Illinois

If you weren't aware, I am originally from central Illinois.  Lately I've been thinking of gathering some money up and visiting for a short while.  I have a grandpa up there who, every time I talk to him, makes me think he's getting closer and closer to Alzheimer's.  He's in his mid 80s now, has had various skin cancers burned off of him, and apparently from what my Step-Grandma says, his memory now sucks and is just getting worse.  So, cancer and potential Alzheimer's.  Joy.  In addition, I admit, it may be nice to meet up with a couple of old friends and perhaps even a new one I made online.  Still contemplating.  My Grandpa, even though he loves his grandchildren, is kind of weird about even family staying there for some really weird reason, and I don't know if I could do all of that money for a motel while visiting.  So....still contemplating what I'm going to do.  I know that gas prices are extreme, but without driving I wouldn't have a way to get around unless I rented a car so, overall, although I'd like to go, that seems like a trip that would be rather costly for me right now since money is a little tight.