Gilbert-Jones Farm, Wabash, Indiana

After a wonderful weekend in Chicago with Ben, AJ and I took the Metra out to North Aurora to Aunt Jenny's house. From here we were picked up by Papa J and driven to the Gilbert-Jones farm in Wabash, Indiana.

We spent five relaxing days on the farm. Well, the first couple days we had to clean up a bit. But after everything was fixed up, it was really nice. AJ spent some time practicing her wedding speech while I walked down the creek with Papa J and Meg. I got a great opportunity to live off the land and wrestle bears. AJ was even challenged to a duel in Bocce Ball.




AJ and I then headed off on Saturday morning for our second weekend in the Windy City.

Cardinals at Cubs, Wrigley Field

Chicago! We made it out to the midwest in miraculous fashion. Thunderstorms were keeping flights from leaving New York and from landing in Chicago, but we managed to be the last plane out and the first on the ground at Midway.

After our arrival, we jumped on the L and rode to Ben's apartment. Once there, we were whisked away again to the Second City stage to have "The Absolute Best Friggin Time of Our Lives."

The following day, after a delicious breakfast at Ann Sather, we walked around Millenium Park and saw "The Bean." BL remarked, "Wow, now I know what everyone loves about this thing. I love it more than Ann Sather cinnamon rolls."

Sunday was the day of the big game. The Cardinals had been in town all weekend and beaten by the Cubs on both Friday and Saturday. Cubbies fans were psyched for a sweep. After a quick tour of Wrigleyville's pre-game scene, we went into the stadium.

The game was exciting enough, even though it wasn't our Rays out on the field. Pujols homered for the Cards to tie the score in the sixth. Unfortunately, BL and I missed it as we were down in the bowels of the stadium looking for a vendor that sold brats and veggie burgers.


Even though the game stayed tied until the 11th, the Cubs couldn't pull out a "W" for the sweep. Luckily, we had a great weekend in Chicago anyway. Ben even agreed to host us again the following weekend...

Rays at Orioles, Camden Yards

After a delicious meal including a variety of fish at the Rusty Scupper, we wandered through the Inner Harbor on our way to Camden Yards. We even stopped at Vacarros for some Italian cookies to take to the game. Once we were inside beautiful Camden Yards, AJ said, "this is the best stadium in sports," to which I agreed. Unfortunately, it began to rain and the staff put the tarp on the field.

The rain delay lasted only 20 minutes though. The game was kicked off by the national anthem on trumpet played by Chick-fil-a's CFO.


The Rays got off to a good start thanks to an RBI double by Matt Joyce that sparked a seven-run second inning. Wade Davis lasted eight innings, holding the O's to just one run.

Then, in the middle of the ninth, AJ got a call from Papa J letting us know we were on TV for a few seconds holding our sign, "The Rays Shine With Sun Sports." The sign was held remarkably high for all to see.

As seen on TV

It is official. BL is now a Rays fan. Next stop: Wrigley Field (no Rays until Toronto though).