This last day of November was super ugly with rain, cold, wind and then fog rolled in. Not a good day to be out and about, but that's exactly what Mark and I did all morning. Slept in and then to the new Farmhouse Diner for breakfast - it was good but we both had a light breakfast (oatmeal and homemade biscuits). Then tackled out list of shops and errands.
Some of the places, he dropped me off and I ran in to get whatever. And some others, we shopped together. All in all, a successful morning topped off with Starbucks and then picked up a mini bundt cake (Red Velvet) for Drew's birthday tomorrow.
Drew is leaving his teen years behind tomorrow - Anne, Liam, Connor, Mark and I plan to meet him in Peoria when he flies in after a week at home in NC. We'll all go out for lunch and celebrate #20 and then he'll drive back to Iowa City. Sure enjoyed driving his car this week.
Welcome December..............just a few hours away from all the hustle and bustle!
Black Friday - 2019
Cloudy, gloomy day...... Anne the boys went shopping this morning and then we had another productive day decorating including the new tree.
Enjoyed leftovers for lunch, Liam was a big help to Mark installing a shelf in his room. Connor was out and about all day with friends.
Tonight Anne and Liam were bell ringers for Salvation Army outside of Kohl's (fortunately, inside mall). This is a community service project for Liam. Mark and I went out to see them, walked around the mall for a bit - not a lot of hustle and bustle on Black Friday as so many stores are gone. Sure different than years past.
Enjoyed leftovers for lunch, Liam was a big help to Mark installing a shelf in his room. Connor was out and about all day with friends.
Trimmin' the tree
Tonight Anne and Liam were bell ringers for Salvation Army outside of Kohl's (fortunately, inside mall). This is a community service project for Liam. Mark and I went out to see them, walked around the mall for a bit - not a lot of hustle and bustle on Black Friday as so many stores are gone. Sure different than years past.
Bell ringers
Mark and I went to Meatheads for supper - it's been here since 2007 but neither of us had ever eaten there. We both thought a burger sounded good - and they were, along with onion rings and chocolate shake - all delicious and filling! Oink oink
We watched 2 more good Hallmark movies tonight.
Thanksgiving 2019
We had a wonderful Thanksgivng with Anne, Liam and Connor. There were tears and laughs as we shared and remembered happy times with Patrick.
We started the eating with a big breakfast, then set to work with projects in house and garage. Worked all morning and then had snacks in the afternoon.
Our big ham feast was enjoyed by all at 4 - delicious....since Anne and boys prefer ham over turkey, we had ham, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and cheesy corn casserole, citrus waldorf salad, cranberry relish, honey wheat rolls, pumpkin and dutch apple pies.....oink oink!!!
Mark, Connor, Anne and I played euchre (Connor and Grandma were the winners) and we came on home. Everyone tired - it was a big day but we accomplished alot.
The boys are wanting Anne to take them Black Friday shopping, so......we shall wait and hear how that goes. Grandpa and I want no part of that madness!
Enjoyed phone calls, text messages and facetime with our kids and grand kids!
We started the eating with a big breakfast, then set to work with projects in house and garage. Worked all morning and then had snacks in the afternoon.
Our big ham feast was enjoyed by all at 4 - delicious....since Anne and boys prefer ham over turkey, we had ham, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and cheesy corn casserole, citrus waldorf salad, cranberry relish, honey wheat rolls, pumpkin and dutch apple pies.....oink oink!!!
Our feast
Mark, Connor, Anne and I played euchre (Connor and Grandma were the winners) and we came on home. Everyone tired - it was a big day but we accomplished alot.
The boys are wanting Anne to take them Black Friday shopping, so......we shall wait and hear how that goes. Grandpa and I want no part of that madness!
Enjoyed phone calls, text messages and facetime with our kids and grand kids!
Wednesday - November 27
Wow.....what a crazy windy day with gusts at over 50 mph. I ran some errands this morning and Mark had a session with Larry Strong. I was at Anne's most of the day - did laundry and cleaned out some kitchen cupboards and put in new shelf liner. Connor and Grandpa installed new shelves in his bedroom for his treasures - looks so nice!
Connor's special mementos
I got a few groceries in the afternoon and picked up our ham dinner and all the trimmings from HyVee. Mark and Liam met me at the store and Mark went on home with our stuff. I took Liam home along with their groceries. Mark and I had some yummy Sesame chicken for dinner and we still can hear the winds howling. Watched another delightful Hallmark movie.
Our hearts are sad this Thanksgiving missing Patrick but know he'll be with us in spirit.
May you and your families be blessed with a beautiful, bountiful day....
H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G
Tuesday - November 26
Chilly, windy and sunless....I went to Anne's to do some laundry and made an appetizer for Thursday. Mark got a bunch of paper work done. We met Roger and Carol for lunch at Jim's Steakhouse - fun to catch up with them and enjoy a yummy lunch, Jim's has been a Bloomington establishment for a LONG time and I can never go there without getting the Maurice salad with Brittany dressing....it was just as good as I remember from 40+ years ago!!!
The rain had started when we came out of Jim's....Mark brought me home and I fixed a cup of hot tea which hit the spot this dreary day. Mark left to pick up Liam from school, As part of the CCHS baseball team, there is a project for the team "Hire a Saint" to do all kinds of odd jobs in or outside of homes. So, Liam has been doing a lot of raking (Anne, too) and then the person makes a donation to the baseball team which goes towards their spring trip to Myrtle Beach.
Unfortunately, today's raking for Liam was canceled cause of the weather. Mark took him to Culver's for a snack and on home. Then time to pick up Connor (he stayed after school to work on a project)....
