Wednesday - September 30

 Another month almost gone - where oh where did September go???    Now down to our last 3 months of 2026!

Icky rainy day....and a good one to hit another new coffee shop for us thanks to Allie and Owen's recommendation.    This one is Four30 Scones in Morton.    The couple who own it were married on April 30th and have 4 daughters.   It's in an old service station that's been totally remodeled and big windows to watch the gals making scones in the kitchen.    So many choices of scones - Mark had the lemon blueberry and I had lemon raspberry - delish along with our coffees.    We sat for a while enjoying our treats and I-pads as the rain came down.

Decided we could drive to East Peoria early and walk at Costco and get some steps.    So, what a surprise to walk inside and NO one was checking out where there's usually LONG lines.    We didn't buy a thing but just walked up and down every aisle.   Then we left, got some gas for Ruby and onto The 520 Cafe a few miles away.   We met Jane, Allie and Owen for lunch - new place for all of us and popular.    We had a nice round table and sat and yakked while enjoying our lunches.   So good to be with them,   Said our good byes (hate good byes especially when we don 't know for sure when we'll be together again)!

Mark, Pat, Jane, Allie, Owen 

Last stop was Braker's Market in Eureka for some meals - all made in house and so good.  They were very busy - while I browsed around, Mark took a nap in Ruby.   It's definitely a good day for a nap!

Mark got a notice that our new printer had been delivered to KK - Micci was waiting with the big box in her arms when we came in past the office.    We bought another one not too long ago, but it wasn't a good fit in Flo - works much better on Catrina.    So, we'll store that one at Anne's till we can use on Catrina and will be one less thing to transfer from home to home.   Mark got it all set up and we're good to go.  

 There's an Airstream across from us here from Alaska, so that's definitely a new state.

Tuesday - September 29

 Wow, we reached 82 today!    Summer is not over yet!    We worked outside between Ruby and Big Red organizing our stuff before leaving next week.....rain is in the forecast for the next 3 days.    Then we left at 10:30 for Bloomington to meet Marlys for lunch at Egg Republic.    Marlys cried, I cried and we had a 2 hour, 15 minute visit over delicious patty melts (all of us) that she had recommended.    Marlys' long-time friend since the 1960s and our friend for a long time passed away July 5th.   Paul was 90 and such a great guy - our kids went to school together and Paul's wife Margie was a dear friend (she passed away in 2015).    We shared many stories and memories with laughs and tears.    It was a bittersweet visit but so glad we could get together.    Hoping to meet in Florida this winter.

Pat, Marlys, Mark

Stopped at HyVee, Dollar Tree and Binny's and on home.    Quiet afternoon with our I-pads and then after supper, walked around the campground.   New Mexico is a new state.

Monday - September 28

 Absolutely gorgeous day - love fall especially out in the country and KK is in the heart of harvesting as we are surrounded by corn and bean fields!    We were off to town with a stop at WalMart and then met the Monday morning group at House of Yolk for delicious breakfast - really like this place in a former Bob Evans location.

Ken, Sigrunn, Darrel, Sue, Pat, Mark

Ken and  Sigrunn, Sue and Darrel, Mark and I together one last time before we leave next week.   Stopped at Farm 'n Fleet and on home.

We walked around KK this afternoon and visited with a guy from California.   He and his wife are doing the Route 66 tour.    They are having a great time.    They left CA on August 21 and won't be home till mid November.    This is the 100th anniversary of that famous route.

Oklahoma is a new state.   This camper has been in the campground for a few days but not sure how many people live there?

A real "tiny" house!

I went back to town this afternoon and picked up a Rx at WalMart and then met the Monday Night Friends at Panera for supper.   We always have a bunch of laughs and tonight was more of the same - great group of gals....missing Nadine and Donna.

Ruth, Pat, Sue, Jody, Marsha and her daughter Laura

Our daughter-in-law, Erin, spent the weekend with 2 girlfriends in Vermont at a golden retriever farm - "Wines and  Wags".    They had a great time!

