Friday - September 30

 Another spectacular fall day in central IL.    We were off with 5 loads of laundry.    Got the washers going and walked next door to Gloria Jeans for coffees and pastries.    They had absolutely no food and the guy only had regular coffee?    Not sure what that's all about???      So, we drove to Starbucks nearby and got to visit with our long-ago neighbor on Jackson Street....Marta.    Great to see her.

While we were doing the laundry, Paul V (our lunch date) called with the news that his friend Marlys had had minor surgery yesterday and woke up really sick today.    So they cancelled but hope we can reschedule.    Paul and family have been going to Sanibel for years and years.....lots of damage at their condo complex and not really sure on their particular condo/building.    Sanibel is empty now and only way to get there is by boat (or helicopter).    More and more new pics that are heartbreaking seeing or hearing about familiar places now gone.

Then to storage to do some organizing and decide what we want to take to FL with us.

Since our lunch with Paul and Marlys was canceled, Mark suggested we go to Schooners which is very close to storage.    We hadn't been there in eons and very good as always.

On home and after putting the clean laundry away, went for a walk - what a glorious day in the country.    As we were walking along the road, a farmer/neighbor was out mowing his roadside and stopped mowing and we had a great visit - Ed and Judy had a horrific explosion in their farm home on December 23, 2015 when the gas line was struck by lightning (very unusual for December).    They lost everything and it was the  home where Ed had lived for 75 years..   We remember hearing about that - horrible.

They built a new home and have a very pretty rural setting.   We discussed many subjects - farming, Kamp Komfort, Alzheimers, hurricane Ian, etc.

On home and Mark started a fire with wood that was left from when Joyce and Butch were here.

I've been so emotional and sad these past few days with all the devastating pics/videos, etc. but Annette sent this today and I started to cry....

This is what was Shuckers/The Cottage on Fort Myers Beach.

Anne, Auntie, Liam, Connor, Mark and I had lunch here on Christmas Day 2021.

😢😢😢

There are lots of RV's/campers here at KK tonight from IL.....most for the ISU football game tomorrow night against SIU.    Next door are a couple from Harvey, IL.    Their daughter came (sophomore at ISU) to hang out.  Mark was visiting with the Dad and he mentioned they were looking for a place to stay in FL.....lo and behold, it was Cypress Trail but nothing available.    He didn't start looking till April, so....

Facetime this afternoon with Annette, Luke and Maeve (no school today cause of Ian effects coming their way).

A very much appreciated e-mail tonight from Cypress Trail - a spread sheet listing all 482 lots and an X for each lot if they had landscaping, tiki or shed damage.    

BLT's for supper - especially yummy with home grown tomatoes from Claire!

Bye bye to September.....down to the last 3 months of 2022.    How can this be???

Thursday - September 29

 Very overwhelmed watching TV today but thankful our she shed is ok.    Next-door neighbor, Dick came back to park this morning in his truck (5th Wheel is in Moorehaven) to assess the damage.   Damage to sheds, tiki huts and palm trees - really bad for the Royal Palms.    

We went to town and met our Monday morning breakfast group (all except Marty) at Donna Rae's assisted living facility - Westminster Village.   We had Danish, fruit, coffee  juice (provided by WV) and a good visit.    All enjoyed touring her lovely new home.

Mark, Pat, Ken, Brenda, Sigrun, Sue, Donna Rae, Jerry

 

A beautiful painting by Donna Rae from many years ago and now hanging at Westminster Village.

We came on home, turned on the TV and were just blown away by all the devastation.    So many aerial views of places we remember, favorite restaurants, etc., GONE!   Fort Myers Beach, downtown, etc., etc. just demolished!

Went for a walk this afternoon and Micci (manager) invited us to watch her daughter, Kylie's wedding video from August 6th.    Beautiful outdoor wedding and so fun and joyful to enjoy that after all the FL destruction we've been fixated on.

We got an update from Jeff (HOA president at Cypress Trail).  There is no power, sewer or water and almost all lots sustained some damage.   Later we heard there is water.

Met Barb and Roger for dinner at Jim's Steakhouse - excellent steaks and sat and visited almost 4 hours and closed the place down.   None of us had been there in a very long time.  So much hurricane talk - Barb and Roger have a condo in Bonita Springs, but no damage.

