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.

Wednesday in Cleveland

First game in a long time!

Up against the Astros

Hanging out with one of the mascots

The Guardians loom just beyond
the stadium

After a couple of chilly days, today was delightful and Charles couldn't resist playing hooky from the conference and walked to the Cleveland Guardians game (against the Houston Astros) which was just a few blocks away from the hotel. This was the first game Charles has seen in Cleveland in sixty years!!!

Final: Cleveland Guardians 0:2 Houston Astros

A few days in Cleveland

Charles is in Cleveland this week, attending the 2026 Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference. There have been some great presentations and the opportunity to have a break from the routine.

Tuesday in Cleveland, pt.2

During a break this afternoon, Charles took a bit of time to explore the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial on Public Square.

Family get-together - pt. 3

Charles got to get together with his cousin, Dottie and her husband, Patrick tonight for supper. It was special to be able to catch up with them!

Tuesday in Cleveland - pt. 1

Charles had some free time this afternoon and he decided to venture a block away from the hotel to take in The Museum of Illusions. It is a small, but really interesting place. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to share it with someone!

Monday in Cleveland - pt. 4

On the waterfront in Cleveland

SS William G. Mather & the Sailor's Statue

A surprising find

Forward torpedo tubes

Command deck

The final stop of the day included checking out the lakefront near the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (he'd been there before, so he didn't go in this time). Seeing the SS William G. Mather, one of the big ore ships, by the Science Center (which is closed on Mondays) was cool and so was finding his way to the USS Cod, a WWII submarine!