Friday - September 29

 Pretty fall day....we were off to town separately.  Mark ran some errands, a haircut with Brandon and lunch with Henry at Times Past.  I stopped at Anne's to drop off some treats from Braker's, and then a mani pedi with Lisa.   Met Mark at the laundromat, got that job done, stopped at Schnucks for a few groceries and on home.

It was really warm today and will be for the next several days.   

More sadness as our niece Sarah (Mark's sister Sharon's daughter) lost her father-in-law (early 70's) to some health issues that came on not that long ago.   He sure put up a good fight, but not meant to be.   His parents are still living and sure feel for them as having to bury your child is not how it should be.   Lots of prayers for Sarah, Daniel and their family.

Tomorrow we'll be going to our friend Joe's visitation and funeral mass.    Afterwards, I'm going to Sisters' Weekend near Danville which starts this evening.   I'll catch up with the sisters (9) tomorrow afternoon,.

Walked in the park - South Carolina and Virginia are the new campers tonight.

Did facetime with Maeve - she was making all these funny faces and lots of laughs!    She's enjoying her new school, teacher and friends!

Enjoy your weekend.....I'll be back Sunday night.

 

Thursday - September 28

 Today marks the 1st anniversary of "horrific" Hurricane Ian.....September 28, 2022 - what an awful devastating day for SWFL.    Although they've come a long ways in the clean-up, rebuild and business reopening, there is still so much to do!    Our friends Barb and Roger are currently down there and said Fort Myers Beach doesn't look much different than when they left in March.

We met brother Bob, Linda, cousin Dick and Mary at the Depot in Mackinaw for shopping and more shopping up the street at Beth Ann's.    Then lunch at the Tea Room - excellent as always.    Drove to Eureka and shopped at Braker's for eatable goodies and then to Scottwood for beautiful gifts and home decor.   I had an Autumn Equinox latte - caramel, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon (YUM)!  

The guys waiting patiently

Mark - Dick - Bob

The shoppers

Linda - Pat - Mary

Gorgeous zinnias along a fence at Braker's

Back to KK and just hung out on Flo till we went for our walk checking out new license plates - tonight we had Pennsylvania and New Hampshire

Such a nice surprise tonight when my dear friend Donna Rae facetimed me and we chatted for 1 hour and 10 minutes!!!

 

Wednesday - September 27

 Dreary, gloomy start to Wednesday.   We had a leisurely morning on Flo.    Nice to not have to be somewhere till later.    And then it started to rain just before 9.   It only lasted about 20 minutes but really poured for a bit.

Mark drove to Busy Corner around 10 and picked up a coconut cream pie for later.   Also stopped at Dollar General in Goodfield.

We had a very nice afternoon at Sue and Jerry's along with Sharon and Harry for lunch and visiting.   Sandwiches from Firehouse Subs, chips, pickles, cookies and then the pie for dessert along with iced tea and lemonade.    Great fun with these long-time friends!

Pat - Sharon - Sue

Harry - Mark - Jerry

After seeing some dust fly again with the farming yesterday, no one is in the fields today!  The sun came out in the afternoon and with a high of 73.   Very pleasant!

Connor played in the regional golf tournament today with the Saints and out of 14 teams, they placed 1st.   Connor did not have a good day (84) -  golf is such an up and down sport.    Onto Sectionals next Monday...

Congrats to the Saints - Regional champs

Luke B, Vaughan, Connor, Luke A, Patrick, Ian

We walked around 6 (gets dark so early) - new states tonight...Connecticut and Alaska!

Looks like a mountain in the background of the bean field - looking east

And spectacular sunset over the bean field - looking west

And here's Miss Blair who loves her dance classes!

The dancer!

 

Tuesday - September 26

 A lovely fall day but with a summer-time temp of 77.    We were off to town to meet Paul and his friend Marlys at Egg Republic for delicious breakfast and long-overdue visit.   Because of hurricane Ian, we were not able to get together in FL this past winter.    So, lots of yakkin - status of their FL condo, families, travels, health issues, etc.    2.5 hours later we said good bye - unfortunately, they will not be coming to FL this winter as still a long ways off from their condo being habitable.    Paul has 5 daughters and 3 of them were also having breakfast with a friend, so an extra treat to see Katie, Susie and Sarah.

