Sunday - December 30

We are in Cordele ("Cordeal", GA) tonight after a good day on the road with abundant sunshine.    We went to 7:30 Mass at St. John the Evangelist in Paducah and were on our way......the snow along the road stopped about 20 miles south of Paducah, but then small scattered spots of snow/ice in parts of TN.   Lots of traffic and with the TN Titans playing in Nashville and the Falcons at home in Atlanta, we lucked out overall and didn't get in any major traffic jams!

 

Had a nice dinner at 16 East and now settled in our room - 464 miles to go and we'll be with Philip and Annette tomorrow night!    Can't wait......

Annette has been with her parents and will be flying home tomorrow!

 

Our family - December 23, 2012

 

Pat's entire family

Saturday - December 29

We are on our way to the Florida – day after day of no sun and dreary, cold, windy conditions makes us so looking forward to some warm sunshine  The further south we traveled the more snow with beautiful covered trees/evergreens.   Fortunately, the roads are clear! 

Busy past few days and yesterday (Friday) was so much fun with Annette’s baby shower hosted by my friends, Kathy and Claire at Claire’s home.    So fun to have family and friends together and shower this little baby boy coming in April with precious outfits, toys, books and much more – a real “Boy and Blue” theme!     Lunch was delicious and just a delightful afternoon of girl fun. 

 

 

Cute "pacifier" party favors

 

One of many sweet little outfits

 

Annette and her hostesses - Kathy and Claire

 

 We took some items from the cupboards and fridge to Anne and family and said our good-byes in the evening.    I hate good-byes!!!    We’ll sure miss all of them!  

 

Grandma and Grandpa and the boys

 

  Then home to start packing up the truck – oh my..... sooo much stuff with our clothes for the winter, boating stuff, Christmas gifts for Annette and Philip and all the baby goodies     

One final lunch with Kathy and Claire this afternoon at Biaggi’s celebrating Kathy’s birthday (tomorrow) and then we were on “the road again”.

 

We are in Paducah, KY tonight - 16 degrees overnight!    Plenty of snow here!

Thursday - December 27

Busy, productive day putting away Christmas 2012!   House looks bare after all my holiday decor, but good feeling to have it stashed away for another year!     Now gearing up for FL and gathering all our stuff.    We hope to leave Sunday morning.

 

Bur first things first and looking forward to tomorrow and baby shower for Annette given by my friends, Claire and Kathy.    Annette is feeling better, but unfortunately some of the guests are sick with various ailments (stomach flu, colds, fever, sinus infections, etc.) - our paper had a big article about the deluge of sickness around town and very busy prompt cares and ER's.

 

I ran a few errands this afternoon - felt good to be out and about - 1st time since Christmas Eve Mass.   Hope you and yours stay healthy!

Wednesday - December 26

Happy Day-After-Christmas!    We’ve been busy all day dismantling all the decorations and 95% is taken down, boxed up and stored away – Mark was a BIG, BIG help!   We should be back to normal tomorrow.   We had a wonderful Christmas with Anne and family and Ryan.    Unfortunately, Annette is sick and so did not come for our gathering along with her parents and Grandma.     Philip drove down and he and Ryan went onto Chicago.   Other mishaps of the holidays……Drew has the stomach flu, cold, fever, etc.

Saturday morning, Anne fell off ladder leading to top bunk bed and cracked her tailbone.    She has been in lots of pain and I feel so bad for her.    She went to Prompt Care and on Tylenol with codeine, but not helping much.   This is a long, painful recovery from what we hear.

Back to last Sunday……Mark and I met my brother Bob, Jennifer, Jake, and Jason at 8:00 Mass in Sublette which was for my Dad.    And then onto Mendota for our big (all together) Christmas gathering.    We also had a surprise baby shower for Jennifer and enjoyed watching a DVD from Christmas 1989 at our house.   So, 23 years later…..great fun to watch and see how we’ve all changed!!!   Lots of laughs.

Sure sorry to hear about all the folks affected by the Christmas Day and after storms around the country - we were lucky to escape all that!

Santa was very good this year and very thankful for so many blessings, especially the gift of having our family all together!     

Christmas night

 

Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve......we've been in a whirl around here enjoying Michael, Brooke, Drew, Davis and Brady the past few days.    After the "blizzard" conditions of Thursday and Liam and Connor's Christmas program being canceled, I took the NC boys to the show on Friday afternoon - Patrick was in charge of the lighting and sound and it was extra special!     That night Anne and Patrick took all 5 boys to a hockey game (1st time for the boys from down south) and  then enjoyed a sleepover.   Michael, Brooke, Mark and I had a very nice dinner at Baxter's and then some good games of euchre.

 

Saturday we drove to Dixon and spent a fun gathering (84 strong) of Mark's family.    Ryan, Philip and Annette came that afternoon.   Sunday we spent the day at my brother Bob and Linda's  and ALL my family were there (29)  Even my nephew, wife and kids from Australia.    This would've been Dad's 95th birthday.   Sooo fun to have all our kids together this weekend.    Michael and family flew home this morning.

