Monday - September 30

 Our last day at KK and in IL...moving on tomorrow to our friends (one of my boat sisters) at their home in OH.    

Today started out foggy, then sunny but not for long as its been dreary most of the day.    We met the breakfast group at Busy Corner.   Pat and Brenda were flying home from Colorado so missed them.   

Mark, Pat, Sue, Sigrunn, Ken

 We all enjoyed our breakfasts and got 2 pieces of pie to go.   Good bye to these dear friends and off to town,    Stopped at Anne's with apple caramel slice of pie and good bye hug; then to storage for one last final check (Liam and Connor will deliver to Anne's basement when they're home for Thanksgiving).    

After 9 years, our last visit to our storage unit

Stopped at Donna Rae's with a piece of cherry pie, good visit and good bye hug.    Few more stops and on back to KK.

Donna Rae 

Michael is working in Charlotte and staying at a hotel till power comes back to Lake James - latest report is possibly Friday?   Maybe Wednesday?    Had a good chat with Brooke today (she and Blair are at her brother's house) and was able to text Annette before the Verizon fiasco.   And Blair was able to facetime?   And Michael called late this afternoon. Sure don't understand how this technology all works!

How can it be the last day of September?    Let's hope 'n pray October is kinder to the country in the weather department.

Love hearing from so many around the country about how our NC family is faring and where we are these days?

A huge class A with a very large trailer pulled in beside us this afternoon - he is a pastor and here for a week rebinding bibles!    They are from Texas.

Said good bye to Micci and big thanks for a fun 3-week stay at KK.   God willing, we'll be back in May!

So...I'm one of 114 million customers who have Verizon on my phone and affected by the big outage that came this morning around 10.    

At 5:07, my phone showed I was back in business with Verizon!    YEAH!   Have not heard what happened but all around the country people/businesses were NOT happy

One final outing with the Monday Night Friends at The Barrel House for their burger special and 10% of our bill going to the ARC (activity and recreation center)  for seniors in Normal.    Good burgers and lots of chatter before more good byes!    Hope to see some of these gals in FL this winter.

From the left:

Ruth, Nadine, Jody, Sue, Brenda, Pat, Marsha

Flo is hooked up to Big Red and we are ready to roll outta here tomorrow morning!

Friday-Sunday - September 27-29

 Oh my so much has been happening since Thursday night when I did the blog.   "MEAN" Helene as I heard the hurricane described today came roaring in and wrecking sooo much havoc on at least 5 states.    Our kiddos in western NC are still without power, cell and internet service.    We are very thankful they are all safe and their homes are ok.   So much devastation and loss of life - tragic stories and unbelievable damage to this beautiful area.   

I had a very fun weekend in Kansasville, WI at Doris's Eagle Lake home.   I picked Janet up at her son Tommy's home in Belvidere Friday afternoon and we were on our way.   We had a smaller # of sisters this year - just 8 when 11 is normal.    We played lots of games (Hand 'n foot, Sky Jo, Pegs and Jokers, 5 Crowns, etc.) and out to eat Friday night at Michael's on the Lake for a fish fry.    Saturday, more games, and our niece Hannah (bride-to-be on October 26th) joined us for an afternoon visit.   Her Mom was Sue who passed away almost 4 years ago.    Went to 5:00 Mass at St. John the Baptist in Union Grove with Father Jim Boker.   Little Frederick Glenn was baptized during Mass, too.

Dinner was at The Brat Spot - a great Wisconsin-style HUGE sports bar - we all enjoyed our brats and other sandwiches.    Back to Doris's, got into our jammes and more games.

Each night we also played "unwrapping the bottle - a wine bottle is tightly wrapped in all kinds of tape and we roll dice and whoever gets a double has a chance to unwrap wearing gloves,   Janet and Sharon were the winners.

Breakfast this morning and then everyone was on their way after stripping all the beds and remaking,    It was another successful sisters weekend.    This tradition started in 1993.

