Travels of Mark and Pat: May 2013

Thursday - May 30

Threatening weather today with 2-4" more rain coming between now and Saturday night! Our wacky spring continues!!! I met Kathy and Claire at 8:00 Mass and then to Coffee Hound to catch up over coffee/tea/pastries. We've all been traveling, so lots to yak about!

Home to do a little laundry and finish packing. Got a manicure/pedicure in the afternoon., Tomorrow morning we are taking Liam and Connor to Chicago to have lunch and tour of Misericordia where our niece Jennifer lives. Then to visit another niece, Jennifer and her baby, Leia and finally Rockford for big reunion weekend with Mark's family - Saturday was to be the Rockford Air show featuring the Blue Angels, but that's not to be!!!

Sunday, we'll visit my brothers and the girls in Mendota and then on home.

Had dinner at The Ozark House with our Mid Illini Sail and Power Squadron for

Change of Watch.

Be back in touch Sunday night - enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday - May 29

These IL folks are very happy to see the sun shine today - 1st time in a week! We dumped out 4" of rain from the past few days.....very wet and more coming!!!

Its good to be home, but what a trip last night. Shortly after we left on the bus at 7, the skies looked so dark and ominous. We were checking the radar on our phones and oh my....not good. Once it started raining, it just kept coming down harder and harder. And the lightning was very intense. Kept thinking our driver would pull over as so many trucks and cars did, but we just kept on truckin' ! Very happy to finally run out of the heavy stuff - but at least 1 hour of a torrential

down pour

Did some laundry and yard work today.....unpacked the suitcases and now packing again for our weekend trip to Chicago and Rockford. It's crazy.......didn't go to the grocery store today as we aren't going to be here much and can get by. Ready for life to S L O W down, but not gonna happen for the next few weeks!!!

I had lunch with Exchange Club today and then Mark and I had a nice burger (him) and mini tenderloin (me) sandwiches in the beer garden of Schooners.

Tuesday - May 28

Up and going getting everything in order on Catrina and our stuff together.....Enterprise picked Mark up at 8:30 to get a rental car and at 10:30, we left the marina and drove around a bit. The Myrtle Beach airport has a new terminal which opened in April - very nice. We had an excellent lunch at the Cantina Maximo. They also have a Steak 'n Shake (never seen one of those at an airport before), a coffee café and Hudson News Stand.

Good flight to Chicago and then 3-hour layover till bus comes. We had a snack at Wolfgang Puck's, walked around O'Hare and enjoying our books. Patrick will pick us up and take us HOME!

Bye bye....

Memorial Day - 2013

Happy Memorial Day! Thinking of and thanking all our brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom! God bless them and God bless America

Warm and sunny here in Georgetown and after exercising, we walked downtown and had breakfast with all the locals and tourists at Thomas cafe - very popular spot and very good! We sat across from 2 local ladies and asked them about the numbers on the houses (year house built AND the 2nd # was order in which the houses were built.) Interesting!

Some of the shops were open (but not all) and lots of people out and about. I had fun at Doodlebugs buying sweet baby things! Oh my....could've spend a bundle in there!!! No connection to the Doodlebugs in Beaufort which is now closed.

Mark was walking down the street and came upon Judith and Robert - they've known one another for 21 years and this Saturday will be married at the old Strand Theater in downtown Georgetown. They had the marquee changed, so Mark took these pics.

Robert and Judith (he's from High Point, NC and she's a Georgetown girl) Neat couple who will be showing old-time black and white movies prior to their wedding.

We left at 11:45 and cruised 32 miles mostly thru Cypress Swamp with lots of other boaters on this 2013 Memorial Day Arrived at 2:00 at the Osprey Marina, 10 miles from the Myrtle Beach airport. Catrina will stay here for the next 19 days while we fly home tomorrow and enjoy some family events in IL and then FL for a destination wedding on Santa Rosa Beach and much needed fix with Ryan, Luke.and family

What's not to love about this true Southern hospitality and friendliness? Everywhere we've been, the folks have been so gracious and kind - "Yes Ma'am", "No Ma'am", "Yes Sir", "No Sir" and "Miss Pat" (at the beauty shop). One of the stores had this sign in their window in Georgetown...

The Osprey Marina folks gave us a wonderful bag of goodies when we checked in.....

crackers, hot pepper jelly, cinnamon rolls, small bounce, small tide, note paper and pen, koozie, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sanitizing wipes, etc......now this is my kind of marina! Usually we get nothing, so what a nice surprise!!!

