Friday - February 1

Welcome to February - the month of hearts and flowers..... 

It was 9 degrees when we woke up this morning (heat wave for these IL folks).   We said our good byes to Anne and the boys (Patrick left earlier), packed up the car and off to the Fort Jesse Cafe for a warm, hearty breakfast.    Then we headed north on I-55 to Chicago.....could not believe how many cars were in the ditch - obviously from last night's snowing, blowing and poor visibility.    Roads were clear and we arrived at our hotel around 11:15.    Just as we were about to check in, Doris (Mark's sister) and Rich (parents of the bride) pulled up....they had a bunch of stuff to deliver for the reception (here at the hotel tomorrow) and we were happy to help carry in welcome bags for the guests and the table identifiers for the reception.    Said our good byes - busy day for them....

The hotel is undergoing a major renovation, so some areas are closed.    Our room has been newly refurbished and very sleek and modern!    Settled in with the warm sunshine and a high of 20 degrees today.

Nice quiet afternoon reading our books and walking around the hotel.  

Late afternoon some of the family started trickling in.....11 of us had dinner at Prasino in LaGrange.    It was very good but we had quite an interesting, COLD start to the evening.   We had just been served our drinks but not taken the first sip, when a very LOUD, SCREECHING alarm sounded.   We were asked to evacuate and wait outside...."WHAT"???    The fire department had to come and check out and shut down the alarm.    A pipe burst in an upstairs apartment - it took around 30 minutes till the alarm finally was turned off.    Some of us just held out ears and waited out the horrific noise after being so cold and came back inside which they allowed after realizing what was what and fire department would be shutting off the alarm soon?    Felt so bad for small children who were screaming as it hurt their ears and they waited outdoors.

But once the alarm ended, we enjoyed a delicious meal topped off (on the house) 4 excellent desserts to share.

Sue, Sarah, Daniel, Janet, Sharon, Mike, Darrell, Mark, Pat, Adam, Tom 
Happy Birthday, Mike




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