Sharon, Pat, Janet, Marilyn, Joan, Theresa, Karen, Doris

Dropped Janet off at son Tommy's to get her car and I headed back to KK.    Sat with Mark and hashed over our weekend.....he was in Decatur yesterday for Connor's golf tournament with Anne.    It was a 2-day event (18 holes each day) - good day on Friday; not so good on Saturday.    He also delivered a huge bunch of boating charts from the east coast, river system, etc., to our friend Gary to share with the Power Squadron classes.   

We talked about our plans for the week which have drastically changed.....with no power at Lake James, we'll be slowly driving towards there (coming from the east as over 400 roads are closed and 2 major interstates in western NC).    We want to be closer cause when their power comes back, we will be there to help.    Brooke cancelled her trip to CT with girlfriends; no idea when kiddos will be back in school.    We had plans to meet 4 different couples for lunch in the next 2 weeks, but they live in some of the hardest hit areas (Asheville, Marion and Millers Creek), so cancelling some and iffy about Beeb and Frank.   So much up in the air.   Our boys have been working non stop on getting the docks back in place cause with the high water levels, it's a mess and keeping the boats situated.   

We went to Busy Corner for supper - sooo busy but we could sit at the counter right away.

Zoom tonight with only 5 siblings - MEAN Helene was the main topic.    Sure wish we could talk to our NC kiddos....Michael and Brooke are home from Notre Dame.   She'll be staying with her brother along with her parents and Blair till power is restored.

We so appreciate all those who checked in to see how our NC family are doing!

Have a great week!

Thursday - September 26

 What a big day.....and worries about the effect Helene is having on our NC kiddos, Cypress Trail, etc.   And Helene is still very much "out" there and hasn't made landfall yet.

We took off at 7:45 to do laundry in town; then brought it back to KK, put away and left again for LaSalle to meet Mark's high school friends for lunch at Uptown Grill.   Unfortunately, Judy got the date mixed up and thought we were meeting tomorrow.    Bummer, as we were so looking forward to being together.    But we sure did enjoy Tom and Deb - great visit and lunch on the screened-n-porch.    Another classmate and hubby (Lynn and Bob) are on a Mediterranean cruise, so we missed them, too

Pat and Mark

Deb and Tom

Stopped in Princeton at Niclynn Shoe store which is going out of business - love their shoes and got 2 pairs.   And last stop was to visit Annette's parents (Judy and Dave) in rural Princeton,    We hadn't been together on their beautiful farm for a few years - great visit!   Judy has 10 pet chickens all named and very friendly!    These are some of the chicks that Maeve painted their toe nails last summer!

Some of the Lady Chicks

Dave and Judy with their girls!

Schools are closed in NC (today and tomorrow) and the rain continues.   Our boys are concerned about the high water levels (record-breaking 110' possible) which will wreck havoc on the docks, boats, etc.   Next big concern when Helene actually comes....the strong winds and all the trees when the ground is sooo saturated.  Michael and Brooke are at Notre Dame this weekend visiting Brady.

There was damage at Cypress Trail to shed doors and tiki huts.   

Helene is vicious - waiting to make landfall as I write this....praying for FL, GA, NC, SC, VA

I'm going to Sisters Weekend in Wisconsin this weekend so taking a break from the blog til Sunday.

Wednesday - September 25

 Woke up to sunshine after 2 dreary rainy days!   I was off to town at 9:30 and dropped some things off at Anne's, then a few errands and finally, a mani/pedi with Lisa.   Always enjoy visiting with her and she's a new Grandma with the birth of her grandson, Quincy on August 21st.   Lisa was running 1/2 hour late as the lady before me was getting "Halloween" fancy schmancy nails which take 2 hours!!!   The gal who scheduled me did not allow enough time, but I was finally out of there at 12:25 and met Claire for lunch downtown at Realty Bites.

We had a nice leisurely lunch - shared some appetizers and caught up; we won't be together till January in Florida.    After lunch we walked across the street to Ivy Lane Bakery for sugar cookies and she got an iced coffee.   Always so fun to be together!

Pat 'n Claire with the bakery goodies!

I had a few more errands including a stop at the BroMenn Thrift Shop for donations.   We've given our stuff to St. Vincent de Paul, BroMenn and Goodwill.    On back to KK.

