2012 December 26 (Wednesday) : Back to Illinois

We pack quickly in the morning for the sooner we are on the road back, the sooner we get home. Another Spanish Lesson in the car, this time courtesy of Apple  and we see some more sights on the way back.  The Mississippi again and Chief BlackHawk’s statue on the bank of the Black Hawk River.  Very impressive.  I love to be in places such as these where there is so much history, so much to learn.  I understand Lincoln himself came from Illinois and John Wayne from Iowa.  I love the fierce patriotism of the people here and the thought that they do have something to be patriotic about.  Real values.  I am not saying here that Zimbabwe has no family values.  I understand Ubuntu is the same thing, it just seems more real to me here and perhaps it is I have not yet seen the underbelly of American life.  Certainly my princess sees a different perspective to me for she has lived here all her life.  I would agree with anyone that we need to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and latch on to the affirmative in any situation.  We stop off at McDonald's and I enjoy the meal – certainly Subway is the way forward in the long term, but I love the variety of the restaurants here. I will be keeping a close eye on my exercise regime for there is good food and variety aplenty here.  Carved wooden elves making toys for Santa are still in the windows and a roaring fireplace for it is still a real winter wonderland! Pam talks with Princess Amy in the car on the way back through the magic of technology and catches up on the latest news and enjoys precious moments. 

We catch up on Facebook again since we are back to “civilization” with a “more than intermittent internet connection” and the Lord shows me a second investment opportunity that I discuss with Roger. Princess Tiffany goes to her engagement party with her Prince and we meet up with family friends who have already been following our progress!  Another wonderful family where love abounds and cause for celebration.  Pizza again!  Another fabulous feast and genuine conversation.  I receive a phone call from my first potential employer for my first job interview!  Unfortunately, it is for Monday when I will be back on the other side of the world, but the lady says we may remain in contact via email.  Is there a difference between a lady and a princess?  Not that I can think of, actually.  I am so tired after dinner that I pass out momentarily on the couch again and the power nap does help!  No wonder there is “cause for caffeine” in America!  So much to do and only twenty four hours in a day!  Back to the most beautiful bed that I can remember sleeping on since my life! Wonderful to be back in Rockton, Illinois!