On New Year's day, my brother Bucky and I rode around and took some interesting pictures of things we miss about our old home town of Dubuque, Iowa. It was the last day of our vacation for both of us and I think we both were feeling a little melancholy.
THE JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE
This bridge signifies many wonderful things. Not only does it connect Iowa to Illinois and provide you safe passage across the Mississippi River... it was the path to later curfews and a wild night life. Back in the day, all our favorite hot spots in Dubuque would close down at 2:00 AM. But, across the river in East Dubuque, IL, last call wasn't until 3:00 AM, so... you guessed it! Cars would load up and carry as many party goers that would fit, and cruise across the river to finish our night of merriment. After that, we would then cruise back to downtown Dubuque and stop at this little "open all night" restaurant called the Monte Carlo to eat our alcohol buzz into submission.
The funny thing about rehashing these old memories with your family... we found out the ol' Monte Carlo Restaurant was a fixture back when my Dad and his pals were following the same youthful routine. Maybe that's why Dubuque seems so historic... nothing really changes!
Our Christmas surprise went great, and I plan to share it with you as soon as I can sort through my pictures and regroup. I've got to get back into my routine... and that's going to be a challenge!
Have a great week everybody!
Lady R
This bridge signifies many wonderful things. Not only does it connect Iowa to Illinois and provide you safe passage across the Mississippi River... it was the path to later curfews and a wild night life. Back in the day, all our favorite hot spots in Dubuque would close down at 2:00 AM. But, across the river in East Dubuque, IL, last call wasn't until 3:00 AM, so... you guessed it! Cars would load up and carry as many party goers that would fit, and cruise across the river to finish our night of merriment. After that, we would then cruise back to downtown Dubuque and stop at this little "open all night" restaurant called the Monte Carlo to eat our alcohol buzz into submission.
Our Christmas surprise went great, and I plan to share it with you as soon as I can sort through my pictures and regroup. I've got to get back into my routine... and that's going to be a challenge! 
This beautiful gold fish pond is in Dubuque's Eagle Point Park. As a little girl, I used to play on these rocks with my cousins and friends, and imagine I was in an enchanted forest. This small gold fish pond and layers of rock steps would keep us kids entertained for hours with thoughts of fairy tales and childs play.