And now Ian is off to do more damage along the southeast coast....arghhhhh  🙏🙏🙏

Luke and Daddy after soccer game with ominous hurricane clouds lurking behind.

Till tomorrow....

                                          

 

 

Wednesday - September 28

 It was such a spectacular day here and really can't comprehend what it's like in Florida?    Watching the news is heartbreaking...one of the Weather Channel meteorologists said he has covered 80 hurricanes in his 30 year career - Ian is thee worst!!!! 

I was off to town for a 9:00 mani/pedi, then ran some errands.   Had a 1:00 appt. for a facial (Mother's Day gift from Michael and Brooke), but they called and said the person doing it was sick, so.....I came on home and turned on the TV.

Mark got a haircut and then had lunch at Applebees with Henry (worked together at SF).   Quiet afternoon watching Florida.   So appreciate all the texts from family/friends checking in - wondering where we are?    We could see the palm trees blowing like crazy from the cameras on our lot and then lost power to the she shed!

Claire and I had an early dinner tonight at Mystic Kitchen (downtown Bloomington and a favorite of ours).    Of course, much of the talk was about Ian (Mike and Claire have a condo on Fort Myers Beach).    The stories are coming in and they aren't pretty...

Claire and Pat

Exciting day for Liam and Connor - CCHS was in the Regionals golf tournament and placed 1st.    Connor shot a 76 and Liam, an 85.   Onto sectionals Monday.

A nice tribute to Liam and Jack

Pray for Florida...🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Tuesday - September 27

 Ian is all over the news with worry and wonder where he will hit...Cypress Trail is doing a great job of keeping we residents informed and hoping those folks are getting the heck outta there.    Mark said we would be long gone with Flo heading to NC if we were down there.    One "good" thing about a hurricane is you are given plenty of notice.    Unfortunately, too many people decide to ride it out or wait till the last minute to leave!

We went into town and met Allie, Owen, Jane and Joe for lunch at Biaggi's - great food and company!   Made a plan to be together in December.   Of course, the big topic was "Ian" and where it will hit.    Allie and Owen have a condo in North Port, FL.

Jane 'n Joe, Allie 'n Owen, Pat 'n Mark

 They had not been to Biaggi's before or seen Ryan's sign on Route 9 so took some pics before they headed back to Peoria.

Back to KK - another very windy day.    We went for a "short" walk.    They've started combining the beans in the field in front of Flo and with the strong wind, the dust is a'flyin.

Ian keeps changing paths......very scary.    Tornado watch for much of southwest FL till tomorrow at 5 AM.

School pictures - 2022-2023

Luke - 4th grade

Maeve - 1st grade

Monday - September 26

 Another blustery, sunny, cool day!   We were off to Anne's at 8 to pick up 4 of  the boys golf clubs that needed re-gripping.     Mark dropped me off at Shannon's to meet the breakfast group and went onto Bauer Golf to have them take care of the clubs and we'd pick up later.   They are only open 9-1.   He was back at Shannon's before we ordered.

Left and around:

Ken, Marty, Mark, Sigrunn, Brenda, Pat, Sue, Jerry, Pat

Today is Pat and Brenda's 53rd wedding anniversary!    They treated us all to lottery tickets but only Jerry won - $5,     Good breakfasts, chatter and then we were all on our way.     Put some gas in Little Navy, a few errands and golf clubs were ready for pick up.   We took them to the boys car at CCHS so they'll be ready for practice after school.

On home...Mark worked on logistics for where we're staying the 4 nights once we leave here enroute to Fort Myers.  Only 16 days away.

So much good eating in the fall.....apple and pumpkin donuts, chili, roasted hot dogs, caramel apples, candy corn w/peanuts, s'mores, apple cider, apple and pumpkin pie, etc., etc.

Tonight I drove to Chenoa and Ruth's farm in the country - only 4 Monday Night Friends together for a potluck but such delicious food (Swiss chicken, zucchini casserole, homegrown sliced tomatoes, apple/cinnamon muffins and pumpkin cake roll).    Ruth has sooo many beautiful flowers - marigolds, lantana, zinnias, mums, etc.   A very enjoyable evening!   

