FICTITIOUS STORY (Just for fun!)
Where in the world is Gus? As many of you know, Gus spends a lot of his time in the parish office. He loves when people come to visit him and he loves to run around the office to visit with the staff (to get treats). But as the weeks pass by, Gus has been wondering where everyone has gone. So Gus has decided he is going to go out into the world and take a look around. Come back each day and see if you can figure out "Where in the World is Gus?"
FICTITIOUS STORY (Just for fun!)
Gus was able to order himself an Uber to head out on his adventure! Tune in tomorrow to see where Gus is, and start the fun activity of trying to figure out "Where in the World is Gus?" If you wish to make a guess, there will be instructions for how to send in your answers. Some of the pictures will be easy to figure out where Gus is and some may be a little more challenging. Let's see how well you do. Some of his adventures may lead you to fun activities to explore. Join Gus on this exciting adventure and play along!
After being dropped off by the Uber, Gus awaits the arrival of the next opportunity to catch a ride. Can you tell us where Gus is waiting in the picture? If you wish to participate in the adventure, please send an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses. We will keep a score card to see who guesses the most correct answers.
Gus started out yesterday at the Lake Villa Metra Station. Is he heading north or south? We will have to wait and see. Meanwhile, Gus is on the train and wanted to share a selfie with you. While on the train, the conductor asked Gus if he would like to take a ride with the engineer in the cab. Click here to see what Gus experienced along the ride and watch for a picture of Gus at 2 minutes & 15 seconds.
The Metra train ride was amazing. The passengers and crew maintained their social distancing and were very helpful in giving Gus ideas for places to go see in the World. But first, Gus wanted to be sure to take in some sites. Can you guess where Gus is standing in the picture? Bonus point: What famous movie was filmed on this very location (no fair cheating and looking it up on the internet)?
Please send your answers in an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses.
Union Station (click) is so amazing to visit because it is like stepping back in time when you see the architecture. The Grand Staircases along the Canal Street entrances are amazing and so majestic. Seeing them in the movie "The Untouchables" (1987) and then standing on the stairs makes you want to watch the movie scene again just to see how they framed and used the architecture details in the camera views. Warning: the violent gangster movie is not intended for children.
Onward - Gus is making his way through Chicago. Hmmm... How long would it take me to get to the top of that building?
It is Sunday and I want to find someplace to watch Mass. I wonder if I can duck into this place and catch Mass? Hopefully no one will know I am here. What is this place?
Please send your answers in an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses.
Sunday... these days are so humbling. What a treat (pun intended) to have spent time yesterday in such a beautiful environment. I remember hearing my friend say something about the number of stories a church has. I wonder how many this place has? If only I could count!
Yesterday was a very busy day as I tried to visit as many of Chicago's tourist stops as possible. Grab your smart device and check out this 360 view of the places I visited by panning around as the video plays. You can also drag the screen on your computer with your mouse to look around. Watch for the guy who seemed to be following me everywhere I went!
Gus is getting out of Chicago and finding some new places to explore and share with us. The Quigley Center was amazing and its St. James Chapel was even more magnificent with the ornate altar and all the beautiful stained glass windows. You can see why Fr. Gerald, Fr. John, Dcn. Jim, and Dcn. Chris all have fond memories of the time they spent at Quigley.
Tomorrow starts a new adventure! Please check in on Gus and see where he will be next!
Gus was trying to get out of the rain and found himself in a familiar area. While looking for someplace to quietly pray, he ran into someone he knows! One of the brothers was kind enough to take a picture of them. Can you guess where they are?
Please send your answers in an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses.
It was great to see Steph yesterday. Yes the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe is currently closed to the public. However, Steph has to regularly go to Marytown to follow up on the Marytown Gift Shop - Online Store. The orders are filled and sent out regularly. As many of you know, adoration at Marytown is also not open to the public, but if you had been watching the YouTube Live feed when the picture was taken, you would have seen us.
Today, I decided to go to another location. My best friend goes for rides when the weather is nice and doesn't take me with him. I wanted to see if I could find a way for my friend to take me on rides this summer. Funny, I thought the place would have been bigger than I had discovered it to be!
Went to a special place to enjoy a walk outside. The walk along this path is not an easy journey. You have to take your time as you go. The "Stations of the Cross" make the journey worth the walk and the meditation time is worth the energy spent following along the way of the cross. At the top of the hill there is good news. Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
"I saw one like the Son of Man... and his face was shining like the sun in full force... He placed his right hand on me saying, "Do not be afraid." (Revelation 1)
Please send your answers in an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses.