Marlys and Paul

Stopped at storage to pick up a few things and on home.   We read, did e-mails, texts, etc.

At 4, we went for a 2.6 mile walk.    Lots of traffic on our country road today, so took a side gravel road and zilch for traffic!    Yeah!    Everyone who passed us by, waved as we do and one guy stopped to see if we needed anything!   No, just 2 nomads out for a nice walk!   Can't beat the friendliness of the Midwest.

Saw this prairie grass? along the way....unusual with the stripes on the stems?

New states tonight are Nevada and California.

Even though all this modern technology can frustrate me (and many others), it is truly amazing that we can communicate with our neighbor Dick from Cypress Trail who is on a month-long cruise currently in Japan.

Monday - September 25

  Nice summery day - cool mornings and evenings and warm during the daytime.    We had more rain during the night along with lightning and thunder rumblings!

Met Pat, Brenda, Ken and Sigrunn at Busy Corner - always fun to be together with good food and chatter.

Pat, Sigrunn, Brenda, Pat, Mark, Ken

After breakfast, Mark dropped me off at KK and went onto Heller Pontiac to wheel and deal with Little Navy as we wait for new car to come in - MAYBE this week??    It will be 6 months Thursday that we ordered it!   😖

I did some tidying up and cleaning on Flo.   Quiet afternoon - the campground reeally cleared out today!

The Monday Night Friends (7) met at Kicks on Route 66 in Towanda tonight.    It was so pleasant sitting on their patio with no breaks in the conversation!  😄 

Nadine, Pat, Connie, Jody, Ruth, Sue, Brenda

Sunday - September 24

 My cousin, Jane's hubby, Joe passed peacefully last night and now rejoicing with all the angels and saints as he's welcomed into heaven.   Joe was a very gentle and humble soul who was such a good family man and dear friend to Mark and me.    We have so many memories of fun times with he and Jane here in IL and Marathon, FL   Joe and Jane were married 42 years.   Rest in peace dear Joe - heaven certainly gained a special angel with you. 

We went to 10:00 Mass at St. Mary's in ElPaso this morning and what a treat to have Father Chase Hilgenbrinck as our priest filling in for their pastor who was on vacation.    Father Chase grew up at Holy Trinity and was ordained 3 years ago.  He was a professional soccer player and gave that up to become a priest.    He gave an excellent homily.

We had a light breakfast at Java Cafe and Casey's and back to KK.    Sunny and warm with more clouds as the day went on.

Today was the retirement party for one of our all-time favorite priests - Father Jerry Ward who was at Holy Trinity from 1982-85,    We invited him to our Lake Bloomington cabin - he had never water skiied and oh my, he took a very bad tumble and hurt his neck/shoulder and was in therapy.    Thru the years whenever we would see him, he immediuately would start rubbing his neck/shoulder.    Father Jerry gave Philip his First Holy Communion and we'll never forget Ryan (just a few months old) sitting on Father Jerry's lap and whoaaaa.had a very nasty poopie diaper!    

St. Pat's of Merna where Father Jerry served for 23 years hosted this big event - huge crowd and we stood in line for 20 minutes but so good to see him.    He will be living in Peoria as he starts this new chapter.

Pat - Father Jerry - Mark

Annette and Brooke took the 3 littles to the Land of Oz park in Beech Mountain, NC today.    What fun..

Maeve, Blair and Luke in Doothy's house after the tornado

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Ten on zoom tonight - again, the top subject was health issues - hip, knee, sciatica, back pain.   And our niece, Hannah and Paul have set their wedding date for October 26, 2024.

Have a good week ahead....

Saturday - September 23

W E L C O M E   F A L L

Today is the official start of fall, but it sure feels like summer with 83 sunshiny degrees.    Just a spectacular morning to be off to Ironwood Golf Club to watch Connor and his friend, Luke partner up in the "Best Ball" tournament with several other high schools.    The boys shot a combined 70 to place 2nd for CCHS!    Congrats!!!

Connor and Luke

Connor marking his score

We rode in the cart with Anne and it was just a grand day to be out and about.    We only watched 9 holes and then went our separate ways.    Back to KK for us and later met friends, Allie and Owen at Busy Corner for lunch.   We set this date months ago for the 6 of us (Jane and Joe) to get together,,,,,,Joe is in hospice and our thoughts and prayers are always with these two.