Pat, Ruth, Marsha, Jody

Been in touch with Florida family and friends....at this point, no one is evacuating!     Pray they stay safe from Ian.   

 

Sunday - September 25

 Whew.....a "hold onto your hat" kinda day!    Blustery winds out of the northwest at 26-30 mph!    We went to10:00 Mass with Father Stirniman, then to storage to get some warmer clothes as the temps are going to be chilly this week.

We also drove past Brown's Wrecking Service and saw the airstream (IN folks told us that's where it was taken).    Some damage to the hitch, front cover for propane tanks and outside steps were twisted and dented.    No sign of the truck.    Then onto Culver's for a tenderloin to share when we got home.

My cousin Jane, Joe and our friend Judy came from Peoria and Mendota for an afternoon of laughing and reminiscing.    We gals are Sublettians.   Had some drinks, snacks and enjoyed this windy, sunny afternoon at the KK campground.   

Judy, Pat, Jane, Joe

Mark, Pat, Jane, Joe

3 Sublettians

Judy, Pat, Jane

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings - lots of talk abut the frustrations of teaching.....wow!   Unbelievable stories such as 7-year olds "vaping".....arghhhh!

Enjoy your week!

Saturday - September 24

 After all the rain last night, what a spectacular Saturday with clear skies and mid 70's.    We were off at 7:45 for Ironwood Golf Course in Normal to watch the boys play.    Several schools playing.    We met Anne and Mark decided to rent a golf cart as this was a very long course.   It was in the low 50's so a bit nippy riding around but overall, very pleasant.    We only stayed for a few holes for each of the boys.

Onto Meijer for a few things and then home.    We saw Butch and Joyce were still here so walked down to tell them good bye!   They check out a lot of coffee shops like us.....and Butch is "campfire builder extraordinaire".   Sooo much fun the past 2 days!    I made Reuben omelets and toast and had a nice relaxing day.

Joyce and Butch with their 5th Wheel

Last night Mark is tending to a "Butch" campfire which turned out great!

The boys had a great day with Connor shooting a 76 and Liam, 75.    Congrats guys!   I think they do better when we are NOT there.

We went for a long walk in the afternoon - just a delightful day!

Liam's senior golf picture

Friday - September 23

 A very busy, fun day with Butch and Joyce.    Started off the day going to Braker's for coffee and shopping.    Brought back lots of goodies, on home to store in fridge and cupboard.  Then we were off to the Tea Room at the Depot in Mackinaw for more shopping followed by delicious lunch.    LOVE this place and so did our friends!

Excellent "tier" lunch - soup/salad/sandwich/dessert

All divine!

 

Pretty entrance to the Depot

Mark, Joyce, Butch

Brought some leftovers with us and stopped at Scottwood Floral in Eureka to browse and shop - sooo many beautiful things.    The guys sat and visited and enjoyed some more coffee.

The shoppers at Scottwood

The rain started - ugh, was not supposed to do that today.    We took lots of rural country roads and yesterday saw the farmers start the fall harvest.

We had drinks and appetizers - chilly with some drizzle off and on.    2 couples stopped by and one of them were from IN and friends of the couple from Washington State (not California) who had the awful Airstream accident yesterday.     Today the friends helped unload all the stuff from the truck and Airstream into a big U-Haul and tomorrow (along with 4 little dogs) are headed back to Washington.    The truck is totaled and not sure about the Airstream (will probably be going to Jackson Center, OH - headquarters to be evaluated, but definitely has damage).    The IN lady said it was a disaster inside with stuff everywhere, mirror in bathroom broken, etc.    Sad story.

Rain was off and on but managed to roast our hot dogs along with potato salad (Amish), baked beans and deviled eggs.   Then had some hot cider and finally S'mores to end a very fun day.    The rain kept coming down....said our good byes which are always sad but we'll plan some fun outings in FL this winter.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Thursday - September 22

 Welcome to Fall... 

and what a big change in the temp - breezy and cool today in the 60's.   We had planned to walk after breakfast, but it was nippy out there (we are "fair" weather campers, boaters, walkers, etc.) so decided around 9:45 to go for some coffee at Caleri's in Eureka (a favorite when we're at KK).    Well.....big shock to see they were closed (permanently)!!!     WHAT?    Sign on the window said they closed September 17th and to visit their Roanoke location.   