Not to jinx anything, but my shoulder is feeling really good after the injection 1 week ago!!! Very thankful! Strong winds coming our way tonight and tomorrow!
Roger and Carol
Looking forward to some fun times together this winter in Punta Gorda/Fort Myers
The rain had started when we came out of Jim's....Mark brought me home and I fixed a cup of hot tea which hit the spot this dreary day. Mark left to pick up Liam from school, As part of the CCHS baseball team, there is a project for the team "Hire a Saint" to do all kinds of odd jobs in or outside of homes. So, Liam has been doing a lot of raking (Anne, too) and then the person makes a donation to the baseball team which goes towards their spring trip to Myrtle Beach.
Unfortunately, today's raking for Liam was canceled cause of the weather. Mark took him to Culver's for a snack and on home. Then time to pick up Connor (he stayed after school to work on a project)....
Not to jinx anything, but my shoulder is feeling really good after the injection 1 week ago!!! Very thankful! Strong winds coming our way tonight and tomorrow!
Monday - November 25
An absolutely gorgeous day for late November - almost balmy and 57 sunny degrees. Met the Monday morning breakfast bunch at McDonalds and enjoyed being with these folks again....girls at one table and guys doing their yakking at a nearby table.
Mark and I drove separately as we each had stuff to do afterwards....I ran a bunch of errands and a little Christmas shopping. Mark spent an hour with Larry Strong (personal trainer) this afternoon working on weights. I wrapped a few gifts.
7 of the Monday Night Friends + Janice (Marsha's friend) met at HyVee for supper. We shared several appetizers and as always, lots of chatter. I picked up a few groceries and on home.
Mark and I drove separately as we each had stuff to do afterwards....I ran a bunch of errands and a little Christmas shopping. Mark spent an hour with Larry Strong (personal trainer) this afternoon working on weights. I wrapped a few gifts.
7 of the Monday Night Friends + Janice (Marsha's friend) met at HyVee for supper. We shared several appetizers and as always, lots of chatter. I picked up a few groceries and on home.
Saturday - Sunday, November 23-24
Not sure what happened, but apparently did not post the blog last night???
Saturday - woke up to snow flurries - ugh! Not quite ready for this...we met Anne, Connor and Drew at Garden of Paradise for breakfast (Liam had spent the night with friends after hockey game).
We took Drew to the Peoria airport for his flight back to NC. He has a nice long break from studies at Iowa and is letting us use his car while he's gone! Sure enjoyed our short time with him and so sweet of him to spend a few days with all of us before heading home.
Saturday - woke up to snow flurries - ugh! Not quite ready for this...we met Anne, Connor and Drew at Garden of Paradise for breakfast (Liam had spent the night with friends after hockey game).
We took Drew to the Peoria airport for his flight back to NC. He has a nice long break from studies at Iowa and is letting us use his car while he's gone! Sure enjoyed our short time with him and so sweet of him to spend a few days with all of us before heading home.
Grandma and Drew (aka Drewby)
After we dropped Drew at the airport, we met friends, Jane, Allie and Owen at Longhorn Steakhouse . We missed Joe who is under the weather. A great visit, lots of laughs, etc. and excellent lunch. Said our good byes - I'll see Jane in 2 weeks and Allie and Owen back in Florida.
Jane and Mark
Pat, Allie, Owen
After lunch we drove downtown Peoria and Mark got some new tennies at Running Central , picked up pies at Busy Corner, stopped at Anne's for a short visit and on Home Sweet Home. Watched a Hallmark movie which surely will put one in the Christmas spirit.
Sunday - up early and out the door at 6:30 for the boys 7 AM hockey game. They lost 7-4 and neither of the Campbell kids scored, but still fun to watch them in action! We all went to 9:00 Mass at St. Mary's. Mark took the boys to Coffee Hound and then Patrick's storage unit where they final finish clearing out everything, sweeping the floor, etc. Anne and I ran a few errands. Nice quiet afternoon of reading, e-mails and watching another good Hallmark movie.
Anne and Liam were in Pekin again tonight for hockey but this time the Sharks were playing disabled children/adults and both teams on sleds.....
#19 playing sled hockey
Enjoy this Thanksgiving week ahead....
Friday - November 22
Drew drove in last night from Iowa City and staying with Anne and boys for 2 nights. Cloudy start to the day, but we enjoyed hanging out with Drew. He came over to our suite and we had breakfast at Shannon's and then ran a bunch of errands
Drew went back to Anne's to work on some school project and Mark and I had a few hours of "down" time - ha....then while I was at Barnes 'n Noble, he took the truck to car wash and returned some things at Lowe's. He picked Connor up from school and Connor and Drew hung out while Anne delivered more pies.
Drew, Mark, Connor and I drove to Pekin tonight for Liam's hockey game. Anne and Auntie Karen met us. Anne had warned us about the COLD in the hockey rink, so we came prepared wearing extra layers, heavy jackets, scarves, earmuffs, gloves, and plenty of blankets. We have nice toasty overhead heaters at our coliseum but this was ridiculous!
Liam's cheering squad with Grandpa taking picture
Liam coming down the ice and scoring on penalty shot - sooo exciting!
Happy family after the game...
Liam, Anne, Connor, Mark, Pat, Drew Karen
Although the Sharks lost 8-3, Liam had an exciting penalty shot and scored the first goal.