We enjoyed our lunch and visit - we were last together in June in Port Clinton.   

Pat - Allie - Owen - Mark

With all the rain that certainly stopped the harvest for a bit....no dust flying for a few days!   KK is busy this weekend - kiddos are out riding bikes, picnics, campfires, etc., and lots of folks spent the afternoon tailgating and enjoying an ISU win on Family Weekend.

Friday - September 22

 Rain, rain, so much rain.....it started during the night again and came down very hard + lightning and thunder.   WOW!    A real gully washer for most of the night and into this morning.    We showed just under 5" total since early Thursday morning.

Mark went to The Carlock Family Restaurant for a hearty breakfast and I left for Claire's.    She drove and we were off to LeRoy and a new shop for us (Sandy's Secret Wednesdays) which has been around for 17 years, but we've never been.    A unique name meaning it is closed on Wednesdays.,  

Still can't believe none of my friends knew about this wonderful shop full of clothes, gifts, home decor, gourmet foods, etc.     We had fun browsing and then went across the street to Jack's - great lunch (shared egg rolls and nachos) and of course, always plenty to yak about.

We stopped back in Bloomington at Owens Nursery which is closing after many many years.    Back to her house, said our good byes and I left for Dollar Tree and then my massage (thank you Michael and Brooke - Mother's Day gift).    I was in total la la land with Amanda.    Back to KK.

Mark and I went for a walk and met 2 couples from Dixon (his hometown) who are here for Family Weekend at ISU.    New states tonight are Tennessee (2), Nebraska (2), Idaho, Kentucky.

There are 4 guys here in the park staying in a 5th wheel.    They travel all around the country doing remodels of businesses which take just 1 week.    They do their work during the night when business is closed and sleep during the day.    Mark had an interesting chat with them.    One of the guys' girlfriend is from Amboy (where I went to high school).   They are currently working on a new entrance at a McDonalds in Normal.  They're staying here all of next week while they drive back 'n forth to Urbana for next job.

Thursday - September 21

 H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y   P H I L I P

Celebrating Daddy 3 years ago - September 21, 2020 

Christmas 2022  

Our bouncing baby boy arrived at 2:27 AM on September 21, 1976 weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.    We named him Philip John and he was welcomed home by his siblings, Michael and Anne (5).  This sweet little boy grew up to become a captain for Spirit Airlines, marry Annette and bless us with Luke and Maeve.    Way to go, Philip - you "done" good and we are so proud of you!

Also celebrating today are Tom (Mark's brother) and nephew Paul (Jim and Lydia's son).

It was an ugly day here in central IL - over an inch of rain during the night and then more off and on with some heavy stuff this afternoon.    We caught up on computer stuff, texts (checking in with FL friends), e-mails, etc.   

We drove into town and met Roger and Carol at Outback for lunch - so good to see them (last time was in May).    We chatted away for 2 hours over our lunches.    Always enjoy being with them.

Carol and Roger

One more stop before going home and that was at Meijer's for a few piddlies.    When we walked in, there was Sandy, the horse.   Years ago, when Liam and Connor were little tykes, Patrick would take them shopping and the boys always would get to ride Sandy....

Memories

On home and drove thru heavy rain, but by the time we got to KK, it had stopped and sun was trying to come out.

Walked around the park and met some interesting folks....1st a couple from Cincinnati who spent the summer in Alaska and now on their way home.

Then a guy from IN who is traveling with his wife and 3 other campers from IN, OH and IL - they are square dancers and will dance this Friday and Saturday in Carlock.    They had been to Shipshewanna, IN and just returned from a square dance seminar in Maggie Valley NC (not too far from our kids).    He said with Covid, the # of dancers has really dwindled.

And then a couple from Thunder Bay, ON who are on their way to Daytona Beach for the winter.    They "almost" bought a place in Fort Myers on a canal just before Ian hit.    So thankful they are where they are.

And of course, "everyone" has a dog(s) - we are the oddballs.    Busy place again tonight with 3 new states (Alabama, Kansas, Oregon) plus Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Wednesday - September 20

 Remembering Patrick today - 4 years later and so sad that he's not here for Anne and his boys - he would be bursting at the seams that Liam is in college and Connor, a senior enjoying a great golf season with the Saints.   

