Sunday - April 30

 It rained during the night, this morning and into the afternoon before the sun finally came out at 1:30 but very windy.

Michael and Brooke got  home around 11 from their big weekend in Charlotte at the Queens Cup Steeplechase Races - horses and dogs (corgi's).     They had a great time and the pics showed all these pretty dresses (and hats) for the ladies and food, so much beautiful food!

We all had lunch (Bojangles) and later, Michael, Philip, Drew and Blair went up Old 105 for a "joy" ride in the Can Am.    This is not Mark's and my kind of fun!     Ha!

 Brady was hired yesterday by Food Lion for a job as a cashier starting in mid May!   

Yummy Italian dinner - baked ziti  and sausage, onions and peppers in marinara for dinner.    The wind is still blowing strong!    And the rain started again at 9.

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday - April 29

 Pretty Saturday and so good to see Drew and meet Maverick who is really enjoying Jinx and Millie!  

The 3 dogs are a lively bunch, especially Jinx and Maverick

 Blair (for a bit till she fizzled out on me) and I transplanted the flowers (impatiens) I brought back from FL in big pots Brooke had by front door.   Annette took the pot of red begonias.    Quite a job digging all the dirt out!   Also did some laundry and Mark organized back of his truck.

Future gardener?    Probably not!    Ha!

Finished project

Brady took Blair to her Gram and Grand Bob's and she later went to a

 birthday party from 2-4.    

This girl is off to party...

Pretty blooms

Drew and his pal

Mark, Brady, Blair and I went to 5:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo and then met Bob and Judy at Green Street Grill for dinner.    It was very good and next door just happened to be Buzze's Ice Cream, so more oink oink for some of us (Brady, Blair and me)!

Mark, Brady, Blair, Pat, Judy, Bob

Enjoying her ice cream and playing checkers with Gram and Grandpa

Connor and his 3# large-mouth bass caught today at Lake Bloomington

Tonight is CCHS Prom...

Liam and Jaycee

Liam and his Mama

 

 

Friday - April 28

 Lots of rain overnight and we ended up just at 2" for the total.    I took Maeve to school and what a treat to see the sun shine again!    Everything is so lush, green and pretty!

Dropped Maeve off and I went to The Grind for breakfast (ham/cheese/egg bagel) and vanilla latte.    I had 2 hours till my 1st appointment, so read on my I-pad, played a few games, etc.    Then I was off to Dollar Tree for some things.    Next stop was a haircut with Betty and finally, last stop was Nails R Us where I took the girls yesterday and today, Grandma enjoyed a mani/pedi with Ann.   

Grandpa and I loaded up Maeve's things and took them to her house - Philip arrived home late last night - some challenges with the weather.    He picked Maeve up from school, Luke and Annette are back home from Raleigh; hopefully, he'll feel better soon   Michael and Brooke are in Charlotte with friends this weekend.    Brady brought Blair home and Drew is truckin' on down the road arriving later tonight

Brady came over to Flo's for a nice chat after school.    He and Blair, Mark and I went to dinner at Blue 42 in Morganton.   Great burgers and fun catching up!    After a beautiful day, it poured while we were eating, but don't think we got any at Lake James.

The "B's" at Blue 42

Blair and Brady

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - April 27

Rainy day and chilly.....we were up early to get Maeve off to school.    She woke up with a sweet smile and ready to take on the day.    Mark and I checked out a bakery that Judy (Brooke's Mom) had recommended - Old Mimosa Bakery Cafe.    Our apple and cheese Danish were excellent ($6 each 😲), but no specialty coffees here so picked those up at Starbucks.  We also stopped at Rural King and Wal Mart.    This morning, Mark's Keurig (1-cup) coffee maker died, so...got a new one and he's a happy camper.

On home with the rain continuing and hunker down.   I left at 2:20 to pick Maeve up from school and we were off to Nails R Us to meet Brooke and Blair.   I stayed with the girls for their mani/pedi's and then to Dunkin Donuts and on home as the rain kept coming down.

Pretty toes and fingers

Blair on the left; Maeve, all violet

Delicious donuts at Dunkin'

Grandpa supervising homework

Michael and Brooke had a date night and Brady's golf tournament was canceled.     We had dinner, the girls got their showers and then Maeve, Grandpa and Grandma came back to Flo.

The cousins all sweet 'n clean after showers/shampoos

So sorry to hear yesterday that our little great nephew, Beckett finally got a diagnosis - "low-grade astrocytoma/glioma".    Lots of prayers needed for this little guy as a long road ahead of him.    Still waiting for another test result (genetic) to determine what treatment is needed.

