the windy suburbs

We unfortunately stayed a bit to late in Milwaukee, saying our goodbyes over crème brulee and coffee. We got into Chicago/ Orland Park close to midnight. Rachel was our hostess for the evening and as soon as the catching up and planning for the next day was done we all headed to bed for much needed rest. Tommy and his girlfriend were supposed to come into town but that fell through so, as per usual when we had free access to a t.v. we spent most of the day vegging out. With funds running low, adventures into these big cities (Milwaukee and Chicago) just didn't make as much sense as making a PB&J and waiting for Rachel to get off work to come play. I was only, unfortunately staying for that one night, but we squeezed in some quality Buffalove on a driving tour of the OP. I soon dropped Caleb off at his next adventure and sadly took of alone to the Quad Cities to visit with the Vyncke's! It has been long promised and awaited so it would have been tragic if I had been so close and didn't stop by. When I showed up, I spent some time catching up with my midwest family, and even with Kirby, catching her on Skype for a little bit. The next day, I was due for an oil change so I showered, for the first time in a couple days, and we headed out and then met up with Papa Vyncke for lunch. Now I've never had a Reuben, and if I did it sure as hell was not as good as the one I had at a little Belgium restaurant in Moline. They made their own bread and it took up a plate the size of your head. The QC is home to some of the best foods I've ever had. Mexican, ice cream, pizza, whatever really. It must be the water. On the way to pick up my car from the shop we indeed stopped for Whitey's ice cream. Beats DQ, or Ben and Jerry's by a long shot. Cherri dropped me and my things off at my car and although I was confused by not having to pay the mechanic, I am so deeply grateful for not only the Vyncke's help but their support. Thank you thank you thank you! There was one more person I had to see before leaving the QC, so it was pure luck when I called and Ding was getting out of work! We stopped quickly at a Panera, me for a coffee and him for actual food ( I just had the worlds best ice cream so I was set) Ding is also a Splinter 1 member, one of the happiest people I've ever met, even when he is upset, he can make you laugh and smile. My next stop was Columbus, OH. One more midwest state and then I'd be east coasting it all the way down.