As of Day 10 the total possible points are 7
Leader Board Update
The weather was great today. Decided to spend one more day near Holy Hill and explore the paths around the area.
Another beautiful day of perfect temperatures, sunshine, and no wind. I heard of a town not too far away that is third on the list of fun and exciting things to do. So I went to check it out. While I was walking around, I ran into a young lady who puppy sat me when I was very young. We took a picture together with a very popular back drop. Do you know where we are? Bonus question: Who is that masked stranger?
Please send your answers in an e-mail to parishoffice@princeofpeacecatholicchurch.org and be sure to put "Where in the World is Gus" in the subject line so we can sort the responses.
Something you might not know about me, I LOVE CHEESE! I have always heard people talking about this big event that happens on Sundays and sometimes on Monday up at this place. It's a big celebration of cheese lovers and I was excited. I found a costume and everything for the event. But when I got here, no one was around! What happened? Where are my fellow cheese lovers? What's more, I can't find one piece of cheese anywhere!
Another day and another town. Stopped at a destination I have been told is a forgotten, or unknown, historic location. An event took place here on October 8, 1871. This date is well known to Chicago history buffs, but in this town, the date had an even larger impact. Definietly worth the trip and taking some time to visit.
Today, I stopped at a farm and wanted to get a picture with some cows. What a bunch of camera hogs! I kept trying to get in front of them and they kept mooving in front of me. This is the only picture I was able to get that you can still see me. Can you find me? Do you know what kind of farm this is?
Boy am I glad to get away from those cows. Standing behind them is not a safe place to be. Did you know cows are actually very intelligent? Check out this video: watch
Stopped in a new town today. Can you guess where? During my walk in the park, I discovered a very strange thing. There is the spoon... There is the cherry... Where is the ice cream? How can you not have any ice cream to go with the spoon and the cherry?
Sorry folks for my late post today. It took longer than expected for my portrait to be carved into the rock. Then I couldn't find a signal to be able to upload my photo. Oh well, it was worth the wait I think. They gave me the choice of being next to Washington or Lincoln. I said, I'm born and raised in Illinois. Lincoln, please! Bonus: What movies have been filmed here?
Yesterday's adventure was so much fun. Two of my favorite movies known for the location are North by Northwest and National Treasure 2. Here is a fun website to read about some others: mount-rushmore-big-screen .
Today was another amazing sight to see. A little frustrating though, because I buried a bone here and now I can't figure out which mound is mine!
Nothing more needs to be said today other than:
I found this guy hanging out. I looked around the area he is pointing to but I couldn't find the ball. I keep trying to tell him his ball is not where he thinks it is, but he won't listen. It seems even his horse thinks he is crazy.
Wow, do you know how hard it is to find a mask? I went to this place and quickly discovered, these animals are not pleasant to hang with for the aroma. They also are not as fun as the cows I met a few days ago. Check out these interesting facts: 15-facts-about-our-national-mammal-american-bison. I am keeping my distance. Oh, does anyone know where I am? I am not sure myself.
What... is... this...? Did someone make this? If so, why? Native locals call this "Bear Lodge." In fact, they would like to correct a mistake that was made in translation long ago. But so far, people like the name it currently has. It's the first American monument, declared by President Theodore Roosevelt, who incidently loved the American West. I must say, I am loving the American West as well. So many things to see!
Bonus question: What movie was filmed here? Something to do with mashed potatoes...
Wear the horns, they said. You will blend right in they said. “Totally immersive experience” my tail… I havn't seen anyone else here trying to fit in with the environment. It reminds me of that cheese festival back a couple weeks ago.
Today I went to a destination that I have anticipated seeing for a few days now. As I started to approach the area, I could smell something odd and wondered if maybe it was a sulfur smell. Then as I came over the ridge, who did I find? One of the big bison from a few days ago! He followed me! Wouldn't you know it, my mask gave me so much issue with fogging over, I decided to not bring it today. Lucky I had this wooden springy thing.
Wow! What a spectacular view of these three peaks! I"m trying to get a selfie & what's with this guy? I just can't seem to lose him. I'm going to try to quietly get away when he's not looking.
Think I finally lost that guy from yesterday! Decided to visit a friend who is attending this school. Do you know where I am? Bonus point: who am I with?
Look who's following me now, as I make my way through this national park. The park is named after two explorers, who were guided by a native american woman. Now, I wish I had actually listened to my friend who tried to teach me to play dead. If I don't post an update tomorrow, you may need to check on me.
