Photo of just a few of the suicidal cyclists.

I was looking out the hostel window and I saw all of these going against the traffic and traffic signals in Chicago.

Adventures in Travel.

Amtrak staff were lovely, warm and inviting, in spite of the problems entailed.

Due to air conditioner problems in the dining car, the train was 3 and 1/2 hours late in Sacramento, California.  We had to stop twice for track inspections and a freight train,  When we were leaving Reno, Nevada, the car stopped suddenly and we stayed there for 30 minutes.  Later, we got delayed again, due to track inspections and electrical problems on the train. So, I got to see Salt Lake City in the morning a little after sunrise, rather than evening just before sundown.   We were four hours late in Salt Lake City, Utah. About and hour and a half west of Denver, Colorado; we were stopped again, due to their being an accident in the tunnel ahead of us, and emergency vehicles were on the tracks inside the tunnel. We were delayed another hour and one half there.  We were 6 and one half hours late getting into Helper, Utah.  We were roughly 6 hours late all the way to Omaha, Nebraska.  Then, before we got to Lincoln, Nebraska; we had to stop the train in Denton, Nebraska; and wait for new engineers and conductors, lost about another 45 minutes there.  Then we lost electrical power again, and again, and again, Finally near Osceola, Iowa; the engineers had to take one of our engines out of service.  Since the Train was full, and we were now 8 hours behind schedule, everybody either missed their connecting trains; buses; or planes and room reservations.  I found the Hi-Chicago Hostel with the help of Amtrak Chicago Staff members,  Dormitory room only thing available, but room was fantastic, help even more so,  If you are ever in Chicago, and need an inexpensive place to stay, where the desk is open until 3 am, the Hi-Chicago is the place to stay.  On my return trip through Chicago, I will  Make a reservation for this place and stay here again.  This will be my NEW place to stay in Chicago every time I have an overnight layover.

Next is the suicidal cyclists here in Chicago,  In a 30 minute period, I saw 14 cyclists going the wrong way, on a oneway street.  I was surprised that no police officers ticketed them, nor that there were no accidents.  I have pictures of a couple of the cyclists that I will post later and reference to this blog.

I  have a few nice scenery pictures to post that I will do at a later date.

Watch for more information.

Thanks

Some of the photos that I took while crossing the Mississippi River.

   

These were taken just before and just after the river.  The suspension Bridge in one shot is the automobile bridge.  It was visible from my window.

Also, one of the grain elevators that are common along the rivers, where the barges tie up and load.  I did not see any barges at this time.

Gloria B

Visiting Wausau Wisconsin.

Weather is cold and snowing again.  Unable to attend a lot of things due to the weather.  Did some photography with new camera still working on learning how it works.

Long overdue.

Didn't realize it had been so long.  Did a viewing of the Sisters Quilting Collective at the request of a friend of mine, and found their Black History month story in pictures, fascinating.  Check them Out.  Especially their program at the Crocker Art Museum
 

Long times between posts.

Been having trouble catching the time to come back and do some posting.  Have been busy with work and outreach events.

Been busy with work and home life.  Illness has struck upon occassion as well.  My mother is home from the Rehab Center and is recovering nicely from a stroke.  My nephew is down taking care of her right now.  I am not sure who is having the most fun, mom or nephew.

Post Hollidays

Still trying to recover from the holidays.

My mother has returned to St. George Utah, my son has returned to Somerset California. Things are pretty much back to normal. BUT I forgot to take pictures while they were here.

I have a bunch of photos' to send to flickr.com, just not had the time yet.

New programing at the branch has been fun and entertaining as well. Program participation slowly improving as the word gets out.