Erin and "friends"

I was burning a very pleasant candle in Flo today - "Pumpkin Spiced Latte" !  😄

FOUR years ago today, hurricane Ian left so much devastation on Fort Myers Beach

Friday-Sunday, September 25-27

 Friday -  I went into town for a manicure (coffee first at Jasper Java).    Good visit with Lisa and saw pics of her new grandson, Wesley born in July.    Onto Mendota to visit brother Bob and Linda.    Linda had a nice lunch for us and we got to catch up for a few hours.

Next stop was Rockford and pick up Janet for Sisters' Weekend on Eagle Lake, WI.    Doris has a lovely home there and hosted the sisters (10) this year.    The girls trickled in late afternoon (Theresa and Beth will join us tomorrow).    We settled in and then left for the Dover Inn and the Friday Night Fish Fry.    Lots of chatter rest of the evening and some games (Sliva Poker and Hand 'n Foot).

Front:  Doris, Joan, Marilyn, Lydia

Back:  Sharon, Karen, Pat, Janet

Mark had lunch with his SF colleague, Henry at Times Past.

Saturday - Some sisters (myself included) slept in for a bit but others were up early - WHY???    Ha....Doris made a delicious Cowboy Casserole, plus we had kringle, caramel pecan rolls and fresh fruit.    Theresa and Beth arrived and later, the 3 of us plus Sharon went for a good walk - beautiful fall day.

Some of us watched football in the afternoon and then we all went to 5:00 Mass with Father Hugo from Columbia - what a great priest who has 4 parishes (Kansasville and Union Grove) and so personable and young.    We were at St. John the Baptist.

And then time to eat again....Michael's on the Lake is a great supper club which we've been to before - all enjoyed our meals and of course, plenty of chatter.

Back:  Sharon, Theresa, Karen

Front:  Janet, Marilyn, Lydia, Joan, Beth, Pat, Doris

Beautiful view at Eagle LakeO

On home but 5 of us said good night - and the other 5 stayed up to visit some more.    

Sunday - there was some fog over the lake, but the sisters left at various times after getting the beds stripped and remade + the towels and tidy up the house.    Janet and I were the last to leave.    We had a really good visit back to Rockford - never a lull in our conversation!😀

Dropped Janet off, helped her get her stuff into the house and said hi to her Michael.    And then the last leg of the trip to KK arriving around 2ish.    Good to be back.    Mark and I caught up on our weekend.

He spent all day yesterday with Dave and Judy (Annette's parents) finishing up the Starlink set up, installing cameras, etc.    They are enjoying their high-speed internet and cameras.

He went to 10:00 Mass this morning and just chillin' here at the ole campground.

I walked late afternoon - gosh, it gets dark too early - time to get back to the eastern time zone,   But then we'll be falling back November 1st.

Only 3 on zoom tonight since the sisters had been together all weekend - Auntie Karen, Tom H and Mark.    They still had plenty to chat about!

Enjoy your week!

Thursday - September 24

 Busy day starting with driving to Lexington - tried a new coffee shop (Sirius) - it was a unique place which also served alcohol (weekend evenings) with lots of specialty craft cocktails served by LuLu, their mixologist who has worked all over including Europe.    Quite the place but we enjoyed our coffee and Mark had a burrito and I had a blueberry oat bar (both very good).

Then just a few blocks away was Morgan in her new location - (Raenn Beauty Lounge).    I hadn't seen Morgan in over a year, so always enjoy visiting with her and got a much-needed haircut.

We drove around Lake Bloomington - so many big homes from when we had our little cabin there!    Then to Green Gables and met Barb for a good long visit (3.5 hours).   It just seemed so different without Roger who passed away August 17th (his 75th birthday).     Barb has been such a dear friend and we sure feel for her but overall, she seems to be doing ok and was her sweet, friendly self.

Us with our dear friend Barb

We were waiting for the call from Heller Motors that Ruby was finished from when we brought her in yesterday - finally got the call, so said our good bye and hugs to Barb (hope to see her in Florida this winter).

Mark was in Big Red and me in Ruby and on back to KK.    We did our nightly walk (most of the time) and had a nice visit with a couple from Iowa.    New states tonight are Utah, Alabama and Massachusetts.

I'll be in Wisconsin the next few days for our Sisters' Weekend so no blog till  Sunday.

