Welcome home!

Wesley was beside himself with joy as Charles returned home today from his trip to Cleveland!

Another Chicago stop

Another zoo!

Humboldt Penguin

Cock-of-the-Rock

Roseate Spoonbill & Snowy Egret

Inca Tern

Before reaching his hotel, Charles made a stop at the Brookfield Zoo - Chicago. A pleasant urban zoo, Charles was happy to see a nice variety of birds and getting in for free (with his VA id card) was an added bonus.

A button pilgrimage

Charles began the return drive from Cleveland this morning, intending to make a special stop in Chicago along the way. The Busy Beaver Button Co. Museum has more than 30,000 buttons (but most are not on display). Charles was in button heaven and was tickled with sixteen free buttons to add to his tally. There is a good possibility that Charles' collection will make its way to Chicago when he closes his collection.

 

2026 Veterans on the Hill - Part Two

 

2026 Veterans on the Hill - Part One

 

Belinda Alkula on the bus -- headed for the Minnesota Capitol

Folks Traveling from Albert Lea

A visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Charles had free time this afternoon and made his way down to the lake front to see what caught his eye. He decided to venture into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (HOF) which was having a special exhibit on the 50th anniversary of the musical acts on Saturday Night Live. A special treat was when the QR code didn't work on his phone and he was given free admission to the HOF! Charles was also thrilled to learn that his favorite musician, Jimmy Buffett, had been inducted to the HOF in 2024!!!

Last day in Cleveland

The last day of the conference in Cleveland began with a wonderful offering from Harold Recinos, one of the professors who had been at Wesley when Charles was there.