Tuesday, May 31

After breakfast, I picked up Brenda and we were on the road heading to Mendota.    Fun gabbing with her along the way.....she is giving her thoughts and ideas to Linda on paint samples for their new home.   Bob was painting away....

I left them to hash over all the decisions and visited Dad about 1.5 hours till he went to lunch.   He was having a good day! 

Linda, Vicki, Brenda and I had nice lunch at Main Street and then we left for home (around 1:30).   Drove thru some heavy rain and temps dropped into the low 70's.....closer we got to home, NO rain and 86!    Crazy weather!  

Mark did a bunch of odd jobs and errands.....tracked Catrina's engines coming from NJ and today, they were delivered to the marina in Muskegon!    He's going there tomorrow as Thursday Catrina will be launched and let the installation begin (could take 2+ weeks)!!!!!

I'm going to Geneva tomorrow with Claire and Kathy for 2 days of girl fun and celebrate Claire's birthday!

Hard to believe May is over - bring on June and the good ole summertime!

Memorial Day 2011

Hot sunny, windy Memorial Day...Mark and I walked in the parade this morning with my fellow Exchangites handing out flags (giveakidaflagtowave) to the children, veterans and whoever wanted to wave Old Glory and show their pride!   Along with lots of flags, military guard, bands, floats, old cars, clowns, fire trucks, etc., it was the perfect mix for celebrating and honoring all those men and women who gave their lives for our country's freedom!!!  And....big THANK YOU and GOD BLESS all who are presently serving in the military...
Love ya, Ryan!!!

We had a leisurely afternoon/evening at home and grilled out delicious polish sausage for supper! 

God Bless America!!!

Sunday, May 29

Up and going to 8:00 Mass at St.Basil overlooking Lake Michigan.   but very foggy and misty rain so couldn't see much water!   Back to our B and B for breakfast (wonderful homemade granola yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit and assorted pastries.   The Last Resort is supposedly the oldest "resort" (built in 1863) in the area,    the owners, Mary and Alberto have it decorated very artsy with the handmade jewelry and photography/paintings, etc. for sale.

Mark worked on the computer and I sat in the gallery and read for a while.   checked out at 11 and then to downtown where I hit the shops (more good ones) and Mark visited Helen and Leon at their boat (wasn't sure they would be there, but they were along with son, Andy.).

Left South Haven and onto St. Joseph - lots of folks out and about.   Was supposed to be warmer today, but NOT!    Sun just couldn't come out and  as we were leaving St. Joe, the skies were ominous looking, forecast was for heavy rain, hail, possible tornadoes, etc......oh nooooooo!    We drove thru very heavy rain and pulled into a rest stop for a bit.   Fortunately the really bad stuff had moved on east of us.   Sooo much water standing in fields, rivers are very high and saw some downed trees.   It was much warmer when we arrived home around 6:00.   So, the past few days were in the 50's-60's!    Tomorrow's forecast....91.   Nice and steamy to walk in the Memorial Day parade!

Had a very fun getaway and did our part to boost the Michigan economy!   I highly recommend these neat little towns on Michigan's west side along the lake for a fun time "away from it all"!

Saturday, May 28

A rainy, chilly morning - we checked out of the Shoreline Inn and had a hearty, hot breakfast at The Cherokee then a few other stops and on our way leaving Muskegon and heading south.

First stop was Grand Haven - cute shops; then to Holland - whew....we had been here by boat, but the marina is several miles from the downtown area, so this was a first-time visit and I had a ball!    Just sooo many neat, neat shops for home decor, gifts, clothes, etc.   Also ate lunch at the New Holland Brewing Company - good!!!

Off to Saugatuck, another happening town - lots of folks out and about despite the cool, damp temps.    Walked all around and Mark got his ice cream fix and then to South Haven.   We are staying tonight at The Last Resort B and B.    Had yummy pizza at The Vineyard (an old church) where we ate with friends, Helen and Leon last summer when we were here with Catrina.

These Lake Michigan towns are just so quaint and fun with a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants!

