Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip! Day 5

Day Five - Go Blue and other Ann Arbor goodies

This shot was actually taken last night, but it fit better with the blog today. Although it's unclear, the water tower says Ann Arbor. I suppose that's a big duh, but who knows some of my space cadet readers may not have been able to figure out why I put it here.

Anyway, as promised, last night I was in bed very early last night, and therefore up quite early this morning. I sprung out of bed feeling like a new woman around 7:15 this morning. And Oscar was hungry. So, we got ready, and headed for downtown. We spent some time in a small coffee shop. Breakfast was light, because we knew what we were in for for lunch (hold your horses, you'll see in a bit). Oscar was quite insistent that since it's Sunday, we needed to find a church. I was excited to try the student parish for U of Michigan. It was a lovely chapel and a nice community. We felt right at home.

After church, we immediately attempted to find the famed Zingerman's Deli. Three different people I know told me to go there when they found out I was going to Ann Arbor. Totally not a wasted trip!

I was totally gonna take a picture of my Reuben Sandwich, but I devoured it so quickly there wasn't a shot of getting a picture taken! Again, totally not a wasted trip. Check the full photo album for pictures of the inside. I was quite overwhelmed!

After eating that sandwich, we needed to work some of that off. So, we took a lovely walk around downtown Ann Arbor. We stumbled upon a street festival, tons of cool shops and restaurants, and eventually made our way up to the U of MI campus. I know one thing and one thing only about University of Michigan, and that is to say "Go Blue!" to cheer on their football team. Thank you to my friend Jerry for teaching me that one. So, the only stop I wanted to make on the campus was Michigan Stadium. After hiking for what seemed like forever, we eventually found it, and as luck would have it, the exact shot I was looking for was available. I wanted was a big blue M for Oscar to take his picture in front of. And there it was!

And I'm not gonna lie, after walking around in 80 degree temps and full sun, climbing hills and all, on a very full belly, I was tired! Luck struck again...U of MI has an art museum that is open 7 days a week! Score on cheap chance to cool off and rest a bit. Oscar was sad that there was no Central American art. We spent most of our time in the Contemporary Art section. I loved it, but Oscar didn't care for it too much.

After a bit more exploring, we discovered one of the greatest finds ever! State Street has a Ben and Jerry scoop shop!!!

Oscar wanted to just get a small cup of vanilla, but I convinced him otherwise. There was no way in hell I was letting him go to Ben and Jerry's for a small cup of vanilla! Waffle Cone Sunday it is!

The rest of the day was rather uneventful. More time spent in a coffee shop reading, dinner at the Prickly Pear (also recommended to me by several, also worth the trip) and back to the hotel to pack and prepare for another very long day of driving tomorrow.

Ann Arbor, it's been great; Philadelphia, watch out, we're coming!

Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip! Day 4

Day Four - The Scenic Route, Michigan Style!

I was initially afraid that having a day full of nothing but driving would leave me at a loss for words for my blog. I know, I know...me...at a loss for words...it's almost comical! But despite my fears, I actually have so many fun things to report that I don't know where to begin! So, here goes.

I guess I will start by simply saying that I am positively exhausted! I woke up at 5 AM CDT, and arrived at my hotel in Ann Arbor at 5:30 PM EDT. That's 11.5 hours of driving for my time calculating dysfunctioned friends. I do believe I shall hit the sack shortly after this blog is posted.

Here are a few shots of the start of the trip:

Oscar says, "Buckle up! Let's get this party started!"

As we left Sturgeon Bay, the sunrise was quite catching.

But, on to our adventures. When I decided to make this road trip, I knew I wanted it to be just that - an adventure. The thought of leaving beautiful Door County and retracing my steps through Chicago to go east was mind numbing. So, I decided to take the scenic route. Several people told me I was crazy because it would take me a lot longer that way, but I think they're crazy if they would pass up the chance to see some of the sights I got to see today in order to save 2 hours worth of driving! The scenic route from Door County to Ann Arbor involves traveling north first over the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and then down I 75. Below is a map centered on the adventure thus far. If you move it around though, you can get a sneak peak of the adventures to come!

View Road trip in a larger map

Oscar was quite excited to check another state off of his list:

For anyone who knows me very well at all, you know I have a very strong affinity for water. You can reference the entire blog post I wrote on the matter here. Well, today gave me plenty of opportunities to thoroughly enjoy my favorite substance. And Oscar was right by my side:

Not only did we get to revel in the beautiful awesomeness of Lake Michigan from just about every angle, but our newfound obsession with lighthouses was also greatly rewarded. Apparently they are everywhere! Ok, this first one is not REALLY a lighthouse. But if I had a house shaped like a lighthouse, I would want people and/or photos of twenty year dead Archbishops to stop and take pictures in front of it all the time!

