July 31

Wow!    The last day of July already!   Where oh where has the summer gone?    We left for Ottawa around 8:30 driving with on and off drizzle.   It was a dreary day and kept threatening rain, but finally around 5:00, the sun came out, less humidity and was a beautiful late afternoon/evening.

Mark did a bunch of odd jobs on Catrina - I did computer stuff and read!    Anne's Hideaway had been highly recommended for dinner and so we tried it.  We had a 35 minute wait, but well worth it!    Very good food and service!

Brooke's (our daughter-in-law) parents are vacationing in CA and had dinner last night with Ryan.   Sure glad they could connect.  

July 30

We had a leisurely morning on Catrina, then packed up, stopped at the Brite Spot for breakfast in Ottawa and on home.   I had a doctor appointment for a re-check on the kidney infection (all that is cleared up).    Ran some errands in the afternoon and at 3:30 our power went out (a large branch fell on a power line about 1 block away affecting 40 homes.)    It came back on just short of 4 hours.

Mark and I went to Monical's for pizza and then for a walk - humid and sticky out - it had been getting warm inside the house, too, without the air!

Enjoying my new "pink" computer!

July 29

We left for Ottawa at 8:00 and enjoyed a fun day on the River with my friend Allie and husband, Owen.  After a good chat, we took Catrina out and anchored for lunch and more visiting,

Owen and Allie

Allie and I go way back to the late 1960's when we were classmates at business school and then roommates after we graduated.

Saw this intresting contraption on the river today - beams on either side of this boat (looked like a corn planter on the water)????   

Said our good-byes with the promise to get together again soon!    Mark and I are spending the night on Catrina and will go home tomorrow.

July 28

Steamy day weather wise!    The boys had waffles and fresh blueberries and then Grandpa took them to Nancy's.    i had therapy with Jim and he was pleased with my movement.  

We shopped for a new computer for me and I got a NetBook (mini computer) - now Mark will be busy with all the downloading!    It's a Girlie computer - pink/lavender plaid cover with pink keyboard!!!

Got our blueberries all washed and put in the freezer - so good, healthy eating this winter!

We had yummy dinner (their cheeseburgers are THEE best) at Green Gables with Paul, Kathy, Barb and Roger.    Great eating and visiting!

July 27

I met Kathy and Claire at 8:00 Mass and then we enjoyed breakfast and lots of catching up at our favorite "Coffee Hound"

Claire and Kathy

Mark and I met our friends, John and Heather from TN for lunch and good visit at CJ's.    Then, we continued the conversation over ice cream at Culver's - fun!

John and Heather

I had a double date tonight with my little guys to see Toy Story 3.   Cute movie and we all enjoyed it, along with the popcorn, candy and drinks!

Liam and Connor found the video games immediately after entering the theater!

After arriving home and fixing sandwiches, Grandpa made root beer floats and then they got out the folding chairs, gathered their friendly furry little critters and "pretended" they were in the movie theater.

Grandma and her dates

Grandpa reading a bedtime story to the Cubbie Boys

Good news for Anne today as Dr. said all her test results looked good and she's to go back in 8 months.   She and we thank you for the prayers!

July 26

Left Chesterton this morning around 6:45 and drove as far north as Muskegon checking out 2 marinas and most likely will use one of these for storing Catrina this winter.    We stopped near Grand Haven for blueberries - they are beautiful and bountiful!   Then to another market and bought peaches, raspberries and plums.

Stopped in South Haven (many happy memories from boating over the years) and had delicious lunch at Clementine's .   We always have a good meal here and today I had the "Oh my Darling" which was good as ever (crab/shrimp on a toasted French roll with fresh tomatoes and then melted cheeses............deeeevine!) Mark had the fresh perch sandwich - yum!.

Michigan is one of our favorite states and really enjoyed this little outing - hopefully, we can do more exploring when we return in a few weeks on Catrina.

We returned home at 5:45 and after unloading all the fruit and unpacking, we were off to Liam's first T-ball game (been practices up to this point)!   FUN!

July 25

It was a pretty, sunny Sunday and my brother Bob and Linda came for a day of fun on the water!    We cruised to Starved Rock marina for lunch and then Linda and I shopped at Weeta's Boutique.    Back to the marina for more visiting, watermelon and cookies.

Linda and Bob

After they left, we decided to pack up our stuff and drive a couple of hours to get beyond  Chicago and avoid the hassle of rush hour traffic tomorrow.    We are going to Michigan to get some blueberries and also check out a few marinas for Catrina's winter storage.   Tonight we are in Chesterton, IN.