Mark was such a dear - and sooo patient!    Told me I could shop as long as I wanted.   he read his Nook, checked out the towns and took some naps.  He's a keeper!!!

Friday, May 27

Woke up to a beautiful sunny day....68 for a high, but so nice to feel the warm sunshine and my shoulder felt much better, too.  We did our weight lifting, Mark went to Catrina to put stuff away and after lunch at Max and Marley's Dog House, Catrina was taken out of the building - launching is set for next Thursday, June 2 and then mechanics get to work reinstalling the engines which could take up to 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!

We drove north to Pentwater - what a wonderful town with very nice shops, restaurants, coffee cafes, etc.    Then to Ludington and more fun!   Just so nice to be out and about!    Came back to Muskegon (decided to stay another night here at the Shoreline Inn and had a delicious dinner at The Hearthstone.)

Patrick placed some American flags around their rocks in back yard

Liam and Connor are saluting....their patriotic duty!!!

 

Wishing you all a fantastic, safe Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday, May 26

HAPPY HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY

 to Mark's Dad!!!!!!

Here's to another happy, healthy year ahead...

Up and going this morning...Tait came to finish with the tile work in upstairs bathroom - that is now a finished project!!   Mark and I left at 7:45 for Michigan....rained hard at times and what should have been a 5-hour trip took 6.5 hours due to accidents, construction, etc. 

Stopped at the marina and got truck unloaded with so much stuff - poor Catrina needs a good scrubbing, but in quite a disarray with her engines missing, and everying here and there during the repair work!   

 Had a good chat with the "Birthday Boy" and he's having a great day!!!

Checked into the Shoreline Inn - breautiful hotel overlooking Lake Muskegon and we have a lovely room with fireplace, jacuzzi and small kitchen.    Walked to the Lake House for delicious dinner!   Sun came out around 8:30....(enjoying that extra hour of daylight here in the eastern time zone).

Tomorrow, we'll put some things away on Catrina and then head north to Ludington and Frankfort.

Wednesday, May 25

The day started out stormy with heavy rain (1.1").    I got our clothes organized for vacation and Mark loaded up the truck.

Sun came out around noon and was a beautiful afternoon.   I had lunch with Exchange Club and my speaker assignment, Steve, did a great job sharing interesting stories about his job on the property tax board of review.

Mark and I got the bikes out, dusted them off (ha) and enjoyed a nice ride on the trail (FIRST time I've ridden since we're back from FL)!  How pathetic is that???

Around 5:30, skies got darker and darker (by 6:00, it looked like midnight).   Soon, the sirens went off and we spent about 1/2 hour in the basement - tornadoes all around us.    This horrible weather just doesn't stop!    Still under a tornado watch till 10:00.    I was predicting this stormy weather as my shoulder has been so achy, achy, achy all day, along with neck pain!    Never fails when there's a big weather change, the ole shoulder lets me know something is brewing out there and once again, proved right on...   I

Tomorrow we are leaving for Muskegon, MI to check on Catrina, unload a truck full of stuff and then spend a few days enjoying some of our favorite towns on the sunset coast.

Mark just checked and almost 1.5" MORE rain in the gauge and it's still coming down!

Tuesday, May 24

Beautiful sunny day - Kay, the painter lady came to do the one wall in upstairs bath that had to be redone after the sewer pipe replacement.    She does such a super job - pretty sage green faux paint!    I got a haircut, ran a few errands and then picked Connor up from preschool (our last time to do this)..

He and Grandpa rode bikes, I got a manicure and later in the afternoon, took dinner to my Sublettian friend, Ann who is recovering from heart surgery 2 weeks ago today.   

We took Connor home and enjoyed delicious burgers on the grill with Anne, Patrick and boys.   So pleasant sitting on their screened-in porch overlooking beautiful Swan Lake.    Now the skies are threatening and after such a pretty day, we have lots of rain and storms in the forecast thru Thursday.    The tragedy continues with so many new tornadoes popping up everywhere - just an unbelievable spring!