We gave Catrina a good scrubbing and rinse to get all the salt off.....and now enjoying the air - it is hot and; sticky here! Cleaning out the fridge tonight for supper! Mark is getting things settled on Catrina and I'm packing. Been a great 2 weeks cruising, but looking forward to home!

Sunday - May 26

Thinking of Mark's Dad today and what would've been his 92nd birthday.....sure miss him and all our friendly chats!   He was always so interested in our travels and followed along checking the atlas wherever we were!

Left beautiful Charleston at 9:30 and had a warm, sunny day of travel (67 miles) thru mostly swamp, few homes here and there and then trees appeared on the scene.    We are on the Winyah River in Georgetown, SC.    What a charming little town of 9,000+ and a popular spot for boaters and other tourists.    I was surprised and pleased to see so many nice shops (clothing, gift, and a "Doodlebugs" like used to be in Beaufort - no connection but darling children's' clothing).    But then big disappointment to see 95% of them are closed on Sunday.    Didn't they know I was coming????

Lots of people strolling the streets with their ice cream (us included) and they have a very nice boardwalk with restaurants and shops.    Took a nice walk around the downtown and then back to Catrina to hang out this pretty Sunday of Memorial Weekend.

Georgetown is the 3rd oldest city in South Carolina..    We walked downtown around 5:30 and ate on the rooftop of Buzz Roost's and had delicious melt-in-your-mouth crab balls and then shared a traditional low country meal of crab, shrimp, potatoes and corn on the cob - excellent!

Low country food

We visited with a nice couple from Charlotte who trailered their boat down here and spending the weekend on the water.

Walked around the neighborhood and past some charming homes. The older homes have the date it was built and then another # that we are not sure what it meant? Wasn't the house #, so??? But some of these homes dated back to the 1700-1800's. This is first area where we've seen many brick homes and fewer and fewer palm trees.

Saturday - May 25

Whoaaa....lots of walking today and we Nomads are glad to be back on Catrina (7 PM). As hot and humid as yesterday was, today was just perfect with temps in the 70's and low humidity - great day to be out and about with the throngs of tourists. Yesterday started the 2-week festival called "Spoleto" which is huge gathering with for art, dancing, drama, music, etc.

Mark was up early, but I slept in and then we exercised and left for downtown around 10 taking the shuttle. We were dropped off on King Street and parted ways.....me to browse the shops and Mark just to check out a few things and then found a good spot to sit and people watch at Charleston Place.

Carolina crafts lady weaving baskets

Charleston shopping is wonderful - all up and down King Street and the Market Center Pavilion - fun, fun, fun!!! We met at Cru Café for lunch.

Cru Cafe

Brooke had recommended this place (in an old house where we ate on the side porch) and it was excellent......Mark had the shrimp BLT and I had General Tso's chicken with fried rice and Asian slaw - ooooh my!!!

Mark walked back to the boat (1.6 miles) and I continued on shopping. We met again for 5:15 Mass at St. John the Baptist Cathedral on Broad Street.

St. John the Baptist

Pretty geraniums along our route

We walked past so many lovely homes on our way to Catrina....and here we are....dragging and tired, but so enjoyed our time in this lovely southern city just dripping with charm, fantastic restaurants and shopping!

Tomorrow we are off to Georgetown.

Friday - May 24

I am on a real high with the smell of jasmine in the air here in Charleston.....what an intoxicating, heavenly fragrance

Jasmine bush

We left Beaufort at 8 this morning and traveled 65 miles to beautiful Charleston. We are at the Harborage at Ashley Marina. After settling in, we walked downtown (2 miles) past the lovely homes with the side porches....just so in awe of this wonderful architecture.

One of the many lovely homes of Charleston

We strolled around King Street, I got a haircut and then to the Pavilion Grille for drinks (Pavilion Punch and a Guinness) on their rooftop - very windy, but pleasant as it was HOT here today.

Walked around some more and then had a wonderful dinner at Poogan's Porch - good comfort food....crab cakes, buttermilk fried chicken, etc., etc. All excellent and topped off with

Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie!

Good thing we had a long walk back to Catrina as we are stuffed!

Us at Poogan's Porch

My Captain is ready for a day off as we've been cruising 7 straight days, so tomorrow he and his first mate are very much looking forward to a "down" day here in Charleston!

Our 5 oldest grandsons are officially out of school and ready for a fun summer.....this fall they will be in 2nd (Brady and Connor); 3rd (Liam); 6th (Davis) and 8th (Drew)

Hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend.....enjoy!