July 24

Woke up to rain this morning.    Seems every time we come to the boat, we get a nasty storm and heavy rain!    We went to get my Dad and drove all around (the flower garden in Mom's memory, the cemetery, out in the country, etc.)    And then stopped to pick up delicious gyros and went to the park for a picnic lunch.   He really enjoyed the outing and so did Mark and I.   Took him back to the nursing home for his afternoon nap and we came back to Ottawa.   Stopped for gas and heard about the damage last night (trees down and a power line fell on 3 cars with people inside.)

Did a quick washdown of Catrina (attempting to get the bugs off which are baaaad - you would think with all the rain, it would be clean and bug-free, but that's not the case).    Felt good to be scrubbing using that shoulder.   We went to 4:30 Mass at St. Patrick's and now just enjoying a quiet evening playing Sudoku and watching TV (Mark) and reading (me).    Hope you're high and dry wherever you are....the stories from all the flooding in Chicago and Milwaukee are quite something!

July 23

We are on Catrina tonight - after the hottest day of the year, or so they say (been a LOT of those this summer).  A storm blew thru here late this afternoon with high winds and heavy rain and really cooled things off (till the 90's are back tomorrow)!  We went for a walk and it was so calm, peaceful and refreshing after the storm!

At therapy today, Jim suggested I start coming just once a week beginning next week (this was a shock)!   There's not a whole lot more he can do for my shoulder at this point till after another manipulation which is still weeks away.   So, with all the exercises I do at home and seeing me once a week, he thinks this will work till I am manipulated.    Mark was really excited to hear this and already planning a little getaway on Catrina to Lake Michigan for late August.     Along with all the stuff I'm doing on my own, the main goal is to constantly keep my arm MOVING and doing anything and everything (I carried a heavy basket of laundry up the stairs today - not bad).    So, for now, I've got Wednesdays set up for therapy and we'll see how it goes?

Enjoy your weekend!

July 22

Hello...I'm baaaack and it feels so good to be sitting here pecking away at these keys.    The past 6 days have been kind of a blur - I slept sooo much and just felt awful, but Mark was a great nurse, running errands, cooking, acting as secretary cancelling my social activities for the week and providing lots of TLC - what a guy!

I'm sure I was a sight lying on the couch with the cold cloth on my forehead, heating pad on my back and ice pack on my shoulder, but you do what you gotta do and whatever comfort those little things brought was well worth it.   Kidney infections are serious stuff and a real wake-up call to drink more and more water.   My brother, Bob had laser surgery Tuesday to remove 2 kidney stones - whew.....know all about those little suckers, so hope we are on the mend with both our kidney issues (definitely in our family)

  I canceled therapy on Monday, but by Wednesday morning, it was time to get back at it and I was ready (well sort of)!     After very little on my own and 5 days since I had the last stretching with Lee, I knew it would be tight and stiff, but got thru that.   Just can't let this ole shoulder rest.    That afternoon we went to my orthopedic appt...............I may need to be manipulated again.   I told the doctor that I'm having more pain and less range of motion since the manipulation/screw removal 3 weeks ago.   Well, since the 2 incisions aren't completely healed, it's going to take more time, but he did prescribe Celebrex for the pain.     I'm to go back August 5th and we'll see about the manipulation (plenty of freezing still.......ugh)!!!!   Frustrating!!!

Okay....enough about my troubles.  Feels so good to "feel good" again and back up and doing stuff.     I'm so thankful this (infection) didn't happen last week when we had the boys!

Philip, Annette and Ryan are in North Carolina this weekend visiting Michael and family for some fun times!

July 20 - Pat is under the weather

Pat woke up Saturday morning with fever and feeling tired. She has been doing lots of sleeping.

Each day her fever would come and go and she always hoped 'tomorrow' would be better.  After visit with Doctor this morning, determined she has a Kidney infection.  Let's hope the pills get her back on her feet soon!

July 15-16

 Thursday morning, up and at 'em on the 7:30 train to Chicago

The troops heading to the Amtrak Station

 Brady looking down the tracks for the train...

We met Michael and Brooke at the Marriott on Michigan Avenue and settled into our 35th floor room with a beautiful view of the city and Lake Michigan.  

And then off to Navy Pier - hot and humid.   The kids rode rides (Brooke and i did the big ferris wheel, too) and then we had lunch at the Mexican Cantina followed by great fun at the Children's Museum.  

Here are some highlights...

 

Brooke with the "D's" at the top of the ferris wheel

Michael fitting Drew with the "perfect" Cub hat!