Monday, May 23

Woke up to hear about the devastation and tragedy in Joplin.....sooo very sad and unimaginable!

Mark and I exercised and then had breakfast with the neighbors; home for a bit, Mark picked up Connor.   they had lunch and played.  I met my sisters-in-law (Linda and Vicki) and friend Sue at Jim's Steak House for yummy Maurice salads.  

After Patrick picked Connor up (Liam went to the zoo today with his kindergarten class and had so much fun), Mark and I went to Nancy's (the boys sitter) with all our garage sale goodies.   He drove the truck, I was in the car and we were packed.    Nancy's husband, Jim helped us unload and empty bins.   Nancy has been doing this sale for years, so has it down pat and very organized.   She will get it all put in the right place and we'll hope and pray for a huge crowd who will want some of our treasures with the $ all going to
 "Relay for Life"!!!

The Monday Night Friends went to Mandarin Garden for yummy Chinese.   There were 6 of us tonight and we all had Mongolian Beef - wonderful!!!

Sunday, May 22

Started out a beautiful sunny morning till about 2:30 when the heavens opened up - rain and thunder!!!

Mark and I went to 8:00 Mass and then to Coffee Hound.   Anne and boys came over - Anne finished pricing all the garage sale stuff - ALLELUIA!!!!  Hopefully tomorrow, we will deliver to Nancy (truck and car will be packed)!

Boys took 3 hour nap - we made brownies, the sun came out late afternoon and we played outside.   Patrick came, we had pizza/salad and served up delicious brownie sundaes!  Boys were really wound up tonight - my Mom would've said "It must be going to storm"????    And that is a possibility as there are storm warnings out!    Actually my shoulder is not telling me something is brewing, so we shall see?

Saturday, May 21

Mark and I went to Mendota today - spent time with Dad (he was very sleepy)!   Mark went to the meat market and got some pork chops and polish sausage.

Had lunch at Bob and Linda's new home - they are doing some redecorating and plan to move in this summer.   It's very nice and oh-so-much room!!!!    Ron and Vicki and our nephews, Todd and Jason were all there, too.

Home tonight - nice day and didn't get all the rain/storms predicted.

Friday,May 20

Pretty day....cleaned the bedrooms and finished up with all this clothes business!   Piles here and there for Catrina, our NC vacation in June, etc.

I went to PEO meeting/dessert social in the afternoon.    Mark and I are enjoying a nice quiet evening at home with laptops and Nooks.    Today is our neighbor, Candy's birthday....she came over this evening and we had a good visit - she's been in California past 2 weeks.

Thursday, May 19

A bit warmer today but mostly cloudy.    Anne stopped in for about 45 minutes to price stuff and then off to work.   I worked in the basement, picked Connor up from school and we played ball outside!

After Connor went home, we visited Ron and Barb.....Ron was Mark and our boys barber for many years (gave Philip and Ryan their first haircuts).    We had such a nice visit - they are both dealing with serious health issues and we wish them all the best - super nice folks!

Barb and Ron

Went to Ed and Donna Rae's for delicious supper and dominoes (I'm the DQ).   Fun time!

Happy 50th Anniversary to Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) and Happy Birthday to Mark's brother, Jim.

Wednesday, May 18

Cloudy, cool day.....exercised, worked in bedrooms sorted thru clothes - soooo many clothes!  what to do, what to do with 'em all????   Mark picked Connor up, they had lunch and I was off to meet with Exchange Club.   I'm in charge of speakers today and next week.    Dennis from St. Vincent de Paul Society spoke - amazing to hear his story and all the needy, hungy folks served by this wonderful organization!

Patrick picked up Connor and Mark and I ran some errands.

Tuesday, May 17

Chilly, windy and just a bit of sun off and on.   "Pig out" day.....met Kathy and Claire at 8:00 Mass and then to Panera for breakfast and catch-up.   Kathy just returned from vacationing out east (Virginia and DC area) with Paul while Claire was with her college roommate in Portland, Oregon.   We had so much to yak about!!!  Home for a bit and off to pick up Connor; he changed clothes and we went to Jesse's for lunch with Grandma's BBB friends (Sue, Ruth, Cathy and myself).   Connor was such a good boy as he colored and patiently waited for his lunch!  Only 4 of us today - we missed Karen, Sharon and Holly..........