WOW....Connor played 18 holes yesterday at Fox Creek in Bloomington and shot a 73.   Way to go Connor!

Sounds like Annette and Luke are enjoying their field trip...

Legislative building

Unfortunately after a full day at the capital, Luke is not feeling well tonight - fever and sore throat.    Tomorrow was to be another big day! 😞😞

Drew is coming home tomorrow for a week's stay and bringing Maverick, so the family is anxious to see the Drewby and meet his puppy.

 

Wednesday - April 26

Remembering 20 years ago today.....so many happy memories of Anne and Patrick's special day

April 26, 2003

Cloudy and cool with plenty of rain coming our way next several days.    Mark washed Flo, the car and truck - BIG thanks!    Both Philip and Michael have "gentle" power washers with hot water!   Nice!

We picked up Maeve's things from Annette - she is staying with us for 2 nights as Annette and Luke are going on his field trip to Raleigh (touring the state capitol and a museum).  Also stopped in to say good bye to Mike and Theresa who are heading back to Chicago tomorrow.

We picked Maeve up from school, stopped at Chick-fil-A and the Thornwell Book Store (good coffee but hot chocolate was terrible)    Then onto swim lesson - Maeve is getting to be a little fish!

Had some rain off and on in the afternoon and on the way home.   Blair had dance class after school and then Brooke picked up Chinese for our dinner!    

Nighty night!

 

Tuesday - April 25

 Another nippy morning but plenty of sunshine and with no wind, was very pleasant for a one last walk with Annette.

I got our stuff inside Flo stowed away - no matter if we're going 2 miles or 200, that's gotta be done!    Mark worked on his outside Flo jobs and after some challenges of getting Flo and truck hooked up, and lunch with Annette, we were finally on our way to Michael's at 12:30.    

 All settled in here and left at 2 to pick up Blair from school as Brooke had some appointments.    We went to Ingles for a few groceries and Starbucks for the 3 of us.....Blair loved their strawberry acai lemonade.    On home with a quick stop at Annette's to pick up a water gauge we left behind.   

Decisions, decisions at Starbucks

Brooke prepared a wonderful spaghetti and meatball dinner with salad, zucchini, breadsticks and wine!    Soo good!

Liam brought his cap and gown home today......graduation is May 21st.  

Today is the feast day of St. Mark.....patron saint of Mark!

Monday - April 24

 Beautiful sunny crisp morning.....did some cleaning on Flo and Mark helped Philip with some projects.   Around 11, when it warmed up some, I went for a walk with Philip and Annette.     Invigorating!

My walking buddies

Ryan left at 2 for Tennessee (Chattanooga and work); Annette left at 2:30 to pick up Luke and Maeve for dentist appts., and then swim lessons.    Philip asked us to go for a ride in their (our 3 boys) new toy (Can Am) up in the mountains around many windy, twisty, rough roads.    What a trip.....crazy and a little much for this Mama, but beautiful views and not near to the top (another time)?    Philip was off to Charlotte and then FL at 4.   

Beautiful views of Lake James from high up in the mountains

Our boys' new toy and a wild and wooly ride with Philip!

I did some laundry and Mark and I walked later in the afternoon.    Just a perfect springtime day in the 60's.

The kiddos came home from swimming.....I took this silly picture and shared with their Nana who fell (crazy accident) yesterday and fractured 3 ribs......sure feel for her!

2 GOOBERS!

I watched 2 more episodes of "Call the Midwife" so finally caught up and only 2 more left for the season.  😥

Sunday - April 23

 The day started out sunny and cool, but the clouds took over and it turned windy and chilly.     We sat at St. Charles Borromeo with Michael, Brooke, Brady and Blair for 9:00 Mass.    Then to town home which Michael and Brooke recently bought and renovated as an investment - we had never been and wanted to see finished and "almost" ready to move in.   It is lovely and Brooke did an awesome job with decorating!

Then to Cracker Barrel - all enjoyed our breakfasts.    Michael and Brady went on home as he's studying for the SAT test.    Brooke, Blair, Mark and I went to her school to see the pick-up routine after school as we'll be picking her up on Tuesday.    We walked around the school grounds, play areas, etc.