We drove to Braker's Market (Apostolic Christian) that has so many goodies including all the coffees.    We sat and enjoyed our coffee (and cinnamon roll for Mark).  I asked the gal at check-out what happened to Caleri's and she said the manager/owner was expecting a baby and 2 stores were too much, sooo....I picked up a few things and on home.

Butch and Joyce arrived around 1.   They set up their 5th wheel and then walked over and after hugs, the chatter began.    So enjoy being together and we were all here at KK in May.    We later went to ElPaso and the Java Cafe for an afternoon coffee fix.    Left the cafe and drove past Green Gables or what's left from the massive fire back in May.....it is totally gone and you would never know this beloved place had ever been there.    The plan for this fall when Joyce and Butch came back was to go there for some yummy cheeseburgers, cheese balls, etc. but not meant to be!

Joyce and Butch at the Java Cafe

Drinks and appetizers on Butch and Joyce's 5th wheel and then off to Busy Corner for supper.    Good ole comfort food, on home and called it a day!

When we were coming back from our little coffee run this afternoon (we enjoyed 2 of these today), we were driving thru the country and came upon lights flashing, a big wrecker and lo and behold, an Airstream in the ditch on its side with a damaged white pickup which had been pulling it.    Oh my.............we took an alternate road home and got a bit of scoop from Micci here at the park.    Two couples who met at an Airstream rally 4 years ago were meeting here at KK.   One couple from Indiana were already here but the couple from California had the awful unfortunate accident.    Not sure what hap[pened,  how much damage, if it's livable, etc?    Hopefully, no one was injured.    Maybe we'll find out more tomorrow?

So, a very fun day and looking forward to more adventures tomorrow!

Wednesday - September 21

 H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y

PHILIP

Philip, Maeve, Annette, Luke

46 years ago today (September 21, 1976), we welcomed a bouncing baby boy, Philip John to join Michael and Anne and make us a family of 5.   So proud of his accomplishments thru the years especially his wonderful family, career as a Captain and instructor at Spirit Airlines and master craftsman at woodworking and beyond.   You done good, Snookie!!!

Today is also Mark's brother Tom's birthday and our nephew, Paul (Jim and Lydia's son)!

It was very breezy and in the 80's today.    Threat of rain but all stayed south.   We walked and later Mark had lunch and visit with friend Steve at Times Past.    We go way back with Steve - church, neighbors, Lake Bloomington, State Farm, etc.    Good for them to catch up.

Thoroughly enjoyed myself staying "home" at KK all day reading, playing games, walking, a little cleaning, etc.    

Had a few drops of rain when we walked in the afternoon - met a really nice couple (Tom and Beth) from Oglesby, IL who are here for 2 weeks.    They spend the winters in Sebastian, FL and will soon become FL residents.

Drove to Uptown Normal for delicious dinner and great visit at Medici with Bob and Martha.    The guys worked together at State Farm and their youngest son, Tait and Ryan were classmates.   Lots of lively discussion about our families, health, travels, etc., etc.    We had a very brief shower but protected under a covered portion of the rooftop.   Delightful evening.

Bob, Martha, Pat, Mark

Exciting news for Connor who broke his record of 77 on the golf course.    Today he shot a 76.   77 was also Patrick's best!

We are looking forward to the next 2 days when friends from Champagne, IL come to camp with us.   Butch and Joyce came last fall and we had so much fun.    We first met them in Okeechobee, FL  in 2018.   

Today is officially the last day of summer!    And what a fun one it was!

Tuesday - September 20

 Today marks 3 years since Patrick passed away.....he will always be remembered for his quick wit, easy smile, devotion to his family and so much goodness and $ he gave back to the community thru his band, Jury's Out.    He would be so proud of how Anne, Liam and Connor have carried on.....

We love you and miss you!

