Beginning Life Without Cali

Tuesday, June 4, 2015

As heartbreaking as it is, we have to be prepared that Cali is not coming back.  No one has seen her, and the trap has been a failure.  We will continue to hope and keep food and water out for her but we are not hanging around the RV all day anymore

So we began exploring Illinois with vigor today.  We are lucky that Illinois is celebrating Lincoln with a special summer program that began June 1.  There are many activities all around, especially in the Springfield area.  Today we went to the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to take part in a walk around town called the Abe and Mary Quite Contrary Walking Tour.  We were the only people to show up for it this morning, so we had two history interpreters to ourselves.  We walked around seeing the places where Abe and Mary courted, married and lived in Springfield. This walk focused a lot on Mary, which was a different perspective.

Even though this looks like Abe and Perry Como, it is supposed to represent the "common man."  President Lincoln is explaining the Gettysburg address.  This Sculpture has moved westward from New Jersey.  It is called "Return Visit."

Our walk started here and we covered about a mile and a half.

While we were waiting to begin our walk, a gentleman talked to us about becoming members of the Museum.  Normally, being from out of state we would decline, but since we are here for a month and it was only $75, we joined.  We got entrance today, a nice book about Lincoln, 10% discount on a purchase in the gift shop and we are attending a reception tomorrow night for the opening of a WWII exhibit.  I think we will get our money's worth.

We only took the time today to watch the two films.  Both were very well done,  The first was a hologram called "Ghosts in the library."  It explained why a "Presidential Library" exists.  It was a really cool presentation.  The second one was "Lincoln's Eyes."  It was a film with interaction and a very interesting perspective on who Lincoln was.  We plan on seeing the rest of the museum tomorrow.

Next, we had lunch at the famous Route 66 "Cozy Dog Drive-In."   It is credited with originating the dog on a stick, known to us as a "corn dog."

Now back to the RV, first to check the trap  No Cali.  Then a short break before going back to Springfield to Obed & Isaac's for a flight and some appetizers.  I had a cup a beer cheese soup, Bruce had Black & Tan onion rings and we shared a goat cheese, bacon, and caramelized onion flatbread.

Now we are off to Washington Park where Springfield is having the 58th International Carillon Festival.  This was nice and quite different.