ChimpersCage

Friday night was a real mudbowl at Normal Community Ironmen game. The Iron ended up losing by 6 to the Danville Vikings, 12-6. I guess on the positive side, the rain had quit by game time. By the 3rd play of the game, I was left wondering why there were numbers on the jerseys. You couldn't see them. 20091016 Danville v NCHS - Images by Alan Look By Saturday afternoon, the skies had lightened up and there was alternating clouds and sun for Illinois State Univerities Redbirds homecoming football game. They knocked out the Indiana State Sycamores. One just has to wonder when the Sycamores will win a game. I believe they are 1-51 since 2005. I don't want to know who they beat. My game ball goes to Bert Whigham who blocked a punt. 20091017 Indiana State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look

My wife and I got away for a short few days and went to Galena. We'd both been either near or through the area before but hadn't stayed long. My most vivid memory was a day trip with my parents about 40 years ago to the Palisades and an over-night with my new bride about 28 years ago in nearby Dubuque Iowa. Galena is of course the home town of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. His home was not open the day we were there as it is closed on Monday and Tuesday of each week. We were able to walk around the grounds a bit and grab a few photos. Main Street and the riverfront area (both sides) have attractions. The old railroad terminal is down the hill from Grant's home on the south side as is Grant Park. Main Street - full of lots of small shops, restaurants, and Bed and Breakfasts are on the north side. There are levies and flood gates to protect the northside from flooding as the Galena River can grow quite large during melt-off and storm season. We stayed at the St...

This weekend I decided to follow some more Redbird Volleyball. It was early September since I had seen the Redbirds play and The Bradley Braves and Northern Iowa Panthers were in town. Friday night, a larger than I expected crowd filtered into Redbird Arena. Bradley is always a favorite since they are a mere 40 miles away making them a rival at any sport. Their volleyball team has had some challenges the last few years, this year being no exception. A quick scan of the roster shows a lot of their on court staff at 5'5" or less. Not that shorter people can't play great volleyball, but it does leave the front line a bit challenged. Still the Braves managed to at least show that they were on the court. The Redbirds took the match in 3 sets. Kasey Mollerus received an award before play started for breaking the Redbirds record for most digs. She truly is one of the best I've seen. Rarely is she faked out by an opponent or out of position. Congrats Kasey! 20091009 ...