Day Four Minnesota

 It's a good thing I'm writing these at the end of each day cuz I can barely remember this morning. I *think* things slow down a little now that all the baseball is over. We'll see! 

The day started with rain. For the first half at least of my 3 hours drive to Minneapolis. Other than that it was an easy drive. And beautiful. Everything is so green!! Farms and such. And lakes and rivers and things. All benefiting from the rain, I suppose. I hear one thunder clap over night, but nothing major like that on the drive - just rain. 

Pretty sure the St Croix river was the state separator.

I've technically been to Minnesota before and consider it already off the list, BUT it's nice to have a more in depth visit. The first time was "just" the airport BUT it's where I landed when I came back from France and it was VERY memorable!

I pulled into Mall of America just a few minutes after they opened (supposedly). They were already quite busy and I didn't have time to explore much. But y'all, there really is a whole amusement park inside! Rides and caricaturists and games, high prices, and all. (It just took me way too long to figure out how to spell caricaturist) And an aquarium! I bought a 70% off necklace to wear in my interview (see more later) and some souvenirs. And left.

I was told to have a Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar. I had already determined this was just a cheeseburger. It was lunchtime and on my way. What I didn't bank on was just how busy the place would be. The line was out the door. I think it is pretty small, but I did NOT have time for that! So I took a picture and drove on toward Target Field. 

I had purchased parking at a garage in advance. I'm glad I did. At least I knew that there was a spot for me. Eventually. It was VERY slow going getting into the garage and then going up and up and up until there were available spots. Downtown stadiums are fun, but golly! I ended up actually very close to the elevator so that was nice. 

I made it inside for national anthem etc but I didn't actually see first pitch or anything. No big deal. But probably the latest I've ever arrived to a ballgame! I went straight to my seat (via getting a hot dog, soda, and peanuts) and made it for the start of the game. Yay!

Former Astro Carlos Correa

Former Astro Abraham Toro

It was hot but there was a breeze so I wasn't dying, but I wasn't comfortable either. I also didn't get a bottle of water and definitely wanted one. At some point, I realized that it sounded like there was a real organ playing. Not every song or anything but sometimes. I also needed to get my first-time certificate. So I left my seat to wander around. I had decided that I had to stay until the 7th inning stretch at least. But I was hotter by the moment and kinda worried about getting out of the garage. Small town girl in me was coming out! Oh and the Twins scored 3 in the 1st inning and then Correa hit his 2nd HR of the day and I was pretty sure the A's didn't have a lot of hope (being the A's and all). 

Found the organist!!

(Maybe this video will work - it's short.

Aside from getting lost and driving in circles, I got out of the garage unscathed and drove over to the Stone Arch Bridge. Except it's under construction so it was not at all exciting. 

SO I left Minneapolis and headed to my hotel in St Cloud. All afternoon I had the added stress of knowing that tonight was going to be my only real chance to do the one-way video interview for a job. I've done one before for the same school so at least I knew what to expect. I just needed to look halfway decent and have adequate lighting etc. It is SO humid that the hair was useless but whatever. I worked it in to one question that I was on vacation :)  Maybe I'll get points for effort. I tried. At least it's done.

And... TOMORROW... NORTH DAKOTA!!!! Early morning so I don't have to hurry at the buffalo museum in order to get to my boat on time. 

Day Three Milwaukee

Today was sleep late day. Which really just meant no alarm clock. "Late" is relevant. I was so tired I was asleep early, so I only slept until about 7:30. This ended up being a good thing. I needed to hit up a Walmart. I drove toward Milwaukee and did my shopping - got snacks and such for the rest of the trip. I then drove into Milwaukee to see The Fonz. Well, the bronze version of him on the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk was basically just walking along the river, with a sight here and there. The best part was watching the "drawbridge" to let the tour boat through (hopefully the video will work).

Milwaukee had many old buildings. I only got pics of the Pabst Theater and City Hall. But know that my old building loving self was very happy. 

Since I had time, I mosied over to the lake. I happened upon a dog festival - there had been a 5k and there were all sorts of pet vendors and games for dogs (agility course and such). Made me miss Slugger SO very much (not that I don't already miss him). Oh, I also saw a couple get engaged. We all cheered. I don't think that was dog related. Anyway, Lake Michigan is beautiful and gigantic. 

