Today brought a road trip to one of our hospitals in Illinois. As I headed into town, I noted a “Historical Marker” sign on the side of the highway. So on the way back, I took the little side road to see if I could find it. It’s safe to say that the less treated the road, the more interesting the trip. 

I didn’t find the marker, but if I am ever in need of a portable toilet I found a source: Bub’s Portable Toilets. It’s funny, but when I first turned on this country road, I was a little mystified by a “Neighborhood Watch” sign. Then I saw Bub’s. Then I could only imagine that these neighbors are watching each other…out of morbid curiosity. But, as bleak as it was, the landscape was oddly beautiful.

I gave up on the marker and headed towards home. But then I saw a sign for a Conservation Area along the interstate. So I took the exit and checked it out. 

This large lake is surrounded by picnic tables and benches. It’s really lovely. We’ll have to go back this summer. But I also want to go back this summer to see the area’s sunflowers in bloom. Today I saw an entire field of these bowed, snow-covered flower heads. 

As I headed back to the interstate, I saw this strange little building next to a convenience store. At first I thought it was an outhouse, but there’s a little cross on the top. Ya got me…I have no idea.