Thursday - April 30

We had 2.6" of rain last night!    So, since everything was pretty soaked and muddy, we avoided the trail today and kept on flatter blacktop roads and got to see Luke, Maeve and Mommy!

Got to snap these kiddos quickly as they are always on the move!

Annette does a good job of "catching them in the act"

After lunch, I watched 2 more episodes and then got a grocery delivery from Annette.

Zoom with sisters and more info on Nancy after a good virtual visit with another endocrinologist at Rush who specializes in osteoporosis and bones.    He thinks it is a genetic thing and having her get a shot every 6 months.

Watched another episode while Grandpa and Blair (from a distance) roasted marshmallows.....

"Life is too short - eat dessert first"!!!    

Meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, salad and wine for dinner......3 meals of that delicious meatloaf from 1 batch!!!

Our brother-in-law Mark (Nancy's husband) and my Mark played euchre against Anne and me and walloped us 4 games to 1.     But still fun!!!

Bye bye April............welcome MAY!

Wednesday - April 29

Sunny day and after breakfast we walked (short one today).    Did some laundry and after lunch we took a drive into Hickory/Morganton (out first real time in civilization in 5 weeks and 2 days!)

We did quick curbside pick up (2 stops) and back home.    Strange to see empty parking lots - except for Target, Best Buy, grocery store, etc. which had pretty full parking lots.

Zoom with 4 siblings today and good chats with my two 91-year old aunts (FL and IL).   Was nice to catch up with them.   Watched 2 episodes and the rain started around 5ish.    Worked on grocery list and overall, an uneventful day.

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds flying over Lady Liberty yesterday in NYC.    These 2 teams are doing flyovers across the country as a "thank you" to the medical personnel, first responders and other essential workers in their fight against the Coronavirus working on the front line!

A little bit of recognition as Davis waits to hear about graduation...

Tuesday - April 28

Today started and ended with lots of sunshine, but in between - lots of clouds and temps in the 60's.    We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast, I watched another episode, and at 11:15,  we both did a virtual body scan with our dermatologist, Dr. Lucy back in Bloomington.    That went well and always good to see her (her son, Jack and Connor are best buds.)    Yesterday I was to have my 2nd cataract surgery...

And then we were off to hike the Fonta Flora trail - 8 mile drive from Michael's to get there but wow - it is awesome and we broke our record today - 4.6 miles.     But looking back at the blog - on April 15, 2017, Michael and I hiked thru here - 4.64 miles!!!    Such a pretty hike!

Meandering thru the woods... 

Which way shall we go...

The pretty covered bridge along the way built in 2019 

After lunch I watched another episode and then happy hour with Michael and Brooke on the patio.    Just a lovely evening.... 

Cuddling with Mommy

Here comes Maeve....

A Fairy Princess all dressed up but nowhere to go!

Monday - April 27

Five weeks ago today we arrived at Lake James......still enjoying our time here but wondering what restrictions will be lifted in 11 days?    We have new masks but not ready to venture out with others nor will our kids let us!

Oops forgot to mention we attended "virtual"  Mass in Boston yesterday after breakfast and before our walk with Cardinal O'Malley.

Deep blue skies today but very windy (actually started yesterday afternoon and really blew all night long)!    We went for our walk and found some more sweet rocks on the trail....

Endless roses outside our cottage door

Always so good to come back "home" after our walks

I did some laundry and watched  #4 episode of The Last Dance.    Mark had watched #3 and 4 last night but just #3 for me before I went back to my reading.

I watched 2 more episodes of  "Call the Midwife" and now ready for Season 3.

Late afternoon, the strong winds finally died down!    Beautiful evening!

Bob and I beat Drew and Judy 3 out of 4 games of euchre.

Sunday - April 26

Today would have been Anne and Patrick's 17th wedding anniversary.....

April 26, 2003

It was a beautiful Sunday - after breakfast (ham/cheese omelets, toast and strawberries, we hiked our 4 miles and enjoyed a nice visit with Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve.    We stood along their lane keeping our distance.

Meet 'n Greet on Sunday

Back home for lunch and some R & R after hiking.   

