I tend to love the more obscure roadside attractions in my home state of Indiana. One such…read moreattraction is Berne, Indiana's Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower. I am especially fond of the clock tower, a 160-foot tall multi-million dollar replica of the clock tower in Bern, Switzerland that was dedicated in 2010. I used to drive through Berne semi-regularly due to my church obligations that would frequently have me in this part of the state. Located on, you guessed it, North Church Avenue in Berne, this clock tower is beautiful to look at and consistent with the Swiss theme that dominates Berne, Indiana. Admission is free to this roadside attraction. Berne, Indiana is located in Adams County about 35 miles south of Fort Wayne. Population is about 4,000 and they have a substantial Amish population that speaks a Swiss German dialect known as Bernese German. The town comes by its Swiss connection naturally - it was settled in 1852 by Mennonites that came here directly from Switzerland. That relationship with Switzerland has been maintained. The entire city of Berne takes a little bit over 2 square miles! The plaza also includes "The Settler's Statue," a statue commemorating the area's first settlers, along with the only stateside Canton Tree and a flower bed designed in quilting patterns. The clock is actually quite popular even for local residents who are quite proud of it. You pretty much can't visit Berne without seeing the clock - partly because it's such a main feature and partly because it's big enough that it stands out in the city. Do you remember the Dilley sextuplets? They were the world's first surviving sextuplets. They were from Berne, IN. This is honestly a great day trip - in addition to checking out this tourist attraction you have multiple close by places to visit including Oubache State Park, Gene Stratton Porter Museum, Pine Lake Waterpark, and Swiss Heritage Village & Museum among others. If you get a chance, I definitely recommend stopping in Berne, IN and checking out their beautiful clock tower.

What a beautiful monument! When passing through Berne, you can't miss this tower as it looms…read moretoward the sky. The tower has a glockenspiel that operates at set times during warmer weather. The plaza is a nice park, with plenty of space to enjoy the out of doors. I posted pictures taken during my visit in January and to see the monument surrounded by white snow was awesome. I'll have to make a return visit during warmer months when the grass is visible. On the corner of Main Street and US-27.

I drove into Decatur, IL for the first time at the end of last year in order to go to its Post…read moreOffice. I needed a new passport, especially since I am going overseas on a cruise in 2024 and my local post office did not provide passport services on weekends. Decatur's post office was the closest to provide weekend services, thus I came. The post office itself is a beautiful old art deco building. I was impressed and wondered how old the building was. I later looked it up and found it was built in 1934, so the building is approaching 100 years. I walked in and was greeted by their friendly staff. I was early to my appointment, but only had to wait for the person who had the earlier appointment to finish. The post office does everything for the passport, including taking your photo. After paying for the service, the shipping and providing all the necessary paperwork with the picture they took, i was done. The process was quick and efficient. I am very glad I came here, especially because it gave me the chance to go around after and explore a town I have never been to but is only 30 min from my hometown. I decided to come back and enjoy some restaurants i discovered on this excursion! If you need a new passport, i would highly recommend coming here!

Ever since moving, I have voted via absentee ballot for pretty much every election and vote held…read more Most recently for a single issue ballot, my family and I did not request one and came physically to vote. Besides us, there may have been one or two other people voting. Certainly not use to being able to immediately vote, when going to a polling place. Back where I am from, even early voting the lines could take hours. The process was easy, the polling workers were friendly. I also have to say, the scanner look new, are modern and quickly read your vote. Great experience! Much easier than I expected. Just want to end by saying, if your of legal age and can vote... vote! Its your civic duty! Cherish this right! Take it from my family, who came from a country where this right didn't and still does not exist.

I loved the small town feel. Everyone in this town was very nice, no complaints! Check it out if…read moreyou're ever EVER in the area...

I drove to Anderson to complete a name change request process that I had begun online. The…read morelocations closest to me were booked out much further into the future. This is your typical government building. It was very sterile, and serious, and quiet. No fun is to be had here. I checked in via the QR code on the sign when you first walk in. They do also have a touch-screen kiosk for checking in as well. The lobby was clean and the security guard stopped someone in the doorway who was attempting to enter with a beverage. When another patron began playing videos on their phone with the volume on high, I was disturbed by his inaction (this is one of my pet peeves). Their phone was extremely loud and there are signs posted stating that all ringers and such should be set to silent. They weren't even watching it either. They were speaking to each other in even louder voices, attempting to talk over their loud phone. I gave them the side-eye and then gave the security guard "the look", like dude, do your job! "The look" worked because he then announced that all phones should be on silent. Thank you for your service, kind sir. My number was called pretty quickly and the gentleman that assisted me was thorough, but also quick. I appreciated that. He congratulated me on my nuptials and handled my request for a new SS card in minutes. I commented at the end "Well, that was painless" to which he responded "Yeah, I don't usually start inflicting pain until after noon" See, you can have fun at the social security administration!

Bureaucracy, you sometimes cannot avoid! The website for SSA is fabulous and there are so many…read moretasks you can accomplish online. Although there are those times you should visit in person. In my case, I wasn't sure of a process. It was easier to talk to a human "live" and get my questions answered. I could have waited on the phone to an agent. The office in Anderson is efficient. There's a kiosk to check-in. Plastic molded chairs to sit in and a security guard for safety.Visitors are called to the a service window based on the reason for their visit. Medicare, Retiree benefits, Disability benefits or a Payee Representative are a sampling of titles that could bring you to the door of government bureaucracy. The staff tries their best to accomplish tasks for visitors, they are pleasant, helpful, and informative.

This cute little library has big things to offer. Sections of books for all ages. Something for…read moreeveryone. What they don't have you can order and within days, they will call you to pick it up. Faxing, copying, printing, online, if you need help there are two sweet ladies waiting to shower you with knowledge. My kids are older but I heard they even have reading time for the preschoolers. Every town should have a Rockford Carnegie library.