Nauvoo, IL, with friends

Today we drove to Nauvoo with Dennis and Linda and Linda's mom, Lillian. The Mormon church has restored much of the historic town from which the Saints began their journey to Utah. Visiting has some of the flavor and appeal of learning about life in a bygone time, with the addition of a clear agenda to promote admiration of the Mormon pioneers and acceptance of the Mormon faith. One of the highlights of the visit was a presentation at the blacksmith/farrier's shop, where we learned that blacksmithing got its name from the practice of plunging the completed steel item into manure to carbonize it, thus inhibiting rust. The modern day re-creation involved plunging the hot item into used motor oil, a plentiful source of carbon, and not so odiferous as manure 8-) Everyone got a ring made from a blacksmith created nail.

Another interesting site in Nauvoo was the home of Jonathan Browning--who is the source of the Browning dynasty of gun making.



Along the way to Nauvoo we paralleled the Mississippi River, which is still at flood stage and an impressive sight.

Dennis and Linda took us to dinner at Fiesta Jalisco (www.fiestajalisco.net), a wonderful little Mexican restaurant. Linda recommended the Pescado Yukatan, a wonderful marinated white fish with rice, served with grilled veggies and shredded lettuce with sour cream and guacamole. Ken had the Arroz con Mariscos, a delightful shrimp and scallop medley with grilled veggies. We were joined by Joyce, Dennis's sister-in-law, and a great time was had by all (aided, no doubt, by the pitchers of margaritas). Thanks, Dennis and Linda!