So Mark and I caught up on each other's day....he was certainly busy straightening out and organizing back of Big Red and then he went to town and got bins we're taking to NC loaded up and some more things we're taking to Anne's.    We've been paying for storage units for 9 1/2 years and now that we REALLY downsized, we'll pay our kids to store the few things we have left till we're needing them in NC someday...

New folks in the park tonight are from Massachusetts and South Carolina.

Thinking of and praying for Florida tonight.........

Tuesday - September 24

So.....a fun day which started out with heavy rain this morning.    Yesterday on the golf course, we had steady rain but thankfully, nothing like today!!!   But by the time we left at 10, it had pretty much stopped, so off to Mackinaw to meet brother Bob and Linda for our 2x a year meeting in Mackinaw and Eureka.

Linda and I browsed around the garden gate shop and then the guys joined us for lunch in the tea room which was good as always.

To Beth Anne's clothing boutique for some retail goodies for both of us....then we all went to Eureka and Braker's for edible goodies and Scottwood Floral for browsing the beautiful fall decor and the start of Christmas.    I enjoyed a yummy maple latte.  FUN day...

Mark, Pat. Linda, Bob

Pretty fall decor at Braker's

I walked around the campground - Mark wanted to stay put!   New states tonight are Tennessee and California.   And Florida again gets the prize - 5 tonight (counting us) including an Airstream just like Flo.

One week from today we leave for NC, so down to our last week here at KK and hanging out with family/friends!

Monday - September 23

 A wet soggy Monday.....we met the Monday morning breakfast group at Egg Republic for delicious breakfast (and vanilla latte).   So good to see these folks (Pat, Ken and Sigrunn) as we had seen Brenda and Sue last week.

Ken, Sigrunn, Sue, Brenda

Pat, Mark, Pat

Mark and I left at 10:15 for Danville Country Club to watch the Jaguars compete against 11 other teams hosted by Danville Area Community College.    Connor had a great day shooting a 72  and a 72 (this is a par 71 course)  We walked the course for several holes, but the rain just kept coming down and it got cooler.....there are very short cart paths on this course so we walked thru the grass and had very wet shoes, sox and pant legs - ugh!!!

We got to see Beth (sister-in-law) earlier this morning (no pic).....Tom (Mark's brother) joined us later in the afternoon and got to catch up with him.    He and Beth have been so good to Connor and enjoy having him in town and he loves being close to them and "talk" golf as Tom is a very good golfer!

Mark and Anne walking in the rain on one of the "short" cart paths

Connor in action

Start of some fall color

Anne, Tom, Mark

Stopped at Culver's coming into town and got a tenderloin and cheese curds to go and to share.

So good to get the wet stuff off and clean up our grassy shoes.    Mark had several more bins in trunk of Ruby which he brought in and we sorted thru them......I "THINK" we are done with the sorting!!!   Alleluia!!!

Our golf star!

Connor tied for 3rd place out of 71

Sunday - September 22

 Rainy Sunday morning but nothing heavy.    We went to 10:00 Mass with Father Loftus at Holy Trinity (and Anne).   We really like this new priest.    Then to see Donna Rae at Westminster Village.    She had asked us to pick up some Werther original hard candies for her friend, Mary Lou who is leaving WV and going to another assisted living facility.    These are Mary Lou's favorite candy.

Stopped at Recreation Coffee for my Sunday morning fix and onto storage.    We made some good waves and emptied more bins - yeah.    We have sure whittled down our "stuff".

   Then to Lvl Up, another new coffee shop in town (gotta patronize these new businesses.)    This is a real neat place but Mark and I sure brought down the age level....good pastries, too.

On home and around 2:00, the heavens really opened up!    Didn't last too long and we sure could use more rain.

Enjoyed the exciting Iowa/Minnesota game last night which Iowa won!    Amazing with all the college football games yesterday, the 2 teams I wanted to watch (Notre Dame and Iowa), were both on the same station back-to-back!!!  👍👍

Liam was in Minnesota for the game - his roommate, Joe is from near Minneapolis.

