LISA ASBELL

This was really day two of Rural Illinois. What a day driving it was.  I always look for a few things that are the highlight of my day. Today there were several highlights and one defining moment. Highlight #1  The barns and silos were so beautiful and peaceful, I just couldn't get enough. As the sun was setting across a freshly harvested field the sunlight reflecting on the side of this barn was breathtaking.  I used my IPhone and I did not use a filter. Highlight #2   Driving from Rural Olney, Illinois ( truly the middle of nowhere) to St. Louis I came to the  intersection of highway and interstates 57 and 70. I was in AWE of this cross against the dusky sky.  Turns out it's the Largest Cross in the US and it's located in Effingham, IL   Great Surprise!  Defining Moment. Today's highlights are really standouts because of the defining moment that happened before I saw the cross and before I took the picture of the barn ...

Today my travels took me on a road trip from downtown Chicago to the corn laden fields of rural Freeport, Illinois.  It's a town that only a few years ago was a bustling place to be but today it's a shell of a town but the people still have the amazing American spirit and the work ethic to rebuild. I love rural drives, although this NOW city girl ain't gonna live rural.  :) I have always been in awe of barns and silos. I have no idea why they have always spoken to me... Well, on this fine fall day (sunny and 55 and the weather girl in Chicago said... "The high is 55! It's Spring Ya'll")....  This little red barn spoke loud and clear. For those who have never been to rural Illinois it's miles and miles of barns and silos... and some glorifying God too! I then drove south toward Normal, Illinois. Like I often do, I went to Trip Advisor from some advise about where to eat and Destihl seemed to be the place to go! It's a local brewery and gastrop...

I haven't really written about travel before, I don't know why, I just haven't. I guess it's partly because when I travel it's mostly for work and I am in and out in less than 24 hours. But I decided that most people don't get to travel for work, only about 12% of all air travel is business travelers and only about 1% of the workforce travel every week by plane for work. I feel blessed! So here I sit in downtown Chicago on a chilly morning having my left over Chicken Piccata from last night. I am thinking... Boy I am lucky and I want to share it! I think an even bigger reason to write and share is for my own personal journey. What better way to remember where you have been and all the experiences than to record it? Right? So... Traffic was heavy coming in from the airport. I was surprised by that. I flew in on Sunday for that reason. To avoid heavy traffic. Overall, it was about 40 minutes from Chicago Midway airport to downtown.  I chose a Residence Inn in ...

I live in the perfect location in St. Petersburg, Florida. One the top places to live in the US and the cost of living is pretty low considering everything that surrounds me within three miles. The best beaches, the best downtown ever, great food and great nightlife! Culture abounds and museums galore. Life is great in sunny Florida but the best part..... After 51 years, I am finally reaching House Peace! That's right! You read it here first! House Peace...  We have been in a total remodel of our 1900 square foot ranch style home since August! It's taken 4 months and nearly $70,000 but we have an entirely new home. It's everything I ever wanted really. There is landscaping were for years only dirt grew. There is a spa type bathroom that any one would kill for. I know what you are thinking. What about the closet? Well, that is still coming in the future but I have about 4 that I claim and and one is very large! So, I am pretty darn happy. Today I struck out to find our f...