Favorite beverage at the hockey arena

We walked, had breakfast, caught up on computer stuff and Mark went to Farm 'n Fleet.    Later I went into town, got a few groceries at HyVee and then met Anne and her friend, Patti at Biaggi's.    We had a great visit, delicious lunch/wine/bread pudding (shared that).    Fun to be together!

Pat, Anne, Patti

Stopped at Target and then Holy Cross cemetery and had a little chat with Patrick

RIP 

On home where Mark had been working on replacing the mirror in Flo's bathroom - quite a job and will take awhile!    First to get the old one removed....ugh!

Really warm (HOT) today - upper 90's but back to more normal temps tomorrow.

Monday - September 19

 Happy Anniversary to Michael and Brooke

Cheers to 24 years and here's wishing you both many more happy, healthy celebrations on 9/19.

So proud of you two and your wonderful family!

Watched the coverage of Queen Elizabeth's funeral.....wow, so much pageantry!   

 Enjoyed it all.

Mark's sister Joan stopped by to pick up some popcorn (black cherry) that we had brought back from Port Clinton (when she and Joe were visiting us, we took them to the Great Lakes Popcorn Co. and it was a big hit with Joe).    Had a nice visit, Joan left and Linda, Mark and I took off for El Zarape and lunch with the Sublettians.    WOW....almost 30 of us today (some for the first time) and as always, lots of chatter, hugs and wonderful reminiscing about our years growing  up in Sublette, attending St. Mary's grade school and on and on.

Front:   Eileen, Dick, Diane, Carol, Bill, Rose, Sally, Anita, Judy

Back:  Carole, Mary, Judi, Mary, Mary Ann, Bill, Sue, Louie, Mark, Pat, Linda, Bev, Larry, Joyce, Alan, Marilyn, Paula, Joe, Janet

Mark and I left for KK and arrived around 3.    Unpacked and soon time to leave again for Busy Corner with the Monday Night Friends and hubbies and our usual fun time with good food and of course, PIE.   We had an excellent waiter - Trenton!

Left:   Ed, Pat, Jerry, Sue, Jody, Tamara

Right:   Darrel, Mark, Ruth, Pat, Brenda, Nadine

Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18

 A great weekend weather wise and quality family time.   

Saturday -  Mark and I left KK at 11 and drove to ElPaso and had coffee/light breakfast at The Java Cafe.    First time to check out this place and good coffees, scone and breakfast sandwich.    Onto Mendota thru the country avoiding I-39 and so much construction.     Arrived at Bob and Linda's in Mendota around 1:15, settled in and then Bob and Mark picked up Aunt Marian and back for euchre with Mark and Linda beating Aunt Marian and me 2 of 3 games.

Mark and I took Aunt Marian to 4:00 Mass at Holy Cross with Father Jeff Windy who was formerly our assistant at Holy Trinity.    Then off to Main Street Station Bar and Grill for dinner with Dick and Mary.    The 7 of us enjoyed our dinners and was fun to see other folks we've known for years but hadn't seen in a long time.

Pat, Mary, Mark, Dick, Bob, Linda, Aunt Marian

Back to Bob and Linda's for 6-handed euchre with Aunt Marian, Mary and me against Bob, Mark and Dick.    We gals won 2 of 3 and then enjoyed Tuxedo cake which we brought (Costco).    Said our good byes (Mark and Bob took Aunt Marian home) and time for bed.

Sunday - Beautiful warm Sunday.    Linda fixed a yummy breakfast (sausage/egg casserole, fresh fruit, assorted muffins, pumpkin donuts, etc.)      Later Mark and I drove to Sublette and visited Mom and Dad's gravesite and the pretty fall flower bouquet.   Stopped at Cup and Cake Local (coffee shop) and got a pumpkin latte (gotta support my little hometown economy).

 Bob left at 1:00 with 3 friends for a golf outing north of Milwaukee.    Linda and I played several rounds of Rummi-Kube and then the 3 of us went for a ride in the country.    I love being in the country in the fall.....very enjoyable afternoon.  

At 5, Mark, Linda and I drove to Amboy and had dinner at the Long Branch Saloon (a bar and grill that has been there forever).   Good chicken and then drove around Amboy a bit and on home.

Missed family zoom session but someone will share the news?