Thursday - May 23

Said our good-byes to Glen and Paula after breakfast and 8:55 departure from Isle of Hope. It was so good to see them and catch up and hopefully, we'll be together again later this summer as we cruise up the east coast on Freestyle and Catrina.

Bye bye dear friends....

Good trip on a hot sunny day to Beaufort (55 miles). We've always enjoyed this quaint low country town with so much charm and beautiful waterfront. After settling in, I took off for the downtown and then met Mark for late lunch at Wren (another favorite from when we were here in 2011 en route to Philip and Annette's for Thanksgiving). Great lunch and love the very woodsy, rustic décor of this place. We strolled down to The Chocolate Tree for some treats (this place is deeee vine). Mark took our leftovers from lunch and chocolates back to Catrina and I kept on shopping. Really disappointed to see some empty stores and very sad to see "Doodleugs" a wonderful childrens' shop has closed after 11 years. But new stores since we were here, too.....times are a'changing.

All around the town in store windows, lightposts, etc., are pictures of Candice Glover, the newest American Idol and a native!

We are at The Downtown Marina of Beaufort and tomorrow, heading to Charleston for a few days!

Saw these guys today along the intracoastal - something I have on my bucket list???

Para Sailing on a beautiful day

Tonight we walked along the waterfront and sat in one of the swings - just so pleasant and pretty here! The park-like setting, flowers, many placques telling history of Beaufort, the swings, cute cafes along the water all add up to one very charming southern city

Wednesday - May 22

Hello from the Isle of Hope Marina near Savannah. We left Darien at 9 this morning and cruised thru lots more marshland for a total of 70 miles arriving here at 2:15. What a welcome sight to see our friends Glen and Paula from Fort Myers waiting on the dock. Their sail catamaran, "Freestyle" is docked right in front of Catrina. Nice marina with friendly folks. Laundry was top priority, so did 3 loads which took for..............ever since they only have one washer and one dryer. Glen and Paula came onboard for drinks, snacks and lots of chatter.

Glen, Paula and Annie

The street behind the marina is full of lovely homes (many with white picket fences)......what a treat! Here are a few of my favorites.

We are five miles from Savannah, so won't be seeing that lovely city this trip, but enjoyed our visit there in 2007. Tomorrow....onto Beaufort, SC.

Tuesday - May 21

Hot and sunny when we left St. Simons Island, but first a little excitement to get the day started. Mark found a brown bag of 2 delicious apple/cinnamon muffins and the morning paper left on the boat - what a nice treat for the boaters thanks to the good folks at the Morningstar Marina. The transient boaters are docked along both sides of a long dock - very full last night. As our neighbor behind us started to leave, the current was very strong and he narrowly missed hitting us which was followed by the guy in front leaving and same issue with the current. He was handling the boat himself and did hit the anchor of boat in front of him and had a tough time getting tied back up till we left and then he had plenty of room - a few hairy moments to start the day. We cruised 3 hours (35 miles) meandering big time thru marsh land and finally coming up the Darien River (7 miles at low tide) to the little berg of Darien, Georgia.

Lots of shrimp boats as we arrive in Darien

The Purple Pickle

Bring on the carbs - waffle chicken sandwich and yummy pasta salad

Mark was busy this afternoon working on boat projects (always something, but he's a happy camper tonight with much success)!

Our friends from Fort Myers, Glen and Paula are a few days ahead of us in their sail catamaran and we've been enjoying following their blog. They stayed here at the free docks (2 nights) last weekend and loved this unique place with some good restaurants, a very nice gift shop and wine shop .

We walked "downtown" to the Purple Pickle for lunch. I had their "waffle chicken" sandwich - quite tasty and certainly something new to try (breaded chicken tenders with bacon and cheesy sauce between 2 waffles!) The owner was so friendly - love how the Southern folks call the ladies "Miss" and just ooze with politeness!

Tonight we walked to the Waterfront Winery and Gourmet Shop - all boaters are given a complimentary glass of wine in their neat wine bar overlooking the water - very cool setting. Wine was delicious and so enjoyed visiting with these very friendly local folks. Bought a bottle of Chardonnay and off to Skippers Fish Camp where we shared a blackened grouper sandwich, sweet potato souffle and cole slaw - all VERY good!!!