Said our good byes to Auntie and gave her the pies she ordered from Liam. Back home and making plans to meet for breakfast.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday - November 21
Rainy, windy and cool (well in the 50''s, so not too bad).....rain stopped late morning but just a dreary ole day. I picked up Starbucks lattes and pastries and off to Donna Rae's. Her daughter Judy and grandson Drew (2) were visiting, so really good to see them. We had a great visit, Judy and Drew were on their way and Donna Rae sat and yakked on and on. Duh...did not get a picture of her...
I picked Mark up and we ran a few errands and then met Bob and Martha at Mandarin Garden for awesome Chinese and more chatter. Always fun to be together - enjoyed seeing pics of their new granddaughter, Kayla Jo born 10/10/ Darling baby girl!
Said our good byes and ran some more errands including picking up crickets at the pet store for the boys pet lizard. Got a few groceries, then to storage and got some Christmas decor and last of our wintry clothes. From 2-7. it's Happy Hour at Starbucks today, so Mark was ready for a hot chocolate and I got a cinnamon dolce latte (buy one get one free).
Home to unpack our stuff.... and later off to the Campbell's. Liam's hockey team was selling pies from Busy Corner. The team sold 250, AND tah dah, 50 of those were Liam's sales. Anne and I went to the coliseum to pick up and we were loaded down with cream and fruit pies. Sorted on kitchen table, chairs, floor, counter top, wherever they would fit! Mark and I brought several home and we'll help with the delivery tomorrow.
Judy and Drew
I picked Mark up and we ran a few errands and then met Bob and Martha at Mandarin Garden for awesome Chinese and more chatter. Always fun to be together - enjoyed seeing pics of their new granddaughter, Kayla Jo born 10/10/ Darling baby girl!
Mark, Pat, Martha, Bob
Said our good byes and ran some more errands including picking up crickets at the pet store for the boys pet lizard. Got a few groceries, then to storage and got some Christmas decor and last of our wintry clothes. From 2-7. it's Happy Hour at Starbucks today, so Mark was ready for a hot chocolate and I got a cinnamon dolce latte (buy one get one free).
Home to unpack our stuff.... and later off to the Campbell's. Liam's hockey team was selling pies from Busy Corner. The team sold 250, AND tah dah, 50 of those were Liam's sales. Anne and I went to the coliseum to pick up and we were loaded down with cream and fruit pies. Sorted on kitchen table, chairs, floor, counter top, wherever they would fit! Mark and I brought several home and we'll help with the delivery tomorrow.
Just a few of the 55 pies the boys were helping to organize
A friend brought dinner tonight - shepherd's pie, salad, Hawaiian rolls and peanut butter kiss cookies - very good comfort food on this chilly night.
Connor, Anne, Liam, Grandpa
after opening his birthday presents
Wednesday - November 20
A bright sunshiny day.....I met Claire at 8:00 Mass and had some good visits afterwards with friends. Then to Coffee Hound for our lattes and avocado toast (yum)!
We had a good chat and caught up. I had a manicure at 11 and saw another friend to visit with along with Lisa, my favorite nail tech.
Did a little Christmas shopping at Von Maur an ran into another friend I had not seen in years.....back to Eastland with Mark - he had a busy morning doing banking and other paper work.
We came over to Anne's in the afternoon. I did some laundry and Mark did some things on her job list. We had some yummy leftovers - wonderful friends continue to bring in meals or gift cards.
Pat and Claire
Did a little Christmas shopping at Von Maur an ran into another friend I had not seen in years.....back to Eastland with Mark - he had a busy morning doing banking and other paper work.
We came over to Anne's in the afternoon. I did some laundry and Mark did some things on her job list. We had some yummy leftovers - wonderful friends continue to bring in meals or gift cards.
Luke and buddy, Clifford
Tuesday - November 19
Busy day starting with visit to Dr. Novotny (my orthoedpic) to see what's going on with my left shoulder. One year ago he gave me a cortisone shot and shoulder has been great, but the past 6 weeks have been really painful, so....
X-rays were taken and discussed a possible scope procedure to see if there's a tear in my rotator cuff? Yikes....sure hope not. But then decided to do the injection and hope for another good, pain free year.
It was an ugly morning with chilly temps and rain. We drove to Starbucks and met Bob and Linda. Enjoyed our hot drinks, visited a bit and then we girls set off for the shops. The guys had several errands, too. We met for lunch at Rob Dobs - new restaurant in town - it is a beautiful place and we enjoyed our lunch and drinks. More shopping (girls) and errands (guys). The guys finished before us and back to Eastland Suites for naps. The tradition of our annual "Dinges Christmas shopping/lunch outing" was most successful and fun!
Ryan has successfully delivered the band equipment to Atlanta.
Mark and I are happy to be in tonight with the cozy afghan and our warm, comfy bathrobes from storage!!!
X-rays were taken and discussed a possible scope procedure to see if there's a tear in my rotator cuff? Yikes....sure hope not. But then decided to do the injection and hope for another good, pain free year.
It was an ugly morning with chilly temps and rain. We drove to Starbucks and met Bob and Linda. Enjoyed our hot drinks, visited a bit and then we girls set off for the shops. The guys had several errands, too. We met for lunch at Rob Dobs - new restaurant in town - it is a beautiful place and we enjoyed our lunch and drinks. More shopping (girls) and errands (guys). The guys finished before us and back to Eastland Suites for naps. The tradition of our annual "Dinges Christmas shopping/lunch outing" was most successful and fun!
Bob and Linda; Mark and Pat
Ryan has successfully delivered the band equipment to Atlanta.
Mark and I are happy to be in tonight with the cozy afghan and our warm, comfy bathrobes from storage!!!
