Chester, Illinois is home to the maker of the famous Popeye cartoon series. It was also in Popeye's maker's home that we momentarily found home and family.
Wimpy and Me
Spinach Can Collectibles where I bought Popeye & Chester post cards and pencils
*This is not a paid advertisement.*
July 9, after the Radio station and Chester City Court tour with Dr. Barbara Brown (another stunning Southern darling), we were "adopted" by foster families for overnight stays.
(From L-R, up: Kate Cruz, Sabina Wong; From L-R, down: Farida Hollaway and Lee Hollaway. Photo courtesy of Lee Bailleu)
Wimpy and Me
Spinach Can Collectibles where I bought Popeye & Chester post cards and pencils
*This is not a paid advertisement.*
July 9, after the Radio station and Chester City Court tour with Dr. Barbara Brown (another stunning Southern darling), we were "adopted" by foster families for overnight stays.
The rule was two students of the same gender per household. I was paired with my SUSI soul-mate and co-noise-pilot, Sabina Wong. If that wasn't enough to get us giddy, Dr. Brown told us that our foster mom had only agreed to host students if she could host Sabina and I. Yes, she picked us.
NOW, how did she know us? It was during 4th of July ceremonies in Kaskaskia Island. I met her and was stunned by her age vs. how young she looked.> 70 = actual age> 50 = how old/young she lookedI'm not even kidding, nor was I trying to flatter her. I hate false compliments okay? Whatever praise comes from me is sincere. :)Going back, as we were leaving Kaskaskia, Sabina and our (then) to-be foster mom were chatting it up! They were talking about the show NCIS, which Sabina and I absolutely love. As early as then, she had already made the best impression on me and Sabina.
So, we were the only pair to actually know who we were looking for during the "adoption" meet up at the cafe near the city court. Then there they were, FARIDA HOLLAWAY & LEE HOLLAWAY.
(From L-R, up: Kate Cruz, Sabina Wong; From L-R, down: Farida Hollaway and Lee Hollaway. Photo courtesy of Lee Bailleu)
Fast forwarding, basically we just pigged out in their beautiful bungalow. Lee had to leave on the first night to work at the American Legion Club Bingo night. Farida and her daughter LeeAnne took us:
1. walking around her street2. to the Chester Memorial Hospital (to see the other Popeye statues)3. to the American Legion Club to see the Bingo night and visit Lee4. to the craft shop (where I bought little linen bags as souvenirs for me friends)5. to the biggest American flag in Southern Illinois6. to the smallest park in Southern Illinois7. to the maximum security prison along the Mississippi river8. to the "house with blue windows" that Mark Twain mentioned in one of his works9. to pass by the only covered bridge left in Illinois10. to the 4th Walmart we've been in Illinois (Carbondale, Murphysborough, Sparta, Chester)
They showed me more than the Popeye merchandise and landmarks. They showed me culture and hole-in-the-wall monuments in Chester. It just goes to show how they really familiarized themselves with their hometown. For me, it's always admirable to meet someone who KNOWS where he/she comes from.
As for Farida and Lee, it was just one day with them, but my heart stays with them. The hospitality, accommodation and thoughtfulness were just what we needed nearly halfway into this program. Temporary goodbyes to microwave dinners, take-outs, cafeteria food and fast food. I love that brief home-stay.
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