September 30

Arrived back in Chicago last night and stayed overnight with my brother Ron and Vicki.    Today we moved Dad from his one-bedroom to a studio apartment.    We have him all settled and think he'll enjoy his new surroundings, especially as he can watch the fall harvest from the comfort of his recliner!

Dad getting a haircut this morning from his long-time barber and friend, Stymie.

Good-bye September....where-oh-where did it go???

September 27-29

Been a whirlwind past few days.....our son, Ryan is a pilot in the Navy and found out last week he is being deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Nimitz for 6 months.    

Mark and I flew out to California (Chicago, Phoenix, Fresno) and then drove to Lemoore for a great visit.  We also helped with the packing of his things (put in storage) and Philip flew in on Monday for more good family time, packing, etc.   Here are a few pics from our time out west where it was 100+ and then dropped to the 70's.

Ryan in his kitchen getting ready for work

Mark and his boys at the Naval base

Ryan explaining something; Mark trying to understand; Philip checking out the jet

The F/18 jet Ryan will be flying

The boys on a major shopping spree at Wal Mart

Mama and her pilots (boy, do I need a haircut~!!!)

Philp, Mark, Pat, Ryan

September 25-26

This weekend was devoted to my "sisters".  11 of us gathered at a Bed & Breakfast in the country for a grand time enjoying each other, non-stop chatter, wine, eating, cards, games, and some good exercise at Starved Rock.    This was out 17th Annual and another success story!    Here are a few photos...

 

The "TRUE-BLUE" hikers - Beth and Theresa at Starved Rock

Sharon, Janet, Doris, Theresa, Beth and Pat

Enjoyed a delicious dinner at Hank's Farm

Back Row:  Karen, Sharon, Sue, Beth, Doris, Joan and Janet

Front Row:  Nancy, Theresa, Pat and Lydia

SURPRISE................we threw a surprise birthday party for Theresa after dinner back at the B & B

Theresa blowing out the candles on her extra-yummy cake!

The Birthday Girl

September 22

Liam and Connor are stayng with us this week because their sitter is on vacation.    Today we took off for Lacon and Tanner's Apple Orchard.   It rained along the way, but then the sun came out and it was a nice day.    What a bunch of fun we had and here are some photos!

Mark and the boys at main entrance

 

Posing with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the pumpkin patch

Feeding the baby goats

Riding the big tractor

Connor golfing

Liam riding the little tractor

Searching for the "perfect" pumpkin

Walking thru the gourd maze with Mr. Scarecrow

Ate lunch at Mr. Mike's Place on our way home.   We bought donuts, cider, apples and our pumpkins!   It was a really FUN day for all!

September 21

Today is our son, Philip's birthday..........................Happy Birthday dear Philip, Happy Birthday to you!!!

Love ya,
Mom and Dad

September 20

Another whirlwind week has passed.    Where-oh-where does the time go?    Been having some beautiful fall weather - love it!    And today, we got over 1" of much-needed rain!   My sister-in-law and I hosted a bridal shower/luncheon for our niece - great girl fun!

 

Bride-to-Be Jennifer opening her lovely gifts!    Jennifer & Jake's big day is October 10th

September 16

Hi, sorry I have not been doing any blogging for awhile...............busy, busy and this past weekend we were in Racine, WI with friends on their sailboat (catamaran) - great to be together and enjoying our favorite ole stompong grounds where we had spent 12 summers on the water!

And..............my camera has not been working - it's in for repairs, so no pictures - darn!!!    Hope to be back up and operating soon!   Wishing you all a safe, pretty fall.....love this time of year!    The trees had really started to turn in Wisconsin!    Bye for now...

September 8

It's been an emotional few days starting last Thursday, 9/3 with my cousin's funeral.    John was only 64 and died of a massive heart attack.    Then off to my parents' home where we had a 2-day garage sale.   Luckily, the weather was perfect and we sold a lot of stuff.    Saturday, Mark and I were in Chicago for the wedding of the daughter of one of my Sublettian friends - fun!!!    Sunday, back to finish with clean-up from sale.   And now back home and the fall cleaning has started in earnest!!!

 

I enjoyed breakfast with Patrick, Liam and Connor - Liam loves his blueberry Mickey Mouse pancakes

And Connor got a special order of green beans w/whipped cream compliments of "The Boss"

The site of the wedding - Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the University of Chicago campus

The Bride & Groom

Stephanie and Chris

Sublettian Friends

Back:    Debbi (Mother of the Bride) and Pat

Front:   Kay, Ann and daughter, Katie

September 2

Absolutely beautiful day - feels like fall for sure!     Mark is visiting Philip and Annette in Florida for a few days.    Liam and Connor are spending the night with Grandma...

Connor and Liam playing Candyland - Connor was the big winner!

August 31

Monday evening we met some long-time friends at Famous Dave's for delicious bar-b-que.    Fran and Ed will be moving to Sturgeon Bay - sure will miss them, but look forward to some fun times in their new surroundings!

Fran, Ed, Pat, Mark, Barb and Dick