Home and naptime for Connor - I worked on a grocery list and just felt good being indoors.  Connor and I went to Barnes and Noble, got the car washed and I took him home.   Mark put Daisy back in storage and then we met Barb and Roger for supper at Green Gables (had our favorite cheeseburgers)!

Oink Oink!!!!!

Monday, May 16

Very productive day starting with Mark and I exercising; then to breakfast with the neighbors.   Back home and dug in the basement, adding lots more stuff for Anne to come and price sometime!   Sooooo darn much stuff makes me crazy.....how do we accumulate all this???

Mark picked Connor up from school and he took a nap after lunch while I continued cleaning, sorting, pitching, etc., etc.   Tonight the Monday Night Friends went to Jody's for tacos and oh.......sooo yummy, complete with delicious frosty margaritas, lots of chips and salsas and all topped off with fabulous coconut cream cake!!!    Great fun - all were there except Linda and Tamara.

Cool day, but beautiful sunshine - a real treat after all the rain.

Sunday, May 15

High of 48 today, rainy and breezy - not our typical May weather but nothing about this spring has been typical!!!!!!    Mark and I went to 8:00 Mass, then to Farm and Fleet and on home.   His parents and sister, Karen came for a nice visit and lunch.    Anne, Patrick, and boys joined us, too.     Our planned picnic on the porch was moved into dining room.    Patrick took the boys home after we ate for naps and Anne went to a bridal shower.   After the folks and Karen left, I was cleaning up the dining room (we have a swinging door between dining room and kitchen) - it closed as I was walking into kitchen with table cloth and napkins in my hands and CRASH....CRUNCH....scared the heck out of us!   The mirror that is in top part of door (dining room side) came down with a horrendous crash and major mess of a trillion shards, slivers and many large chunks of mirror!     My oh my.....Liam and Connor had just been here and rest of us, plus carrying food  in there....scary!    Thanks goodness no one was hurt!    We've lived here 35 years and the ole mirror just gave way...

Good night to stay in with laptops and Nooks.  Maybe we'll see some sun tomorrow???

Saturday, May 14

Rain, rain go away.....after a few 90-degree days and the air turned on, the heat sure feels good with these 50ish temps.    We've had 2.5" of rain since last night, raining now and more coming tomorrow with a high in the 40's!!!!!!! 

  Enjoyed Tom's visit last night; the baseball tournament was rained out today, so he and the team headed back home.  

Mark and Tom - 17 years apart

I cleaned out kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanity drawers.    Little by little, I'm getting more and more stuff outta here!

We had waffles and sausage for supper - tasted good this chilly night!

Mark put together a wonderful file of our grandsons over the years (2003 to present) that is so fun to watch on the TV - sure brings back many happy memories of those little guys!

Thursday-Friday, May 12-13

Time to catch up this blog as "Blogger" has been down for 2 days with maintenance problems!    So, here goes:

THURSDAY - hot and sunny.    Started going thru closets and drawers in bedrooms weeding out the stuff for Anne's sale, garbage, putting seasonal stuff away, etc.   Mark got a haircut and worked on Daisy.   I picked Connor up at 11, came home to change clothes, eat lunch and then the 2 of us headed to Mendota to spend the afternoon with Dad/Grandpa Pete.   He was not feeling really good, but overall, doing pretty well.    The dining room was being decorated for "New York", "New York", big dinner/dance they were having for the residents and staff!   All kinds of activities going on each day this week for "Nursing Home Week".    We left around 3:30.    Dad did enjoy the evening (especially the good ole tunes from a 5-piece band).   Connor was such a good boy - coloring, playing solitaire on my computer, and making several trips to the "Bird Room".  He slept all the way home!