United Air Force Academy graduation on April 18th 

6' apart for 967 graduates

I watched 3 more episodes, Michael grilled Italian sausages for us and all 12 Chamberlain siblings did zoom

  

 Davis, Michael, Brooke, Philip, Anne, Patrick, Ryan

Pat, Mark, Drew

Saturday - April 25

Rainy day, but plenty of things to pass the time indoors.   We had planned to walk to Luke and Maeve's but not today....Here's a new pic of my little darlins'

Fun in the bouncy house

Did some housework and laundry.    Watched another episode (Call the Midwife) and after lunch we took a little ride in Big Red around area of the lake.

Enjoyed a chocolate cupcake that the kiddos next door made!

Proud of Davis and this nice tribute in the paper....

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?=344413082573510&story_fbid=1152115291803281

Two more episodes late this afternoon - cry every time!  

Friday - April 24

A gorgeous day.....we walked - 4.25 miles, had lunch and I enjoyed 2 more episodes of "Call the Midwife" while Mark worked on his new computer.

Here's some more Lake James beauty...

Some sort of bush?

Pretty blooms outside our cottage window

Always a good day when we get a grocery delivery and today, Annette fulfilled her good doobie role!   

I watched 2 more episodes of "Call the Midwife" - boy oh boy..........this is absolutely wonderful.   Plenty of tears tonight and ready to start the 2nd season!

Enjoy your weekend

Thursday - April 23

Rainy and chilly Thursday at Lake James    We watched the 2nd episode of "The Last Dance" and then I started a series "Call the Midwife" which took place in 1957 in London.    Oh my.....after 3 episodes (actually after the first), I am sooo hooked!

So today the IL and NC governors issued new stay-in-place orders,     5/8 for NC (1 week more than originally scheduled) and 5/31 for IL (another month)! 

Connor will graduate on May 13th as planned but it will be a virtual Mass on facebook at 6 PM with no graduates present, of course!

It rained off and on all day - really chilly out there!   Good day to hunker down!    It was a far cry from last night's weather for our "distancing" picnic - beautiful weather!

Big news for our family....................Liam and Connor (and Anne) are getting a new puppy on May 15th.    He is 1 month old today.    Gibson is an Australian Shepherd and is named after Patrick's favorite guitar.    Our other grand dog (Jinx) here in NC is also an Australian Shepherd - very protective of children.

Our sweet grand puppy

Mark is a happy camper with new computer that arrived today!    

On this gloomy, wet day, here's something to make you smile - saw this on our walk a few days ago!

Pretty clematis climbing the mailbox

Another fun night of euchre - Anne and I beat Bob and Judy 3 out of 5 - more close games!

Wednesday - April 22

Clouds and sun....70ish.    I walked part of the trail and Mark waxed Flo with some help from Brady with one on each side.  Saw another pretty little rock....

Not sure who is painting these but sure enjoy them

I did laundry and made deviled eggs    Tonight we had a picnic all spaced apart with Brooke's parents, Bob and Judy,    So fun to sit in the yared and chat and then Michael grilled burgers and we each did our own sides.    Nice change on this beautiful evening!

Picnicking from a distance

Sunshine Girl

A friend in Fort Myers sent the link to watch Gatlin (our favorite duo who we love to see in concert) .    Darryl and Andrea are doing live 1-hour performances (virtual) on Facebook -    GREAT!!!     Tonight was the 2nd coming from Tween Waters in Captiva, Florida.

Tuesday - April 21

Cloudy morning and today we took a different route for our walk.    Drove to a parking area and did a trail near Philip and Annette's home - Annette had told Mark about it and warned us about the steep incline.   It was a pretty walk and here's a neat bridge with "someone" strolling along...

This would be my walking buddy.

As Annette predicted, the path soon starting climbing and we turned around.    Did some other roads and had a brief visit with Annette and the kiddos....

They came out on the road to meet us - oh how I wanted to grab them and give them hugs and kisses!!!

It was a good hike and by the time we got back to the truck, we had done 3.6 miles.    Lunch and then a quiet afternoon.    The sun came out but it was very windy!    We've been doing a daily zoom at 4 (eastern time) with whichever of Mark's siblings are available.    Today, 5 of us met - starts out chit chatting about this and that and checking up on those who've been sick...Tom, Sue and Nancy.    Then we say a Novena to the Divine Mercy, a little more chatter and say our good byes 30 minutes later.