Jane and Allie came over for a nice visit on Flo.....so good to catch up together.    We gals went to Busy Corner for supper (Mark enjoyed last night's leftovers).   Good food and chatter + pie-to-go.    Tomorrow is the 1-year anniversary of Joe's passing (Jane's hubby)  😞   They brought me back to KK, good-bye hugs and so happy they could come my way.

Pat, Allie, Jane

10 on zoom tonight!   Lots of this 'n that to chat about!   

Have a good week ahead...

Saturday - September 21

 H a P p Y   B i R t H d A y

PHILIP

Philip and his beautiful family

So proud of our son as he celebrates #48.    Along with being a great hubby, dad, airline captain and instructor, and master woodworker craftsman, he's a loyal friend to many!    

Along with Philip celebrating today, his Uncle Tom (Mark's youngest brother) is "60" and cousin Paul (Jim and Lydia's son) is 46.     September 21st is a big day for the family!

We went thru more stuff we brought back from storage!    It's a warm, sunny breezy day.   We also did 1 load of laundry here in the park as they have 1 stackable washer/dryer!

It got darker around noon and out of nowhere, rain was predicted; radar showed we sure were going to get it....but all dissipated around us and nary a drop 

We watched Notre Dame beat Miami of Ohio!

So tonight we were supposed to meet Dave and Judy (Annette's parents) at Mona's Italian Restaurant in Toluca - a family favorite.   But unfortunately, Judy had a serious injury to her leg lifting a heavy bag of water softener salt, so.....had to cancel.   We were so looking forward to being together...

Mark suggested we go back to The Pickled Radish (we were there Thursday night but this is a definite favorite)!    So, off we went and another wonderful meal.....ribs for Mark and bourbon salmon for me with their awesome au gratin potatoes.   Very busy place!!!

Friday - September 20

 Exactly 5 years ago tonight, (Friday, September 20, 2019) Patrick died at St. Joseph Hospital - all happened so fast and such a shocking and sad time.    He would be so proud of Anne and his boys as we all are!!!

FSIL

(Favorite son-in-law) and he called me FMIL (favorite mother-n-law).

He had a great sense of humor and was so talented with his music

We had a very busy day and were gone from KK for 8 hours.    We went to 8:00 Mass at Holy Trinity.   I took Mark to our storage unit as today was "thee" day we decided to start the pitching, donating, cleaning out some of our stuff that we haven't used or looked at for 9 years since we became nomads.    Mark hung out there while I picked up coffees and a pumpkin chocolate chip scone at Recreation Coffee (just opened in March) and went to visit Donna Rae.    As always, we had a great visit - she is delightful and so sharp at 93.    

Donna Rae

Then I went to storage and Anne came shortly after.    Mark preferred to tackle this project by himself (Anne and I thought he should take a break and join us for lunch), but he said "No, you gals have  a nice mother/daughter lunch (which had been planned).    So, we left for Ancho and Agave and excellent Mexican fare and margaritas outside on the patio.

Mother/Daughter Lunch

Stopped at Dollar General for a few things and then to storage.    Anne left with some treasures???    Mark and I were hard at it loading up the car and really made good waves (he worked 4.5 hours).    Wish we had taken a picture before starting, and then how it looks now - still plenty of "stuff", but definitely better.

So, many donations and 2 big garbage bags later...    Ta dah....

Back to KK - it was another very warm day.    Walked around and found 3 new states - Georgia, Kansas and Nevada.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Thursday - September 19

 Congratulations to Michael and Brooke

26 years ago...9/19/1998

and the wonderful family they created

We had a very busy morning leaving for town around 8ish and met 2 long-time friends thru boating at The Bloomin' Cafe for delicious breakfast and a most enjoyable 2-hour visit.    Roger's wife Carol passed away last October - such a dear friend.    Gary's wife, Judy has Alzheimer's.....another dear friend.   These guys are truly special!!! 

Mark, Pat, Roger, Gary

We'll see Roger in Florida this fall and next winter and hopefully Gary next May!   