Monday - November 18
Sweet Baby Vivi
Mark and Ryan got trailer and excursion van ready for trip to Atlanta. They had breakfast at Fort Jesse Cafe, came and picked me up and we ran some errands, Ryan got his flu shot, picked up some things from storage, and Ryan was on his way around 1:30.
We changed rooms as ours wasn't ready yesterday (came in a day earlier than planned). So, we are pretty well settled, but more things to get from storage. This is our 5th year to stay here while "home for the holidays".
We picked Connor up and off to Biaggi's for dinner - we had so much fun, great food and really enjoyed our one-on-one time with him. Anne and Liam are in Springfield tonight for hockey game.
Connor and Grandpa
The guys and their desserts - cheesecake for Connor and chocolate cake for Mark
Ryan is in Paducah tonight - on to Atlanta tomorrow.
The article below appeared in today's Chicago Sun Times. A very nice tribute to Patrick.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/18/20970909/patrick-campbell-dead-obituary-jurys-out-thanksgiving-meals
Sunday - November 17
Ryan, Mark and I left Memphis at 8:30 - had planned a quick and final stop at Eclectic Cafe for coffees/to/go, but they don't open till 9 on Sundays, so.....we were outta there. It was chilly but bright and sunny. Mark and Ryan shared the drive (I offered, but....) We stopped for coffee at Love's Truck Stop somewhere in MO and then lunch at St. Louis Bread Co. in Collinsville, IL.
The sun didn't last long and we were soon in the cold, dreary weather that the Midwest is so well known for now and throughout winter.
We arrived in Bloomington at 3, dropped our stuff off at Eastland Suites (our home for the next 5 weeks). Off to storage unit where Patrick had stored all his musical equipment. Connor and Anne met us and the guys worked on loading the trailer of sooo much stuff which Ryan will deliver to Atlanta.
Anne left for Pekin to watch Liam play and rest of us went on to the Campbell's and had Giordano's pizza, wings and salad delivered. Mark and I said our good byes to Ryan and Connor and onto Eastland Suites It is raining and nasty out there.
Christmas is in the air......the Campbell's neighbors across the street always have a very elaborate display of lights and decor and all synchronized to music. We saw it tonight and Connor said it's been up about 2 weeks already....
The sun didn't last long and we were soon in the cold, dreary weather that the Midwest is so well known for now and throughout winter.
We arrived in Bloomington at 3, dropped our stuff off at Eastland Suites (our home for the next 5 weeks). Off to storage unit where Patrick had stored all his musical equipment. Connor and Anne met us and the guys worked on loading the trailer of sooo much stuff which Ryan will deliver to Atlanta.
Anne left for Pekin to watch Liam play and rest of us went on to the Campbell's and had Giordano's pizza, wings and salad delivered. Mark and I said our good byes to Ryan and Connor and onto Eastland Suites It is raining and nasty out there.
Christmas is in the air......the Campbell's neighbors across the street always have a very elaborate display of lights and decor and all synchronized to music. We saw it tonight and Connor said it's been up about 2 weeks already....
Saturday - November 16
Pretty fall Saturday on Mud Island - Mark and I had coffee/(lemon/blueberry scone for me and granola/fruit for him) at Eclectic Cafe and then I got a mini pedicure across the street at the Nail Bar. Quite the fancy place serving wine, champops (frozen popsicle and champagne)!
Back to Ryan's - he got out some Christmas decorations and I hung a few things since after we leave tomorrow, he won't be home till after Thanksgiving.
He doesn't have a tree, so....no trimming that today!
Mark, Ryan and I took the golf cart to the Town Center and ordered sandwiches to go (very good at Cordelia's) and then rode around the homes which are so so neat and different. The alleys are paved and nice playgrounds, little brooks, bridges, fountains, etc. Charming and quaint and mainly young professionals or retirees A small Montessori school here but otherwise, not many children as the schools are on the mainland.
We went to 4:30 Mass at St. Mary's (downtown Memphis) and then to the pyramid, home to the world's largest Bass Pro Shop. We walked around and then rode the elevator (26 floors) to the top where there's an observation deck which Ryan and I checked out. The store was all decked out for Christmas and lots of people enjoying the shopping, restaurants (2), bowling alley (14 lanes), ponds, alligator pond, etc., etc. What a place!!!
Back to Ryan's - he got out some Christmas decorations and I hung a few things since after we leave tomorrow, he won't be home till after Thanksgiving.
He doesn't have a tree, so....no trimming that today!
Mark, Ryan and I took the golf cart to the Town Center and ordered sandwiches to go (very good at Cordelia's) and then rode around the homes which are so so neat and different. The alleys are paved and nice playgrounds, little brooks, bridges, fountains, etc. Charming and quaint and mainly young professionals or retirees A small Montessori school here but otherwise, not many children as the schools are on the mainland.
We went to 4:30 Mass at St. Mary's (downtown Memphis) and then to the pyramid, home to the world's largest Bass Pro Shop. We walked around and then rode the elevator (26 floors) to the top where there's an observation deck which Ryan and I checked out. The store was all decked out for Christmas and lots of people enjoying the shopping, restaurants (2), bowling alley (14 lanes), ponds, alligator pond, etc., etc. What a place!!!
World's tallest free-standing indoor glass elevator
I-40 bridge to the left and the lights of Mud Island
Enjoying a nice evening at Bass Pro Shop
Back home - tomorrow we are all off to Bloomington. We've had a fun time with Ryan and checking out Memphis. And now...can't wait to see the Campbell's.