 

  Mark, Ryan and I went to breakfast with the Monday group and then Ryan was off shopping, Mark cleaned up a bunch of branches in the yard (still snow and ice) caused by last Thursday's high winds.    I did some spiffying up of the house and a few things in the kitchen. We went to 4:30 Mass (Anne and family, Ryan, Mark and I) and then back here for hors d'oeuvres, soup and euchre)!

 

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care.......boys are so excited!

Well dressed little lads home from Christmas Eve Mass

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a Good Night!

Thursday - December 20

Whoaaaa.....blizzard happening outside tonight - not so much snow, but with wind gusts of 60 mph, it is wicked and going to be so COLD overnight!     But we're warm and comfy indoors.   Michael and all arrived yesterday around 3;   Anne and family came over for pizza and the cousins were reunited!    Today Michael had a business trip to Chicago and fortunately returned just before it got really bad.    Tonight was to be Liam and Connor's Christmas program and Patrick was doing the light/sound show for it; but this big extravaganza was canceled due to the weather.

 

Mark took happy meals and the NC boys to Liam and Connor's school and they all had lunch together.     And after Liam and Connor went back to their classrooms, Grandpa, Drew, Davis and Brady spent the afternoon at the Children's Discovery Museum.    Brooke and I had 6-hour shopping jaunt, including delicious lunch at Medici - fun to be out and about till the winds picked up, temps dropped and the ugly stuff started  rain, sleet and snow.   Time to go HOME!

 

So...tonight Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor came over for more cousin fun and good eats.    After they left (last day of school  and rescheduling of Christmas program for 1:30 tomorrow,) Michael, Brooke, Mark and I played euchre with the guys winning 3 out of 5.

 

 

Brady all snuggly under the blanket this morning

 

The grandsons

Drew, Davis, Liam

Connor and Brady

Tuesday - December 18

Ahhh.....got out and about today starting with Mark and I going to 8:00 Mass and then to Coffee Hound for coffee and pastries.   While I was at eye doctor for yearly check-up, Mark took off with list for grocery store.    Home for a bit and with my dilated eyes, he was my chauffeur this afternoon  - got my nails done and a few other errands, including a visit with our insurance agent about getting me all signed up for Medicare!!!!

 

Great news that Philip, Ryan and friends, Matt and Jeff  have delivered Catrina safely to Marathon.    Sounds like they've had a good trip down there and sent pictures of beautiful sunrise and sunset.    Really appreciate this and know the guys are having FUN!!!

 

Mark and I are gearing up for our NC kids/kiddies arriving tomorrow afternoon - yeah!!!!   Mama is sooo excited about her chillins' coming home and all will be together this weekend at family gatherings.

Hope all is under control at your house - we are down to the last week!

Monday - December 17

Today was fun filled with friends and good eating.....Mark went to breakfast with the neighbors and brought home a bag of Donna Rae's homemade peanut brittle.    I did a few things around the house - feeling really good.   Mark took me to get a haircut and as we were leaving, it started sleeting!   UGH!    Came home and Kathy and Claire arrived with delicious treats and we sat around the kitchen table enjoying hot tea, our crumpets and lots of chatter!    Mark skedaddled out of here to do some Christmas shopping and donated blood at the Red Cross.

 

Sue and Jerry brought a delicious dinner!    Wow.....again, so thankful for all these dear friends.

 

Today seemed to be more emotional for me watching coverage from CT and those precious little angels.   Really hits close to home when we think of our sweet boys, 6 and 7

 (Brady, Connor and Liam).

 

Long-time friends Wayne and Myrna came with dessert (cherry cheesecake) - fun catching up and comparing notes on our travels.    We did the Maritime Provinces this summer and they enjoyed that area in October!

 

Sunday - December 16

Golly, the 16th of December.....this week has flown by and there are some good things to say about "laying low" and having some "down time".     Been getting several little projects done here on the couch and this afternoon, Mark and I watched some old VCR tapes from my parents 50th wedding celebration (January 15, 1989) and seeing so many familiar faces (many of whom are no longer with us) brought on laughs and tears!   I'm enjoying some good books, too!

 

Anne, Patrick and boys stopped in after church.....Anne took some of my cookies to add to hers for school club cookie exchange (which I had planned to attend.....).

 

Looking forward to my first outing tomorrow - a haircut!

 

 

Friday - December 14

All of our hearts are heavy and very sad tonight after what happened in Newtown, CT today......wishing I could hug our 5 grandsons tonight - extra tight!  

 

Despite the horrific news today, the sun was shining brightly - tonight and tomorrow, rain is coming which will fit the mood!    I did get some very good news hearing that my pathology report came back negative!    Wonderful Christmas gift!   Thank you God!!!!!!!