The Campbells

November 27, 2008

Connor and Gibson paid an early-morning-before-school visit to Patrick.

We were off at 8:15 for Eureka with 4 loads of laundry.   Got the machines going and I went to Faire Coffee for latte/tea and delicious maple butterscotch scones.   We will not be going back to this laundromat......one machine took our $ but then found out it was not working and the place is not the cleanest and no attendant is ever there.    We are so spoiled with the wonderful very clean and always someone one hand in Port Clinton.

On home to put away the clean clothes and then I left for Uptown Normal to have my rings checked at Solid Gold and browsed at Garlic Press and Uptown Gifts before meeting Anne and her friend Patti at Medici.   We sat upstairs on the patio - delicious lunch and plenty of chatter.     They were going to the cemetery and I came back to KK.

Patti - Anne - Pat

Mark took a good walk - he's been on a roll with the exercise and shedding some #'s.

Went into town at 5, stopped at Holy Cross cemetery to visit Patrick and then met Anne and Connor at Biaggi's - delicious dinner and so good to catch up with our senior/golfer/hockey player, etc.   He's been sooo busy and this is 1st time to see him since we've been back here (2 weeks tomorrow).   

Connor, Anne, Mark, Pat

Connor is now taller than Grandpa

    

Tuesday - September 19

 Congratulations to Michael and Brooke on their 25th wedding anniversary!!!

September 19, 1998

September 19, 2023

So proud of these two and the beautiful life they've created and blessed us with 4 awesome grandchildren (Drew, Davis, Brady and Blair)!    May they share many more happy, healthy years together!  

Very gloomy start to the day - looks like rain but all went north of us.

I left for town at 10 and had a bunch of errands and then met Claire at Ancho and Agave - we sat outside.    The weather really shaped up - warm (82), sunny and windy.    A great lunch and visit (2.5 hours)!   😊

Pat and Claire catching up!

On home....Mark had a quiet day, went for a walk, visited with some folks who have a Mendota/Amboy connection.

Tonight we walked around the campground - the 50 AMP section is full with the following states represented:   Florida (5); Texas (2); Colorado (2); Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Indiana, Massachusetts and Arizona

Remembering 4 years ago tonight when Patrick was rushed to the hospital and in less than 24 hours he was gone....

Monday - September 18

 Very pretty day.   We were to meet Ken and Sigrunn at Busy Corner for breakfast but they canceled to help Brenda out with Dr. appointment in Crystal Lake as Pat was sick.    Mark and I enjoyed our breakfast and then onto visit my cousin Jane and her hubby Joe at the Richard Owens Hospice facility in Peoria.    It was so good to see them.....Joe is a trooper, ate some kringle, was awake most of the time and one of their parish priests, Father Bosse came to visit and give Joe a blessing.   Joe is in very good hands at this beautiful place.   Good bye hugs and tears as Joe waved bye bye.

We ran a few errands, drove thru the country and ended up at Braker's in Eureka for lunch (shared a delicious chicken melt sandwich on rye) and bought a few other goodies.

On home......

Connor and the golf team are playing in a tournament in Effingham today.    He texted his Mom that one of the schools that was supposed to participate, (Benton High School), canceled as 4 of their students were killed in a car accident Saturday afternoon.

Tonight I met Ruth and Nadine (2 MNF's) at Schooner's for dinner.    We sat in the beer garden and were the only ones till 2 other groups came in much later.    Good food, ambiance and chatter!

Ruth - Nadine - Pat

Sunday - September 17

 Foggy start to the day...and then cool and cloudy with some sun around 4.    Parts of town had rain including some downpours at Anne's.

We went to 10:00 Mass with Anne at Holy Trinity and then to Coffee Hound.   They had no pastries?    Mark went next door to Ivy Lane Bakery and got a few things to share (cinnamon roll, scone and some fruit thingy).    Anne went on home (we still have not seen Connor since we've been back - he was working at BCC today).   We went to storage and then to visit Sue and Jerry and take them some kringle.   Always good to catch up.

Stopped at WalMart to pick up a Rx only to find that their pharmacy is closed on Sundays.    Oh well....we'll pick up next time we're in town.    