Once we drove through the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we had the pleasure (I use that term very loosely) to cross the Mackinac Bridge. I just learned that this is the third longest suspension bridge in the world. It's also the A Number One scariest thing I've ever driven over. I'll take a daily commute over the Huey P. Long while it's under construction before I drive over that thing again! And Oscar agrees! For starters, it's very high up. And we all know how I feel about heights (despite the gorgeous pictures I posted of my climbing adventures two days ago, I do not like being very high in the air.) Second, the rail on the side of it...not very high up. It was far to easy for me to see the height to which I was rising over the water from the peripheral of my eyes. Not. Okay. Lastly, it was under construction, down to one lane, and there were a lot of very large vehicles surrounding me. All in all, a wholly unpleasurable experience! But, from the safety of the other side, it is quite a lovely bridge to take pictures of:

One other noteworthy adventure started here:

Apparently Big Boys still exist?!?! I was distinctly under the delusion that this was a fad of the past, and I would never be able to say I ate at a Big Boys. But, in truth, its just that I haven't spent nearly enough time in Michigan. Because they are EVERYWHERE here! I was slightly disappointed that I had just eaten breakfast about an hour earlier when we passed this one, therefore it wasn't worth it to go in. But, never you fear, there were about fifteen more to pass on the remainder of the route. And the final one we passed??? Right across the street from our hotel in Ann Arbor! I may or may not be eating my Big Boy take out as I type this blog out! And by may or may not, I mean that I am. And it was good!

And Oscar agrees!

Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip! Day 3

Day Three - Entertaining "antiques" and Wisconsin produced goodies

Today was a slow starting sort of day. I woke up pretty early, but it was a dreary cloudy day, which always makes me unmotivated to get moving. First thing on my agenda was to call the principal at Ursuline back. He left me a message last night asking me to call him in the morning. We came to an agreement and I officially accepted the job. I still don't know what grade level or subject, but hopefully all that will be resolved over the next few weeks.

Oscar and I had breakfast at an old Inn in downtown Sturgeon Bay and then took in some of the shops along their main road. But neither of us was in the mood to buy anything, and the window shopping just wasn't as entertaining as we expected.

After a brief detour back to the hotel, we decided to visit some of the cool sites we passed along the road yesterday that we were unable to stop at, mainly there was a winery with wine and cheese tastings. I ask you, who can pass that up???

On the way north though we got totally sidetracked by several antique stores. Oscar likes antiquing. He says it makes him feel not so old himself!

After stopping at several places and seeing some highly entertaining objects (again please refer to complete album of pictures on facebook for these shots), we finally made it to the winery.

We made some new friends, learned some new facts, and picked up a few bottles of wine and some small samples of cheeses for dinner/snack tonight!

Upon returning home, we realized the day was still pretty young, and there was plenty of time to do some productive things, namely laundry (why not if the facilities are here) and a quick workout (something has to be done to remedy the effects of all this good food!)

Finally, we closed out the day with our delicious findings from the day. Sunset tonight was brought to you by fresh Wisconsin cheeses, sausage, and wine. And some organic blackberries to boot!

This officially concludes the Door County leg of Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip. Tomorrow puts us back on the road. We start heading north over the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and hopefully make it into Ann Arbor. It's likely 10-11 hours of driving, so we may not make it that far. And if we stop for an adventure, we may not even make it that close! That's the beauty of this roadtrip. Anything goes! As my Jimmy used to say all the time, "We'll play it by nose and see how it goes!"

And on that note, I bid you good night. It's an early morning tomorrow!

Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip! Day 2

Day Two - French Toast and Lighthouses

Upon announcing to the world that I was coming to Door County for a few days, I got many recommendations on the things that I should do, but no recommendation was a vehement as my friend Lina's insistence that I go to the White Gull Inn and get the Cherry Stuffed French Toast. But, let's be real, it doesn't take a whole lot of prodding to get me to give in to something called Cherry Stuffed French Toast - that is just asking to be devoured!

And was it ever!

By the way, I did not share any with Oscar. I love him dearly, but as we all know, Sarah does NOT share food!

The post breakfast adventures involved visiting and exploring several of Door County's lighthouses. And consequently involved getting lost on several of Door County's roads. Apparently I don't get 3G service up here, so that meant no GPS. I had to go all old school on myself and use a paper map! Woah! It's a good thing I have a pretty decent sense of direction and an even better sense of adventure, because Oscar my navigator was absolutely no help in figuring out where we were. (Author's note: when looking for cool site's to see, never pass up the opportunity to take a road labeled as a "rustic route". You will not be let down!)

The rustic routes took us past lighthouses, cows, barns, and many other scenic stops. Here's just a small smattering of pictures the full album is on my facebook.

Oscar stayed in the van for this one. It was purely by accident, but by the time I realized it I was not about to hike all the way back to the car to get him. While here though, I bought a new canvas bag that was Oscar sized, so I could carry him more easily to future destinations. I know, I know...just what I need in my life is a new canvas bag. But this one has a lighthouse on it and fits Oscar! It had to be purchased! And yes, I climbed all the way to the top!