Brooke, Michael, Brady

Grandpa, Grandma, Blair

On home for about 40 minutes and then dressed warmly and off to the Camp for the Foothills Conservancy meeting for Lake James.    2 guys spoke about what is being done for the environment, new trails, conserving land, etc.   We enjoyed wine, beer and conversation.    On home after this 2-hour gathering,

Mike and Theresa stopped by to pick up some chairs and tables they bought from Philip.   Annette, Luke and Maeve met friends in Hickory to see a movie in the afternoon.

While Mark was on zoom with his siblings (9 tonight) I played SkyJo with Philip, Annette and Luke    Philip was the winner!

Have a great week!    Going to be cool and rainy here in North Carolina.

 

Saturday - April 22

 We were expecting a rainy, cool Saturday, but most of the rain (1+") came during the night along with some serious thunder and lightning according to Mark and Philip, (I did not see that).    It continued off and on this morning.

Our friends Buddy and JoAnn (neighbors at Cypress Trail) who live near Asheville came to visit and meet our kiddos.     We made the rounds at Michael's, Philip's, Ryan's and Theresa's homes.    We also took them to the Camp and had planned to eat lunch there, but raining and really chilly.    So.....we drove to Black Mountain (separately) and had a very good lunch at Fresh Wood Pizza and Pasta (Michael and Brooke recommendation).    More good visiting and then said our good byes.    Hopefully we can get together when we're back in November.   We all love Black Mountain.

Buddy and JoAnn

On home for only 30 minutes and then off to Michael's for cook out.   Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents,) Mike, Theresa, Ryan, Mark and me.   

Luke is having a sleepover with 4 friends (belated birthday party) so Philip, Annette and Maeve were entertaining the little men at their house.   

Started with chips 'n dip made by Judy, Michael grilled ribeye's, grouper and halibut + a delicious salad, rolls, and potato salad that Brooke contributed + kalua cake made by Theresa   We all sat around the fire outdoors on this beautiful evening and plenty of wine was consumed!  

Us

Mike and Theresa

Mike, Theresa, Michael, Brooke and Millie, Bob, Judy, Mark, Ryan

Pat, Ryan, Theresa, Mike, Blair, Brooke, Bob, Judy, Mark

Yesterday, Liam and Connor had an Institute day off from school so they headed to Wrigley Field and got to meet and have pics taken with the legendary Cubs 2nd baseman, Ryne Sandberg.     Their mother was very jealous as she's been a long-time Ryno fan way before these boys were around!   Ha....

Liam and Ryne

Connor and Ryne

And the Cubbies beat the Dodgers 13-0 to make it an extra special day!

Friday - April 21

Philip took the kiddos to school and then gave a talk to Maeve's class on "Being a Pilot".    Annette took her car in for some maintenance and they came back home together,

While they were gone new bedroom furniture was delivered, so Grandpa took care of that with the movers -  it is beautiful!!!

We picked Mike and Theresa up late morning and off to Black Mountain for lunch at the Black Mountain Bistro.    Beautiful day to dine alfresco under the red umbrellas.   We all enjoyed our lunch (1st time for all of us here) and then drove around town showing them our favorites.    On home and took a nap!   Ha....

Great lunch at Black Mountain Bistro.

We shared this wonderful piece of Chantilly cake

Went to the camp and had a fun time with the  kids' friends and played euchre - Philip and I lost 2 games to Steve and Mark but then Theresa and I beat Mike and Annette 2 of 2.    

Camp Lake James is such a beautiful place...

Overlooking the pickleball courts,  bocce ball and shuffleboard

Nice area of seating with waterfall

Pretty flowers

Maeve and Grandpa are matching tonight!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - April 20

 Annette took the kiddies to school and then was off to Charlotte and a Costco run and picked Philip up from the airport.

Deep blue skies, so peaceful and quiet with birds chirping away and all that lush fresh new growth of GREEN + tall, tall pine trees made for an awesome walk this morning.

Mark walked with me for awhile - we are gradually increasing our distance as it takes some getting used to these hills and steps.

Michael stopped by for a short visit and rest of the afternoon, we read and played our games.

Philip and Annette picked the kids up from school.....Mark and I played SkyJo with the kids and then Mike and Theresa picked us up to go to the camp for adult bingo and hors d'oeuvres.    Very fun evening and played 4 rounds of bingo with Mark and Theresa winning 2 of the rounds.     Great ending to another awesome day!

Wedneday - April 19

 Annette took the kids to school....she and I went for a walk afterwards on this pretty day!   

Did some laundry, we read our books which are due back in the Libby library system soon and then Annette had us for lunch and her delicious homemade chicken pot pie.    We played 3-handed euchre with Annette and Mark the winners.    Last night we played SkyJo with the kids (Annette's 1st time) and she won - she's on a roll!