Enjoy your week!

   

Friday - September 16

 Warm 'n sunny.    Loaded up the car with laundry and off to meet Roger and Carol at Busy Corner for breakfast.   Always fun to catch up with them and lots to chat about since we were last together in May. 

Mark, Pat, Carol, Roger  

Good bye hugs and hopefully, we can get together in FL this fall.   We were off to do laundry in Eureka.    Then to Braker's Market for some goodies and on home.   Unloaded all our stuff and enjoyed a little R 'n R before we left again around 4 for town.

We had several errands, stopped to see Anne and drop off some treats and then to Biaggi's to meet Sharon and Harry, Sue and Jerry for dinner sitting outside on their beautiful patio.   It was soo pleasant, plus great food and lots of fun being together with these long-time friends.    Then to Harry and Sharon's for dessert (coconut cream pie from Busy Corner)  which was sooo good.    Sat around the dining room table laughing and reminiscing.

Sharon, Pat, Mark, Harry, Jerry, Sue

Pretty pink flowers at Biaggi's

On home.....tomorrow we are off to Mendota and staying thru Monday with my brother Bob and Linda.    Looking forward to being with my Aunt Marian, cousin Dick and Mary and then on Monday....lunch with the Sublettians.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - September 15

 September is 1/2 over......yikes, but bring on Fall, my favorite season!

We walked in the morning and then left at 10:15 for LaSalle and the Uptown Grill where we met some of Mark's high school classmates for lunch and almost 3-hour visit.    Most of us had been in Branson a year ago for their 56th class reunion, so been getting together when we're back in town and this time, Tom and Deb joined us.     LaSalle was a good central place to get together as we came from West Brooklyn, Germantown Hills, Lake Thunderbird and Carlock.

Judy, Lynn, Bob, Pat, Mark, Tom, Debbie

The classmates from Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling, IL

Class of '65

Judy, Lynn, Mark, Tom

So much to chat about including Judy's big trip in June to the Holy Land.    I've known Judy since high school as we were in 4-H together.    And Deb is my 2nd cousin!

We took the country roads back to KK as there is sooo much construction on I-39.   This huge field of pumpkins is between us and Congerville but the pumpkins are very small - like little orange balls?

Pumpkins pumpkins everywhere!

I walked around the campground tonight - wow, a bunch of "newbies" representing Indiana, Iowa, Virginia, Louisiana, Colorado, Vermont, Minnesota (2), Florida (3), and North Carolina.

Wednesday - September 14

 Beautiful day in the country.....we had a light breakfast and then walked down the road passing bean and corn fields.    We remember when we left in May, the beans and corn were just popping thru the ground and now almost ready for harvest!

One of many bean fields surrounding KK

Mark and Micci (owners of KK) have done some really nice improvements over the summer - fencing in the pool and expanding the patio area.    Also, inside the office, they have a small store with some basics that campers might need and we sure appreciate the convenience.  

New fence around pool

Cute signs and mini grocery in office

Claire and I had lunch and a long visit at Destihl today - sat on their covered patio - delightful!    So fun to catch up - she just returned from 19 days in Italy.

Lovely day for dining al fresco

Mark had a leisurely day on Flo doing some bookwork and other odds and ends.

Tonight we grabbed our drinks and walked around the park - always enjoy seeing where all the RV's/campers are from and since so many kept rolling in today.....they came from California, Idaho, Nevada, South Dakota, Florida (2), Illinois (6) and then several from Pennsylvania (3), New Jersey (3), Virginia (3) + North Carolina (1) and Kentucky (1).    Well......the PA, NJ, VA, NC and KY campers were all women who are part of RVing women,org, a big group all across the US of singles, widows and ladies who like to RV.     What a delightful group which originated in Arizona and now has 15 chapters across the US.    They are staying at KK for one night and tomorrow off to the Amana Colonies for their yearly rally.    They are expecting 147 rigs (this is a small rally - usually have well over 300 RV's), but there will be seminars for the ladies, a 2 1/2 hour bus trip all around the colonies, etc.   One of the ladies said she was buying a quilt - well, that would be the place. 