Met a nice couple from Stuart, FL (love that town) who are vacationing on their RV. He is a boat delivery captain, so we had plenty of tales to share about boating and RVing. Still debating if we'll stay over another day or move on. There is no fee for staying here on the dock (2 nights max) and you get electricity and water! Can't beat that - I was more than happy to help their economy this afternoon with my shopping!!!

Monday - May 20

We exercised and then after breakfast took the dinghy ashore to Cumberland Island and did some hiking to the beach. It was a pretty path with so many Spanish moss-laden trees surrounding us like a canopy.

Gnarled trees

It was low tide and great walking the very flat, smooth surface along the Atlantic. We were hoping to see the wild horses but no such luck.

There was no sun today and the air felt really clammy and sticky....storms were in the area, but we only had a few sprinkles. Left Cumberland Island and stopped for lunch (anchored out) near Jekyll Island. We traveled a total of 38 miles and arrived on St. Simons Island at 3:30. We settled in at the Morningside Marina and took off on our bikes for downtown (3 miles with a nice sidewalk path past some lovely homes). We were here in 2009 by car. I roamed the streets checking out the shops while Mark had a big ice cream cone. Back to the boat (3 miles), put the bikes away and then showered, changed clothes and off to The Coastal Kitchen (marina restaurant) - fabulous. Sat outside and enjoyed some great low country food.....we are in the land of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and so much more! Deelish!

View from our table at The Coastal Kitchen

Thought and prayers for the folks in the Midwest - especially the Oklahoma victims from that deadly tornado.

Sunday - May 19

Mark fixed pancakes this morning and we were underway at 9. Cruised 72 miles and now anchored off Cumberland Island (Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island). Had a good trip and sooo happy to be back cruising. This pretty Sunday was so pleasant with lots of water-lovin' folks out and about up and down the intracoastal waterway We saw fisherman, kayakers, jet skiers, water skiers, tubers, paddle boarders, small boats to large yachts! We just meandered along the intracoastal past homes and lots of marshland.

There was a long stretch south of Jacksonville Beach that had miles of homes with their covered boat dock and lifts - many with sun deck on top. Many very nice homes had vinyl siding versus the usual FL stucco. Saw everything from small cottages to the really big multi-million $ mansions!

The main goal of this trip was to get out of Florida before June 1 (start of hurricane season and for insurance purposes)! Mission accomplished!

There was some threatening weather in the area and our alarm went off, but mostly south by Jacksonville. We had a few sprinkles and now just a delightful calm evening! There's nothing like anchoring out for the peace, serenity and "back to nature"

Mark had several boat jobs to work on - "Happiness is a man on his boat"!!!!! He grilled out brats for supper - life is good!

Tomorrow we plan to take the dinghy ashore and explore this island with pristine beaches, wild horses and much more...

Saturday - May 18

Good trip from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine where we are tonight at the Municipal Marina right next to the Bridge of Lions. We traveled 54 miles, leaving at 9 and arriving at 1:30 enjoying the warm sunshine and frolicking dolphins along the way. I spent some time on St. George Street where it's happening with tons of shops and restaurants. LOTS of people out and about and heavy traffic (glad we were on the boat and not in a car)! Windy.... Mark prowled around a few shops and streets, but enough is enough, so headed back to Catrina for a nap.

We went to 5:00 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine - beautiful and built in the 1700's. We've been to this wonderful historic city a few other times (last was in November, 2011 with Michael, Brooke and boys) - oldest city in the USA founded in September,1565.

Back to the boat (I know.......what a surprise and shock when we are sooo close to sooo many neat places to eat....but decided to enjoy our leftovers from the Chart House last night.) After supper, we went for a walk - still really windy, but air feels clammy and radar shows rain coming. We walked the opposite direction from the downtown touristy stuff and enjoyed the lovely old homes, B and B's, etc. There was a big party going on (maybe a wedding reception, but did not see the bride or groom) everyone dressed up in the courtyard of the St. Francis Barracks. Lots of wires connecting the buildings with lights and upside down umbrellas - pretty cool! Music, food, dancing, fun for all but decided not to crash the party and kept moseying on down small quaint streets.

Love this old, quaint, charming city!

