Left Chicago Union Station on Amtrak 7:30 AM on Saturday, March 20 It was probably the best Amtrak train ride I've had - it was on time, moved smoothly and I had so much room, I didn't know how to handle it. Also, Amtrak is equipped with electrical outlets. I slept on the train. I slept a lot because I went to bed at 2AM the night before. I arrived in Battle Creek and we went grocery shopping for foods for the weekend. We got back home and dicked around for a little bit. Ate some homemade hummus. Then we made homemade chili. It was with Pork Tenderloin (could have done w/o that) but it was delish. The beans were pureed with fresh jalapeños. Since we forgot to buy jalapeños at the grocery store, my ... read more

Denver, Day 1 Arrive at Denver Airport; go get rental car and drive to downtown Denver. Walking Tour; ...Union Station - actually very beautiful. ...Walked down the mall (16th ave) ...Tattered Cover Bookstore - impressive (bought a gift here for a friend - almost didn't find it.) ... Denver Microbrew Tour - fun! Breckenridge Agave Wheat was my absolute favorite. This tour is run by a college kid my age - met lots of interesting folks. Definitely one of my favorite things I did. This tour got me drunk (which I should have known). ...went to the Denver Art Museum drunk. Enjoyed it very much. There was non-generic room with lights projected on the walls and unconventional surfaces - I sat in a bean bag chair. I made a postcard for me and a boy ... read more

Decided to bike with a friend up to the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glencoe. We got up early. Packed a lunch - lots of water and snacks. We took the Cook County Forest Reserve Path - 14 miles 1 way. It was a hot, sunny day out - we were in for a struggle. Much of the time, we did not know where we were. This a-hole man passed us. We were mostly doing the passing. Calling 911 He tried to go through a down tree, fell and could not stand up. He said something was broken. He was such an a-hole. I was the only one see this happen. I ask him if he is alright - he says no. I ask him what I can do for him. Nothing. At this point, Ross joins ... read more