Wednesday - September 23

 Mark drove Big Red and I followed with Ruby to Pontiac (seemed strange not to have Flo in front of me)! 😉  Ruby was getting a check-up + check out a few things at Heller Motors.    After dropping her off we went in Big Red to The Cup and Scone (downtown coffee shop in old building with brick walls, tall booths, etc.) - cute and enjoyed our coffee/scones.

Then to the laundromat to do 3 loads - this was very nice and clean (ranked right up there with Port Clinton's).    On home for lunch.   

This afternoon we drove to Hudson and met boating friends for a pizza party.    Gary makes thee best pizza.    Lots of fun chatter with these long-time friends and we met Roger's fiancee' Lorraine - they will be married one month from today!     So happy for them!

Rod, Sharon, Gary, Roger, Lorraine, Barb

Tuesday - September 22

 W E L C O M E   F A L L

My favorite time of year is here!    Nip in the air, campfires with s'mores,mums, pumpkins, football,  apple cider, apple cinnamon donuts, pumpkin spiced lattes, etc., etc.

Mark was off to town for a haircut with Brandon.    They had damage to the barber shop, Dollar General next door and other nearby locations from the nasty storm that blew thru Bloomington a few weeks ago.

Today my cousin Jane was coming from Peoria to play Rummikube but she wasn't feeling well, so those plans fell thru.   Mark put new batteries in the tire pressure monitors on Flo.   I sorted laundry and wrapped a few Christmas gifts.

We walked in the afternoon but it was chilly, windy and no sun!   

 New states are Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and North Dakota.

.We went to Busy Corner for some chili and pie - they have really good chili and it was a good night for that.    We shared a piece of coconut cream.

Monday - September 21

 It's the last day of summer and the birthday of our bicentennial baby!!!

Philip is "50"

September 21, 1976, we welcomed Philip John weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.    In 1988, Philip flew to Japan with the 4-H Exchange Program (LABO) - he was only 13 and his first time to fly but decided then and there he wanted to be a pilot!!!    And he has climbed the ranks over the years to become a captain.....we wish him all the best in his new career with FedEx. 

 He's been a great son, brother, uncle, hubby and dad to our family!!!    He chose well with Annette and together they added to the family with Luke 13 and Maeve 10.    Proud of you Snookie!!!

Mark and I went into town and met the Monday breakfast group at Scrambler's - (new place in Jumer's or the Chateau).   Ken and Sigrunn, Darrel and Sue were there and another fun visit and meal.    Such huge portions....Sue and I had their ""Tipsy Tomato" (aka Bloody Mary's).    Also very good.

Pat and Sue

with their

Tipsy Tomato beverages

We ran some errands and on home - it was a dippy, drippy, icky weather day - the temp was only 62 (chilly after 102 over the weekend).    

Later this afternoon I drove to Braker's Market in Eureka for some goodies and on home - the farther I drove, the more rain!

Tonight a small group of Monday Night Friends - but still plenty to chat about at Parkview Inn. 

Pat, Sue, Ruth

Friday-Sunday, September 18-20

 Memphis was HOT!!!!!    But it was a good trip to see Ryan and tour the FedEx facility.

Friday - we left KK at 7 AM, stopped for a Starbucks fix in Bloomington and on our way.   463 miles and while the first 2 hours were cloudy, the sun came out and the heat came on!   Stopped in Portageville, MO for lunch at Katie's Diner - there were lots of fish specials - our waitress said "every Friday we have "Fish Friday - we are a Catholic town and fish is very popular"!    Catfish, fries, cole slaw, ham 'n bean soup and hush puppies - a LOT of food!    A big portion of the trip after lunch was 102 on the car thermometer.

Kept on heading south (I-55 all the way) and arrived at our hotel around 1:30.  Checked in with Ryan who was taking a jet to New Iberia, Louisiana for a paint job.    And it was the "Ryan jet"!    Some of the planes are personalized with a name that goes into a lottery system.   Ryan flew back with a newly painted "Joseph".  