Annette left to pick up the kids from school then swim lessons.   We visited with Michael at his house - Brooke and Blair were at her dance class.    Then to Mike and Theresa's for dinner - Annette and kiddos joined us after swimming.    We had an excellent "comfort" food dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans + wine.   Then Brooke and Blair stopped by with some yummy soft decorated sugar cookies.    A very fun evening with family!

Tuesday - April 18

A brisk morning but the start of another gorgeous spring day in NC.    Go the kiddies off to school, Grandpa went to Hardees for his fix and I went next door to Canal Coffee (formerly Human Bean) for my fix.

On home, did some laundry, tidied up the house and on with the day.    Mark and I went for a walk and Annette arrived home around 11:30 and Philip flew to FL for work.    It was crazy windy today!

Mark and I picked up the kiddos from school and had treats at Dunkin,    On home and Mark and I went for a walk.    Annette made minestrone soup for dinner (+ green beans with bacon) - delish!    Grandma supervised Maeve's bath with her pink sugar soap and sponge from Tarpon Springs - she loved it.    We're all tired tonight so till tomorrow...

Donuts 'n drinks after school

  

Monday - April 17

 Burrr.....43 when we woke up this morning!   The kiddos were up and at 'em at 6:20 and know their routine so a smooth heading off to school at 7:15.    Dropped them off and Grandpa and I went to The Grind downtown Morganton for delicious breakfast (burrito for Mark and quiche for me) + our coffees.    Then we ran several errands and on home. 

Off to school and see our friends and back to the readin' ritin' and 'rithmetic!

   My handy hubby had a few fix-it jobs after traveling with Flo.....the outdoor steps did not want to retract properly, but got that taken care of and then one of the drawers under the bed needed a new track, so....we are back in business.

I worked inside Flo getting organized and straightened out after traveling as things shift around,

Washed the car but a hopeless task cause the pollen is really bad right now and everything is covered....

We picked Luke and Maeve up from school at 3, went to Cup 'n Spoon for some yogurt treats, then to the playground for a bit and finally their swim lesson.

Afterwards, the kids wanted to go for pizza and their 1st choice was Pizza Hut but when we walked in the lady said it will be 20-30 minutes till we can wait on you as we have a special order of 250+ pizzas?    WHAT?    Ok, thanks for telling us and we were outta there and onto Pie Hole and enjoyed our pizza with some leftovers.

Home to do homework and then bedtime....big day and absolutely beautiful.

Pretty pansies downtown Morganton

Grandpa braided Maeve's hair before swimming

Playground fun

Maeve (aqua) and her original class of Tadpoles but then advanced to next level

Luke making a splash

Little Beckett had a setback this afternoon and back in the hospital - tonight they did the permanent shunt and all went well.

 

Sunday - April 16

 We went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo (also Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve and Ryan).   Father Ken has been pastor there for many years and this week will celebrate his 82nd birthday,    We all sang a special "Happy Birthday" song to him!  Then Mark and I set out to find a coffee shop - Cup 'n Spoon was supposed to be open, but door was locked even though lights were on.   Went to Panera nearby and their espresso machine was not working?    So, back to Cup 'n Spoon and they were open and girl apologized that she had been in store, but forgot to unlock the door.    She was so sorry.    Had our coffees and thought the kiddos would like to come here after school for a treat - turns out it's a favorite of theirs.    They have several flavors of yogurt, all the toppings, smoothies, milkshakes, bubble tea, etc.

On home and Mark worked on setting up the internet, I cleaned out the car and vacuumed, got Maeve's car seat installed and then Philip and Annette left for Asheville for a little getaway.    We will hold down the fort.   Ryan left soon after for Memphis till Friday.

Luke, Maeve and I played 2 games - Stratego and Trouble.    Then we visited Great Aunt Theresa (Mark's sister) and Great Uncle Mike at their home.    Stopped at Michael's to drop off 2 pairs of shoes for Blair - no one around so came back home.

We had some sprinkles off and on, but at 5:15, we had a really nice rain shower.    After supper we played SkyJo - Grandma was the winner.

Back to school tomorrow for the kiddos!

Off to Asheville

Maeve and Muffin (Madame Alexander dolly) from Grandma's friend, Beth

Theresa and Mike

Luke playing SkyJo - he came in 2nd place!

I wasn't on Zoom tonight as I was getting the kiddos off to dreamland.    Mark gave me the nitty gritty.