13 Hours

I had 13 hours of driving last weekend. First to Chicago, then to Indianapolis, and then back to Detroit. I had lots of time to myself; thinking, singing, taking in the sites. It was a whirlwind weekend of Pre-wedding festivities. I was thankful that Pete & Emily included me.

Pete is a real All American - He loves this country - see the flag hanging in his condo? He was really excited to show me all the nooks and crannies of his place - I loved seeing them all! Even his parking space. It still blows my mind how much a parking space costs in downtown Chicago - it's RIDICULOUS! Pete is most definitely downtown!

Here's the view from His condo - and yes that is the reflection of the Sears Tower - it's that close!

So Friday night I drove from Detroit to Chicago - and only nearly choked to death once on the hot pepper that made its way into my Subway Sub. The directions were easy. Pete met me at the front lobby and we ended up parking my car at Union Station for a mere $25 per day. We (Pete, Emily, Anna[Emily's sister], and Brandi[Emily's good friend from Purdue] visited and stayed up WAY too LATE playing Catch Phrase.

Saturday we woke up early and got ready for Emily's big day of bachelorette fun. Pete chauffeured us to her friend Courtney's house where we had manicures, munchies, present opening and what I'm sure every bride insists upon - Guitar Hero!!! It cracked me up - it was a lot of fun.

Whooaa! Check out that ring! Isn't it beautiful. The stones are heirlooms and the the band was custom made by our friend Patsy. It looks fantastic with the accompanying "Wedding Band" too!

Afterwards we had a lovely afternoon at the Drake Hotel where we had "High Tea". I drank a lovely honeybush (no caffeine & from South Africa). They serves mini sandwiches, breads, and some delicious pasties. Emily just loved the Roast Beef sandwiches that had grilled onions! MMMmmmm!

That evening we caravaned from Chicago to Indianapolis. Like a typical Michigander - I promptly forgot that folks in Chicago pay for their roads - We had to all pull over so that Pete could loan his dear ol' sister some spare cash for the toll booths. It was quite embarrassing. The drive went by quickly - I listened to AM radio - a favorite secret pastime of mine - while driving on road trips.

We were welcomed with open arms at the Donnelson Home. Pete, Emily, and the gang got right to watching the Indianapolis Colts play. (ps. the hawkeye's beat up the spartans that night in basketball! He He He! I love winning!) Emily's mom, Lynn, and I chit-chatted for several hours about teaching! Teachers across America have a common bond (of insanity) that no one else can ever understand unless they become a teacher.

In the morning we had a lovely shower. Lifelong friends organized and prepared for the brunch. Emily's mom made a fantastic chicken salad recipe that had fruit in it. I'll have to get her recipe! We played a few shower games and then presents were opened. There were so many lovely things. I thought the most special gift was the dutch oven that Gram Fraser gave Pete with her special recipe for Swiss Steak. It was such a thoughtful gift since Pete loves to cook so much.

I drove home that afternoon in the beautiful fog and snow. I love the way that our country looks!