Great Grandpa Pete and Connor

Sweet Connor taking a break from his coloring!

Took Connor to his house, Mark grilled brats and enjoyed a nice evening at home!  

So sad and shocked to hear that Janet, our wonderful "cake lady" we've had make cakes for special occasions over the years (since the 1970's) died of a massive heart attack last night.   Janet was only 67 and such a nice gal.....what a huge loss for our community!    So many memories of choosing the "perfect" cake for baptisms, first communions, confirmations, graduations, rehearsals, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., etc......her cakes and dessert trays were the absolute BEST!!!

FRIDAY...Very pretty day, not so hot.    Josh came for the final sanding of drywall and Mark did the primer.   My cousin and fellow Sublettian friend, Jane came for a day of just "us"......we wanted to just sit and yak and yak.    But first we stopped at St. Joe's to see another Sublettian friend, Ann, who had serious heart surgery on Tuesday.   We were there just a few minutes - Ann looks good and her recovery is going well.    We pray she'll be home soon and wish her all the best!!!    Ran a few errands and then sat outside at Destihl and enjoyed yummy lunch on this nice day and chatted away.   Back home and sat on the porch where Janie gave me a crash course on "Facebook" which I'm on but don't really use except to check pictures once in a while (especially from my kids).    But, now I may get into this?    We shall see...

Janie and Pat

Janie left around 5 - what a fun day!   We're going to do this more often - can't  beat those one-on-one visits!

The bridal wreath bushes are oh-so-pretty around town!!!    They are at their peak!   Big change coming in our weather - going from 90 degrees to the 50's!!!

Mark's brother Tom is in town for a baseball tournament (son Matt is on team).    Tom is grilling 48 pork tenderloins for the team and family members tonight!    He's spending the night with us.

Wednesday, May 11

Another summery day (91) - more decluttering in the morning and then lunch with Exchange Club at noon.   Mark picked Connor up from school, they had lunch and Anne picked him up after Liam's dentist appt.    She enjoyed her day off!

Ed, Donna Rae and Marty came for supper - weather was threatening a bit, but temps dropped and very pleasant sitting on the porch.    What fun we had chatting and eating with these dear friends!

Donna Rae, Marty, Ed

Connor and I are going to see Dad/Grandpa Pete tomorrow afternoon - Connor is excited!

Tuesday, May 10

Whew.....summer has arrived! Maybe just for a few days, but it came on fast and furious!!!   I went to the funeral mass for my friend, Connie's Mother at St. Pat's and sat with the other Monday Night Friends.   I ran a few errands and then met Martha for lunch.   We enjoyed yummy salads and had lots to catch up on and so 2.5 hours later, we closed down Destihl and just had a great chat outdoors under the umbrella.

Pat and Martha

Mark had picked Connor up from preschool, they had lunch, naps, etc.    After Patrick and Liam came at 3, Mark and I ran some more errands and stopped for a quick bite to eat!

A lady came this afternoon to check our bathroom wall that needs to be repainted.   We will do the base coat and then Kay will do her faux paint job (she had done this several years ago), so hopefully it will all come together?   Tait, the drywall guy needs to come back at least 2 more times!

Happy Birthday, Judy B!!!

Monday, May 9

Very windy day, but warm!!!   We went to breakfast with the neighbors, Mark brought me home and then he ran some errands.    I dug into and started the decluttering!   Productive day of adding to Anne's stash with lots more to come!

Picked Connor up from school and while he napped, I made a broccoli/cheese casserole for a funeral luncheon tomorrow (Connie, a Monday Night Friend lost her mother this past Thursday).   

Connor was so proud of his rummi kube line-up - he said "please take my picture, Grandma!

You betcha!!!!    ANY time, Sweetie!!!

Mark did the review with the beginning boating class (ABC's of Safe Boating) in preparation for next week's exam.   I met the Monday Night Friends for supper at Steak 'n Shake.   There were 6 of us and 4 had already planned on ordering a TACO SALAD!!!!!!!  Imagine our disappointment to find they no longer have that on the menu!    But, did enjoy our food (always can count on Steak 'n Shake) and chatter.   However, next Monday night, Jody invited us to her home for taco salads and since she's the gourmet chef in the group, they will certainly be something to look forward to!

