Thinking Out Loud Thursday - October 27, 2022

Thanks for popping in today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Last weekend was one for the books and that's what I'm thinking about today!

I haven't logged much time at home this month, so last week when we were contemplating if we wanted to go out of town or stay home it was quite the decision.  After vacillating all week, we decided on Friday that we would in fact head to Chicago for some hiking and to attend a friend's art show.

Friday night we found a hotel for Saturday and started putting together a plan.  We were leaving early the next morning so we could make it to the Markets for Makers show in Chicago around noon.  A friend's wife, Carly Clark, has started a business selling her amazing art and she was in the show.  I couldn't wait to surprise her!

Her art is something you should check out.  Her website can be found HERE.  I picked up a print to hang at my desk which I feel has the perfect message. Carly has prints, stickers, and tote bags.  Get a jump on your holiday shopping by loading up on her art!

After we saw Carly and perused around the show, we decided it was time for lunch.  We love searching out locations that were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  The one we found close to where we were was Kuma's.  It's a heavy-metal burger joint.  In all honesty, we weren't over the top impressed with the food.  Our favorite thing was the appetizer - cheese curds!

Eric and I bought each other new hiking books for our upcoming November birthdays and we were antsy to try them out.  They are winners!  Our son and daughter-in-law had already bought pairs and highly recommended them to us.  If you're in the market for new ones, they are still on sale at REI and can be found HERE.  

We spent the night in Ottawa, Illinois, and were ready to hit trailheads early Sunday morning.  Ottawa was quite the little gem of a town.  On our way to Starved Rock State Park, we made a pit stop at the spot where the first Lincoln Douglas debate occurred.  Eric, being the history lover that he is, was thrilled to check out this historical site.  

I was impressed with the building art across the street from the park with the statues.  Just look at it ~

Starved Rock State Park was a short drive from Ottawa and we arrived around 10:00 am.  The park was already filling up with people, dogs, and kids.  SO.MANY.PEOPLE.AND.DOGS!

We hiked around for a bit then left to go to Matthiessen State Park which was only about 3 miles away from Starved Rock.  Here we found the serenity we were looking for!  The hike there took us through the woods so we could enjoy the beautiful colors of the season.

We made it home in time to see the second half of the Chiefs game and their win was a nice finish to the weekend!

Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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