More errands including a haircut for Mark with Brandon at Shoey's Barber Shop.   I decided to go next door and get a few things at Dollar General.   I left the windows rolled down (it's a very empty shopping area).  As I was walking into DG, a guy started getting in my car?   I said "Excuse me, that's my car"!    It was a guy Mark worked with at SF many years ago who has an identical car as Ruby.    We had a nice visit in the parking lot with Frank and Jane and a good laugh about the car mix-up!!!

Stopped at Meijer's for some groceries, then to Holy Cross cemetery to chat with Patrick.    Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary...

On home and a quiet afternoon.     At 5, we left for Eureka and dinner at the Pickled Radish.   This place was formerly The Chanticleer (a favorite supper club), but they never recovered from Covid.   New owners came in, remodeled, new menu and wow.....excellent.    We ate here in the spring and definitely a favorite.   Mark had a ribeye (excellent) and I loved my peanut-crusted pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes.

Wonderful dinner

 

Instead of taking our usual route home thru Goodfield, we meandered thru the country zigzagging on several roads and checking out the crops   The beans are in full swing with occasional corn fields being harvested.   We saw 3 deer on the side of the road coming out of the woods....always scary especially this time of year when they seem more abundant!

We had a good laugh at this picture...

Fall in Florida

Wednesday - September 18

 I left for town at 10 and ran some errands before meeting Brenda, Sue and Sharon at Egg Republic for lunch.   We sat outside and all enjoyed our lunches - very good chicken salad with avocado!    Along with lots of catching up, we discussed their trip to FL this winter where we'll hang out with our friend, Connie in Fort Myers.   Fun afternoon with these long-time friends.

Breda, Sharon, Pat, Sharon

Back to KK....Mark spent the day working on bookwork, reading, etc.    We did our walk - not much happening at KK tonight.   

Tuesday - September 17

 Had a nice morning visiting with Linda on the porch and enjoying my pumpkin latte which Mark picked up at Scooter's a few blocks away.   

Always enjoy coming to Mendota to see the kinfolk (Aunt Marian, Bob, Linda, Dick and Mary)  plus this trip, got to have 2 visits with cousin Jane.    

Bob has this large area of prairie grass growing between his yard and the road.    He'll be cutting it down this fall and then in the spring it grows back healthier than ever!

Bob's prairie grass

Went to Stonecroft to see Aunt Marian (bummer she couldn't be with us last night) - she was her usual sweet self and always fun to visit with.    She will be 96 in November!!!

Aunt Marian

We stopped at the Minonk Chocolate Company on our way home and got some caramel apples and chocolates - sooo much good stuff! 

Had the brilliant 😋idea as we were coming down I-39 to stop at Green Gables for lunch (1st time in their new restaurant since their awful fire 2 years ago in May)!    It was good as ever!!!

Stopped for gas in Carlock and back to KK.   It's another warm one - unusual for September, but no complaints and still having cool mornings and evenings!

Went for a walk tonight - no new states but Florida continues to lead the way after Illinois

Sunset on the prairie

.

Monday - September 16

We had a fun day in Mendora starting with breakfast at Cindy's where we met Jane who came from Peoria.   So good to see her!   We yakked over our breakfast and then said good bye....

Bob, Linda, Jane, Pat, Mark

Back to Bob and Linda's - she and I played Rummikube (she won) and then Jane stopped in before heading back home.   We had such a nice afternoon visiting on the porch.    Mary and Dick came and more gabbing.   Lots of reminiscing from years ago.   Jane ate dinner and then left for home.

Unfortunately, Aunt Marian did not join us as she had some dental work done this morning and was not to going out again.    Bob and Mark took dinner to her including pie.

We had a wonderful lasagna dinner along with meatballs, 7-layer salad, garlic bread and pie to go as we were all stuffed.   Played SkyJo which Linda won!   Her lucky day!

Dick, Mary, Linda, Bob

Bye bye to Dick and Mary

Sunday - September 15

 Warm Sunday...we went to 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Loftus after getting Ruby washed.

Back to KK, packed up our suitcase and stuff and headed to Busy Corner to pick up pie for tomorrow night's dessert and then to Bob and Linda's in Mendota.

