D MJ Binkley's Guestbook

Great Blog
Wow! I loved exploring the lesser-known parts of Illinois with you! Such wonderful hidden gems waiting to be discovered. I understand, and think I also have, your interest in visiting covered bridges - they are fascinating! And a lovely picture of the two of you in the Starved Rock State Park. All intermingled with presidential history, good friends and food, it looks like you've created some wonderful memories to look back upon your time in Illinois fondly ☺️

Who wouldn't love Chicago
Well, as you know, I lived there for over ten years when I worked for 3M. It is my FAV of the big three cities ( NY, LA and Chi town ). I still remember the first time I walked in to the lobby of The Palmer House, it took my breath away and I have not forgotten that memory. In the afternoons on my lunch breaks, I would spend time inside the Impressionist room of The Art Institute . Lunching with Monet. Soon, the trains will make multiple daily runs from the Twin Cities to Chicago. Best part of your spending time there this year is that you got to visit us. A new memory to add to our friendship.

Small towns
When travelling the way we do and only having three or four weeks to experience a place (what Tara C. would have called 'fast travel' :) )... we try really hard get to stay in small towns and see the rural and regional ways of life as well. I love cities, but they only tell part of the story. How lovely that you got to explore these less-seen places. Those covered bridges are great :)

Midewin Prairie Visit
Catching up with you two, visiting the prairie and Art Institute of Chicago together was so much fun last weekend! I noticed that this weekend is National Bison Day (annually, on the first weekend in November); good thing we beat the crowds! :-) You know I love nature re-wilding projects like the Midewin Prairie, so happy we could go on such a gorgeous day. I've never seen so many grasshoppers in my life.

Baseball
I really enjoyed this blog, it was very well-written. I'm definitely one of those non-Americans who don't understand the rules of baseball, but I imagine I'd be happy whiling away an afternoon with the atmosphere, and a dog and beer in hand! 😁 Definition Minor League for me, those Major League prices and salaries sound like our own over-the-top Football Premier League prices. I love all the pictures of Merry making new friends with the mascots! 😁

Local travel...
It is so wonderful that you were able to get an in depth experience in the highways and byways to northern Illinois! Is you time there almost up?

Terra Nova River
"Beautiful" is the appropriate word

Panama
How awesome to spend time on the canal and to see many passing through boats. Panama looks a nice vibrant modern looking city but retaining that old town colonial look, what a nice contrast

Blue footed boobies
I love these birds, something so unique about the brightness of that blue. I hope someday I get to see one in real life 😍