Ryan ready to take off for New Iberia, LA in the "Ryan" jet

 Our hotel was on Beale Street, the heart of Memphis for music, restaurants, bars, etc.    Mark and I went to our hotel rooftop for drinks - very nice but waaaay too hot to sit outside.    Nice area inside, too, with refreshing AC.

We walked and he drove to SOB (South of Beale).  So good to see him and we enjoyed our dinners with Michael our server.    Made plans for tomorrow's "Family Day" and tour.  He brought us back to the hotel - still in the 90's.

Ryan, Mom and Dad at SOB

Saturday - Mark, the dear, went downstairs to the lobby to get me a latte.   We checked out of the hotel and drove to Ryan's.    He lives about 13 miles from the airport and drove us in Ruby.   These 2 four-hour tours were 9-1 and 1-5 and held one day each year.   What they didn't tell us is that you could come any time in that 4-hours and stay for as little or long as you want.     It was beastly and most of the activity was either in the huge hangar (big fans) or outside.    Ryan knew we would want to see the planes he flies (757 and 767) and Philip will be flying the 757.    So we were able to walk around the huge area where the 5 jets were parked and avoided the long lines (lots of children there and of course, they wanted to go on all the planes)   😃

There really wasn't much else to do (lots of kiddie activities, music, food, etc.) but kinda disappointed we didn't get to see the HUB where the packages are sorted and loaded into the metal containers and then put in back of plane.    But since there are no packages on the weekend and they are building 2 new HUBS, the construction sites would've not been feasible to accommodate that many people.    They were expecting 10,000 (that would be the families and employees who volunteered).  They did have lots of bottles of water.  Mark had been on a plane 8 years ago when Ryan had orientation but this was new for me to see how the metal bins are automated and put on conveyors (rollers) to fit in plane.    Amazing.

Driving around Memphis took us past the huge St. Jude children's Hospital complex - they are doing a massive addition!    Mark and I were there a few years ago but it is sooo HUGE with several cranes and equipment 

FedEx has 530,000 employees world wide and 35,000 in Memphis.   There are over 5,000 pilots.     The huge grounds are something to see.    Since we were finished early and well before 1:00, we left and Ryan took us to his house - bye bye for a few weeks till we're at Lake James and then we were on our way - temp, still 102.

I'm in the left seat (Captain Ryan) of the 757

Mark in the right seat (First Officer Philip - when finished with training)

Inside the jet and where the metal bins with all the packages are 

One of the bins and some packages (usually full)

We shared the driving coming and going - stopped in Marion, Arkansas for iced coffees at Tark's.      Later in Benton, MO for supper.

Ryan left around 4:30 yesterday for a flight to Seattle - unusual as they do not usually fly on the weekend?    He had no idea what the cargo was.    Coming soon, FedEx will be flying a panda from China to Atlanta!!!    

We were happy to be home around 6 last night.   

Happy 28th Anniversary to Michael and Brooke

Sunday - dreary day with rain off and on   We picked Anne up (she and Liam had been to the cemetery this morning) - today is 7 years since Patrick passed away.   Liam then went back to Iowa City.    We'll see him in 2 weeks.

We were off to Champaign and picked Connor up at the Newman Center after 9:00 Mass.    Sunday mornings are VERY popular for folks going to breakfast and the place we had wanted to eat - Maple and Yolk (Anne did call-ahead seating) said there were 89 parties ahead of us!   We ended up going to the Apple Dumplin' on the outskirts of Urbana.   Home cookin' and their specialty is Apple Dumplings - we had wanted to take some home but they had already sold out and the new batch would not be ready for a while.    This was sign above kitchen...

# of apple dumplins' sold since 1985

Pat, Mark, Connor, Anne

Our breakfasts were very good - everything made from scratch.   We took Connor back to the house he shares with 4 other guys and back to Bloomington.    Dropped Anne off and we came onto KK.

Had some rain off and on but heaviest was around 5.

New states are California, Colorado and Kansas.

So happy for Connor as he received a Co-op offer to work for Toyota next semester in Princeton, Indiana.    Very exciting and great experience - his major is Industrial Engineering.