 

Mark is ready to turn the blogging back to me, so.....he has been an awesome caregiver!!!!   And I (we) can't thank you all enough for your kind thoughts and prayers these past few days.    I am so blessed with wonderful friends who've stopped by with meals, delicious Christmas goodies, fruit, soup, flowers, etc.   We are missing a few parties this week and so, one of my Monday Night Friends (she is actually an every-day/night-of-the-week-friend) brought the party to us with Christmas plates and napkins, mini ham sandwiches, soup, veggies and dip, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and party mix!!!    THANK YOU ALL sooooooo MUCH!    

 

I'm just hanging out on the couch these days enjoying the Christmas lights and music with my technology close by - I-phone, I-pad, computer, Nook, etc., and making lists, resting, reading, napping, etc.    I feel good and by Monday, will be ready to get out and about with a haircut appointment.   I go back to the doctor on Wednesday.

 

I was to report this past Monday morning for jury duty.   My doctor had sent a letter and I was excused because of the surgery.    Well......all week long a murder trial has been going on and still continuing into next week as the defense will take over on Monday!     Yikes....perhaps this surgery was a blessing in disguise???

Another day brightener is enjoying the cards/letters/pictures that come in the mail!
Wishing you a merry, fun weekend with lots of prayers focused on Newtown and their loss.

Thursday - December 13

A quiet day at home.  Pat is doing very well.  She is hinting that she may be willing to take back her 'blog' tomorrow.  I ran a short errand this morning and this afternoon I attended a birthday celebration for a lovely lady we all call "Aunt Ginny" who turned 100 years old today.  Sorry no picture of the special lady, totally forgot to take one.

Wednesday - December 12 PM

Pat had a very good day.   We stayed low key, lots of rest and kept up the meds.  We had a few quick visitors, flowers and food.  Sure don't think I will have to learn to cook. 

We talked to Michael and the NC boys via facetime tonight.  Anne, Patrick, Liam, Connor stopped by for ice cream cake and opening Anne's presents. 

We also heard from Philip and Ryan.  Philip, Annette, and their friend Jeff moved Catrina to a marina just north of Miami.  Philip, Ryan, and others will move her on down to Marathon next week so she will be waiting for us the first of January.

Since Pat's progressing is going well I'll plan to just do one update tomorrow.  She hasn't volunteered (even with a little begging on my part) to take her job back.  

Maybe she feels that if you can't drive under the influence of drugs, you shouldn't 'blog' either.

Wednesday December 12 - AM

Pat had a good night.  Took more pain pills at 4 a.m., did not sleep too much after that, but said she was very relaxed.  As you can see from the picture she is up and well into her emails and internet reading.   Will provide another update tonight.

Happy Birthday to Michael and Anne.  Extra special on 12-12-12.

Tuesday, December 11

Pat's surgery went very well today.  The doctor was pleased with how it went and what he saw.  They used the "DaVinci Method"  for the surgery.  We had never heard of it until this past week.  He feels if she takes it easy for the next week, she will be good to go after that.

We reported to the hospital at 7:30 a.m. and were on our way home by 3 p.m.

She is resting and taking her pain pills as recommended.  Had some great Turkey and Noodle soup for supper.  Thanks Claire!

I will publish her status each day until she is ready to take by the reins.

Sunday - December 9

Busy fun weekend enjoying holiday gatherings with boating friends (last night) and the Monday Night Friends today.    Nothing like sharing the joys of the season with our bestest buddies!

 

Liam and Connor helped Grandma make some cookies yesterday - they are good little helpers and also helped Grandpa carry up all the gifts from Grandma's "surprise" and "locked" room in the basement to put around the tree.

 

And so......the cards are in the mail, shopping done, gifts wrapped, cookies baked - all in time for some outpatient surgery Tuesday for me!    Just praying all goes well.    This was unexpected and put a glitch in the holiday fun, but health comes first and foremost!     Mark will update the blog for a few days!

 

Hope your frenzy is under control?

Friday - December 7

December is in full swing with holiday luncheons, parties and good eating.    Been working on the cards and other projects.      Past few days have been fun - wrapping up our Santa letter campaign with Exchange Club, lunch with BBB Friends, and presentation of our Tiger Cruise last night to the residents of Westminster Village (retirement home).

 

Today my PEO ladies had a very nice silent auction and celebrated the season with friends!

 

Went to 5:30 Mass tonight for the holy day (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) and afterwards, enjoyed pizza at Monicals with Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor.    Connor is spending the night.   Liam will join us after his early-morning hockey game and we plan to bake some cookies!    Weather is dreary - misty rain off and on today!    Love the warm glow of the Christmas lights to brighten things up!

Tuesday - December 4

Another nice day, but not quite as warm as the 71 we had yesterday!    I had a doctor appointment and then Mark took off for Dixon to take his Dad to the wound doctor.   I had lunch with boating gals at Sweet and Savory (new spot in town) - very good.    Ran some errands in the afternoon including getting my driver's license renewed.

We had our yard looking really good with all the leaves raked....well, yesterday was very windy and we have a neighbor across the street who NEVER rakes a leaf and so....guess where a big bunch of those ended up?    Yup....they are scattered all over our yard and Marty's next door!   AAARRRGGHHH!!!!!!!    That will be on tomorrow's agenda, but it's bound to happen again!