Sat and visited in the afternoon and then went to China House downtown for delicious Chinese.   Mark and I love Chinese, but unfortunately, there is no longer a good spot in Bloomington (Mandarin Garden was our favorite but now a cannabis house), and Port Clinton, even Fort Myers do not have a good place.

Back to Bob and Linda's and that's where we were when we heard about the 2nd assassination attempt on Donald Trump..................WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AMERICA????    Just unbelievable....

Saturday - September 14

 Really warmed up today!    Quiet day at the campground - imagine most of the folks were with their college kiddos tailgating, cheering on the Redbirds, etc.    They won 54-31.

We stayed indoors most of the day - got to 86!

Anne made some zucchini/banana bread for us - delicious!!!

Met Paul and Marlys at Biaggi's - 3 hours later, wow, we had enjoyed a delicious dinner AND caught up on so much stuff.   Always enjoy our time together and look forward to seeing them in Florida.    Paul's granddaughter, Anna and our Brady are freshmen at Notre Dame!

Paul, Marlys, Pat, Mark

And Notre Dame and Iowa both won today!!!

Off to Mendota tomorrow to visit brother Bob and Linda, Aunt Marian and cousin Dick and Mary.  That's it for today...nighty night!

Friday - September 13

 Cloudy and cool today.    I left for town to get a haircut (9:15) with Morgan.   Stopped at Anne's with some treats to take Liam (Family weekend in Iowa City) and back home.   Mark was doing paper work while I was gone...

Our neighbors from Texas had a big diesel spill on the gravel and had a roving or traveling mechanic come out to take care of the problem.    I guess they got it fixed as they left but Micci put up cones so no one will be coming into that spot till diesel is cleaned up?

We met John and Linda (long-time neighbors and friends when we were on Jackson Street and they were around the corner on Moore) at Busy Corner.   So fun to be with them and catch up.  They have a lovely home and property in the country and they've been there "40" years!   Crazy how fast time flies!!!

Linda and John

On home - I read and just had a leisurely afternoon cuddled under a blanket - big difference in the weather from past several days - tomorrow back in the 80's and all next week.   Mark continues with his book work.

Got our drinks together and did our nightly walk around the campground.....stopped at the office and asked Micci about the diesel smell.    The big class A lost 30 gallons (the EPA will need to be involved if its 50 gallons or more as it's a hazmat situation).    They can cover with new gravel and hope all is well.   Micci couldn't believe the guy left after mechanic fixed problem but never stopped to say "thank you" or "I'm sorry for the mess" and she had given him the name of mechanic to call.....duh!!!

So a lot of campers here tonight and most from Illinois for Family weekend (formerly called Parents weekend).     One new state -  Oregon.

 

   

Thursday - September 12

 Beautiful day....we left for town at 8:40 with our laundry and a list of errands.    Got 5 machines going and while Mark took Ruby to get gas, I walked next door for a latte at Gloria Jean's.    Got the clean clothes dried, folded, in the car and off to run a few errands before we met our long-time friend and neighbor (41+ years), Marty for lunch at Schooner's.    Sooo good to see him and catch up on our families, the Jackson Street neighborhood, health issues and other news around town + many memories from years past.    Marty will be 88 on the 17th and doing very well.   And lunch was very good, too.

"Mr. Marty" as our grandsons called him

A few more errands and on home.    Quiet afternoon - got the laundry put away,10-minute power nap, read, etc.   

Took a couple walks around the campground - the RV's kept rolling in.   It's ISU Family Weekend (also at Iowa where Anne will be with Liam).   New states tonight are Alabama, West Virginia and Maryland.   I'm enjoying the fall decor Micci has around the campground.

Fall has arrived at KK

Wednesday - September 11

 Remembering 23 years ago today...😔

Loving this September weather - cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons (today's high was 86)!

Quiet morning on Flo till I took off for town - got some goodies for Liam and Connor at Meijer's and then met Claire at Biaggi's.    Had not seen her since May and she just returned from Italy, Switzerland and Austria, so lots to yak about in the 3 hours we were together!   Sat outside on this beautiful day...