I then wandered off to Sprecher Brewery. I was told that they are known for their root beer. On the way, I got to drive through a VERY nice neighborhood. Shorewood maybe? I'll have to look it up eventually. I didn't get any picture. The brewery did NOT disappoint. I got a flight of sodas and they were all amazing! I bought 8 bottles to be able to enjoy each evening in my hotels. Currently enjoying the cream soda in Tomah WI. 

Then I headed to the game. Detroit I was hot, Chicago I was cold. Milwaukee was just right! Great modern stadium. I thought it was weird that the roof was partially closed. I didn't ask. Maybe it was stuck. But I think it was to keep the sun out but to have fresh air. Maybe. 

Snoop Dogg threw out the first pitch!

He was excited to be there!

Christian Yelich

Elly De La Cruz

Brewers scored in the 5th or 6th, I sang Take Me Out to the Ballgame and I left. I was tired. And somehow I didn't internalize that it was 2.5 hours to my hotel. It's on the itinerary, I just didn't remember. Longest 2.5 hours! But first I had Kopp's custard. Same friend who recommended the brewery said I should check them out. SO YUMMY!! (The friend is also pretty good at book recommendations)

Sadly one of the things I've been most excited about on this road trip is cheap gas. Tonight was my first fill up...

Early morning tomorrow cuz it's 3 more hours to Minneapolis. 

Day Two Chicago

 Oh my 4am is early. But I did it. After a very good sleep (lights off by 8am!), I was up and at 'em for a train ride to Chicago. Got to the Amtrak station over an hour early, which they said I should, and it wasn't open. and we didn't board until the time printed on my ticker, which I thought was what time it was supposed to leave. Turns out, it basically was cuz we left as soon as everyone was on the train. 

I got to see Michigan that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. Everything was so green! I would like to go back someday and explore the rest of the state. There was quite a bit of farmland. I have no idea what was being grown. I should look that up some day. 

Random girl

A farm of some sort

Halfway! Last stop before Chicago.

I didn't realize until I looked at a map mid ride that we went through Indiana. So bonus state! I *think* this is the Indiana part of Lake Michigan. I don't remember at what point I took it. Oops.

We even rode by where the White Sox play.  Excuse the reflection of my phone. 

Ended up at Chicago's Union Station. Under renovations but still way cool.

After some public transit snafus (but very nice people to help), I ended up at Wrigley Field. (Also, I have now added bus and subway to my planes, trains, and automobiles).

Wrigley was packed, especially for a Friday afternoon. Might have been due to the opponent - St Louis Cardinals, a rival and nearby foe (or near enough). It was pretty darn cool singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame with them all. Except that the "guest" was none other than Kerry Wood, longtime Cubs pitcher who was not very nice to the Astros (main memory is when he struck out 20 Astros in one game).

The video of the singing just says processing - sorry if it doesn't show up. 

After being so hot yesterday, it was weird being so cold today. But there is quite a breeze coming off the lake! I found myself just wandering around people watching and such. There were people everywhere! I left before the bottom of the 9th in hopes that I was bad luck and they could make a comeback. It didn't work. 

I went off to get my luggage from the storage place (which was actually a locked closet at the golf bar place) and walked almost a mile to get the rental car. Then I drove out of Chicago as quick as I could! 

But soon after leaving the city behind, I saw a sign for the Chicago Botanic Garden and I thought "Why not?"! So I did. It was $10 to park and then apparently more to actually go in. But they let teachers in for free and the very nice girls excused the California part. I didn't stay long, just had a short walk and enjoyed the serenity. 

Then I crossed into Wisconsin (if you're counting that's 4 states today!). I'm at a cheap Super 8 with a comfy bed. I get to sleep late tomorrow and find a store of some sort to buy snacks and such. OH!! For dinner I had Hunt Bros Pizza!!!! This is a BIG deal to me as they are a sponsor or whatever of my Nashville Predators. It was SOOOOO good!!! And it was just grab and go from the kiosk at the gas station!! Add another reason to go to Nashville at some point :)

Stay tuned for Milwaukee!!