The leaf pick-up season is about to end, too.   Bah Humbug!!

 

The Monday Night Friends wrapped gifts for our Adopt-a-Family (always a feel good time) and then to CJ's for supper and chatter.

 

Sunday - December 2

  December 2 and the warm weather continues.......spent a fun afternoon with the Sublettians at the Oak Ridge Golf Course for lunch and Christmas party.   Lots of men out golfing this pretty day!    We gals (13) plus GG (Sheila's husband) had so much fun kicking off the 2012 holiday party fun!     After lunch, we ooohed and aaahed over the baby clothing, diapers, and other sweet things we are donating to Birthright.    We then exchanged our gifts - regift.....giving something you no longer need/want/or never used!   Lots of fun and laughs!    I was back home at 4 and checking my lists and making new ones!    Mark enjoyed a quiet afternoon at home! 

 

Jane is checking out her new tea kettle

 

Linda admiring her new ornament from Germany

 

The Sublettians

Top left:  Mary, Jane, Debbi, Sally, Ellen, Anita, Rita

Top right:  Sheila, Ann, Marilyn, Linda, Eileen, Pat

 

 

Here's Drew on his birthday (yesterday) with his brothers, Dad and Grand Bob at Beanstalk Journey

(zipline fun)!

 

Here's to a good week ahead....tomorrow, 68 degrees coming!

Saturday - December 1

Mark and I are feeling a tad older today - our oldest grandson, Drew is a teenager!   How can that be?    WOW......where-oh-where does the time go?   We wish Drew (and his parents) lots of fun times ahead during these teen years!

We have a lot of special memories from 12/1/99 to the present and will be exciting to watch Drew grow into his teen years and become a young adult!

 

Happy Birthday Drewby

xoxoxo from Grandma/Grandpa

 

Showing his athletic prowess in Virginia this summer

And the birthday boy with his brothers touring Washington , DC

 

We had a good day at home getting more jobs done, updating lists, etc.    Dreary but warm (60's)!

 

Yesterday (Friday) Anne and I took the 7:30 train to Chicago and had so much fun.   Weather was ideal for strolling Michigan Avenue and State Street.   We shopped, browsed, had a great lunch at Grand Lux, and topped off the day with a visit to Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza.   This open-air event is set up as a European Village during the holiday season with vendors from all over .    Sooo many ornaments and other decorative European specialty gifts, along with wonderful food and drink made for a very festive atmosphere.    We bought some treats (hot and sweet) for the train trip home.

 

Enjoying a hot drink at Christkindlmarket

 

Liam and Connor stayed with Grandpa - and here they are with their new "Elf on the Shelf" which they are calling "Elvis"

 

Excited little boys

 

Mark and I went to 4:30 Mass, delicious dinner at Baxter's and then short visit with

 Ed and Donna Rae.

Thursday - November 29

Sunny, but windy day.....and fun!    Met Bob and Linda at the retina center (Bob had laser procedure for slight retina tear) at 8:45.    Linda and I yakked and caught up and then off to shop.   Mark and Bob enjoyed goodies at Panera and visited.    So much fun checking out all the darling baby things and Christmas pretties.

 

I met Claire and Margie at the country club for delicious lunch in such an lovely Christmas setting.   Great to catch up with each other.   Ran some errands and then home!    Got a bunch of piddly things done and ready to be up and going early in the morning.....Anne and I are taking the train to Chicago for the day and enjoy some good Mom/Daughter "Girl" time!

Wednesday - November 28

Oh the hustle and bustle in going strong around here!    Past few days have been taking advantage of the nice weather (sunny and pleasant temps in the 40-50's) to be out and about shopping, running errands, etc.   We saw the first flurries of the season on Monday!

 

I picked Donna Rae up this morning and we were off to Farm and Fleet, stopped at The Coffee Hound for eggnog lattes and then to Decorator's Grocery (to buy the makings for some sweet treats).    Lunch with Exchange Club - our Santa letter campaign is going strong!

 

Got my nails done this afternoon and happy to be home with hubby tonight!   Working on my lists and Christmas cards!   The Fed Ex and UPS trucks are coming frequently - ordered several gifts online - it's like Christmas everyday!!!

Sunday - November 25

One month from today is Christmas!!!!    Hard to believe the Thanksgiving weekend is behind us and now pushing full speed ahead for the next 4 weeks!    Finished decorating the tree tonight......happy with how our house looks and when Mama is happy, everyone is happy!    HA!!!

 Mark and I were up early this morning and off to 7:30 Mass, breakfast at Bob Evans and ran several errands.   Spent the afternoon wrapping a few more gifts and other piddly jobs around the house and making lists.    Always have several lists going....

 

Yesterday when we were trimming the tree, Liam established an "emergency room" for disabled ornaments on the kitchen table.    They were in need of new ribbon/cord for hanging and somehow, over the past year, looked a bit forlorn from long age.   Grandma is happy to report tonight that,only one had to be thrown out and the others are back on the tree for at least one more year!    Love the imagination of these little ones!

 

Have a great week!

