Hail Illinois!

First of all HAPPY SAMHAIN!!! Today is one of my two favorite holidays. I love Samhain. The only other that comes close is Beltane. I love this time of the year. It's a bit colder than normal for this area but the leaves are falling; there is the smell of wood fires in the air. I just love it. And it's my anniversary. Nine years ago tonight, hubby and I had our hand-fasting at the rose garden in Balboa Park in San Diego. I'm looking forward to many many more years, my love. Happy anniversary.

www.balboapark.org

NOW! As always my facts come from 50states.com.

If you want to join our discussion on keeping the right to worship as you choose or just to tell us what a great time you had in a certain state, head over to "What Makes Your State Great"! We'd love to see your pictures, hear your stories and have you join us in sending love and protection across the US.

HAIL ILLINOIS!

www.cityofchicago.org/‎

The first Aquarium opened in Chicago, 1893.

www.sheddaquarium.org/‎

The world's first Skyscraper was built in Chicago, 1885. The Sears Tower, Chicago is the tallest building on the North American continent.

www.skyscraperlife.com/chicago/2294-sears-tower.html‎

Before Abraham Lincoln was elected president he served in the Illinois legislature and practiced law in Springfield. Abraham Lincoln is buried just outside Springfield at Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and Alton hosted the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates that stirred interest all over the country in the slavery issue.

The music of Illinois is amazing!
Groups like Styx, Chicago, Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon hail from Illinois. Jazz musicians like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and Benny Goodman are all native to Illinois. As many of you know I have a deep love of the Blues. Blue icons Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters as well as many others were instrumental in the creation of "Rock" music. Here's a great example of Chicago Blues.

I love this second video as well.