Sweet Brady riding Thomas the Train at Navy Pier

Davis the builder at the Children's Museum

Took the El (my first time and what a CROWD) to Wrigley Field and here's our gang before the game started.

After hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, peanuts, beer, slushies, Pepsi, lemon shake-ups, etc., etc., AND a 12-6 Cub win, it was just thee best day!

Two very tired little Cub fans riding the El back to the hotel

Friday morning we said our goodbyes as we left for Union Station and the train ride home and they flew back to NC.   All 5 grandsons really put the miles on their little legs and we have so many memories of cute things they said and all we did this past week!    Mark and I so enjoyed this special time and extra fun to see the cousins enjoy one another and sad to say good bye.   We are going thru a GOOD, HAPPY tired tonight!

We arrived home, unpacked, repacked and then I had therapy (another grueling session) with a warm ultrasound treatment.   Lee and I talked about why I'm still having all this pain after the manipulation?    I see the doctor next week, so lots of questions.    He took measurements and my range of motion is improving, but still freezing and scar tissue in there!!!

We are now on the boat this evening - had a sandwich at Crawdad's and enjoying Catrina's cool air after another hot summer day.    Tomorrow evening is Mark's 45th high school class reunion and we'll spend the night with his parents.   Next therapy is 4:30 Monday, but as always, have my pulleys, ball, etc. with me!

Enjoy your weekend!

July 14

CONNOR is 4. CONNOR is 4, CONNOR is 4, CONNOR is 4

And here's the birthday boy with his brother and cousin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNOR

Anne brought her boys over this morning and Grandpa went to get Krispy Kreme donuts.   Davis was the sleepy-head again.    I had therapy with Jim and when I got home we all piled into the "bus" with our picnic lunch and off to the Sugar Grove Nature Center where we spent 2 hours exploring, climbing, running, jumping, etc., etc., etc.

After checking out things indoors and saying "Hi" to Miss Nadine (Grandma's friend), Grandpa led the way to all the outdoor fun!

Liam and Brady in the sandbox

Tree-climber, Drew

Drew and Connor in the tree house

Walking across the creek

Grandpa and the boys taking a break resting on the hammock on a hot, steamy morning

In the corn crib

After the 3 little ones napped, they all played "kitchen" concocting goodies down in the basement with whatever treats they could find in Grandma's pantry.  My oh my, did they have fun!

We had a picnic at the park after Connor's soccer practice and then home with the NC boys for showers/shampoos and finish up the packing.    The children are now all "nestled in their beds"!

Tomorrow, we are taking Drew, Davis and Brady to Chicago on the 7:30 train and meeting their Mom and Dad.   We'll enjoy a day doing fun stuff topped off by the Cubs/Phillies game at night.    So...no blog till Friday.   Here's to a great weekend!

July 13

WOW!!!  What a big day packing in a lot of fun!  The boys were up bright and early, except Davis who slept till almost 9:00.   Drew, by the way, is 110% and then some - whatever "bug" he had on Saturday is long gone!!!

After going so strong all day yesterday, thought these guys would sleep in????    Hanging out in their jammies and ready to take on another day...

We spent the morning at the Children's Discovery Museum (the boys could've spent the entire day there - Grandpa and I really enjoyed it, too.)

The 5 "budding artists" painting away

Youngest (Connor) and oldest (Drew) grandsons

"Angelic" Davis and his painting

Home for lunch and naps and then I had dentist appointment.    As we were getting ready to leave for the pool and Connor's birthday party................major rainstorm came thru (1.3" of rain in 1/2 hour)!!!!    But then the skies cleared up and off we went for a very enjoyable time at SF Park.   The boys splashed and played and enjoyed the diving boards (Patrick and the "D's"), slides, waterfalls, Lazy River tubing, etc.   Here are some highlights:

Five little fish who love the water!

We celebrated Connor's 4th birthday (actually tomorrow, but he has soccer, so we partied 1 day early)

Connor and family

Connor and Mr. Marty (our neighbor)

 

Connor with Grandma and Grandpa

 

 Connor with his brother and cousins

Our method of transportation taking the boys around town these days...

Thanks, Patrick!

July 12

BOYS, BOYS, BOYS.....they're everywhere, they're everywhere!!!!!    What a fun day and this Grandma is happy and tired!    Started off with my driving home from the boat early this morning in time for therapy.   Grandpa, Drew, Davis and Brady stayed most of the morning and went for a ride on Catrina and the "D's" enjoyed another go 'round on the hydro bikes.