Saturday - November 24

Doorbell rings at 8 AM and in comes two excited little boys wearing their new Santa hats carrying a box of donuts from Krispy Kreme + a Peppermint Mocha (skinny) for Grandma from Starbucks!    Thanks so much for these yummy treats, Anne......my kind of visitors!    Anne and Patrick both had to work today, so.......we had the little elves and what a busy day it was!

 

One tree is completely decorated; the other one is 75% done (Grandma ran out of steam)!    We also made 2 loaves of banana nut bread, a jello salad and chocolate pudding.       They say the cutest things.....Connor was up and down, up and down the small step stool hanging ornaments and finally he said "whew, I'm getting too old for this"!!!!!     WONDER where he heard that????   

 AND.....while Grandpa and boys were outdoors putting up garland across the flower box, they wanted me to help with the ribbon and lights.     It was chilly out, but no wind, so we all got out the rakes and started cleaning out the new landscaping and last of the leaves (we HOPE) and yard looks great!    A very invigorating hour of work!!!

 

Here's some highlights of our day...

 

Writing and pondering over their Christmas lists

 

Thank you silly little elves for all your help today!

 

Our 3 sons

 

The boys at Lake James this afternoon

Friday - November 23

Hope you all had a great holiday and stuffed yourself good!    Ha.....that's what it's all about.    We had a great day with Mark's family and oh-so-much delicious food.    Rained on our way home for a while, but the die hards were camped out in their tents outside Best Buy.    Imagine those early birds are happy with all their bargains last night/today!

 

Mark and I had a good day of decorating - after many years of putting a large wreath on front of our house (2nd story) with floodlights shining on it, he decided he was getting too old and it was too dangerous to be climbing around on ladders and the roof, so......big wreath is now hanging in front of garage and looks good.   

 

The two big trees are waiting for their ornaments and tomorrow morning, our little elves return to help Grandma finish up and "maybe" put up a few outdoor lights with Grandpa!  

 House is looking mighty festive!

Wednesday - November 21

Busy "day-before-turkey" day with errands for both Mark and me and visiting our friends/neighbors, Darrel and Norma (Norma is home from hospital recovering from a mini stroke.....sure keeping her in our prayers.  

 

We picked Liam and Connor up from school (out at 11:45); came home and after lunch, the little elves helped Grandpa carry up box after box after box - so many trips.   Got a lot done, but a long ways to go - house is a mess, but oh well....leaving it all and heading to Dixon in the morning with Anne, Patrick and boys for fun Thanksgiving with Mark's family (at least 40+).

 

Our boys are all together for the long weekend in North Carolina....we know they will have a great time!!!

 

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving - we have so much to be thankful for!

Tuesday - November 20

Cloudy, but mild day (low 60's).    I met Claire at 8:00 Mass and then we enjoyed catching up over yummy peach/raspberry scones at The Coffee Hound!

 

I ran some errands, back home to do laundry and organized the basement somewhat to start getting out decorations tomorrow.    Liam and Connor are coming after school (1/2 day) and will help carry boxes upstairs and let the fun begin!!!    (No lights till after Thursday, though)!

 

Mark and I visited Ed and Donna Rae in the afternoon and then had a delightful evening with Father Doug (pastor) and Marty, next door neighbor.    Marty's late wife, Angie went all thru school with Father Doug,    Great evening with 2 great guys!

 

I have a recipe I'm going to share that has become very popular (thank you Jane)!!!!!

 

To-Die-For Roast Beef

 

3 lb. roast beef (sirloin tip)

1 envelope Italian dressing mix (like Good Seasons)

1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix

1 envelope McCormick's brown gravy mix

 

Place the roast in crockpot, then sprinkle the 3 mixes on top and rub into meat.   Cook on low for 8-9 hours.    Do not add any liquid as there will be plenty from the meat and the au jus is excellent on mashed potatoes!!!

 

Hope your holiday preparations are underway - and keep the stress level to a minimum!!!

Monday - November 19

After a beautiful 7 straight days of sunshine, today was dreary, windy and more typical of November in IL.    Mark and I had breakfast with the neighbors, and I ran some errands, then dentist, more errands and home.

 

Amazing how many folks have their Christmas trees up and the lights burning brightly plus lots of outdoor decorations already........wish they would wait to light up till after Thanksgiving.   It just gets earlier every year.    Anne, Patrick and boys spent the weekend in Chicago and enjoyed the lighting on Michigan Avenue, parade and fireworks.

 

I went with the MNF's to Baxter's for dinner. 

Saturday-Sunday, November 17-18

It's been a busy, but productive weekend.    Wrapped a bunch of gifts, went to Connor's hockey game (he scored SIX goals) and got a lot of piddly jobs done around the house.    Mark and I had a nice dinner (Chinese) with boating friends Saturday night.

 

Went to Mass this morning, Bob Evans for breakfast and then a Wal-Mart run.    Mark worked in the garage and blew out and sucked up the leaves in the landscaping (hopefully for last time).    We took the truck to have some upholstery work done tomorrow and walked home (about  1.5 miles).  Weather has been superb with so much sunshine and temps in the 40-50's.