Luke and Maeve in the flowers

Spectacular sunset over the mountains in Banner Elk

Tonight we had 9 on family zoom...missing Janet and Marilyn.   The usual chatter and laughs!    We gals are looking forward to Sisters' Weekend coming the 25-27th at Doris's Wisconsin lake home,

Enjoy your week!

Wednesday-Thursday, September 16-17

 Wednesday - it rained overnight and was a dreary day.   We finished packing and organizing Ruby and then left at 11:15 for Busy Corner to pick up some slices of pie.    Mark got some gas for Ruby and we were on our way thru the country to Princeton to visit Annette's parents, Dave and Judy.    They have a beautiful place in rural Princeton - we sat in their gazebo which Dave built (their previous one was destroyed by a terrible fire from lightning).    This is soo neat and really pleasant sitting out there and yakking away.

The perfect place to relax with a good book, take a nap, etc.

Mark and Dave went for a ride in the pontoon which Dave built on their pond.   And then Mark took me for a ride.  

Mark and Dave

Us back on the water

  We went to Blue Margaritas for dinner (fairly new place in Princeton that was a former Burger King.)    Very good margaritas and food.

Then to Culvers (Dave's favorite for ice cream)!   On home....sat around their sunroom laughing and reminiscing about our kids/grandkids, memories, etc.   And then off to bed.

Thursday - Good night's sleep and a rainy start to the day but then the sun came out and it was hot (92 in Bloomington).    Judy fixed some yummy breakfast sandwiches and blueberries.    Mark and Dave worked on all the stuff that entails getting Starlink set up for them.   We love ours and know they'll be happy, too.   

We left their home around 10:15 with goodbye hugs and look forward to seeing them at Lake James for Thanksgiving.

Judy, Dave and Tia (Mia was "Missing in Action")

Tia and Mia are beautiful cats - "Rag Dolls"

Next stop was Bob and Linda's in Mendota - good visit and checking on Linda who had some dental surgery yesterday - she looks great and hopefully will have a smooth recovery.

Bob went with us to the Sublettian luncheon (Linda still on a liquid diet).   There were 15 of us and oh my............lots of chatter and catching up - we had not been together in 2 years.    Lots of fun, good food at Ziggie's and then took Bob home and a bit more visiting. 

Back:   Rose, Janet, Gary, Marilyn, Pat, Paula, Mary, Mark, Joe, Joyce, Bob, Janet, Joni

Front:  Jane, Dick

Our final stop was to see Aunt Marian and her daughter Paulette who is visiting from Florida.

Another great visit - Aunt Marian looks so good and is doing really well at almost 98 and always fun to see Paulette.   And then............on home!

Cousin Paulette and Aunt Marian

Liam called along the way so fun to catch up with him - he was driving to Bloomington and spending the weekend.   He and Connor's band "The Verdict" are playing at CCHS homecoming tailgate Friday night and then U of I versus SIU tailgate on Saturday.   Those boys love their music - definitely their Dad's sons!

We got more gas for Ruby and on home to KK.    Unloaded the car, unpacked the suitcase and repacked as we are leaving tomorrow for Memphis.    We'll be with Ryan and touring the FedEx facility for "Family Day" - 4-hour tour on Saturday.   Looking forward to seeing this ginormous place and how they process all the packages, etc.   It's for employees' spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings.   The temp for Memphis is 97 all weekend long.

Went for a quick walk around the campground - whew....it is HUMID!!!   New states are Oregon, Washington and Michigan

No blog till Sunday.

Tuesday - September 15

 Hot today and breezy - may be thee last heat wave for us?    I had a fun morning in town at the House of Yolk (fairly new place in a former Bob Evans location that was totally renovated).    I metr Brenda, Sharon and Sue (1st time for us except Sue).    As always, I love hanging out with my girlfriends and catching up,    2.5 hours later, we had discussed lots (unfortunately, a big chunk of the conversation was about our health issues and others we know)    These gals are long-time besties!!!

Pat, Sue, Sharon, Brenda

Said our good byes (I'll see Sue again a few times) and I went to Aldi (next door) for a few things.  On home and yakked with Mark, took a nap and then packed for our trip north tomorrow.   No blog till we return to KK Thursday.

