Day 3: Columbus, OH to Rockford, IL to Pekin, IL

Got up this morning after a nice night’s sleep in a great conference center Marriott. Unfortunately, there’s no breakfast here, but there’s a Tim Horton’s across the way, and dad says they have good coffee.

Long day driving through the rest of Ohio and the short way across Indiana. Met up with David Hoffman and Ray and Sue Saathoff at Red Lobster in Rockford. Everybody had the Lobster Delight (or Lobster Fantasy, something like that - basically lobster 6 ways) except me: I had coconut shrimp.

Michele Baker, Ray Saathoff, John Baker, Sue Saathoff, David Hoffman

This was a lovely night. The last time I saw Uncle David was last November at Gramma’s funeral. (I think that was the last time I saw Uncle Ray & Aunt Susie, too.) Everybody laughed and told stories, we all ate too much, then rested awhile before ordering hot fudge brownie sundaes for dessert.

The youngest brother (David Hoffman) and the oldest brother (John Baker)

About 8:00, everybody departed for home, and dad and I drove another 2 hours south to Pekin to stay with Gary and Sara Baker. I don’t think I saw much on the road — it was so dark except for the full moon — but it was nice to arrive and sleep in a soft bed with fresh sheets.

Tomorrow we have a slow day, just lots of time to visit with Gary and Sara. Sally and Cullen are coming over at some point after Sally gets off work. Will be nice to see everybody!

Good night, friends and neighbors…