 

Just found out tonight that Michael and family are coming for a few days in December and will be here for the two family gatherings on the 22nd and 23rd.   Mark and I are sooo happy!!!!    Will be great to have all our kids together!   Now we have to pray for good traveling weather!

 

Here's to a good week - lots of sickness going around...

 

 

Friday - November 16

We've had an abundance of sunshine this week!   YEAH!!!   Very unusual for dreary IL Novembers.    I was off to stand in line (not too long) and got tickets for Carrie Underwood concert  next May 2nd.

 

I gave the program today for PEO friends on the Tiger Cruise. 

 It was so good to be home tonight - got a lot of odd jobs done, and ready to wrap more presents this weekend.    Mark took Liam and Connor to the IWU basketball games and also got to see see his alma mater, Loras College (Dubuque, IA) play and win!!!    They had a good time.

 

Have a fun weekend - weather sounds great, so get out and enjoy!!!

Thursday - November 15

Beautiful sunny day and I had sooo much fun.    Met my Midstate College friends in Galesburg (Allie and I came from Peoria and Barb from Moline).   We were so sorry Jane couldn't be with us - hope and pray that her hubby Joe recovers soon from his health issues.

 

We had a wonderful lunch at The Landmark Cafe and Creperie in an old historic building with brick walls, hardwood floors and tin ceilings - charming!    And the shops were really cute, ESPECIALLY "Mother Goosebumps" for babies!    Had to control myself now that we know "Luke David" is on the way!   Yup....that's his name and I love it!!!!    Baby Luke is due 5 months from today.

 

Allie, Pat, Barb

 

Nice to be home tonight and settle in - been a busy, exciting week!   Nite nite!

Wednesday - November 14

It's been a busy few days, including an out-of-town trip for a memorial mass for my Dad and all those who've died this past year at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sublette.   It was wonderful!!!

 

And today......we heard the very exciting news that our 6th grandson is coming in April!   Yup....Philip and Annette are having a baby boy - so, "Let's hear it for the BOYS"!!!!!!!    We've had a little basketball team for the past 6 years and now starting a baseball team!   

 

My sister-in-law, Linda is doing well - with diet and exercise and taking it easy, she's very excited about her new granddaughter due 3 weeks before Annette.   

 

Been out to lunch and/or dinner with friends past few days - catching up with some gals I hadn't seen in a long while!    Never a lapse in the conversation!

 Ryan is doing extensive traveling with the Blue Angels November/December (34 cities where they will perform in 2013).   He was on the front page of the Rockford paper today and also on the Channel 13 news last night!

 

 

Friday-Sunday, November 9-11

HAPPY VETERANS DAY  and THANKS to the brave men and women in our military who have served or are serving our country.     God bless you all...

Sooo very proud of Ryan!

 

Off to Galena for the 20th annual sisters' weekend!    Eleven "sisters" traveled up to 5 hours and then enjoyed the weekend in a lovely 5-bedroom home with all the amenities.    Missed you, Sharon!   This area (Galena Territory and part of the Eagle Ridge Inn, Golf Resort and Spa) is sooo pretty with rolling hills, picturesque farms and then the quaint town of Galena with  shops, churches, wineries and much more.    The weather was warm and sunny (unbelievably so for November) and throngs were out strolling the sidewalks and getting a start on their Christmas shopping.

 

Along with non-stop chatter, good eating, wine drinking, playing cards and games, shopping, etc., it was the usual FUN FUN girls time away!   We all went to 5;30 mass at St. Michael's last night and then out for dinner at The Log Cabin.   

 

The Sisters

Back - Janet, Karen, Nancy, Pat, Marilyn and Theresa

Front:   Doris, Joan, Beth, Lydia and Sue

 

Mark enjoyed his brother, Jim who visited from St. Louis while Lydia was in Galena.   The weather has taken a drastic change - very windy today and now raining with snow showers possible and temps dropping......  

Thursday - November 8

Chilly and dreary till around 12:30 and then sun came out - what a treat!     Mark left at 6:40 AM to visit his parents.   I did laundry, wrapped a few presents and just got a lot of piddly things done around the house.

 

Liam is sick today and went to Dr. - earache and on antibiotic and ear drops.    I picked Connor up from school and stayed with the boys while Anne got a haircut.

 

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Galena with Beth and Lydia (sisters-in-law) for our annual "Sisters Weekend" - this is our 20th year!    There will be 12 of us and we are staying in a 5-bedroom home.    Can't wait for lots of good visiting, games, eating, wine drinking, etc.    Always a fun time!   Be back blogging Sunday night.    Enjoy your weekend.

Wednesday - November 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweetie on his big birthday!!!!    Chatted on the phone along the way with his parents and the kids.    We arrived home at 11:30, unpacked and put our stuff away, started laundry, returned rental car and endured the chilly, dreary, rainy day (miss that warm FL sunshine)

 

Enjoyed supper at McDonalds for McTeacher night benefiting the school with Liam, Connor, Anne and Patrick.   Back to their home for ice cream and presents!

