Long Grove
August 6, 2009
Long Grove is a little town just northwest of Chicago and about 20 mins drive from where we were staying. It is a very charming place, mainly consisting of historic buildings. I didn’t get to look around as much as I wanted to during my winter visit so we went again during my summer visit. I’ll just let the pictures do the talking.
Long Grove has a lot of old-fashion shops that sell antiques, hand-made crafts, chocolates etc.
Home made ice cream. YUM!
DROOL Â =P~Â Â Â Â Handmade chocolates which cost like USD3 per piece!
There is a park with a gazebo in Long Grove that I think would make a great location for a wedding ceremony.
Probably carved by teenagers in love
 
Over a year ago I was with Rob. It’s strange how fast a year passes by and yet with all the things that has happened in the past year, I feel as if it has been like 5 years.
Even though we talk everyday, I still really miss you Robbie.  :((
Roadtrip Mischief
November 26, 2008
When Rob and I were on the roadtrip we had some “interesting” conversations along the way. I laugh thinking about them and so decided to share the laughter and weirdness. Me being the smartass that I am decided to test Rob’s patience with me. Here are some examples. Enjoy~
S: Are we there yet? 
R: No…
S: How about now?
R: No…
S: Now?
R: No….
S: NOW???
R: NO! 
S: Why not? Is it THAT far?
R: Honey….you knew this is going to take 6 hours..
S: Ok…
S: How far are we?
R: Honey….we’ve only been driving AN HOUR!!!
S: Oh ok….
*******************************************************
S: Ummm are we there yet?
R: No…
S: *sigh* Why not?
R: Cos it’s far away 
S: How far?
R: Ask me in another 5 hours
S: But I wanna know now
R: Eat your gummi bears
S: I did, see? *shows empty container* 
R: No kidding 
*******************************************************
S: How much farther? 
R: We still have a third of the way to go
S: We’ve been driving a long time!
R: Yeah…
S: Why does it take so long? 
R: Cos we keep stopping
S: Oh…then don’t stop so much
R: We stopped because you want to take pictures!
S: Oh…ok…then don’t stop for my pictures
R:
*******************************************************
Yes, that’s right. I’m that immature and weird. Yes, we are a couple of juvenile delinquents, but hey, we’re proud of it.
Anderson Japanese Garden @ Rockford, Illinois
November 5, 2008
*Many pictures again. Go grab yourself a snack and come back*
Rockford is about 90 minutes drive from where Rob lives. We spent about 3 days there sightseeing and a *little* shopping. Heh.
The first time I visited Rob I was already interested in visiting the Anderson Japanese Garden (AJG) but they weren’t open during the winter time. Since it was on the way back from MOA, we decided to stop by Rockford so I could visit the garden.
Entrance fee was USD7 per person but Rob, again, scored cheap entrance tickets from the radio shopping channel. I think it was USD5 for two. Isn’t he DA MAN?
Sticker as proof of purchase of entrance tickets
The first thing that greeted me at AJG was this little squirrel. It was just staring at us while we walked by. I stopped to take a picture but it ran and hid among some bushes.
I suppose the whole reason I wanted to go to this garden (and many other gardens/parks at that) was to take tons and tons of pictures. Not that I’m a pro or anything but I’m pretty sure by now you guys probably know I have a soft spot for some version of photography, whatever you call mine. HEH
There was a gate to go through to enter the main compound of the garden. So what did we do?
Yes, we camwhored.
The weather was almost perfect for a day at AJG. The sun was out and the skies were blue, which really makes a difference when taking pictures.
Camwhoring again
This is the zig-zag bridge. By my calculations there were about 8 segment of bridges which I suspect to be correct since the number 8 has the prosperity meaning to it in Asian culture.
I love the Weeping Willow tree.
Koi swimming towards me for food. Too bad I didn’t bring food with me.
Garden of Reflection
South Gate – entrance to the Guest House
This is the Raked Gravel Garden. The sand is actually hand-raked so visitors aren’t allowed to walk on it.
Main bridge
Pond Strolling Garden
I saw this cute duck swimming in the pond so I figured I would snap a few pictures of it.
Then it swam away from me.
That BASTARD!!!
Pretty butterfly
Posing at the main bridge
Me bugging Rob while he was trying to snap a picture
The thing I was looking forward to the most at AJG was the waterfall. I had seen pictures of it from their website and it was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to take a picture of it myself!
I quite like this next picture. I got lucky in capturing the koi fishes in the picture, considering the fishes were just swimming around, minding their own business.
Remember I said the sun was out?
Imagine the damage I could’ve done had I owned an SLR. Always wanted one but it’s a bit too expensive for me at the moment, being unemployed and all. But I have vowed to myself that once I get a job that pays well, and I am financially stable, I shall purchased one and go CRAZY.
I end this post with my favourite shot from AJG. I love the colour combination, with the lush greens, orange leaves and just the feeling of serenity I get by just looking at the picture. I close my eyes and I can almost hear the water splashing.
TA DA!
AJG is such a peaceful place. I think it’s a great place to unwind and relax, and even meditate if you wish.
I could almost feel the energy and grace that exudes in this tranquil place…
The sounds of trickling water drawing one deeper into relaxation…
The breeze that blows in one’s face, calming one’s nerves…
……….
……….
……….
That is, until Rob and I come along giggling and laughing, and making fun of each other. Then, all the peace and serenity is just…well…GONE.
It then becomes just another playground for us.
Sorry for the lack of words in this post. I have to go get some work done on the thesis.