Friday - November 15
Clear blue sunny skies in the 40's for our day of siteseeing in Memphis. We started out at the Eclectic Cafe for light breakfast. Then to the Tennessee Welcome Center where we met our driver and tour guide, Sydney and along with 17 others, enjoyed an almost 4-hour city tour of Memphis.
We stopped at St. Jude and went into the pavilion where we could read what this phenomenal research hospital is all about and hearing more stories from Sydney. The largest corporate contributor having given over $93m in past 15 years is Chili's Restaurants. Sooo many stories and what a wonderful vision Danny Thomas had and going stronger than ever. In 1990, the success rate for curing childhood cancer was 73% and today, it is a remarkable 94%. Tours are available Monday-Friday, but didn't work out for us with our bus tour today.
As we drove thru the downtown area, Sydney was so interesting explaining various buildings, businesses and other unique tidbits. Onto the landmark Peabody Hotel and popular attraction - "March of the Ducks". Doug was our Duckmaster (there are 3) today explaining how this tradition came about 86 years ago and from the huge crowd there today.....still going very strong. The entire "march" of the 5 ducks lasted approximately 15 seconds!!! This is done every day at 11 and then the ducks get to play in the water fountain in lobby and at 5, march out on the red carpet and return to their penthouse suite on top of the Peabody.
We stopped at Beale Street and walked around.....I'm sure this is a happening place in the warmer weather....lots of shops, restaurants and music-themed stores.
Then onto Graceland and drove around with more good narration by Sydney. We visited this BIG attraction back in 2007 and my, how it has changed including a huge RV park where the former Hard Rock Cafe was formerly located.
The largest employer in Memphis is the University of Tennessee Hospital (health) and this facility is in competition with Duke University for top students....very hard to be accepted at the U of TN and then once admitted, must maintain a GPA of 3.9 or you are outta there. They employ around 40,000.
We also heard the story of the Pyramid which was where the U of TN basketball team and the Memphis Grizzlies (pro basketball team) played. They are now at a big arena and the Pyramid which sat empty for 6 years is now home to the largest Bass Pro Shop in the world effective in 2015. Planning to check it out tomorrow.
After Sydney dropped us off at the welcome center, we drove to Cozy Corner for BBQ lunch - wow, nothing fancy, but Sydney's #1 choice from over 200 BBQ joints in town. It got great reviews from Trip Advisor, too.
We toured Sun Records with another great guide, Lydia. This is where so many big names got their start......Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered here on December 4, 1956 and thus became, "Million Dollar Quartet" which was one of the best shows ever!
The timing was perfect as we finished the tour and off to the airport to pick up Ryan who flew from Salt Lake City to DC to Memphis. He left his car at airport and we came on home....
Relaxed with drinks and then some delicious sides from Cordelia's. And to top off this fun day, Ryan made a yummy hot drink concoction..... cider, oj, bourbon and cinnamon sticks with an orange slice.....YUMMY!!!
We stopped at St. Jude and went into the pavilion where we could read what this phenomenal research hospital is all about and hearing more stories from Sydney. The largest corporate contributor having given over $93m in past 15 years is Chili's Restaurants. Sooo many stories and what a wonderful vision Danny Thomas had and going stronger than ever. In 1990, the success rate for curing childhood cancer was 73% and today, it is a remarkable 94%. Tours are available Monday-Friday, but didn't work out for us with our bus tour today.
St. Jude
Danny Thomas and his 3 children
As we drove thru the downtown area, Sydney was so interesting explaining various buildings, businesses and other unique tidbits. Onto the landmark Peabody Hotel and popular attraction - "March of the Ducks". Doug was our Duckmaster (there are 3) today explaining how this tradition came about 86 years ago and from the huge crowd there today.....still going very strong. The entire "march" of the 5 ducks lasted approximately 15 seconds!!! This is done every day at 11 and then the ducks get to play in the water fountain in lobby and at 5, march out on the red carpet and return to their penthouse suite on top of the Peabody.
Rolled out the red carpet for "March of the Ducks"
We stopped at Beale Street and walked around.....I'm sure this is a happening place in the warmer weather....lots of shops, restaurants and music-themed stores.
Then onto Graceland and drove around with more good narration by Sydney. We visited this BIG attraction back in 2007 and my, how it has changed including a huge RV park where the former Hard Rock Cafe was formerly located.
The largest employer in Memphis is the University of Tennessee Hospital (health) and this facility is in competition with Duke University for top students....very hard to be accepted at the U of TN and then once admitted, must maintain a GPA of 3.9 or you are outta there. They employ around 40,000.
We also heard the story of the Pyramid which was where the U of TN basketball team and the Memphis Grizzlies (pro basketball team) played. They are now at a big arena and the Pyramid which sat empty for 6 years is now home to the largest Bass Pro Shop in the world effective in 2015. Planning to check it out tomorrow.
After Sydney dropped us off at the welcome center, we drove to Cozy Corner for BBQ lunch - wow, nothing fancy, but Sydney's #1 choice from over 200 BBQ joints in town. It got great reviews from Trip Advisor, too.
We toured Sun Records with another great guide, Lydia. This is where so many big names got their start......Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered here on December 4, 1956 and thus became, "Million Dollar Quartet" which was one of the best shows ever!
Great tour
The timing was perfect as we finished the tour and off to the airport to pick up Ryan who flew from Salt Lake City to DC to Memphis. He left his car at airport and we came on home....
Relaxed with drinks and then some delicious sides from Cordelia's. And to top off this fun day, Ryan made a yummy hot drink concoction..... cider, oj, bourbon and cinnamon sticks with an orange slice.....YUMMY!!!