 

65 years young with the Boys

Tuesday - November 6

Hello from Marion, IL where we are staying tonight after a long day on the road.   We had sun, misty rain, then a bit heavier rain and chilly temps; but overall, a very dreary day!   We left Pensacola at 7:15 after our good byes to Ryan and John!    Sure enjoyed this past week with them and now have more knowledge of the Blue Angels and how they make their 66-year old phenomenal show in the sky so successful and thrilling to millions each year! 

 

 Walked across the street to The Hideout for dinner and now settled in our room watching the election results???

Monday - November 5

Our last day in Pensacola was busy with running errands, fixing this 'n that, installing this 'n that and of course, always the never ending laundry!    

 

It's cool out tonight and raining, so Ryan has a nice fire going to take the chill off.   I fixed a roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and salad - early celebration for Mark's birthday (Wednesday) with chocolate cake and ice cream coming up!   We had a nice visit 'round the kitchen table with John over 2 bottles of wine with dinner.

 

Tomorrow we will be heading home.....such a fun time here helping with all the unpacking of Ryan's stuff, enjoying his new home and of course, the pride and emotion of the Blue Angels and what's ahead for Ryan in the next 3 years!

 

Friday-Sunday, November 2-4

It’s been a busy whirlwind weekend enjoying all the festivities for the Blue Angels Homecoming here in Pensacola.     We went to the practice show on Friday afternoon – wow!    Very awesome and lots of people there to clap and cheer on the Blues with camera and cell phones clicking away!    That night we went to a party at the Captain’s home and met the team, spouses and parents!

Saturday – we met John’s parents and friends when they stopped by to see the house.     Mark and I ran some errands and then off to the big air show and grand finale for 2012.    It was a beautiful day and thousands of people were on hand.    It was such a neat experience.    Unfortunately, Jackie who was to come for the weekend from New Orleans was not able to make it as her Dad is in the hospital.    We did get to meet her son just before the air show started.   Brandon is in training to be a Navy pilot.

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Brandon and Mark

The Blue Angels

Blue Angel Moms - Chris (John's Mom) and Pat

Saturday night we went with family/friends to Seville Quarter for a party – lots of celebrating for a great 2012 season and welcoming the new 2013 team.    This same place is where Ryan and we partied 6 years ago this past July when he graduated from OCS school.

Sunday…..enjoyed the extra hour of sleep especially Ryan who’s been going, going, going all week long on very little sleep!

We all went to 9:00 Mass at St. Paul – love this parish with their beautiful new church, music and young priest.     Came back and more projects happening on the home front before we all gussied up and went to the “Change of Command” at 2:00.    This was held at the Naval Aviation Museum – we assembled in the large atrium with the Blue Angel jets overhead and sailors surrounding the balcony.   The US Navy band from New Orleans played beautiful patriotic music and along with the speeches and all the pomp and pageantry, it was an awesome experience – Ryan is officially a “Blue Angel”!     We went to a reception afterwards at the Squadron Hangar.   

Our Blue Angel

John

Proud Mom and Dad

 

 Ryan is now at a special recognition dinner for the 2012 team!     What a memorable weekend for us and Ryan is off and running for a very busy 3-year career with the Blue Angels!

Thursday - November 1

Very nice day - did more unpacking and laundry    Mark and I ran some errands (Home Depot and World Market) - also been making daily trips to Publix (love that store)!    We are really enjoying getting Ryan settled in, but not seeing too much of him as he and John are putting in long days with the Blues.

 

We had a nice dinner tonight at The Fish House (downtown) on the water.    Then to St. Paul's for All Saints Day Mass at 7:00.    Back home and settling in waiting for the boys to come home!

Halloween - 2012

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

Hope you all had a great Halloween!    We had given out all the candy and doorbell kept on ringing!     Had no idea how many trick or treaters we would have, but there were a bunch!

 

Another busy, productive day here.    Ryan worked all day; Mark kept plugging away in the garage and I ran some errands and picked up things for the house + lots of laundry!!!   It was 75 and sunny - took another walk around the neighborhood this afternoon.  

 

Had sweet 'n sour meatloaf for supper and we did face time with Liam and Connor.   Ryan got to see his nephews in costume - "Blue Morph" and "Werewolf".    

 

John is staying here tonight - his parents will be arriving tomorrow for the weekend festivities of the Blue Angels.    And I'm so excited as I think Jackie, my roommate on the Tiger Cruise will be coming to Pensacola this weekend, too.    She lives in New Orleans and her son Brandon is a pilot here and will soon be moving to Corpus Christi.    Another son, William was in Ryan's squadron in CA..   Jackie is so much fun!

 

Ryan's new home



Tuesday - October 30

 Mark and I arrived in Pensacola at 10:00 Monday morning – so good to see the boys!    Love Ryan’s new home with so much space, light and airy!

We dug right in with Mark and boys working in garage and I tackled the kitchen.    For a 27-year old bachelor, he sure has a LOT of “stuff”!   