We went to Eureka to the Pickled Radish for dinner - LOVE this place and always an excellent meal.    Mark had the bourbon salmon and I had the bbq brisket - wonderful!    No rain or storms while we were there but Goodfield must've had a doozy - lights are off around town and water standing!    It rained here at KK and Mark showed 4/10".

Anne is back home from visiting her friend Heather in the Dallas area.    She and "H" have been friends for many years!

Nighty night!

Monday - September 14

 Cool Monday morning.    We left to meet the Monday Morning Group for breakfast but first, a stop at Starbucks as my reward points were going to expire soon.    Then to Heyworth and the Hornet's Nest where we met Pat, Brenda, Sigrunn, Ken, Sue and Darrel.   

Pat, Brenda, Sigrunn, Sue

Darrel, Mark, Pat, Ken

So good to be back with these folks - Pat and Brenda who moved to Edwardsville in July are back visiting for a few days.    Good hearty food and then back to Bloomington where we did 4 loads of laundry.

On home - got things put away and a quiet afternoon.   

New Jersey, Tennessee, Maryland, Louisiana and Virginia are new states

Tonight the Monday Night Friends met at The Barrel House - lots of chatter as always and great to be with these gals.    Sounds like several are going to be traveling, so I really appreciate the few times we can be together since I'm here just 3 weeks.

Nadine, Sue, Brenda, Pat, Marsha, Donna

Sunday - September 13

 Much cooler when we went for our walk this morning.    

We drove to Gridley for our friend Roger's "Celebration of Life" this afternoon.   Barb greeted us with hugs and tears - just can't believe he's gone.    Barb seems to be doing well but life will be so different without her dear funny Roger.     He was a great guy who will be missed so much.

What a wonderful party which Roger would've loved!   Lots of people; lots of good food; big screen with 423 pictures that their grandson, Michael put together and many stories and memories.   

We had a long visit with Carol and her 2 girls (had not seen them in many years), but we boated together waaaay back on Clinton Lake and then many Cruise and Rendezvous.  Great to see her daughters and catch up as they were just so little.

Lacey, Carol, Katie

Friends from long ago

Mark, Barb, Pat

More hugs and then good bye....we went into town and picked up a few things at Wal Mart

Had some rain tonight but didn't amount to much.

Zoom tonight with 8 siblings - lots of football talk from the weekend - college and pro.

Have a great week!

 

Saturday - September 12

 Warm and sunny....we went for a walk at 8:30 and already steamy!    Had a nice leisurely morning before we left around 1 to go into town - picked up iced lattes at Starbucks and off to visit Donna Rae.    As always love our time together - at 94, she's such a trooper and dear, sweet lady!

Donna Rae

We left at 3:30 and went to 4:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Loftus.   Then to Culver's for supper, Wal-Mart for a few things and on home.

Walked and found these new states:  Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, Kentucky, Nebraska and Missouri 

Watched the Iowa vs Iowa State game - wow.....a thriller with the Hawkeyes winning 16-13.

Big win for Notre Dame today, but Illinois lost!

Friday- September 11

 We all remember where we were and what we were doing 25 years ago today.....such a devastating loss of life for our country.    

God Bless America

Today we were to meet my long-time friend (and Sublettian), Kay and hubby, Jim from AZ for breakfast at Busy Corner.    They've been visiting family and friends here in the Midwest.    But Kay texted this morning that Jim was not feeling well, so they had to cancel.   So sorry to hear this as Mark and I were really looking forward to catching up with them.   Just hope Jim is on the mend soon as they have a long trip ahead to get back home.

We had some errands to run, so left around 9 for Revive (coffee fix + bagel for Mark).    Then to Ace Hardware in Eureka and car wash for Ruby,    Braker's Market, bulk-food grocer that we love was close by, so stopped there for a few things for the freezer and on home.   

About 20 minutes later, I left for the Mackinaw Tea Room to meet Claire for shopping (fall open house) and delicious lunch.    Always a great place to meet 'n eat!    We had another fun get together as we always do!

Shopping at one of our favorites

Mackinaw Tea Room at the Depot

Claire and Mike and several friends are leaving Sunday for a riverboat cruise in France - lucky them.....we'll get together in October before I leave again.