  I told them about Shipshewana and they were excited as they are taking I-80 back home and this Amish community is just 16 miles off I-80 (just there 1 week ago)!   In fact, one of the ladies had been there,,,, "So....yes, let's stop there".    Plenty of quilts + the very good musical "Dear Soldier Boy".   What a fun bunch - some travel by themselves, some with another RVer or friend, some have pets - one lady has 3 parrots....and on and on the stories went.   Could've sat and visited much longer....they were sitting in a circle with their wine and rehashing their day's travels, past trips, etc.

Liam and Connor got some publicity last night from yesterday's golf tournament.    They were each featured in videos on sports news (channel 25 for Connor and channel 31 for Liam)!   Nice work guys!

  

Tuesday - September 13

 A beautiful sunny day with deep blue skies.    We were off at 8:30 for Peoria and stopped at Maui Jim's sunglass headquarters to have new lenses put in Mark's shades.   We left the glasses and went onto meet Allie, Owen, Jane and Joe at The Original Pancake House for breakfast.    Very good and of course, so fun to be together and yak for over 2 hours.

Joe, Owen, Allie, Pat, Jane, Joe

Good bye hugs and looking forward to 2 weeks from today when we'll meet for lunch in Bloomington.    We went back to Maui Jim's and picked up his "almost brand new" shades!    Wow.....this place is so impressive - beautiful grounds on Aloha Drive and everyone welcomed us with "Aloha" when we walked in.    A new pair would've been over $200 and these were all fixed up $81.

Mark walking into impressive entrance to Maui Jim - flags from many countries flying at half mast

Beautiful flowers

Then to Costco for a few things, gas for the car and on back to Kamp Komfort.    We brought in our stuff, changed clothes and off to watch the boys in the intercity (6 high schools) golf tournament at Prairie Vista.   

Liam waiting his turn

Connor "reading the green".   I sure learned a lot about golf today!

Mark and Anne walking on the cart path

 We walked the first 9 holes with Anne.....then we were wiped out so picked up a Rx and came on back to KK and rested a bit before it was time to go back to town.

Tonight we met Jim and Shelly at Lucca Grill (this is "our" place for A la Baldini pizza).   Jim and Mark worked together at SF and Jim recently retired.    Fun catching up and seeing pics of their son's wedding at Estes Park a few weeks ago, their new home in northern Wisconsin, etc.    They'll be spending February in Cocoa Beach, FL so hope we can meet up somewhere.

Jim, Shelly, Mark, Pat at Lucca Grill

Been a very busy but fun day!     Not the best scores for the boys (Liam shot an 89 and Connor, an 82 but CCHS came in 2nd out of 6 intercity schools.   Normal Community won the tournament.

 

Monday - September 12

 A cloudy chilly windy day - not liking this weather, but the sun and warmer temps are coming back tomorrow!    We were off to town and breakfast with the Monday morning bunch at Shannon's - so good to see all of them again (Pat and Brenda, Sue and Jerry, Ken and Sigrunn and Marty).    Everyone is doing well and lots of yakking at the guys end of the table and of course, with the gals at the other end.

Mark and I left for Starbucks and picked up a pumpkin spiced latte and took to Donna Rae at Westminster Village.    She is now living in assisted living and it is a brand new facility - absolutely beautiful and she has a lovely room.    She is happy there and doing well.....always enjoy our chats and look forward to seeing her a few more times while we're in town.

Donna Rae

Then to Dr. Pilcher's for Mark's appt. - all good and just some general questions about some of his meds.    We both got our flu shots (the 65+ shot and more powerful)!     It will get us thru the winter months.    Although we each have a primary doctor in FL, it's nice to still be able to see Dr. Pilcher and catch up.

Stopped at WalMart for some piddlies and finally on home.   Good day to be indoors.

I went into town late afternoon - ran some errands and then met Brenda and Marsha at Joe's Station Saloon.    Very small group tonight of MNF's but still plenty to yak about and enjoyed our BBQ chicken flatbread and quesadillas!  

Brenda, Marsha, Pat

On home this chilly windy night! 

A few years ago - our little Moppet with her curls and tummy!   Ha.....

My friend Susie sent this today - Queen Elizabeth's empty chair and her beloved Corgi looking on...