Yes I managed to get away from the bear yesterday. I am in another park and came across some locals who are inviting me to a pow wow later this evening. How do I look? Any idea what a pow wow is? I guess I will soon find out. Anyway, the lake behind me has such clear water. You can actually see to the bottom of the lake.
Misleading travel guide… I thought this was where these grew so I brought mine, but apparently this forest is all trees… Oh and if you are wondering how the pow wow was last night, there was lots of traditional dancing, feasting, and singing, but they did not appreciate my singing. I told them I sing beautifully with the church bells at home, but they wanted nothing to do with it. Oh well. The people back home appreciate it.
Leaving my "flathead" screw driver behind to help renew the national forest, I did a hop, skip, and a jump over the mountains. Next thing I know, I am flying and encountered this city. Wow! I never knew I could do this! Maybe when I get back home, I can try to get over the gate in my office.
Found my way to this famous location and ran into a couple of Prince of Peace transplants. They showed me around this place and we had some fun taking part in a local tradition called "throwing of the fish". As you can see, I actually caught one. Bonus question: Who are my friends?
Leader Board Update:
I have heard it said, "A little faith can move a mountain", but this is unimaginable. That was a big mountain, and it's gone! It really is breathtaking to see this and realize the amount of energy that can erupt out of the earth. If the earth can do this, can you imagine what God can do?
Yes, I am actually in this picture. Unlike the cows back on day 16, these trees are not being camera hogs. In fact, they "don't moove". They don't even make any noise. These trees are truly giants when it comes to the many forests I have explored so far.
Gus-ness Monster! This bridge is 83 years old. I don't even want to know how many dog years that is. The U.S. Navy had lobbied that the bridge be painted in blue and yellow stripes to increase its visibility. But when the steel arrived painted in a burnt red hue as primer, the consulting architect decided the color was both highly visible—and more pleasing to the eye. The bridge's color is officially called international orange.
I love this city! Like Chicago, there are so many things to see and do. Check out this 360 video of all the things I saw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dvv5HlIrEY
With a smart device or your mouse, you can rotate the view to see all around you. You know, I think the guy who followed me around Chicago is back again. It's like those bisons...can't seem to lose them.
I made it this far down the hill, now I just have to wait for a break in the traffic to get the rest of the way down. Ouch, that rose bush hurts! What was the name of this street again?
They say with less people traveling and the stay at home plan in place, this city has been more visible than ever. The air is actually fresh and... WAIT! What is that behind me? What is that white stuff? I thought I left that back home! Is that actually snow? Oh my, where am I?
Oh yeah! This is the way to be styling in this location. Today should be an easy one for everyone to know where I am. So, let's make this a little more challenging. Three bonus points for sending me your three favorite movies of all time. I will share the compiled list with everyone for suggestions of movies to watch this summer. Thanks for playing along!
I walked and walked all over this place looking for the perfect one to take my photo with. It was a very long day. It was getting to be more and more difficult to wait for people to move outside of the six foot radius. Finally, I came across this one and thought, that is it! The perfect one to get a picture with. Grumpy Cat was the best meme ever. Click here to learn more about Grump Cat. I hope you enjoy it!
This is a famous location. Everyone gets to this point just to take the one final picture. But depending on how you follow the trail, it is either the end or the beginning. For me, it is the beginning of the trail. So excited to see what fun things I will find along the way.
This region is much warmer. I thought I would only find this kind of tree in this park. Actually, I have seen these all over the area. So to try and make your guess easier, here is a quote: "I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go." Seem like good words to have near and dear to our hearts at this time.
What is hot? This place! This Desert is famous for having the hottest air temperature and surface temperature recorded on earth and the lowest elevation in North America. ... Badwater Basin, located in Death Valley, is the lowest elevation in the United States. I would also like to add, it is hard to walk around this place and not get a thorn in my paw.
Sorry, the desert got the better of me. I needed a day to rest my paws, rehydrate, and get a few prickers out of my tail. I am making my way along a highway and if from the picture, you are able to identify where I am, then... my hat is off to you. Check in with me tomorrow with some easier locations to identify. This next one, I will bet my bone, you will all get without an issue. So stay tuned, rest up and let's get going. Woof!
Umm... Where's my phone?
I can't believe I have to go back to the desert to find my phone. Woof! Sorry folks, but while you wait, here is the list of movies sent to me. Check them out. Revisit one or watch it for the first time. Oh and make sure they are family appropriate before you settle in.