Late afternoon we watched the first episode of "The Last Dance" - story on Michael Jordan.    There are total of 10 episodes.    Really enjoyed it!

Philip sent pics from the Baltimore airport - totally deserted!!!

Luke and Carlos studying conjunctions

A little ray of sunshine

This is a phenomenal rendition of Amazing Grace sung by Andrea Bocelli on Easter Sunday!

W O W!!!!!

https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2020/0420/Why-Andrea-Bocelli-s-Easter-concert-made-YouTube-history

Good close euchre games tonight with Anne as my partner beating Bob and Judy 3 out of 5 

Monday - April 20

Rainy morning but this afternoon, the sun came out, nice breeze and 66 very pleasant degrees.     We read and just did piddlies around the cottage.    I had a Dr./phone chat which was supposed to be an appt. in Bloomington today.    That went well and hope to see him "face-to-face" in one year!

Walked this afternoon after lunch....just 2.6 miles.    Visited with Michael, Brooke and Drew on the patio.    Leftovers from Roma's for supper.

Sweet Blair...from a distance

Played euchre with Bob, Judy, Drew and me......Judy and Drew beat us 3 games to 2.    Cards were not good tonight compared to yesterday!

Does not seem possible that Patrick passed away 7 months ago today! 

Sunday - April 19

A cloudy, cool Sunday....we had breakfast sandwiches and went to Mass with Cardinal O'Malley in Boston.    Mark went to Philip and Annette's and checked out the progress of new garage.

I read and took a little nap - did not sleep well last night for some reason?

Played euchre with Anne, Bob and Judy.    Judy and I were "hot" and won 3 out of 3 games!   Later we had a tournament (4 teams, 8 people, 4 homes).   And Drew and I were the champs!!!

Tonight we did carry out from Roma's, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Nebo.    Drew picked up for all and it was so good and so nice to have the night off from cooking!     Mark and I shared a stromboli and fried ravioli with marinara - all delish!

11 of Mark's siblings did Zoom tonight - so good to see Sue and hear her tell about having the virus and that she and Tom are still recovering - nasty stuff.     They are both in their 60's and a guy in his 40's that Tom heard about from work died last week.   This guy was married with 2 small children and apparently had no underlying condition?    So, everyone is hanging in there trying to keep busy and stay home as much as possible.

A happy memory from 7 years ago today - Woody (aka Connor) for  Disney Day at school

April 19, 2013

Saturday - April 18

Rainy start to the day but cleared off and another beautify day - cooler (60's) and very windy.

I did some cleaning of the cottage and laundry.    After lunch we went for our walk and smiled when we came across this....

Someone left this cute painted little rock along the trail...

And then, these pretty orange flowers

Read this afternoon and did Zoom with 3 of Mark's siblings.     Sat outside on the patio this evening visiting with Michael - sooo pretty out

Friday - April 17

Another picture-perfect day.....walked, read, did Zoom with some of Mark's siblings and watched a virtual cocktail party from Downton Abbey which wasn't much - all about gin and how they make it and the various drinks you can make with the gin.    I was expecting more....oh well, the current owners kept it simple and again, all about the gin!    On a normal day, 1200 people pass thru the castle - nowadays, the Count and Countess are there by themselves.

Enjoyed happy hour with Michael and Brooke (Drew for a little bit, too).    So nice to sit on the patio overlooking the lake and mountains and keeping our distance and catching up as we seldom see these folks except from afar during the week!

CHEERS!

.   

Thursday - April 16

A gorgeous day but cold start (35) and nice recovery to 64 degrees.    We had sausage, eggs and toast and when it warmed up to 55, we went for our walk.    Also did laundry and read.

BIG news is that Tom and Sue (Mark's sister) are feeling better each day and praying that they are coming down the home stretch with the end of the virus.

Nancy is still waiting to hear from doctors and continues to deal with intense pain.

Drew and I played Anne and Annette in euchre tonight each winning 2 games!    Till tomorrow....

