Well, day #2 in Bloomington proved even more interesting and exciting.  We began the day with Steve getting a tooth filled at Gracie's dentist.  Then we went to learn about the limestone here.  Limestone from Bloomington area quarries has been used in structures around the world. A few examples include the Indiana State Capitol building along with 26 other state capitols, the National Cathedral, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, Ellis Island and the Empire State Building in New York City.  The quarries, along the freeways are incredible. 

Lunch was spent in Downtown at a delicious restaurant that was an excellent choice by David and Wendy.  The 80 degree temperatures called for us to dine outdoors. 

Dinner and dancing was at the fundraising event-  Edible Lotus, a showcase of Bloomington's finest in food, drink and I might add, dance moves.  We had a thoroughly wonderful evening with new friends, Michael and April.  Just when you thought things couldn't get any more fun...

We are currently camped, for the next three nights, on the driveway of my niece's in-laws in Bloomington, IN.  Mary Ann and Ed are gracious hosts and we have secured the best location in town!

Dinner was with Wendy, David, and their three girls, Maddie (9), Bella (7) and Gracie (5).  Meeting all three of my great nieces was a wild time.  If I could bottle their energy... wow!  What a trio of enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and downright sweetness.

After dinner, we took a walking tour of Indiana University where David is a Chemistry Professor.  The school was founded in 1820 and feels like what you would expect of a place of such history and legacy.  I was in awe.  Ice cream, in the heart of it all, capped a perfect evening. 

What a fantastic, diverse day in the Land of Lincoln.  We spent our morning touring Fermilab- a proton-anti proton collider in Batavia. Click on the link to learn more and be thoroughly amazed.  It was extremely interesting and it took a couple of hours, of intense information, before my eyes began to glaze.  Steve would have liked it to be even more scientific!

The afternoon was spent with my brother, Larry's, girls, Elisabeth and Jessica, in Aurora.  We ate lunch at Walter Payton's Roundhouse Brewery and Restaurant.  Brenton and Christy would have loved Illinois' largest micro brewery located within a historic train roundhouse, circa 1855.

It was then off for sightseeing and a trip to the 1915 era Phillips Park Zoo.  Steve and I both enjoyed my nieces.  They are wonderful, communicative and exceptional company.  Tomorrow, another state and more nieces... how fun for us! 

Today began in one of the most inspirational places I have ever been:  Boys Town.  Many people, of a certain age, remember the movie with Spencer Tracy, but to actually be in the place where Father Flanagan began to care for America's unwanted boys almost 100 years ago and see all the history, was truly amazing.  It impacted us.

We have seen some beautiful countryside, with interesting sights:  the Birthplace of Kool-Aid; military museums and even camels on our way to tonight's stop Lincoln, Nebraska! 

We went to gather supplies and asked the clerk for mosquito netted hats for delectable Steve and he asked, "Why?  Are you going turkey hunting?"  I knew we should have stopped at Cabela's!

We passed through some beautiful scenery.  The most spectacular being Donner Pass.  The snow was deep and pristine... fresh and breathtaking.  Home tonight is Winnemucca, NV... a town of gold mining, bars, brothels and if our campground host is any indication, very nice people. 

Our last dinner, until July, with Brenton and Christy was at Third Street Aleworks Restaurant and Brewery.  This is one of their favorite Santa Rosa spots and we enjoyed spending a little more time with them before we hit the I80 east.  Just 3,811 miles to go!

After a breakfast of Steve's famous pancakes, we all went for a spectacular hike.  It could not have been a more perfect and full day of fun.  We hiked amongst history and then went to Moylan's, an Irish brewery, and ended the day seeing the new, wildly entertaining movie, "Kick-A**".

This is where we will stay when we are visiting Brenton & Christy-

Dinner with Brenton & Christy was not only delicious but wonderful, too.  They are settled into their 'happily-ever-after" and we loved being there to see it.  All is great in Rohnert Park.

The hot dogs have been barbecued.  The new dorms have been toured.  Walks on the beach have been enjoyed.  Our visit with Kegan has been a success.  After serious cuddling tonight and mom-made breakfasts tomorrow, we will head to see Brenton & Christy. 

Road trip '2010' is already incredible and it's only day #2.

And the card reads: