Thursday - May 31

Oh my....the last day of May and this year is almost 1/2 over!!!     We had a busy day starting with the launching of Catrina around 10:30 and Mark delivering her to Ess-Kay Marina where we'll stay and transfer our clothes, food, and stuff from Flo these next few days.   We have Flo parked in the parking lot nearby, so easy access to take aboard Catrina.

Even though Catrina was stored inside and covered all winter, apparently they got her out of the building as they are busy putting boats in the water (this is a huge place) and so she's been sitting outside and was really dirty.    We got at least the 1st layer cleaned off and then started on the inside.

Nice not to be on a schedule so we'll keep plugging away next few days.

We had a quick lunch at McDonalds, but tonight went to "Barado's on the Waterfront" - #1 on Trip Advisor and we remembered it from last August.    Sat on the patio by the water - beautiful evening and food was excellent + a very good waitress (Celeste).    I had their special of ruby red shrimp (seasonal) and they were huge and absolutely delicious!    Mark enjoyed his crab cake and after some good desserts (triple berry pie and peanut butter/chocolate cheesecake),

 we waddled outta there and back to Catrina.

Supposed to get some rain overnight and most of tomorrow - maybe remnants of Alberto?

Wednesday - May 30

We are in New York and what a great stop at the "Welcome Center" in Binghamton.    They have a beautiful facility with awesome views, a nice mini market seating outdoors or inside and just very well-done.

 

What a beautiful trip we've had from North Carolina these past 3 days seeing spectacular country in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York.

Mountains, hills, valleys and all the lush green landscape and TREES, TREES, so many TREES!

 

We arrived in Brewerton around noon.    Settled Flo at the Oneida Shores Campground and then off to lunch at the Brewerton Diner (great place and favorite from before).    Checked in at Winter Harbor and saw Catrina outside.    Tomorrow is launch day! 

Catrina - ready to be floating again!
 

Mark needed a few things at Home Depot so off to Cicero (bigger town south of Brewerton) and then back to Flo.    It was 92, sunny and breezy!

 

Sooo much rain and flooding in NC and FL....wow, the docks at Camp Lake James are under water and the rain continues to fall.    Glad to hear Bloomington is finally getting some.

 

About those beautiful flowers we saw so many of yesterday in PA and today in NY - they are rhododendrons - thank you Claire!!!

 

 We are 20 miles north of Syracuse and normal temperatures for this area are in the low 70's this time of year.    Today was the first 90-degree day of the season!

We went for a walk after supper (felt good to stretch the legs after 2 1/2 days of riding in the truck). This Oneida Shores Park is really nice and they have a very nice playground which we know
 Blair, Luke and Maeve would love!

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - May 29

Hello from the Highland Campground near Dalton, PA.    We are nestled on 35 acres of scenic woodland in the Endless Mountains.  

 

We left Pioneer Village at 7:30 AM and other than a few sprinkles, it was a mostly sunny trip of 480 miles.   We did come upon a bad accident that kept us in stop 'n go traffic for 1/2 hour.    They were finishing up the clean-up, but we saw the very damaged car on the wrecker.

 

A few pics from yesterday...

The 3 little ones love to hang out on Flo....here's Maeve and Luke on our bed

 

 

Blair decided to give Grandma a pedicure.    She got some toilet paper and put it between my toes and then used chapstick for polish!     She has quite the imagination and like all good nail techs, she chatted a mile a minute.

 

Liam and Connor love to go to the batting cages and perfect their baseball skills.

 

We drove thru Clarks Summit on our way to the campground - and EVERYWHERE, we saw these pretty lavender flowers (or violet as Blair would call them).

From a distance I thought they were peonies but close up, I think they are hydrangeas.

At any rate....absolutely gorgeous and as I said, they are everywhere.    Mostly in this color, but we also saw these pretty blooms

 

Fuchsia hydrangeas?

 

Ryan is currently on the Marshall Islands (between Hawaii and the Philippines).

 

We have 140 miles to Brewerton, NY and Catrina! 

 

Friday-Monday, May 25-28

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Let's hear it for the Red, White and Blue! 

Thinking of and thanking the brave men and women who gave their lives that we may continue to enjoy our many freedoms in our great USA 

 

 God Bless America

Big weekend in North Carolina celebrating Drew's graduation from

University Christian High School

.

Friday - Annette and I were busy in the kitchen preparing for Drew's party Saturday night.    Mark and I went into town and hung out with Michael and all before we left for the Corinth Reformed United Church.   The ceremony started at 6 PM and lasted almost 2 hours with
 42 seniors graduating.

 

Andrew Michael Chamberlain - cum laude

Drew and proud parents

 

Proud Grandma and Grandpa

Proud Gram and Grand Bob

Proud brothers (Blair was with sitter)

 Saturday - Thinking of Grandpa C (Mark's Dad) who would've been 97 today!      After breakfast, we all trekked to Camp Lake James for swimming, eating, visiting and euchre.   Then the rain came and we were under the pavilion for protection till we all went back to Michael's.    Michael grilled burgers and hot dogs and tons of side dishes!!   Brooke's parents, brother Scott, Leigh, Caroline and Cooper are staying for the weekend.

Gifts to open

Ice cream cake to eat

Posing with his sister and cousins

Always smiling

Sunday - Went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton, ran a few errands and on back for another day of family fun (and eating)!  Nice to have a warm sunny day and most of the gang hung out on the dock, went boating, etc.   I did laundry and stayed in with Blair while she napped and then later with Maeve.   Around 5ish, the heavens opened up big time and that was end of anymore outdoor activity for the day!

Yummy BBQ for dinner and more euchre.

Our girls playing with play doh nicely together

Blair loves her Grandpa

Monday -  Got Flo hooked up to truck and ready for departure.   Went to Michael's for leftovers - still soo much good food.   Such a fun weekend, but missed Anne, Patrick, Liam, Connor and Ryan,   Said our good-byes and hugs and we were off at 1:15.    Rained most of the way and rain is in their NC forecast for next 7 days!    Need rain so badly in central IL and it's been so HOT! 

Tonight we are settled at Pioneer Village in Max Meadow, VA (stayed here before).   

 More rain is coming....

The new graduate with his siblings...

Drew, Davis, Blair, Brady

And 2 more NC grandchildren

The little scholars

Meanwhile back in IL, Liam and Connor are finished with school, and baseball season (travel teams) are in full swing.    Brady finishes on June 8th and Blair will graduate from pre school on June 5th,    She's planning a graduation party just like Drew - cake, presents, etc., etc...…hmmm.   Can't wait to see these pics as she'll be in cap and gown!!!

Hope you've had a fun, safe holiday weekend.   We sure are thinking of those hurting and dealing with the devastation in Ellicott City, MD, the Florida Panhandle, etc.

Thursday - May 24

Mostly cloudy and cooler today.    Luke was off to school and a "water" day as his preschool days are winding down.    The kids got wet, had popsicles and were shivering....he said it was fun, but cold!   

 

And then we took Maeve to the doctor - she has a double ear infection and infected eyes.    My gosh, she was fine earlier and playing with the kids at school.   Next thing we know, she is fussing, pulling on her ear,    Poor baby - got 2 meds, so hopefully she's on the mend soon!

 

Mark and Philip went to Marion this morning - had breakfast at the campground (Tom Johnson's) where we were camping a few weeks ago.   They ran some errands and then on home.

 

Had yummy supper of sweet 'n sour meatloaf, cheesy potatoes and a fruity/spinach/pasta salad.    Played euchre and once again, those kids beat Mark and me 2 out of 3.

The kids love their new bouncy house

Sweet Maeve just not up to par today

But tonight....ice cream sure hit the spot!

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - May 23

We left Whispering Hills at 8:15 and had a good day of travel.     Just a tiny bit of rain east of Asheville.    We stopped in Hot Springs, NC for lunch at the Iron Horse (a favorite) and once again, it was super......fried green tomato BLT with Applewood smoked bacon and leafy lettuce on grilled sour dough bread - deeelish + a cup of wonderful Manhattan clam chowder.

We got to Philip and Annette's at 3:20.    So good to be back here....

 We all hung out on Flo....and then had happy hour with Moscow Mules followed by a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread.

Philip and sweet Maeve

Grandma and her little darlins'

Philip took us on a wild ride on the Polaris.....went to Michael's to see the new garage going up.    They have had so much rain so things have really slowed down.

Back home for baths and then euchre.....Philip and Annette beat Mark and me 2 out of 2...

Tuesday - May 22

We were off this morning at 7:45 leaving Kamp Komfort after a very enjoyable 3 weeks back in "home" country!

 

A good day for traveling - mix of clouds and sun (more clouds) and temps in the 80's.    

 

Arrived in Georgetown, KY at 3:20 and settled in at Whispering Hills Campground where we've stayed before.

 

Georgetown is a favorite of ours when traveling from IL to NC.   The campground is nice and last time (April 29, 2017), we had a great meal at Fava (downtown - 7 miles away).   Went there tonight, but disappointed and nothing like last time!

 

Back to Whispering Hills on this beautiful evening - we had a glass of wine and sat on our patio (nice square picnic table with attached bench seating and a glider made of trex).  Very nice (our NC kids have some of this nice outdoor furniture).

 

We traveled 359 miles to go with 352 more to Luke and Maeve!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Monday - May 21

Had a nice rain overnight here in Carlock - not so much in Bloomington.     I'm sure the farmers are very grateful.    Mark and I went into town separately.    I picked up Donna Rae and brought her to breakfast - surprise!    So nice to have her with us again.    Said good bye to these dear folks, I took Donna Rae back to Westminster Village and then met Mark at Hertz where I turned in my rental for past 3 weeks.    It poured for a few minutes and then all done!

 

Monday Morning Breakfast Friends

Pat, Jerry, Darrel, Mark, Ken, Gary, Marty

Donna Rae, Sigrunn, Brenda, Pat, Sue

Missed Bev and Norma

 

We went to storage and loaded up the stuff we want/need for the summer/fall and then I got a manicure and Mark ran a few more errands.   He picked me up and off to Meijer's for some groceries.    Getting our stuff stowed away on Flo this afternoon.

I had dinner at Baxter's with the Monday Night Friends  always delicious, fun conversation and then bye bye hugs as I won't see most of these gals until December.

 

Maeve , Dolly and Mommy are ready for a shopping trip

Maeve loves her first Barbie

BIG ole grapes give Luke some BIG cheeks

We've had a very fun 3 weeks in Illinois, but tomorrow we move on, taking Flo to North Carolina.    Friday night we'll celebrate Drew's graduation and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

 

 

 

 

Sunday - May 20

Cool start to the day.....we took Connor for breakfast at The Original Pancake House, then to 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity (soo enjoyed Sylvia, cantor and the choir).   Went to Connor's house so he could change clothes and while I did laundry at laundromat, Mark and Connor went to the batting cage.

Connor and big stack of strawberry pancakes
 

Mark and Connor came to check on me with the laundry and then off they went for Connor's ballgame.   They lost 5-2 and then won 15-8.    Anne and Liam arrived back from Jacksonville.    Liam's team won 1 and lost 2.     Had a little rain during the game, but it was windy and cool, so bundled up with jackets and blankets.    We need rain very badly.   Once again, today it just went around us.

 

Emptied all the stuff from my car to truck - tomorrow we return the rental.

Have a good week....
 

Saturday - May 19

What a fun morning watching the wedding festivities at Nadine's home with 9 of my Monday Night Friends - missed Linda.    We started at 5 AM oohing and aahing at all the dresses and hats.   The bride and groom saying their vows and then the long carriage ride thru the throngs of people in Windsor was quite something!   Scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, mini fruit pastries, cupcakes, rhubarb coffee cake, fresh fruit, etc.    

Lovely assortment of English treats 

 

British decor

 

Our party broke up at 9:15 and we all went our separate ways with big thanks to Nadine for hosting this "Royal Occasion"!!!   

Monday Night Friends
Pat, Connie, Nadine, Sue, Ruth, Donna, Jody, Tamara, Marsha, Brenda

Beautiful irises at Nadine's neighbor's home

I drove to Anne and Patrick's where Mark was washing Flo.   He brought her into town this morning and gave her a good scrubbing as we can't do that at Kamp Komfort.    We both came back to KK and I left shortly for Busy Corner (my 5th time this week) to meet Claire for lunch.     Always a good visit and then back to KK for her to meet Flo and more visiting.

  Pat and Claire

Mark met Patrick at Farm and Fleet, got Connor and on back here.     He helped Grandpa polish Flo - big help!!!   

Connor is all tuckered out!

Liam's team won their game 16-5 and will play again tomorrow.

We went to Eureka and had supper at Uncle Bob's + some of their good homemade ice cream.   

Played a dice game when we got back to Flo with Connor the winner.....yikes, beginner's luck!

So, it's been a big day getting Harry and Meghan married, lunch and visit with Claire, supper at Uncle Bob's and having Connor spend the night with us!
And since I got up in the wee hours, going to say nighty night!!!



 

Friday - May 18

A leisurely morning on Flo and then off to Peoria to meet Allie and Owen at The Blue Duck for lunch - this is a BBQ Tavern and very good.     The popular River Station restaurant was in this same location for many years and where we told Michael, Anne and Philip that they were going to have a new brother or sister back on Thanksgiving weekend, 1984.

 

We missed Jane and Joe today....Jane is not feeling well!

 

Great to visit with Allie and Owen and then we walked across the street to "Running Central" a work-out clothing/shoe store that was quite unique.    After Brian,  the PA yesterday telling me I needed new tennies, we found this place just 1/2 block from The Blue Duck.     I couldn't believe the professional staff who did all this measuring of my feet, watching me walk and asking several questions.    Walked out of there with new Mizunos after trying on several different brands!

 

Said our good byes to these dear friends - not sure when we'll be together again?

 

Eating at The Blue Duck

 

Allie and I are trying on new tennies at

Running Central

 

Back to Flo, took a little power nap, read and just hunkered down.     So distraught again about the tragic shooting in Texas.....I can't imagine how the folks are feeling in Dixon, IL after Wednesday's shooting but so thankful their outcome was much better.

 

Hip feels great - sooo happy and grateful for cortisone injection!

Mark is still coughing!

 

So tomorrow, very bright and early, I'm going into town and hanging out with my Monday Night Friends at Nadine's home to watch the Royal Wedding festivities!    Should be a fun time!

 

Luke and classmates

last few days of pre school

 

 Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

Thursday - May 17

Mark was off this morning to meet Henry for breakfast.    They used to work together and had a good meal and visit at Carmela's catching up on each other's news.

I went to town and met with Brian (Dr. Novotny's PA) about my left hip.    The bursitis that was diagnosed has just gotten really painful.    Brian gave me a cortisone shot and immediately felt relief.    But he cautioned me to do 2 different exercises faithfully, ice several times a day and buy some new tennies as mine probably have over 500 miles and definitely are older than 6 months!

I came back to Flo and started with the ice.    We met friends, Don and Cathy at Busy Corner for still another yummy lunch and then they came to meet Flo and more visiting.    It was so good to hang out with them!

Cathy and Don

 We went to Anderson Park in Normal for Connor's 6:00 ballgame which they lost 8-4.     They played an older team and did well, but just couldn't overcome the 6 runs the other team scored in the 1st inning.

Connor at the plate...

Wednesday - May 16

Nice sunny day.....and then we heard about the shooting at Dixon High School this morning during graduation practice in the gym.   Mark's youngest sister, Karen teaches there.    What a horrible scare but so thankful for the police officer who acted quickly and averted what could've been a horrible tragedy.

We met friends Jim and Nancy, Tom and Mary Carol at Busy Corner for another yummy lunch.    They came out to KK to meet Flo and we had more time to chat.   These 4 are so  much fun...it was a great afternoon.

Tom, Mary Carol, Jim, Nancy

About an hour after they left, Mark and I went into town, did some laundry and then off to Liam's game which they won 9-2.

Liam had a good night with 2 hits and 2 RBI's

Maeve's curls are a humidity detector - ha!!!

Our 2 golf champs!

Ryan is a happy guy tonight - he has sold his boat (his home for past 2 1/2 years)

What fun Mark and I had staying on Terraphobic, but he's ready to move on to something else!

Great memories

 

Tuesday - May 15

Gosh, it's hard to believe that we have been full-time nomads for 3 years as May 15, 2015, we closed on our house of 40 years and took to the road or water!!!    Still having fun, so we'll keep at it!!!

 

Our breakfast plans with Paul and Margaret fell through, so....we got a bunch of things done on the computer, and other paper work taken care of.   After lunch we went into town.    Mark went to Prompt Care to check out the cough that just won't go away.    Lungs are clear and Dr. doesn't think it's allergies.   He's on a z-pak and prednisone.    We stopped at storage and got clothes organized and stuff we're taking with us next week.    Now we're ready to load up truck and off we go on Tuesday.

Had supper with Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor - Patrick grilled out brats and I bought a pasta salad, baked beans, deviled eggs and pie from Busy Corner.

Picnic on the porch!

 

We did get a little rain, but once again, it went north of us.   It was cloudy all day till around 7:30 and then the sun came out and really brightened things up!

Kamp Komfort

Congratulations to the University Christian High School golf team on their championship win at Pinehurst today!

Davis (3rd from left) and Drew (2nd from right)!