Nice hot toddy on a chilly night
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday - November 14
Hello from Mud Island (Memphis)! We are hanging out at Ryan's till Sunday. He's working (Salt Lake City) till tomorrow afternoon, so we're enjoying his home and this neat area. We were in Memphis briefly many years ago visiting Graceland (Elvis's home), but that was about it.
Good day of travel but mostly cloudy and few sprinkles. Got up to 51 and just a little bit of sunshine around noontime. We only had to drive about 2 miles and we were in Alabama this morning and gained that hour back. So, breakfast at The Waffle House in Opelika, AL at 7 AM. Then on our way sharing the driving and next stop was lunch (another winner from Trip Advisor and Mark's choice) - in New Albany, MS (yesterday, we ate in Albany, GA). This was called The Tallahatchie Gourmet (remember the song by Bobbie Gentry...."Billie Joe McAllister" jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge back in 1967? Quirky, unique place, but great food and busy this Thursday afternoon.
We've seen lots of RV's heading south the past 2 days but occasionally, some were going north??? Silly folks.....
Mark took me past the airport and the ginormous FedEx facility - so many planes and trucks and building after building. Memphis is the headquarters for FedEx....Mark was here almost 1 year ago with Ryan for orientation
We arrived at Ryan's at 2 and settled in. Gee....we gave him some of our furniture, kitchen stuff, etc. from storage and neat to see it around his home! Mama smiled when I saw some ceramic pumpkins sitting here and there! That's my boy!!
Being a nomad, not displaying seasonal decorations is something I miss....
Around 3:30, we took his golf cart (popular way to get around here on the island) - bundled up with ear muffs, gloves and coats and off for a little ride.
Cute "downtown" area and our 1st stop was The Eclectic Cafe for some hot drinks and we shared a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Had a nice visit with the barista - did not realize that there are over 14,000 residents on the island (actually a peninsula) but so many different styles of homes and colorful! We'll have to drive around some more in Big Red another time. We strolled around Cordelia's (upscale gourmet grocery) and picked up a few things for dinner..
So sad to hear about another senseless school shooting today in California.....WHY????? 🙏🙏🙏
Tomorrow Mark and I plan to be "tourists" and check out Memphis!
Cute little ditty on Facebook tonight....
Good day of travel but mostly cloudy and few sprinkles. Got up to 51 and just a little bit of sunshine around noontime. We only had to drive about 2 miles and we were in Alabama this morning and gained that hour back. So, breakfast at The Waffle House in Opelika, AL at 7 AM. Then on our way sharing the driving and next stop was lunch (another winner from Trip Advisor and Mark's choice) - in New Albany, MS (yesterday, we ate in Albany, GA). This was called The Tallahatchie Gourmet (remember the song by Bobbie Gentry...."Billie Joe McAllister" jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge back in 1967? Quirky, unique place, but great food and busy this Thursday afternoon.
We've seen lots of RV's heading south the past 2 days but occasionally, some were going north??? Silly folks.....
Mark took me past the airport and the ginormous FedEx facility - so many planes and trucks and building after building. Memphis is the headquarters for FedEx....Mark was here almost 1 year ago with Ryan for orientation
We arrived at Ryan's at 2 and settled in. Gee....we gave him some of our furniture, kitchen stuff, etc. from storage and neat to see it around his home! Mama smiled when I saw some ceramic pumpkins sitting here and there! That's my boy!!
Being a nomad, not displaying seasonal decorations is something I miss....
Around 3:30, we took his golf cart (popular way to get around here on the island) - bundled up with ear muffs, gloves and coats and off for a little ride.
Great way to get around Mid Island (even if it's cold)
1st peppermint mocha latte of the season
Cute "downtown" area and our 1st stop was The Eclectic Cafe for some hot drinks and we shared a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Had a nice visit with the barista - did not realize that there are over 14,000 residents on the island (actually a peninsula) but so many different styles of homes and colorful! We'll have to drive around some more in Big Red another time. We strolled around Cordelia's (upscale gourmet grocery) and picked up a few things for dinner..
So sad to hear about another senseless school shooting today in California.....WHY????? 🙏🙏🙏
Tomorrow Mark and I plan to be "tourists" and check out Memphis!
Cute little ditty on Facebook tonight....
Dear Mother Nature,
Having received my free sample of winter,
I would like to cancel the remainder of my subscription.
Thank you!
Wednesday - November 13
We left Flo and Cypress Trail at 6:45 - it was 63, very dreary and windy. I started the driving and we switched about every 2 hours. Along the way, we had some light misty rain but then the sun came out and clear blue skies all day long. The temps dropped as we headed north but the lowest was 48. That will change overnight....
We drove 550 miles with 425 more to go tomorrow. Stopped in Wesley Chapel, FL for breakfast and then Mark found a fabulous place in Albany, GA for late lunch.....it was a former nursing home and 5 years ago converted into "The Bread House and Granary". The decor was sooo neat and quaint, excellent food (we each had a panini - Mark (roast beef) and me (turkey) with good stuff including pimento cheese inside - ah....yes, we are definitely in the south! Had pasta salad as our side and it was sooo good and then we got some "pecan pie bread pudding to go"......oh my, warm, gooey and delicious - one bite at restaurant and then enjoyed later tonight.
