Last weekend, Ken and I spent a short get-away at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Doug and Susie gifted us this time away in thanks for watching Grace while they took time away. While totally unnecessary, it was so much appreciated. Here we are, just a couple of weeks home from a big vacation. Yet, this time away, close to home was really nice. We had such a relaxing enjoyable time!
We spent the first day on the beach. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the water! And this beach was wonderful. The water temperature was just perfect. The weather was warm and not too hot. While there were lots of people, it was not over crowded. We even found a parking place somewhat close to the beach entrance! (No small thing if you knew just how popular this place is.) After our long beach time, we found a small local diner for a late lunch. We always try to find local places to eat and this one did not disappoint! We actually liked it so much that we had breakfast the next day at the same diner. Ken really wanted to get some sunset pictures, so we checked in to our hotel, rested for bit and then took a driving tour around the lake. We had to drive by the hotel where we honeymooned. It was a long, long time ago (44 years!)
This picture was taken as we were leaving our wedding, headed to our honeymoon! Things have really changed around that resort and it was fun thinking back and remembering. We had scoped out a couple of potential spots to get some sunset pictures, so we headed to those spots. Thankfully, there was a restaurant, across from the lake with outside seating. So we opted to have dinner there with the plan to walk across the street to take sunset pictures. We were surprised to actually get seated outside with a marvelous view of the lake. That picture of Ken above was taken there. If you look carefully at the picture, you can see the reflection of the sun in the window as it was dropping to the horizon. We had perfect timing, finished our meal and then strolled across the street to get some amazing pictures.
After spending about an hour at the sunset, we started back to the hotel. But not before we stopped for some delicious Wisconsin Ice Cream. I don't eat a lot of ice cream, but I had a strawberry milk shake that contained more fresh berries than you can imagine. Ken said he was watching it being made and about half the cup was berries. It was amazing.
After breakfast at the diner, we headed to Yerkes Observatory Yerkes Observatory says they are the birthplace of "Astro Physics". If you take a moment to look at the web page, you will be amazed. I certainly was. Ken has been there a number of times and we have driven by, but I never realized the significant discoveries made at this place.
The tour was amazing. This is the largest telescope of its type IN THE WORLD!! And the building has the largest elevator in the world (the elevator actually lifts the entire floor around the telescope from the basement to the height needed to view from the telescope. Sadly, the University of Chicago, who owns and runs this facility has decided to close it in September, due to funding issues. Right now there is a move to privately fund and keep it open. Given the long history (it was built in 1893) and the telescope and other items in the museum, I am praying that they find a way to keep it open.
Yes, Ken and I love to find these museums and unusual places to visit. But I am just so thankful that we do. It is really sad to think about the many people who live in the Chicago area, who do not visit the many important sites that are close by.
We managed to pack quite a bit into a short time away. I had so much time away from the usual distractions. I spent a lot of the beach time just people watching. I had several good conversations with kids who were swimming near me. Somehow, I am always identified as a safe "grandma" and the kids always talk to me. We had peaceful car rides, mostly free of traffic and noise. Our hotel was quiet and calm. The time we spent watching the sunset was just what I needed. Watching the boats skim across the water and seeing the small waves tickle the beach. The time with this telescope, trained at the heavens was just the perfect ending to our trip. This whole "retirement" season is new to us. We are making adjustments in so many ways. Sometimes it seems like we are entering into that "awaiting the sunset" period of our life. But as I was sitting on the beach, soaking up that view of the sparkling colors on the water, I was reminded that the sunset is actually the BEGINNING of the new day! There is a new day for Ken and I now. Free of the responsibilities of 40 hour a week work. And now there is time to train our eyes on the heavenlies. Looking up and seeing the plans, and designs that Jesus has for us in the years ahead. While the purpose of that telescope is to view the stars, all I could think about was He who created the stars!
Psalm 147:4-5 - He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few hours on a beach, a couple hours waiting for the sun to set and a couple hours touring a really old building, to hear the Lord's gentle reminder that there is more ahead and it is a new day dawning!
Jesus, thank you so much for these wonderful opportunities that you provide. Thank you for Ken and his willingness to explore new places. Holy Spirit, help us all to remember that the sunset is the beginning of a new day. Keep our eyes trained on you Lord and keep our thoughts on your greatness and power. Amen
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