It was windy and only in the 60's - good afternoon to hunker down in Flo with good books, our games, a hot cup of tea, etc.

Nine on zoom tonight with Theresa leaving early and Tom coming in later.   As usual, various health issues was probably the #1 topic....

Sounds like a much warmer week coming....enjoy!

Saturday - September 16

Gloomy, cooler day......absolutely no sun today!    Mark drove to the Carlock post office to mail some cards and I made ham/cheese omelets with orange/cranberry bread from Borzynski's in Racine and fresh peaches.

We did a short walk around the campground and met our neighbor and his Australian Shepherd (Bernie) who looks just like Gibson.    Man and his dog spend the winters in Ocala, FL and rest of the year, they travel all over spending 1 week at each stop.   He has a bike and always on the lookout for good trails around the country.

Pretty blooms here at KK

This afternoon we drove to rural Stanford to visit Tamara and Darrel (friends since 1973).    We had not seen them in a long time - Tamara has dementia but we had a very nice chat catching up on our families, farming, mutual friends and so many memories from the past.    We remember so well when they built their house in the country - 45 years ago!!!!    They are hoping and planning to come to the wiener roast Mark and I are having here at KK on October 9th.    Tamara was one of the charter members (along with Marsha and me) for the Monday Night Friends, but she was not able to attend our recent 50th anniversary celebration.

We went to Busy Corner for supper - very busy but good as ever!  

Connor shot a 75 in tournament in Pekin  today.   He took this picture on the golf course - they were invaded by turkeys???    Noisy birds!

Struttin' around the golf course

Friday - September 15

 A very busy day for me......left KK at 8 and drove to Anne's to deliver kringle for she and Connor.   Then to Morgan for a haircut, Starbucks for 2 pumpkin spice lattes to take to Donna Rae and a 45-minute visit.    Then I met Shelly at Lucca Grill for our favorite (a la baldini pizza) and lots of chatter.    Shelly and Jim lived in Bloomington till this summer when they moved to northern Wisconsin.    She was back visiting friends and so glad we could connect at our favorite spot where we usually were with the guys for dinner several times in the past.   Mark and Jim worked together at State Farm.   Hopefully we 4 can get together in February in Florida.

Pat and Shelly at Lucca Grill

Then I ran a few errands, got my nails done, a few more errands and finally on home at 4.    Whew.....yakked with Mark about all the news of the day (there was lots) and later we went for a walk down our country road.   It was another lovely day with a high of 77.

While I was gone, Mark fixed something on our hot water heater, did bookwork, scheduled some appointments, read and just had a nice quiet day to himself!

Can't believe September is officially 1/2 over....

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - September 14

 Sunny blue skies and perfect temp in the 70's.    We had a little bit of our continental breakfast at Seven Oaks and then on our way.   

Linda and Bob at their cottage (Henley_

Our Canterbury - definitely would recommend Seven Oaks - very nicely done + charming and quiet

 Stopped for gas and next stop was Rockford and The Machine Shed for hearty late breakfast.   Then to Crimson Ridge - a large, lovely clothing, gifts, floral shop.    I had not been there in years but imagine our surprise to drive into parking lot and see big CLOSED signs on the doors.  Linda was shocked, sad and disappointed (me, too) .....they had been in business for 27 years.   A maintenance man working outside said they had been closed about 6 months.    So, we went to another shop, Pepper Creek - floral shop and gifts.    And then back to Mendota.   Unloaded our stuff from Bob's car to our truck; carried in their things, said our good byes and look forward to next outing September 26th?    We had so much fun - LaSalle and Mendota (lunch and euchre) with Aunt Marian, Dick and Mary, and then to Racine and Lake Geneva.   

Off to Aunt Marian's to deliver her blueberry kringle and got to see her daughter, (my cousin, Paulette visiting from Cocoa Beach, FL)    We had a nice visit with lots of laughs.   Paulette had been looking thru old photo albums of her Mom's and came across this picture.....oh my!    We're thinking late 1971-early 1972 taken at Aunt Marian's - Mark and I with our twins, Michael and Anne.   

An oldie but a goodie!

\

Aunt Marian (almost 95) and her friend, Betty (I've known for many years) 100 as of August 25th.