Claire and Pat 

Back to KK and caught Mark up on all the news!   Another beautiful sunset tonight but didn't get a pic as we were visiting with a couple from Arkansas.    She's from there; he's from Philadelphia and they met in Greece.    Interesting story.

We've seen so many transport trucks carrying cars - guess they're going to FL or somewhere south and be ready when their owners arrive!    Even saw one out in the country coming home from Shipshewana last week.

2 new states tonight are Ohio and Wisconsin.

 

Tuesday - September 10

 We had a very enjoyable day leaving KK at 8 for El Paso and the Java Cafe for our coffee fix.   And then headed towards Chicago and visited Mark's sister Theresa and Mike at their lovely retirement home in Carol Stream.   We had such a nice visit, delicious lunch and they gave us a tour inside and outside of this beautiful facility.   

Mike and Theresa

These gorgeous blooms are outside Mike and Theresa's building

Dinner plate-size Dahlias

Next stop was to see another sister, Doris in Palos Park - a fun visit and to the Franklin Public House for delicious dinner.   So good to visit Mark's siblings one-on-one. 

Theresa and Mark

Mark and Doris

And then time to head home - looking forward to being with these 2 "sisters" at Sisters Weekend in 2 weeks.

Monday - September 9

 It was 48 when we left at 7:10 for Crestwicke golf course so we were bundled up with layers.   But not much wind and the sun was shining and it warmed up to the upper 70's.   Connor was playing in a tournament (12 schools with 81 boys participating and hosted by Heartland College).

Contemplating his next shot

Connor's support and cheer team

Anne, Mark and I walked the 1st 18 holes (over 14,000 steps) but that was enough for Grandma and Grandpa.    Connor did not have a good game - shooting an 82.    Anne stayed on for the next 18.    We stopped at Steak 'n Shake (thought chocolate milkshakes sounded good and they have the best..............however, today's just wasn't up to par.) 😒   Not sure what the problem is - so different to walk in and order at the kiosk - no waiters.    While I waited for the order, Mark got Ruby gassed up and then on back to KK.

We both took a nap and then I was off to meet my Monday Night Friends at Little Beaver Brewery (1st time for me).

What a fun time sitting outdoors and yakking away this beautiful evening.   So good to be with these MNF's again. Missing Ruth...

Around to the right:

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

Unfortunately, not a good day for Connor or the DACC Jaguars as he ended up with an 83 on the last 18 holes.    Anne got 32,000 steps!    WTG......she should sleep well tonight!

Sunday - September 8

 Very pretty fall-like day....and warmer than yesterday with less wind!   We had a leisurely morning and later went to the Carlock Family Restaurant for a hearty breakfast (waffle and corned beef hash for Mark and croissant sandwich of ham, egg and cheese for me).

On home and read, played games on our I-pads, etc. and then took a nice walk around KK  + out on the country road.    New campers here today are from Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Pennsylvania. Oklahoma, Montana, North Carolina and Missouri.

After seeing all the beautiful fall decor in Shipshewana, my cousin Dick and Mary were inspired and wow....this is the end result in their yard!

Love the peacocks, too!

We met Barb and Roger at Destihl for early dinner and lots of chatter.    So much to catch up on as we last saw them in May.    Hopefully, we'll be together in Florida in mid October.

Mark, Pat, Barb, Roger

Last night our Port Clinton friends got together for a soup supper on "Jaws", Dennis and Teri's boat.    Here they are.....

Chris, Bob, Michael, Donna and Dennis

And Teri (photographer and maker of the soup)!

Zoom tonight with 10 at one time, but Joan left early.    The usual chatter including recovery from hernia surgery, sad death of young mother from breast cancer, and our visit coming on Tuesday with Theresa, Mike and Doris.

Anne had Connor's golf team for dinner tonight and here they are....

Meant to report that Mark's hearing aide was waiting at Anne's when we stopped yesterday - Dr. Justin repaired and good to go after the ordeal of taking so long to get to NC.

Have a great week!