Wednesday - April 15

Mark and I had a touch of cabin fever so after breakfast we hopped in Big Red and took off for a little drive around the lake.   We drove 30 miles on very winding, twisty, curvy roads but oh my, sooo much beauty   The green lush of the grass and trees has exploded and along with all the blooming trees and bushes............WOW WOW and more WOW!!!

We came thru Marion, a neighboring town and would've loved to stop at Uncle Bob's for some donuts to take back for everyone, but....not wise to be with others, so...came back, had lunch and enjoyed this gorgeous day.

Just a teeny bit of today's beauty

Today was perfect hiking weather - 55-62ish.    

Tah dah....at 3:17 today, we hit the 4 mile mark!    Proud of us!!!

Along our route a bit off the trail

Camp Lake James always has a big Easter egg hunt on Saturday followed by brunch which we've been to a few years.    Well, this year, all of that was cancelled but the kiddies were still ale to come get a basket full of goodies keeping the distance.

Luke sits in polaris as Tyler in mask holds shepherd's hook out with 2 baskets and bunny waves "Hello"!

Clever way to keep the little ones happy.

Tuesday - April 14

Pretty quiet day here at Lake James.    Mark and I did our short walk, laundry, 2-handed euchre and zoom with 5 of the Chamberlain siblings.   We are all praying for sisters Nancy and Sue and Sue's hubby, Tom.    Nancy hopes to get some results later this week.    Sue and Tom have been really sick with the virus - please keep all 3 in your prayers!    THANKS!!!

While out walking, we were impressed with how the Lake James crew had picked up all the debris on the road and then blew everything off (guy rode in the back of pick-up with blower).    They also had cut up the fallen tree enough to clear the trail path.    So we did do part of the trail today and also the road. 

Big uprooted pine tree on the trail

Michael, Mark and I had a social distance happy hour around the fire pit (no fire) on this gorgeous evening.    Michael then made pizza for all (ingredients came from Moon Doggies in Morganton) - it was excellent!    I made a salad and along with wine - sooo yummy!

Perfect late afternoon

Monday - April 13

Whew....what a storm we had overnight!    Lots of rain, wind, and wicked thunder and lightning!    But thankfully we were spared any damage as so much of the south experienced.    Really sad watching the pics on the Weather Channel this morning.

We walked late morning and got our 3.5 miles in but didn't do the trail cause of all the rain.    We were on the road and came upon where we usually start the trail and about 40' in, there was a big tree down across the trail.    Hope that is cleared away soon....

Downed tree on the trail

Lunch, little nap and read.    Easter dinner leftovers for supper.

Today I was to have my first cataract surgery.....heard from a friend's friend who had her 1st eye done before we were in lock down and no idea when she will be able to have the other one done.    Having some serious vision problems.

Pretty Japanese Maple outside our door

Easter Sunday - 2020

A L L E L U I A

He is risen - let us rejoice and be glad!!!

A very different Easter Sunday.....not going to church and missing the beautiful liturgy, joyful singing, gorgeous flowers (lilies, tulips, hydrangeas, etc.)    But we were with Archbishop Sean Patrick O'Malley in Boston at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross for another beautiful Mass.  Empty church but did have flowers and singing.

We had a leisurely morning, light breakfast and made some deviled eggs while chatting with Blair (facetime).   

We gave these little dresses to Maeve and Blair for Easter - couldn't wear them to church today, but hope to see them dressed up sometime soon!

Although it was a very wet, gloomy Easter, we had so much fun with a family euchre tournament.    6 homes, 14 players and double elimination.    Started at 2:00 and ended at 9:30 with Philip and me the champs.    Some really good games!   BIG thanks to Drew for organizing!!!   

Delicious Easter dinner (only time we took a break cause of course, we had to eat)!!!

A fond memory of past Easters is my Mom's yummy soft sugar cookies made with sour cream and frosted with pastel icing.   Oh my what I wouldn't give for one of them right now...

The rain keeps pouring down - over 1.3" so far with lots more coming according to radar which isn't pretty!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy week ahead!

Saturday - April 11

Bright sunny Saturday although 35 when we woke up!    Big breakfast and later walked our 3.6 miles thru the forest.   It was a refreshing trek thru the woods and eventually got up to  66.    Lots of leaves, twigs and branches along the path from all the wind we've had.

I made a strawberry pretzel salad and we gals are going to share some of our Easter sides with the ham Annette is providing.

Drew giving little sis a thrilling jet ski ride!

So sorry to hear that our brother-in-law, Tom tested positive for the coronavirus.    Please keep him in your prayers.    He's self quarantining at home and praying for Sue (Mark's sister) who has similar symptoms.

Today we and Flo should've arrived at Kamp Komfort and stay thru mid May.    Obviously that's not happening and a good thing with the weather forecast for IL.....only highs in the 40's next week with 3 overnight lows of 26.    Yikes....Flo would not like those cold temps (nor us)!!!

Mark and I played spades - a wicked game and he usually beats me which was the case today!    Brooke shared her corned beef/cabbage/potatoes and carrots with us - delicious and a night off from cooking!    Ha.....Mark and I checked the blog and the last time we actually went out for dinner was March 13 when we went to the rodeo with Allie and Owen - seems like so long ago....but sure a fun day!

Tonight we "attended" the Saturday Evening Vigil at St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, TN.    Our friend, Vince did 2 of the readings.    It was really neat to see him and also enjoyed Father Michael Woods, their priest.

H A P P Y   E A S T E R!

Friday - April 10

The high winds continued thru the night and today...gusts from 35-40.   The cottage is surrounded by tall trees and kept thinking one of them will come crashing in or land on Flo.

But this Good Friday is sunny and much cooler with high of 57.    After breakfast we took a ride in Big Red to Old Wildlife Club - another section of Lake James.     More gorgeous homes in beautiful settings. 

Watched Good Friday services from Boston.   The San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio reenacts the "Trial of Jesus" each year marching thru the streets carrying Jesus and everyone in full costumes.    We watched it at the beginning and end and quite something but all in Spanish.   2 years ago this month, Claire, Kathy and I were in San Antonio, and were at that church.

Annette did a grocery pick up today - much appreciated!

Michael grilled salmon for us on the Green Egg....it was excellent along with a salad topped off by warm chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and whipped topping.    Whoaaa....really good especially since we haven't had desserts in a long time!    Thanks to the little kiddos next door for this awesome treat!

Euchre tonight with Annette and me beating Ryan and Drew 3 of 4 games.

Thursday - April 9

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNETTE

Our sweet Annette is celebrating today but unfortunately, we can't all be together!

Best wishes for a wonderful day and year ahead!

xoxoxoxo

A sunny, cooler day (71) and extremely windy!       We had a productive morning catching up on e-mails, bookwork, etc. and listening to oldies (Malt Shop favorites)!

We went to Holy Thursday Mass with Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica today.   It was translated in English with only a small number present.    In his homily, the Pope prayed for over 60+ priests in Italy who have died from the virus.   

After lunch we went for a very breezy but enjoyable walk.

Mark's sister Nancy has been having serious back pain since mid January.   She's been to orthopedic and spine and pain specialists but no one has come up with a cause or cure.    Please say some prayers for her as the pain has been extremely bad (she has 6 fractures).    Next week she will see an endocronologist and hematologist.

Euchre tonight with Annette and Drew beating Anne and me 3 out of 5 games!!!

The wind is really howling!!!

Wednesday - April 8

HAPPY   BIRTHDAY,   LUKE

April 8, 2014

1st birthday

April 8, 2020

7th Birthday

Our sweet, affectionate, funny grandson is "7" today!!!

Grandpa and I are sad that we can't be together to celebrate!

We took our 2-hour hike from 9-11, lunch and then went to Mass.   This afternoon we took the pontoon to Philip and Annette's and sang Happy Birthday to Luke - fun but bummer we can't "really" celebrate with him.    We tied up to their pontoon and we stayed on Michael's - the kids understand about this social distancing!

Soo pleasant sitting out there and chatting along with Philip, Annette, Maeve and Ryan,

Just hangin' out...

Uncle Ryan and the Birthday Boy

Great day to be on the water before some chilly weather is coming our way! 

Michael, Brooke and kiddos have cleared out their Newton home.....

Bye bye to 1221 Bugle Lane, Newton, NC

Lots of good times here and 18 years worth of memories!

Sunset cruise

Yeah....cake time!