Cousin Paulette and Aunt Marian

We stopped at The Coffee House for an iced cinnamon dolce latte (yummy) and back to KK.    It is such a gorgeous day.    Got our stuff put away - clothes, new purchases, cooler with some leftovers and the kringle.   

We went for an hour-long walk down the country road.   Felt great as we're passing homes, bean and corn fields and occasional traffic.   Back home for leftovers (walleye, pasta and veggies)!   

Connor tied for 2nd place in golf tuornament today in Pontiac against 10 other schools!    CCHS came in 2nd again to U High (big rival).

 

Wednesday - September 13

 Today was cloudy and cool - so different than yesterday.    We checked out of the hotel and drove downtown for a delicious breakfast at The Maple Table.    Then to O & H Bakery to pick up our kringle order (15 for Linda and 7 for me)!    We've been enjoying these Danish pastries for over 28 years when we first started boating in Racine in 1995.

Here come the Kringles - ready to load 'em up!

We had a few other stops before we headed out of town to Lake Geneva.    It started raining as we were leaving town but didn't last too long.    While we really helped the Racine ecomony, we didn't buy anything in Lake Geneva although we hit several shops.    Today wasn't near as nice to stroll the streets with the much cooler temps.

A little fall color in Lake Geneva

We arrived at Seven Oaks - neat little cottages nicely furnished and cozy.   Bob and Linda were in the Henley Cottage and we were at the Canterbury.    Wine, crackers, cheese were provided along with breakfast for tomorrow.

We played SkyJo at the Henley with Mark and Linda the winners.    Then out for dinner at Tuscan Tavern and Grill - another excellent meal.    Back to the Henley for a new card game for us - Five Crowns.   Lots of fun (I'm going to buy this card game) and Mark and I won the 2 games we played.

Back to our Canterbury home...it was another big, fun day and tomorrow...home sweet home.    All 11 cottages are occupied tonight and each one has little white lights around their porch roof!

Tuesday - September 12

 The sun is shining and it's a grand day to be off to Wisconsin.    We left Mendota at 8 (Bob driving).   Mark and I came up yesterday in the truck as they were going to repair my cracked windshield at KK.    They came today and that job is finished!

Linda and I shopped at Borzynski's and the guys went to The Grind to get some coffees.   Unfortunately, no fall flavors?    But, we had fun with all the pretties and then onto O & H Bakery to place our kringle order for pick-up tomorrow.

Next stop was the Yardarm and good as ever!    Very busy place and enjoyed some delicious Wisconsin cheese curds before our lunch.

Then to Milaeger's - thee favorite Racine shopping spot.    Fun Fun!!!

Upside down Christmas tree - new thing this year - $1,599.00

Retail therapy at its finest!

Checked into our hotel, rested for about an hour and then off to The Corner House on the Lake for drinks and played SkyJo in the bar.    I won 1st game and played part of 2nd game with Mark in the lead.    Since we had a big lunch, not that hungry so went to The Brew House for Taco Tuesday and shared - very good.

CCHS golf team lost by ONE stroke to U High (rival team) in the Intercity tournament today!

Monday - September 11

 Thinking of all the innocent men, women and children who lost their lives 22 years ago today on that horrific 9/11.

We had such a fun day  - we left KK at 8:45 and stopped for a coffee fix at Java Cafe in ElPaso.    Then it started to rain and continued all day long.    We met brother Bob and Linda, cousin Dick and Mary and Aunt Marian at Uptown Grill in LaSalle for lunch - love this place and as always, very good meals and lots of chatter! 

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

After lunch we all went back to Stonecroft where Aunt Marian lives and played euchre.    6-handed (Mary, Dick and Mark beat Aunt Marian, Linda and me 2 games).    Then we played 4-handed - I was a big loser till Mary and I finally won against Aunt Marian and Linda.    Dick and Bob enjoyed putting a puzzle together.  We also enjoyed carrot cake cake roll.

Bob and Dick at work on their puzzle which they finished!

Sweet Aunt Marian (almost 95)!

Said our good byes to Aunt Marian and onto Bob and Linda's.    Dick and Mary stopped in and we had drinks and snacks and more visiting.   

Linda and I chatted some more, enjoyed a small bowl of her homemade chicken noodle soup and called it a day!

