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....