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day.......beautiful weather, Mass at 10 with Anne, boys and Mark and then we all went to Coffee Hound.   Home to start in on garage sale gathering and pricing.    Anne is involved in a biggie sale for Relay for Life and I'm contributing LOTS of treasures.    She priced, we got out to garage and will get to her friend, Nancy's home for the June 3-4th sale.   Mark and I want to thoroughly go thru one room at a time in house plus the garages and we know there's still lots of stuff to donate.

The boys took a good nap and then helped Grandpa wash Daisy.    Had a delicious picnic supper at Anne and Patrick's after I took the boys to the park!    Talked to our kids, Mark's Mom and enjoyed all the  e-cards,  nice gifts, etc.

The boys at the park

3 generations

Mom with "favorite" daughter

Hope all you Moms enjoyed "your" day?

Saturday, May 7

Beautiful day and evening and reminisced on 6 years ago and Philip and Annette's wedding...

May 7, 2005

While I exercised this morning, Mark got Daisy out of storage and she's now in driveway waiting to be washed and waxed this week.   Weather may finally cooperate!!!    

Annette's parents came at noon.    We went to CJ's for yummy lunch and since Dave and Judy have been shopping for furniture for their newly enclosed porch, we checked out 2 stores and they found some here in town and are very excited!   

Stopped to see Patrick and the boys (Anne was working) - sat on their porch and had lemonade and then Judy and I walked around the lake.   Back to our house for dessert and visiting and reminiscing about 6 years ago.....Philip and Annette have had a very fun week on the west coast traveling Highway 1 from CA to Seattle and are there tonight - flying home tomorrow!

After Dave and Judy left at 5:45, Mark and I watched the Kentucky Derby rerun!

Patrick took the boys shopping for new shoes and to the zoo today...

Connor and Liam with their camel friend

Wishing all you Moms a wonderful Mother's Day!!!!

Thursday-Friday, May 5th and 6th

THURSDAY- Got a few things done around the house and picked Connor up at 11 (Anne was at school with Liam - "Muffins with Mommy" as a while back, Liam enjoyed "Donuts with Daddy").    Liam's kindergarten teacher announced today that she is retiring!

I left at 11:30 for Mendota (Mark and Connor ran some errands and had lunch at McDonalds).    Spent the afternoon with Dad and also a quick trip to the meat market for some pork chops.    Went to Stonecroft to pick up Aunt Marian and she and I met the Sublettians at El Zarape to celebrate Cinco de Mayo day with great food and margaritas.    There were 18 of us (that's a LOT of chatter and noise).    Had so much fun!    I spent the night with Aunt Marian.

Back:   Carole, Pat, Marilyn, Sheila, Ann, Joyce, Anita, Judy, Jane, Janet, Kayla, Eileen

Front:  Diane, Aunt Marian, Debbi, Katie, Florence, Rita

We played a Mexican trivia game (thanks to Carole)

Debbi won the prize!

Sheila in her authentic Mexican dress

FRIDAY - gorgeous sunny, warmer day!    I had breakfast with Aunt Marian in Stonecroft's dining room and saw so many familiar faces from when Mom and Dad lived there.   Stopped in to see Dad for a bit and then on home for a dentist appointment.   Mark and I went to Meijer's for groceries and piddlies and other errands.   Stopped in to see Mary (Patrick's Mom) at the nursing home.    She was happy to see us and we are glad to hear her foot is healing nicely!   

Josh and crew were here working today - have the holes all covered and will be back next week to finish up the sanding, mudding, etc.    Trying to find tile to match the bath and thought we had extra, but.....not finding any!    We just need a few pieces!   

Exactly six years ago tonight we were partying (Hawaiian theme) at Philip and Annette's rehearsal dinner!