Tomorrow we are off to Racine, Wisconsin!

 

Sunday - September 10

 Warm and sunny Sunday (81).    We went to 10:00 Mass with Father Stirniman at Holy Trinity - their choir is magnificent!

Today is National Grandparents Day and we were hoping to see Connor but he was working at Bloomington Country Club and has a very busy week of golf ahead!    Anne joined us for brunch at Destihl, we sat outdoors and enjoyed our meals and lots of chatter. 

Perfect day for dining al fresco

Mark and I went back to Anne's for more visiting and she sent some very delicious cherry crisp home with us - our neighbor Donna in Port Clinton had given us 3 bags of cherries from their trees.    I've had them in the freezer (Catrina doesn't have an oven) so Anne and Connor can enjoy, too.

Back to KK and rested a bit.    Then started packing for our little getaway tomorrow thru Thursday.  

 It's been a rough, sad and scary week for Liam and Connor as their friend (16 and a junior at CCHS) was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma.    Everyone in shock.   He is on the golf team also.   Please pray for Liam B.    

 We're going to LaSalle/Mendota/Racine/Lake Geneva for good eating, cards (euchre), shopping, etc.  Meeting family tomorrow and then going to WI with Bob and Linda.

Nine on zoom tonight....

Have a fantastic week!

Saturday - September 9

 Busy day but it was a beauty!    We went into town to do laundry, brought it back to KK (after a Gloria Jean's coffee fix) and left separately to go back to town.   I had a few errands and then met Mark at Westminster Village where we had lunch with Donna Rae and Rhea (dear friends).   We had such a nice visit over a yummy lunch, took some pics and said our good byes to Rhea.     Mark and I went to Donna Rae's apartment and visited a while more.

Rhea and Donna Rae with us

Bye bye to Donna Rae (she and I have a plan to do coffee next Friday).

Mark came on back to KK and I met Claire at Panera - this was a last-minute plan that worked out great as we weren't able to get together till the 19th.    We sat in the warm sunshine for about 2 1/2 houtrs catching up!    Duh...no picture.

Mark and I walked on the country road this beautiful evening, but it sure gets dark early (36 minutes before Port Clinton)!

 

Friday - September 8

 Cloudy and cool today (60's).    Mark was off at 8:30 for a haircut with Brandon and then ran several errands.    I left for town at 10 for a 10:30 eye appointment (took some pics of my right eye from a previous visit in May when they were just wanting to check further).    Then I met Kathy (visiting from TX), her friend China (they are back here for their 55th class reunion this weekend) and 2 mutual friends, Barb and Anita.   We enjoyed lunch and visit at Biaggi's.   Anita and China left and Kathy, Barb and I continued the chatter.

I took Kathy back to her hotel, said our good byes with hugs and back to Kamp Komfort.

Barb and Kathy

China, Anita, Pat

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - September 7

 Gloomy day and cool (low 70's).    I left Mark and Flo and drove to the parking lot where Beth picked me  up.    We went on a great 2.5 mile hike on the Kickapoo Rail Trail (another awesome old railroad converted into a walking/biking path like our North Coast Inland Trail in Ohio).

After our hike, Beth took me back to the car and I followed her to Mad Goat Coffee - what a neat place with all the coffee choices and so many pastries to choose from (made in house).    We enjoyed our breakfast and yakked away.    Time to say good bye - what fun to be together and I'll see her in 3 weeks at Sisters' Weekend which she and Sharon are hosting.

Hiking with Beth

First fall color

Awesome coffee shop

Mark and Flo left for Kamp Komfort and were all settled by the time I arrived at 12:15.    Other than a nasty accident which really slowed/stopped traffic on I-74 (semi was on its side), it was a good trip and always nice to be back "home" at KK.

I went into town at 3:30, stopped at Anne's for a good visit and then off to The Vrooman Mansion for the 50th Anniversary of our Monday Night Friends.   There were 10 of us (missing Tamara) and oh my, reminisced thru the years all the fun times and memories we've made.   We looked thru old photo albums enjoyed champagne, delicious food and just so much fun!    

Cheers to 50 years!

Linda, Marsha, Sue, Ruth, Jody, Pat, Brenda, Nadine, Donna, Connie