising along the Provencal roads in search of antiques, food, wine, history (maybe Mary Magdalene?), scenery, ruins, and whatever else comes our way.  Be ready for an explosion of pictures when I return.  If I could be in a constant state of planning for a trip, I think that I would be happy.


The night ended with a lovely dinner of Parmesan Chicken, story-telling, and laughter.  Many conversations broke out, but unfortunately it was time to begin the journey back home.  Sometimes I feel too lucky to be given all of this love in my life.  I know so many that do not have experiences like this and I always wonder how I deserve the family I was dealt. 

Day 40: Fortune

I received a great gift from my aunt Lori today.  Ever since my move I have been unable to find the Venice DVD that she made.  I love her videos because it allows me to see a different perspective and reminisce about the good times.  I am so thankful to have this DVD again.

Next week I get to see a good portion of my family and it is much needed.  The more people that I meet in my life (including students), the more fortunate I feel to have the family that I do.  Although my family is not large, I feel so connected to everyone.  Now that I am older I feel like my aunts are like my big sisters that I never had.  My aunt Linda mentioned that we might have a "sewing bee" to work on a quilt.  How great to sit around with great people (maybe some wine) and work to finish something together.

When it comes to parents, I think I won the lottery.  I have two parents that love me and constantly push for my happiness; whatever that means.  Their love has never wavered and it never will.  I wonder how I was so lucky to be born into this family.  It is something that I never take for granted. 

Day 28: Enjoying the Unexpected

I woke up this morning and decided that I would take a drive up to Evanston.  I've been thinking that if I cannot get a job in Indy, then maybe I can try in Evanston.  There is so much to do in the area and it is beautiful up there.  As I almost reach my destination, I get a call.  One of my favorite people in the world is in the area: Aunt Linda!  She asked if I wanted to meet up, and of course the answer was yes.  
 
We met in Des Plaines and had lunch at this nice little Italian cafe.  We each ordered a glass of wine and talked while we enjoyed our meal.  I think she is my wine soul mate because she is one of the few people that enjoys wine at anytime.  I love talking to her because she sparks my interest in so many topics.  I think she really tries to experience life in many different facets.  For awhile I felt like I was on one of our fabulous trips.  It was a nice getaway.

After we had lunch I decided to return to my original mission and visit Evanston.  I drove to the arts center and thought it was beautiful.  The remaining pictures are from that area.  I kept thinking about what it would be like to be able to walk to the beach in the summer.  I have been talking lately about how I'd like to live by a beach someday.  Lake Michigan isn't exactly the same as what I intended, but it would be a start.  I hope to go back up to the area when I can dedicate a day to exploring.

Although Indy is my number one choice right now, I think I mostly just want a change, and one that impacts a few aspects of my life.  Most people don't like change very much, but I think the possibilities is what makes it so exciting.  It could end up being a disaster, but I have to try to find out.  Somehow I doubt a disaster will occur.