Back home and took a nap - a nice warm sunny day.   

Yay,,,,heard the good news today that our nephew Ryan is finally home (been in the hospital since early August but this all started in mid July).   Molly will monitor his diet (no solid food yet) and still needs to heal.   

Gee, it gets dark earlier here than Port Clinton with a 1-hour difference in the sun setting.

Walked around the campground tonight - lots of states represented - Texas (2); Florida (2); Wisconsin; Georgia; South Dakota; Ohio; North Carolina; South Carolina; Illinois (7); Iowa;

West Virginia

Cotton Candy sky at KK

Tuesday-Thursday - September 8-10

 Hello from KK, our IL home for the next 3 weeks!    Been a busy 3-day whirlwind but fun time in Shipshewana, IN and today, the 6-hour drive to here!

Tuesday - today Catrina came out of the water and tucked away for the next 9 months.   Usually Catrina is the only boat lifted out the day after Labor Day, but this year, there were 3 others, so.....some delays + a bolt broke on the Travel-lift which controlled the steering, so that took an hour to fix.    I left at 9:30 and stopped at Coffee Express and on the road to Shipshewana.    Mark stayed till Catrina was put away and didn't leave till 2:45.

I got to Shipshewana around 12:20 and brother Bob, Linda, cousin Dick and Mary arrived shortly after - we all met and enjoyed pretzel dogs at JoJo's in the Davis Mercantile shops (these are sooo delicious and have gotten to be a tradition when we meet there).

And then the shopping began.....a few purchases but mostly browsing.    Bob bought several puzzles at the Puzzle Store - mind boggling with all they have.    As always, Shipshewana is all decked out for fall - just awesome!   

Some of the beautiful fall decor around town...

Mark, Pat, Dick, Mary, Linda, Bob

 

And there was so much more...

I picked Mark up at the campground and by the time he had Flo set up and changed clothes, it was 6:15 till we met up with the others.    We all enjoyed the wonderful buffet of Amish food at Blue Gate (another tradition).   Back to the hotel where they stayed (very close to our campground) and played SkyJo with Mark the winner.   We were all tired and almost 10 when we said good night and we headed back to Flo.

Dick, Mary, Linda, Bob, Mark

Rousing game of SkyJo

Wednesday - we stopped at Koffie Haus for a latte for me and onto meet the others at their hotel for breakfast - another all-you-eat array of delicious Amish food.    The table beside us sat "John Denver" (aka Chris Collins).    Mary had noticed him the night before at dinner and pretty sure it was him.   We hit more shops for the next 2 hours (in the rain), picked up some popcorn from the Shipshewana Popcorn Co which is WOW......sooo many delicious flavors.   

Dick, Mary, Linda, Bob, Mark

Big decision as to which flavor popcorn to buy

Dick wearing his "Dolly" shirt

1:00 and time for the John Denver Tribute Show at Blue Gate Music Theater.    We all thoroughly enjoyed this 1.5 hour show - very entertaining with "John" and 3-piece band.    Extra special was the huge screen behind the band showing scene after scene throughout the show of the Colorado beauty - REALLY neat!!!!

Mary, "John" and Dick

After the show, Dick and Mary had their picture taken with "John" and then we were off to the country and some favorite stores from a year ago.    "Joyfully Said" and the Essenhaus all in Middlebury.    We had dinner at "West on Warren" where we ate one year ago.....very good again!

Linda, Mary, Pat, Mark, Dick and Bob

Back to their hotel and another game of SkyJo which Mark won AGAIN and then the guys beat the girls 1 game of euchre (but it was close).    Said our good byes - we'll see them next week when we're  in Mendota.    

Thursday - we had Flo all ready to leave and went to the Blue Gate bakery for pastries.   Back to the campground and off we went at 9:30.    LONG day of travel with 2 stops.    Happy to be back on central time and get that hour back.    Good to see Micci here at KK and catch up - she said they've had so much rain and occasional flooding.

Anne came out around 5 and we were off to Busy Corner for lots of gabbing and good supper.    She is one busy gal and so enjoying her boys.

Our dear Anne

As John Denver sang......"It's good to be back home again"!!!