John, a Blue Angel pilot moved in some of his things and will be Ryan’s roommate – nice guy from Kentucky!

The boys and I went to the Naval Exchange for some groceries and a shopping hunt for furniture.    Ryan made a decision on a sectional sofa for his family room.   Home to pick up Mark and off to a delicious dinner at Bone Fish Grill  and early celebration for Mark’s birthday (thank you, Philip), the new baby coming and our Blue Angel .   It was a good first day and we accomplished a lot, but garage is still pretty full.

Lots of thoughts and prayers for the folks in the northeast and all the destruction/devastation caused by Sandy…hard to believe all of that is going on when it’s so sunny and pretty here in western Florida.

 This morning (Tuesday) Ryan was off to work at 5:30 AM…..Mark and I exercised, Philip made a Panera run and we were back at the unpacking.     House is starting to look homey.    I went for a long walk in the neighborhood this afternoon.   It was a beautiful day and fun checking out all the homes and Halloween décor.    Amazing that here in this part of FL there are so many brick homes, whereas south FL is all stucco.

The boys went shopping this afternoon – new washer and dryer are now going full speed.    I fixed spaghetti for dinner and now just chillin’ after a big day!    Philip is flying home tomorrow – sure gonna miss him!

The boys!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

Sunday - October 28

 Sunny greetings from Tennessee on a lovely fall day as we head to Pensacola and a fun week with Ryan.  

Philip is traveling to Pensacola today, too and will be spending a few days there as we help Ryan settle into his new home.   

We’ve kept busy these past 2 weeks having fun times with family and friends, getting our doctor appointments in before the end of the year and enjoying Liam and Connor.   This past Thursday, the boys had ½ day off for conferences, so we took them to the the Rader Pumpkin Farm and Ropp Dairy Farm.   They ran those little legs off with all the activities, playing with the animals, etc.

Yesterday, the Sublettians had a fun lunch and visit at Starved Rock on a gorgeous fall day.   Last night we enjoyed a good potluck with boating friends and then Paul, Kathy, Mark and I gave the program on our river cruise.    (The good eating hasn’t really let up since I last wrote on the blog)!!!!!!

 Amazed at the gas prices as we are always higher than other areas, but today our price back home at $3.09 was by far the best – 2^nd best was $3.29 here in Alabama!

Tonight we are in Prattsville, AL and just returned from dinner at Islamorada Fish House – food was very good, but very s l o w service!    Tomorrow……onto our boys in Pensacola!

Sunday - October 14

Hello again…..time to update after more than a 2-week break.... 

 

Quick recap – we’ve been enjoying our time at home and hanging out with family and friends.    

Our big landscaping project is finished and looks great – looking forward to seeing the plants in bloom next spring/summer.   

 

  Liam and Connor had 4 days off last weekend for Columbus Day, so we picked them up from school in Daisy on Thursday, the 4^th and spent thru Monday at Comlara Park – lots of folks camping and although it was chilly and rainy Friday, we had a ball biking, hiking, and staying inside cozy Daisy with games, books, movies, etc.    Anne and Patrick met us last Sunday night at Green Gables for supper and then back to the campsite for s’mores! 

 

Hiking thru the woods 

Biking around the park 

The guys all wearing their Lands End shirts 

Patrick and Anne around the fire

 

Lots of prayers, concern and worry for my sister-in-law, Linda these past few weeks as she has been in 2 hospitals and then to Mayo Clinic for another opinion regarding heart issues.    She is home now and  thankful for the doctors to advise her on a healthy lifestyle. 

 

 I was in Hermann, MO for 3 days this past week with Kathy and Claire.   We had a ball with fabulous weather, spectacular fall scenery and lots of girl fun!     Hermann is full of wineries, old brick buildings, many B and B’s and inns, restaurants and shops.    Also, Hermann is a popular spot for weddings.    It is on the Missouri River and just as charming as it can be!    It’s definitely a “return” spot to visit.    

 

Pat, Claire, Kathy at the Stone Hill Winery

 

And while I was gone, it was Grandparents Day (sorry to miss that fun), but Grandpa went and had a great time visiting the boys classrooms, sitting in on story time, working on the family tree, eating donuts, and shopping at the book fair. 

 

Grandpa and the boys

Liam and Connor are both on hockey teams now – we enjoyed watching Liam at his first game this weekend – those boys are quite the little skaters. 

Friday night we went to the CCHS Homecoming game and accepted an award for Ryan who was named  a “Distinguished Alumni”!     And speaking of Ryan….our next travels will take us to Pensacola, FL in 2 weeks for about 10 days with our Blue Angel.    We’ll help him settle into his new home (Philip will be there for part of the time), attend the last 2 air shows of the 2012 season and also the Change of Command on November 4^th when Ryan officially becomes a Blue Angel!

 

We went to Anne and Patrick's for dinner tonight - yummy bar-b-que chicken (recipe from Pinterest on Facebook).     Played dominoes and Grandma was "Queen" and here's scary Grandma with the boys!