Ratings and information from IMDB.com
The Two Popes (2019) PG-13 - 7.6/10
The Sound of Music (1965) G - 8.0/10
Forrest Gump (1994) PG-13 - 8.8/10
Bambi (1942) G 7.3/10 [animated]
Lady and the Tramp (1955) G - 7.3/10 [animated]
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) PG-13 - 8.2/10
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947) Approved - 7.3/10
Ratatouille (2007) G 8.0/10 [animated]
Jurassic Park (1993) PG-13 - 8.1/10
The Way We Were (1973) PG - 7.1/10
Summer of '42 (1971) PG - 7.3/10
Caddyshack (1980) R - 7.3/10
Showboat (1936) Approved - 7.4/10 or (1951) Approved - 6.9/10
The Great Caruso (1951) Approved - 6.5/10
A Place in the Sun (1951) Passed - 7.8/10
Catch Me if you Can (2002) PG-13 - 8.1/10
The Goonies (1985) PG - 7.8/10
The Aviator (2004) PG-13 - 7.5/10
War Games (1983) PG - 7.1/10
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) G - 8.2/10 [annimated]
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) G - 8.1/10
The Secret of Kells (2009) NR - 7.6/10
Found it! Thank you St. Anthony for your help and a big thank you to the Big Guy. So I am back to where I was a few days ago. I guess I set it down when I was pulling prickers out of my paws and back side. I hate when that happens. You put your phone down and then you get distracted doing something else. Oh well, onward.
With so much thankfulness stored up in my thoughts over the past few days, I felt the need to go to a special place today for Mass. The church is named for a companion who is always with us. Maybe you even have attended Mass here yourself. Let me know if you have. To give you a clue to where I am, people always hope for abundant blessings in this city.
Oh! So much cooler at night. It's quieter than usual here, but the lights are still amazing. There is a movie that was made in this city... The first version was filmed in an older part of the city and had a cast that was famously known at the time as a "pack." The movie remake was filmed in the newer part of the city, with a well known cast of current stars. The latter went on to create two sequels, featuring the same group of stars. Both the original movie and the remake had the same name. Bonus points for the name of the movies.
Oh boy! I think I did something wrong. Like last time, I tried to do that hop, skip, and a leap thing to get across this gap but the cape didn't appear and I ended up short. Now what? This "dam" thing is quite large and menacing to cross. I guess I'll have to use the bridge. But how am I going to get back up to the top?
I'm on a boat! Can you believe it? The Chain of Lakes is fun, don't get me wrong... but this Lake has lots of people on it from multiple states around. I saw people hauling boats through the desert regions just to come to this lake for sun and fun. I'll have to ask my friend about taking me out on the water when I get back home!
Wow! I mean... just... WOW! How do you put it into words? The beauty of God's creation over a long period of time! It is hard to believe people want to mess with this and change it for more profitable tourism... Just take in the beauty and live with the rawness of nature. We have a lifetime for God to hone us into what we are intended to be. This represents a lot of patient work over many more lifetimes than can be imagined. I also have to point out, the picture does not do the actual vision any justice.
My friend sent me a text and it has the best news ever! Our parish is starting to open and people are coming back for Mass. I am making my way back as quick as I can. Can you believe how blessed I am? There is a bus manufacturer out west and this bus is being delivered to Milwaukee. I have a ride all the way home. I hope to be home by Monday! I can't wait to see everyone and tell you who the big winners are.
We stopped along our route to take in some of the amazing road side tourist stops. Given the name of this location, I sang my heart out expecting my ancient cousins to join in with me from the far side of this canyon. However, I did not "spot" any of my cousins. Oh well!
What a strange place to stand. I am at a rest stop on the last day of my journey back. In the distance, you can see hoops that represent horse drawn wagons. If you notice, the ground where the two wagons are positioned, is actually grooved and the depressions in the ground are still visible today. Back when our country was forming, many wagons passed through here as people moved to the west for a better life. The strange thing is, I am heading back east, to a home I think is the best life for me and the best place in the world. Can't wait to see everyone!
I am back in Lake Villa safe and sound. Sorry for the delay in my update. I was adding up the tally of the winners and discovered I have trouble counting beyond four... or is it three? Anyway, I had to find someone to help me add. I am so happy to be back with my friend and I believe from the smile on his face, he is happy to have me back. I also know he is very happy to have people back in the church. It is defenitly different, but we are happy.
The winners can check in with the nice lady at the front counter sometime to see what you get for participating. Thanks everyone for your support while I was traveling around.