Springfield, Illinois

After breakfast we drove over to Lincoln's tomb in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, a beautiful setting.

It wasn't open yet, but we saw enough.

Passed this on the way to the Lincoln Museum

It was fantastic! I didn't take any pictures inside except for the one that follows; too much to read and admire.

Figures of Abe, Mary and three of their sons stood outside the "White House." Perfectly replicated--there were many such figures throughout representing generals, other political figures, the kids and more. One setting was Abe by the fireside, another was set in his law library with the boys running around him, and the White House.

The last thing we did was view a live action depiction called the Ghosts of the Library. Incredible special effects--see for yourself! ( I got the photo online.)

On the road again

 Saying good-bye to Sheila this morning as we start on the next leg of our journey--to Springfield, Illinois and the Abraham Lincoln sites there.

Peter and Michael can already tell things are getting more normal at Mom's house!

Finally a picture with all three of us--didn't think of it in time to get one of Cort and Jean too! I know we will all be back!

Sheila reported that she got her shutters installed today--am eager to see pictures!

Wheeee!

Port Washington

We ended up going to Port for supper; lots of the local places were closed for the holiday!

It is a pretty town, lots of atmosphere.

Sheila took this one.

We were here several years ago with John and Marilyn for the 4th of July fireworks.

This is where we had supper.

Memorial Day

 We arrived at the park just as the ceremonies were ending. Folks rushed to line up for brats, hamburgers and more.

Cary had been hoping for a brat ever since we got to Wisconsin!

We love going to small town events. I am sure there was probably another Birenbaum in the crowd somewhere!

Cort and Jean left Sheila's today for the Wisconsin Dells and a sisters' get together there. She has three sisters and their spouses joining them at a time share.

We leave tomorrow for Springfield, Illinois...will see some of the Abraham Lincoln sights. After that...we have no idea!

Sunday--Rain, Clearing, a Visit

I am not sure when the rain began, but it was going at it pretty well when we got up.

Mud! It will be some time before the yard is done.

 We went to visit Herman, Cary and Cort's dad's cousin. Their home was so interesting.

Cary had me take a picture of this fire extinguisher. I hope I remember correctly; when the glass gets hot, water comes out to extinguish a fire. Hmm, that seems pretty improbable!

                                 Okay, since I live in the desert, this large mushroom caught my eye.

A view from Herman's farm, looking toward the water tower of Belgium.

                                   

I love lilacs--there were two large groupings on their property.

 The Jersey cows in the barn entertained all of us. They are really beautiful animals. Sheila really likes cows!

Don is Sheila's (and Cort's and Cary's) second cousin.

The cows really liked Jean--I don't think I was able to catch the shot of one of them licking her!

We were all thrilled that the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the temperature outside was pretty darned perfect!

Saturday--Lake Michigan, the Luxembourg Center and a Housewarming (better late than never, right?)

It was gorgeous on Saturday so we drove over to Lake Michigan.

 I just couldn't get enough blue sky!

On our second try at a selfie, Cary is getting better at it.

The Luxembourg Center is just down and across the street from Sheila in Belgium.

 Pictures of ancestors from Luxembourg adorn this tree whose theme is "Roots and Leaves."

Sarah explained some things about the country to Cary. The museum was actually closed that day, but she was there for a meeting. Sheila got to know her and is even planning a trip to Luxembourg with her in December.

I didn't want to be too intrusive with my camera, so this is the only picture I took at the housewarming. Several other cousins and spouses showed up later. I see Kathy and Jim, Joe, John and Marilyn, Joan, Betty and (I think) Debbie. And one man whose name I either heard and forgot or else, never heard at all. You can see we got lots of things cleared out of this room. I hope that when the time comes that Sheila can find where we put it all.

Getting More Done

    The cable company came Thursday, so now we have internet, a landline and TV. Here is the room arrangement. Cary is demonstrating how TV watching can be done. While the installer was here, Peter the cat hid in the basement. We had several moments of panic trying to find him.

Cort is hard at work fixing supper for all of us. We spent a good part of the day visiting with friends who are in Manitowac on their way to Montana. After supper and dishes the gang went over to a cousin's to play cards. I spent time paying bills and updating all my stuff online!

Sheila's At Last!

Crossing the Mississippi

 Great wall advertising

We arrived a few minutes after Cort, Jean and Sheila. Cousin John and his wife Marilyn were there too.

Jim and Kathy showed up and neighbor Greg were the extra hands we needed.

I guess these two needed a break.

Jean and Kathy doing some heavy lifting!

Boxes went into the garage, into the basement and anywhere we could make them fit. Sheila had them pretty well marked as to their destination. This was the first time she had seen the finished house. She loved it!

Can you tell it is COLD?

The guys assembled the table that Jim and Kathy had picked up at Pier One for her.

Looks good

Cousin Joe brought an ice chest with beer, cheese curds and string cheese, so it was time for a break.

Even Peter needed a rest after his long journey!

The next day we started opening the boxes!

Sheila had wrapping paper to cover the windows for a little privacy at night.

 The basement with boxes and more

That is our ice chest; I hope I don't forget it.

The stairs going to the basement

R and R for Cary

We all slept well!