Brady and i picked up Liam and Connor from their sitter and we all went to SF park and played mini golf and the final results were:  (1) Grandpa; (2) Davis, (3) Drew, (4) Grandma, (5) Connor. (6) Liam and (7) Brady .   Grandpa and Davis both had a hole in one!

Connor, Liam, Brady, Drew and Davis in front of the big giraffe

The "D's" climbing the rocks

Silly boys all wondering where that last ball goes at the end of the game???

We had snacks and drinks and then went to Connor'e soccer practice followed by Liam's T-ball practice.   Also enjoyed some fun at McGraw Park in between the practices.

Liam

And then finally home for root beer floats, baths/showers and shampoos

Three men in a tub!

So, we're having a sleepover tonight and tomorrow, more fun stuff planned - great to see the cousins enjoy one another so much!    Special times for Grandma and Grandpa, too!

July 11

Off to 9:30 Mass this morning at St. Patrick's and then Grandpa took the "D's" for a dinghy ride, followed by hyrdro bike rides.

Drew and Davis - not so easy to pedal this thing!

After lunch we all "rested", with Brady taking a 3-hour nap.    Pool time in between showers (actually downpours) and then supper at Crawdad's.

  Silly little Cub Boy....

After some fun at the pool...

Tonight we are getting a torrential rain storm!    Whew - water, water everywhere (and I don't mean the IL River or the "ocean", as Connor thinks we're on)!!!!   Played a game of dominoes with Davis, the BIG winner!   The boys are looking forward to tomorrow and seeing their cousins!!!

July 10

Hot, sunny, humid day.......Mark washed Catrina and I tidied up inside in preparation for the arrival of our little guests.    We left for O'Hare at 10:15 and picked up the little darlin's at security.   Michael and Brooke took a later flight to DC for a few days of fun and business.    We loaded 'em up and headed to their great grandparents and had a nice visit, including some homemade cookies to take with us!

Sweet Brady snoozin' along the way... 

Gr Grandma and Grandpa C
 

Then to see Gr Grandpa Pete.........Mark took the boys to the vending machine room for snacks/drinks.    Drew has a temp (101.8) and has a headache.   Hmmmm

The boys and Gr Grandpa Pete

Got back to the boat, settled in and Mark left for WalMart to get a thermometer and some Advil/Tylenol.   Drew laid down with a cool cloth, an Advil and slept!    He feels better tonight and ate all of his grilled cheese (Grandpa went to Crawdads for carryout) and now the guys are all out for a walk and I cleaned up.    Hope the Drewby just has a quick bug and after a good night's sleep, he'll be good to go....

After supper, the guys all took a walk down by the river and here are some of their treasures

Drew is cool, ate a good supper and seems ok!   Early to bed tonight!

Boys will be Boys....

July 9

Friday morning and off to therapy with Diane.    Home to pack up and head to Catrina for a weekend of fun - tomorrow Drew, Davis and Brady arrive (we'll be picking them up at O'Hare)!   We each drove as not sure how long the boys will want to stay on the boat and I have to be back for 10:30 therapy Monday morning.    Stopped at Kroger for some groceries (with 3 growing boys coming aboard - stocked up on all kinds of stuff!)

Mark and I took a leisurely cruise to Starved Rock for late lunch - pretty day and lo and behold, right at the marina, there's "Weeta's" a very nice ladies boutique!   Cute clothes and jewelry....definitely a place to return to!

Went for a walk at night and then enjoyed the last of the blueberry cobbler Candy had sent home with us - yummy!!!   Even added the ice cream!    Wishing you all a fun, safe weekend!

July 8

Started the day off with laundry, running errands and then a manicure/pedicure.    Had 3:00 therapy with Diane and got a bit more info on the shoulder.  Because of the surgery to remove screw, it's all taking longer for the healing and manipulation to work (at this point, we're not sure how much scar tissue still remains, but definitely still have some).   So....we'll just keep plodding along for at least another 2-3 months.   I've not had Diane for several weeks and she's so nice and down-to-earth, so this "heart-to-heart"  was good, even though it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear!    Once I get the final range of motion (or as much as I'm going to get,) then we start strengthening exercises!

Candy, our backyard neighbor invited us for ribs tonight and what a delight to be in her beautiful garden setting on a lovely summer evening.    Neighbors Sue and Saul joined us for a bountiful feast starting with frosty margaritas and quesadillas, followed by ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and Mexican corn bread.................................all ending with warm blueberry cobbler and ice cream!    We are about to burst, but what good food and chatter throughout the evening!    THANK YOU, Candy!!!

Candy

Sue and Saul

Some of Candy's bountiful blossoms

Gorgeous deep blue hydrangeas