That simple identifier has opened doors of conversation, recognition, connections and info that we may have never been shared without this bond.

Yesterday at the Route 66 State Park visitor center close to Eureka, MO we met Rodney Rathmann. No big deal until he told us his son married Chris and Claire Nuechterlein’s daughter. Chris grew up in Frankenmuth, moved away and became a federal judge and now lives about 2 blocks from us back in Frankenmuth. Small world! Everyone seems to know about Bronner’s and Out membership at St. Lor-enz seals our endorsement as ‘good people’. Every day so far our Frankenmuth heritage has brought smiles, compliments and reinforcement that we are truly blessed to be Frankenmuthers! And we better be on our best behavior!!!!

Here’s a pic of Rodney and Tom. Bought an iconic Rte 66 ashtray from him upon the request of my hair guy, Dom in Sanibel!

Absolutely….a chilling 58 degrees and stunning mineral deposits! These awesome stalagmites and stalagmites plus an underground fascinating River can only be seen to be truly appreciated. The iconic signage along Rte 66 creates its own tourist buzz. Our walking tour with guide only covered 1.2 miles of the 20 some miles underground. Jesse and Frank James used them as a hideout! The patriotic video shown on the formation ‘stage curtain’ was a show stopping highlight.

Cheered on those Cubbies for their 10th inning home-run! Go Cubs Go! Pic of beautiful Stadium from the Arch and ground. Perfect weather and perfect park side BBQ restaurant.

The ‘Arch’ is the Gateway to the West….a simply fascinating design and stupendous execution. Just watching the movie if it’s construction gave me goosebumps! You’ll see several shots here from the riverboat on the Mississippi, the ground and from the top of the Arch accesses by a Tram. For all you architects or engineers, welders a d crane operators and workers in high and windy spaces our hats go off to you!

1.4 miles of cobblestone was smoother than much of the pavement we traversed going from Springfield to St Louis!

Spending the day in Springfield, IL at Lincoln Museum, his neighborhood home of 17 years and his tomb caused us to pause. While I didn’t realize that there were 4 candidates for President and how many ridiculed his views on slavery, he soldiered on in his beliefs for unity and a better union without division. Despite unflattering caricatures, insults and faltering support he did achieve unity and brought our nation together. There were sculptures done at the beginning of his presidency and four months before he died. He ages a lifetime in those few years. . A boy born in a log cabin led with humility and grace against staggering adversity and became a much loved president. He certainly became ‘a man for the ages’.

Can’t imagine doing Rte 66 in some of these relics, but we do t get to choose when the road calls our name!

My devotion yesterday sums up the day. “Wherever we are, May we walk toward the Good, welcoming new people and new ideas along the way.” So these words by Pope Francis appear to be specifically written for this journey across America. “This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good”. We are all moving towards the good so enjoy the folks and sights along the way!!!!