The night before the "BIG" day!   May 6, 2005

Ryan called this afternoon to wish me  a "Happy Mother's Day" - he was leaving shortly for 5 weeks at sea.

Wishing him a safe journey!!!

Wednesday, May 4

An abundance of sunshine today - boy, does that put a little sprint in your step and a lift to the spirits!!!

I had breakfast with Claire and Margie at CJ's and fun gabbing.    Connor came after school.    He and Grandpa had lunch and I was off to Exchange Club for lunch. 

Josh our contractor and 2 plumbers spent most of the day here removing our old sewer pipe from basement to upstairs bathroom.   We have 2 large openings (where openings should not be) - 12" wide and floor to ceiling (one in upstairs bath and one in downstairs entry by our driveway).   Some tile will have to replaced, along with drywall/plaster/paint/wallpaper!   UGH!!!   But had to be done!!!

Patrick brought Liam after school and ran some errands and then came back for supper (Anne is working till 7).  

Spread more mulch and pulled dandelions.   Liam and I picked some beautiful lilacs from Marty's tree in backyard (with permission) - oh, sooo pretty and smell sooo good!

These lively little boys are totally engrossed in looking at pictures of their cousins in Grand Cayman on Grandma's computer.

I'm going to visit Dad tomorrorw, have dinner with the Sublettians and celebrate Cinco de Mayo day and spend the night with my Aunt Marian.    Be back home Friday morning for a dentist appointment!   Back in touch Friday evening!

Tuesday, May 3

Sunny start to the day, but then mostly cloudy and only 53!   I got a pedicure in the morning and then picked Connor up from school.   He and Grandpa had lunch together and I met the Mid Illini gals at Jim's Steak House for yummy petite Maurice salads.   Only 4 of us today - Barb, Carol, Linda and myself.    I went with Barb to her daughter, Nikki's home to meet "Lexi" who was born 5 weeks ago.   She's sooo tiny and precious!

Barb, Lexi and Nikki

Home to play some solitaire on the computer with Connor.   Patrick and Liam came from school and got Connor - boys were both wearing pj's today as it was "jammie day" at school.

On a spur of the moment, we decided on some "comfort food" this chilly evening and grabbed our gift card (Christmas gift) and headed to Olive Garden for some good pasta and wine.   Stopped at Schnucks for a few groceries and then browsed around Barnes and Noble.   

Had a meeting of our Mid Illini Power Squadron at Gerry and Linda's - home now and glad to be out of the cold!   We could have scattered frost by morning - crazy weather just doesn't go away!

Monday, May 2

Woke up this morning to all the bin Laden news and  rejoiced with the rest of our country (actually Mark heard it late last night watching the president speak) and told me when he came to bed    Soon after that, we were very excited  to hear about the arrival of our great nephew at 2:40 AM today.   Caden Everett, born to David and Ashley (Ron and Vicki's new grandson) weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz. and 19 3/4" long.
  Our best wishes to all!!!

Had breakfast with the neighbors, and then I took Mark home and went to Panera to meet Claire and Kathy.  Home for lunch and Mark and I gave blood this afternoon at the Red Cross.   It's chilly and dreary - no sun again!

6 of the Monday Night Friends met at Panera (a favorite) for supper and chatter.   Mark went to a boating class which he will teach next week.

May Day

Beautiful blue skies this morning - we went to 9:00 Mass at St. Mary's and then to the Coffee Hound.    Home to change clothes and off to Mendota/Dixon to visit the folks.   I stayed with Dad (massaged his sore feet) and he was in good spirits!   Mark visited his parents - all are doing well!!!    Every day is a blessing for sure!    Latest on Patrick's Mom, Mary is that she is living at Heritage Manor Nursing Home and foot is healing nicely.   Thank you all for the prayers - they are working!!!

The sunshine didn't last long - chilly and windy!

Ron and Vicki returned home from Australia last night - fun hearing about all their adventures in this beautiful country.   Bob and Linda's had all of us for delicious pork chop dinner.   We got home at 8:30 and it's raining!