We drove 550 miles with 425 more to go tomorrow. Stopped in Wesley Chapel, FL for breakfast and then Mark found a fabulous place in Albany, GA for late lunch.....it was a former nursing home and 5 years ago converted into "The Bread House and Granary". The decor was sooo neat and quaint, excellent food (we each had a panini - Mark (roast beef) and me (turkey) with good stuff including pimento cheese inside - ah....yes, we are definitely in the south! Had pasta salad as our side and it was sooo good and then we got some "pecan pie bread pudding to go"......oh my, warm, gooey and delicious - one bite at restaurant and then enjoyed later tonight.
Sinfully good!
The Bread House and Granary
We are in Columbus, GA tonight and just chillin' after a long day of travel.
Tomorrow we'll gain back an hour
Tuesday - November 12
Enjoyed a great walk this morning - no smoke, no high heat and humidity. I actually started out with a light jacket! Mark rode his bike and back to Flo, we opened the windows! What a treat!
Did more packing, laundry and then off to Punta Gorda where we met Allie and Owen for lunch at the Laishley Crab House - great friends 'n food! And such a beautiful day on the water enjoying it all.
We are happy with our new cell phone batteries - charge our phones overnight and good to go all day long!!!
We plan to leave early tomorrow and off to Memphis (2-day trip). Been a great 3 weeks here at Cypress Trail. Bye bye till January...
Did more packing, laundry and then off to Punta Gorda where we met Allie and Owen for lunch at the Laishley Crab House - great friends 'n food! And such a beautiful day on the water enjoying it all.
Mark, Pat, Allie and Owen
Back home to load up Big Red. Had wine and snacks on our patio with Rita and Dick (next-door neighbors) - very enjoyable happy hour!
Rita and Dick
Maeve and friend Avery
We are happy with our new cell phone batteries - charge our phones overnight and good to go all day long!!!
We plan to leave early tomorrow and off to Memphis (2-day trip). Been a great 3 weeks here at Cypress Trail. Bye bye till January...
Monday - November 11
A huge THANK YOU to all our Veterans for their service and keeping us safe!
Especially thinking of Ryan and other family/friends who valiantly served or are serving our country
Beautiful day in SW Florida with 81 sunny degrees. Back in IL and other northern areas, they are having cold, snow and wind! Crazy, crazy...
We ran some errands and stopped at the Java House for yummy coffee/pastries
Pumpkin/butterscotch scone and caramel almond croissant!
Came on home and started gathering our stuff to take with us when we leave Wednesday - at least it won't be many clothes as the summery things will stay here and we have enough warm woolies to get us home where there are more in storage.
Mark added more shelving in the she shed - can never have enough room for all our stuff!
Speaking of crazy weather.....yesterday, Maeve was wearing a jacket and by afternoon, a bikini
An "M" for Maeve or Mommy
Posing with her boots!
We picked Jim up and off to The Boathouse for dinner....had to get my shrimp fix before heading north! Great visit, food and drinks. Lydia is dealing with the cold and snow in St. Louis!
Mark, Pat, Jim
Almost full moon and "salute to our Veterans with Old Glory"
Friday-Sunday - November 8-10
I'm back from cold, snowy Wisconsin and our 26th annual Chamberlain Sisters Weekend which was so much fun as always. Here's how the weekend went....
Friday - Jim and Lydia picked me up at 6 AM and off to Fort Myers airport and our flight to O'Hare. Theresa picked us up and away we went to cold, snowy Wisconsin. Yikes....big shock to our bods after all the heat of Florida. But soon settled in at Doris's lovely home on Eagle Lake (about 20 miles west of Racine). The sisters trickled in rest of the afternoon and evening. So good to see everyone (12) along with lots of great food, wine and chatter. And then let the games begin....Sequence, Dominoes, Pass the Trash, Talking Tango, Hand 'n Foot, etc. Finally off to bed (some stayed up till the wee hours of tomorrow!) Not we Florida gals who were one hour ahead...
Saturday - Bright sunshiny day but chilly and breezy. Big breakfast and then the games began, while some went for a walk, others read, lunch and just a relaxing "do what you wanna do weekend".
We all went to 4:30 Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine in Union Grove and then to "Chances" in Rochester for delicious supper (I had walleye). Our waitress was "Carol". How ironic that "Carol" was the oldest of the family and passed away in 1992. And tonight, another "Carol" took care of us as we were sure "our" Carol was looking down on all of us with a big smile!
While we were all at dinner, Janet got a phone call that her daughter, Bridget was off to the hospital - in labor with her 2nd child. Sue, Karen and Janet left for Rockford where Janet lives and new baby coming. Well..........baby did not wait for Grandma and arrived just "30 minutes" after arriving at hospital. So happy for this sweet family!
Sunday - a very dreary, grey day. Some of the sisters left early and rest of us helped clean up the kitchen change beds and remake, and get everything ship shape! Good bye hugs till we're all together on 12/20 for our Christmas gathering.
Theresa dropped us off at O'Hare and Lydia and I parted ways - she flew to St. Louis and anxiously awaiting birth of her grandbaby in the next 10 days or so. Jim will stay here till just before Thanksgiving. Mark and I are here till Wednesday. Weather sounds great with cooler temps - upper 70's-low 80's. Yeah!
Mark and Jim enjoyed their time together this weekend - few projects, but some good R 'n R, too. They both went to the 3rd annual "Early Bird" party here at Cypress Trail Friday night - huge crowd (327) and had a fun time with a bountiful potluck + grilled brats, burgers, polish sausage, etc. Wow..quite the party! Last night they went to Izzy's downtown for dinner. Some good "brother bonding time!"
