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

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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!

Saturday - September 7

 Chilly windy day.....we got some things done on Flo including Mark fixing the seal on Flo's potty.   He made a trip to the Ace Hardware in Eureka.    At 12:30 we drove into town and ran some errands, got the car washed, stopped in to see Anne and give her some things.   She's entertaining Connor's golf team and coach tomorrow night for dinner before their tournament on Monday.

Always enjoy our visits with Donna Rae and today was another good one!    She's such a dear and overall, doing well at 93.    Went back to pick up Anne and we were off to 4:00 Mass with Father Loftus at Holy Trinity.    We visited with Father after Mass.  He is new to HT as he was at Tom (Mark's brother) and Beth's parish in Danville for several years.

Donna Rae

Biaggi's for delicious dinner and plenty of chatter catching up with Anne.   Took her home and on back to KK.    Going to be 42 by morning but then starting to warm up!

Mark, Anne, Pat

Very disappointing for the college teams of our grandsons.....Iowa (Liam) and Notre Dame (Brady) both losing in final seconds of each game....😖

Friday - September 6

 We left the fairgrounds campground at 8:15.    We had a 4+ hour trip along with a stop in Wheatfield, IN, but gained back that hour when we got to the central time zone.   There were some very dark clouds here and there, but we were able to dodge any rain and ended up a very nice day - cool, sunny and breezy.

Mark stopped in Lexington for diesel and I went on to KK, checked in with Micci at 12:15 and she told me they had a very busy summer - best since 2021 when they were extremely busy after Covid and folks were ready to get back to camping.  Mark arrived a short time later and we got settled.   We'll be here till October 1st, so as always, good to be back in our little campground out in the country.

We both took a nap.    Later we went for a walk and checked out folks from Texas (2), Florida (6), Virginia, Idaho, South Dakota, Illinois (4), Arkansas and Arizona.

Another memory from Shipshewana...

Bob, Linda, Pat, Mark

Going to be in the low 40's by morning.....enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - September 5

 What a big day!    We started off with an excellent breakfast at Bob, Linda, Dick and Mary's hotel - The Blue Gate.    We hit a few more shops including the bulk grocery store.    Then out in the country to Rise 'n Roll - wonderful bakery and deli and we all got some donuts including their famous "crack" one - cinnamon sugar/caramel!    DELISH!!!

Said our good byes as they were heading home and we went back to the campground to get Flo.   We sure had a fun time here in Shipshewana!

Bob, Dick, Mary, Linda, Mark

By 1:00, we were on our way to Notre Dame to see Brady (45 miles).   We got Flo settled at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds in South Bend - only 1 other camper here tonight but I can imagine on game day......crazy!    We rested a bit and then left for Notre Dame and weren't on campus 5 minutes when we heard Brady call "Grandma"!!!    What a surprise that he just happened to be walking with friends as we were coming around the circle near his dorm!

We made a plan to meet up later.   We found a parking place and then started our walk around the campus - wow....absolutely beautiful and so pristine with nice landscaping -  lots of grassy areas (park-like settings), etc.   We stopped at the bookstore and Mark got a shirt and then met Brady at Rohr's for dinner.    Excellent and so good to catch up and hear about things on campus, his classes, etc. for our freshman.    He's happy and enjoying it all + keeping very busy.    After dinner he took us on a tour of campus (places we had not seen earlier.)    Here are some pics from our afternoon. 

Entrance to campus

Brady and Grandpa shared this delicious "Domer" cake

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotte

Touchdown Jesus

The Dome

Brady and Anna

Her Mom Mary, was a year behind Michael and Anne at CCHS

These little robots were scurrying all around delivering food - so funny (grub hub)

After we said our good byes to Brady and left him with a bag of treats, we drove to St. Mary's of Notre Dame (all women with enrollment of around 1500).    Mark's sister Carol went here almost 60 years ago and he remembers picking her up and/or taking her back after coming home for a weekend.    

Back to the campground - got a lot of steps in today....almost 12,000 for both of us.   Tomorrow, "home" to Kamp Komfort.

Wednesday - September 4

 A gorgeous day and we left Superior Marine and Port Clinton at 8:45 heading to Shipshewana, IN.    We stopped at the Blue Heron Service Plaza to dump Flo's potty.    Stopped in Maumee, OH at Bob Evans for breakfast and then onto Amish country.

It's been several months since we've both traveled (Mark in Big Red and me driving Ruby) separately, so getting our electronics synced was a bit of a challenge (Mark is the the techie guy - me, not at all).    But after a few glitches (Mark thinks Ruby has gremlins) we were good to go.   

We met my brother Bob and Linda, cousin Dick and Mary around 1:15 and after hugs and good-to-see-ya chatter, we started the shopping.   It really warmed up and such a pretty day to be walking around checking the shops.   Shipshewana gets the prize for thee most decorated town of fall decorations anywhere.....so many neat pumpkins, gourds, stuffed characters, mums, corn stalks, etc. Just beautiful!!!

Just 2 of many pretty areas of FALL

Bob, Linda, Mary, Dick

I had an iced coffee at the Country Cupboard and the guys sat around waiting on we gals.  

More browsing and then we had an early dinner at the Blue Gate - lots of yummy food.   Shopped in the bakery and brought back some items for Flo's fridge and then met them at the hotel and sat outside - sooo pleasant and played SkyJo.   New game for Dick and Mary.   I won....fun time and then it was getting cooler and dark, so back inside, said good night and we'll see ya in the morning for breakfast.

More fun at the hotel...with the 3 "farm" boys

Mark and the pigs

Dick and the Holstein cows

And the guys with some good looking corn!

Back to Flo - big day with family and lots of laughs!

Blair cheering for the Knights - 1st game of the season