Since Oscar didn't get to climb the lighthouse, we climbed this instead. He enjoyed the view! We sure did get our exercise in today!

Lighthouse Number 2. We both agreed this wasn't nearly as impressive, but the scenery was lovely nonetheless.

Lighthouse Number Three. I was just as surprised as you may be. I actually drove past it...twice...before I realized that that is what I was looking for. Upon further inspection though, it is an incredibly cool looking structure. It's just nothing like what I picture when I picture lighthouses!

After all of that exploring, we decided we were tired. So, we came home, took a nap, ate some dinner, and enjoyed the sunset with a fruity beverage on the porch. All in all, not a bad way to spend a day!

Tomorrow's adventures: Sturgeon Bay - more delicious food, quaint shopping, and beautiful sites to see!

News Break - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

I'm taking a brief break from the trip blog to fill you in on the news I alluded to in this morning's post. Well, there is not really Ugly news, just good and bad.

First, I found out this morning that my puppy of 12 years died this afternoon. He was taken to the hospital yesterday evening because his temp was up and his back legs weren't working. Apparently he had an enlarged heart which couldn't pump enough blood to his limbs. He also had a tumor that was metastasizing.

He was a pretty awesome dog...you know, about as awesome as they come. And I'll miss him dearly! I'm a little bummed I didn't get to say good bye, but glad to know he's out of pain and holding on to the memories of the good times. And now he and Gobby are likely sitting on a porch swing together, somewhere in heaven, having a smoke break!




And the Good...

I wasn't going to announce this until it's official. But, I really hate sharing bad news without something to counter it with. Yesterday afternoon I received a job offer to teach religion at Ursuline Academy!! For those unfamiliar with New Orleans, this is an all girls school located in uptown. It's actually the oldest Catholic school and oldest all girls school in the country!

I don't know any details yet as far as grade and particular subject matter. I'll find that out when the principal calls me back. As far as why it's not official yet, we're just waiting on the particulars regarding salary and such before I officially accept. But, let's face it, it's not like I'm not going to accept. This is a great offer!!

So, now you're all filled in. We'll return to your regularly scheduled travel blog some time this evening once I finish uploading and editing pictures.

Sarah and Oscar's Excellent Roadtrip! Day 1

Have you met my friend Oscar? No? Well, meet him now.

This is my friend Oscar. I love him a lot. I love him for myriad reasons. He did some pretty awesome things and said some pretty inspirational words to help the Salvadoran people during the 70's and 80's. And that's all great, but not truly why I love him the way I do.

2 1/2 years ago, while cleaning out an office at St. Teresa's, Erica and I found this framed picture of Oscar Romero. We put it aside in my office for safe keeping. A few days later, Erica was having a particularly bad day, and she found the picture sitting on her desk chair with a post it note attached to it saying "Smile Sunshine! Oscar Loves You!" It brightened her day so much that a tradition was formed.

Throughout the past 2 1/2 years, Oscar has traveled back and forth between the two of us sharing his intrepid words of wisdom - sometimes thoughtful and profound and sometimes just downright ridiculous! But he has become an incredibly important part of our lives.

Upon my departure, Erica decided that Oscar hates winter just as much as we do (perhaps more) and he wanted to return to warmer climates too. So, armed with a full take of gas and a juiced up iPod, Oscar and I hit the road yesterday. My blog over the next three weeks will capture our many wonderful adventures.



Day 1: The Drive Begins

Sarah made the somewhat horrid decision to consume far too many cups of coffee at breakfast. So, during the 4 1/2 hour road trip to Door County, the Caravan had to stop no fewer than three times for her to pee. But all in all a rather uneventful drive. Here are some snapshots of Oscar:

We're staying at a resort overlooking what I guess is Sturgeon Bay, and most of the afternoon was spent planning the many adventures we'll have for the next two days. I did stop to enjoy the sunset though. GLORIOUS!!!

At the end of the day I received some potentially excellent news and some potentially very sad news. More details to come on those as they become available. But just know that life has been a whirlwind!

But many more adventures to come!

Lillian Made Me Do It

Yeah, yeah, yeah! I'm well aware of the fact that my blogging record stinks. Once I ran out of canned topics to write about, I ran out of interesting things to say...or at least the motivation to open the blog and say them. But my new friend Lillian told me tonight I need to blog again, so here I am.

Seeing as 2 weeks from today I am departing Chicago for good, now is as good a time as any to reflect on my time here. I certainly don't plan on writing every good thing that has happened to me in the past five years. There isn't enough blog space in the world. So I shall sum it up in a few lines:

great new friends
reconnecting with old friends
lots of life lessons
love gained and love lost
great food
great weather (you know 3 months out of the year)
the joy of outdoor festivals
cold swimming water
adventures. many many adventures
urban family
being a part of other people's families
rooftop soirees
expanded horizons
new vision for myself and my future

for lack of a better word...home

New Orleans is and will always be my first home. But, Chicago has a piece of my heart that will never be given back. I'll certainly be back, and be back often...just not in February!