Anne and her friend Patti took Liam, Connor, Blaise (Patti's son) and 3 friends to Six Flags in St. Louis on Saturday (after Liam and Connor won their 7 AM hockey game 7-2). While the boys enjoyed the rides (it was 60), the gals shopped at the Outlet Mall.
Ryan returned from Paris and spent yesterday/today in Pensacola for Blue Angels Homecoming and end of their season.
Enjoy the week ahead...
Friday - Jim and Lydia picked me up at 6 AM and off to Fort Myers airport and our flight to O'Hare. Theresa picked us up and away we went to cold, snowy Wisconsin. Yikes....big shock to our bods after all the heat of Florida. But soon settled in at Doris's lovely home on Eagle Lake (about 20 miles west of Racine). The sisters trickled in rest of the afternoon and evening. So good to see everyone (12) along with lots of great food, wine and chatter. And then let the games begin....Sequence, Dominoes, Pass the Trash, Talking Tango, Hand 'n Foot, etc. Finally off to bed (some stayed up till the wee hours of tomorrow!) Not we Florida gals who were one hour ahead...
Saturday - Bright sunshiny day but chilly and breezy. Big breakfast and then the games began, while some went for a walk, others read, lunch and just a relaxing "do what you wanna do weekend".
We all went to 4:30 Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine in Union Grove and then to "Chances" in Rochester for delicious supper (I had walleye). Our waitress was "Carol". How ironic that "Carol" was the oldest of the family and passed away in 1992. And tonight, another "Carol" took care of us as we were sure "our" Carol was looking down on all of us with a big smile!
Theresa, Sue, Marilyn, Sharon, Pat, Janet, Nancy, Joan, Karen, Beth, Doris, Lydia
Bridget and Adam
Reid and Graham
"Welcome Baby Reid Harry"
6 lbs., 14 oz - 19.5"
Sunday - a very dreary, grey day. Some of the sisters left early and rest of us helped clean up the kitchen change beds and remake, and get everything ship shape! Good bye hugs till we're all together on 12/20 for our Christmas gathering.
Theresa dropped us off at O'Hare and Lydia and I parted ways - she flew to St. Louis and anxiously awaiting birth of her grandbaby in the next 10 days or so. Jim will stay here till just before Thanksgiving. Mark and I are here till Wednesday. Weather sounds great with cooler temps - upper 70's-low 80's. Yeah!
Mark and Jim enjoyed their time together this weekend - few projects, but some good R 'n R, too. They both went to the 3rd annual "Early Bird" party here at Cypress Trail Friday night - huge crowd (327) and had a fun time with a bountiful potluck + grilled brats, burgers, polish sausage, etc. Wow..quite the party! Last night they went to Izzy's downtown for dinner. Some good "brother bonding time!"
Anne and her friend Patti took Liam, Connor, Blaise (Patti's son) and 3 friends to Six Flags in St. Louis on Saturday (after Liam and Connor won their 7 AM hockey game 7-2). While the boys enjoyed the rides (it was 60), the gals shopped at the Outlet Mall.
Ryan returned from Paris and spent yesterday/today in Pensacola for Blue Angels Homecoming and end of their season.
Enjoy the week ahead...
Thursday - November 7
72 years ago today, (11-7-1947), Mark William came into the world at 2 AM ..
Smoke was back this morning so I didn't walk - did a load of laundry and then went to an introductory meeting for water aerobics under the tiki hut. Had a large group of ladies + a few men listen to Laura, our certified instructor. She will teach 2 classes a day (10 and 11) Monday-Friday. They put out a nice spread of assorted pastries, fresh fruit, mimosas and coffee. I will start that in January - hopefully 2x a week and yoga 2x a week.
Mark enjoyed talking to his kids and grandkids (facetime with Luke, Blair and Maeve). Ryan called from Paris.
We drove downtown early afternoon - had ice cream at Sidecar Treats (Loveboat ice cream)! Met Sue and Jerry and we all enjoyed "Always...Patsy Cline" - excellent musical at the Florida Repertory Theater. Then we walked to Firestone Grill for delicious dinner and chocolate lava cake compliments of Firestone for the birthday boy.
Finished packing.....Lydia and I are leaving at 6 AM for the airport and our flight to Chicago and onto Wisconsin for Sisters Weekend. No blog for a few days. Off to enjoy my sisters (12 of us)!
He's been the best husband, dad and grandpa ever!!!!
Happy Birthday, Sweetie...
Smoke was back this morning so I didn't walk - did a load of laundry and then went to an introductory meeting for water aerobics under the tiki hut. Had a large group of ladies + a few men listen to Laura, our certified instructor. She will teach 2 classes a day (10 and 11) Monday-Friday. They put out a nice spread of assorted pastries, fresh fruit, mimosas and coffee. I will start that in January - hopefully 2x a week and yoga 2x a week.
Mark enjoyed talking to his kids and grandkids (facetime with Luke, Blair and Maeve). Ryan called from Paris.
We drove downtown early afternoon - had ice cream at Sidecar Treats (Loveboat ice cream)! Met Sue and Jerry and we all enjoyed "Always...Patsy Cline" - excellent musical at the Florida Repertory Theater. Then we walked to Firestone Grill for delicious dinner and chocolate lava cake compliments of Firestone for the birthday boy.
Finished packing.....Lydia and I are leaving at 6 AM for the airport and our flight to Chicago and onto Wisconsin for Sisters Weekend. No blog for a few days. Off to enjoy my sisters (12 of us)!
Jerry, Sue Asher, Pat, Mark at the theater
Awesome butterfish
Chocolate lava cake - Mark's favorite
Sue and Jerry - dear friends - great fun!
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