The oldest house in St. Augustine

And now to end the day on a happy note - here's Luke

Excuse me....I have a question

Friday - May 17

Very pretty day in downtown Daytona Beach - sunny, upper 70's and gentle breeze. I exercised and Mark ran some errands, then returned the rental car and rode his bike back to boat. My Aunt Dee picked us up and we went downtown for delicious breakfast at The Ivy Lane Bistro. Although the economy has definitely hit this area, all along Beach Street....so much neat architecture, cute shops and outdoor restaurants. We ate in the alley and it was just delightful with the brick pavement, pretty flowers, etc. We sat and chatted away the morning. Mark walked back to the boat and we gals hit some of the shops and enjoyed strolling several blocks to the end. We stopped at Rhokkoh's (Rocco's) Yogurt for a treat.....what a fun place. Grab a bowl and then choose from 12 self-serve flavors of yogurt along the wall and many more toppings. DELISH!!!! She brought me back to the boat - so good to see her and she is doing so well and keeps very active!

Great breakfast and visit in the alley with Aunt Dee

Pretty downtown with wide boulevard lined with palm trees

Mark was cleaning the boat when I returned, so changed clothes and helped finish - happiness is a clean boat and ole Catrina was mighty dirty and dusty after sitting out for 2 months at the

Sea Love Boatyard in Ponce Inlet.

Went for a walk this afternoon - such a pretty day! And then walked to Chart House (1/2 mile) for a fabulous meal.....

The Chart House in Daytona Beach

Mark's very favorite dessert....chocolate lava cake

Tomorrow we are off to St. Augustine

Thursday - May 16

BIG day but we are back on Catrina and floating on the Halifax River in Daytona Beach tonight.

Our day started with the alarm ringing at 4:45 AM - and then off to the airport and got the last 2 seats on Frontier to Orlando. Gate agent said there were 136 passengers listed, plane had 138 seats and we were the only standbys, so...................yeah!!!! WE LUCKED OUT!!!! FL, here we come. Arrived early, got our rental car and off to Ponce Inlet. Catrina had been launched just shortly before we arrived at marina at 12:00 and by 1:15, we were on our way cruising north. We had a nice 10-mile jaunt to the Halifax Harbor Marina - very nice and huge. My Aunt Dee came and took us to back to Sea Love where we had just left and where Catrina had spent the past 2 months to get our rental car. She had plans tonight, so.....tomorrow, picking us up and going out for breakfast.

Mark an I stopped at Publix and stocked up. Enjoying a nice quiet evening on Catrina. We are both excited to find there's a "Chart House" restaurant just a short walk away from our marina. Mark has already made a reservation for tomorrow night. And one thing for sure - Mark will be having their "signature" dessert - chocolate lava cake! We love this "chain" (which we normally stay away from), but this is an extraordinary place - been to the Chart House in Annapolis and Boston and looking forward to more as we cruise up the east coast.

So.....tomorrow, we return rental car, have breakfast and good catch-up visit with my aunt and then give Catrina a good scrubbing. Plus finish tidying up inside, but enough for today! Tired little boaters we are.....nitey nite!

Wednesday - May 15

Sunny, warm Wednesday to start the day. We exercised, Mark took off for Dixon to visit his Mom. I was at the courthouse by 8:15 and then sat and read and visited Nadine (MNF) till we were dismissed at 10 for the day. Two cases were apparently canceled.

We were told to call in tonight but most likely would not be called back. I asked about Friday and told him we had planned to travel IF and WHEN I was finished and he said "You've been here 2 days, you're free to go"!!! 'YEAH....

So, Mark is making plans for getting us out of here and off to FL and Catrina sometime tomorrow?

Had lunch with Exchange Club and interesting speaker - head of the air traffic controllers at our airport.

Twenty Sublettians gathered at the Uptown Grille in LaSalle for a wonderful meal, lots of chatter and tons 'o fun. Hadn't seen some of these gals in a long time....such a great group of long-time friends!

Tuesday - May 14

Warm sunny day (84)!!! I am so excited to have a day at home with nothing going on! So, I dug in and did some house work, laundry, getting piles ready on the bed for upcoming trips, etc.

Mark had a busy day starting with dermatologist appointment, then haircut, and finally dentist. We rode bikes this afternoon and enjoyed the beauty of spring.

Had dinner with Paul and Kathy at Biaggi''s - Barb and Roger were supposed to join us, but Barb was not feeling well this afternoon! Dinner was wonderful as always and plenty of chatter!

Tomorrow.....back to the courthouse for me. Mark is spending the day with his Mom.

Monday - May 13

I'm on jury duty this week and reported at 8:30 AM, but was released for the day at 10:20. And now just checking by phone and online, I don't have to report tomorrow.

It was a spectacular day (mid 60's, deep blue skies and warm sunshine). Mark and I worked in the yard this afternoon (picked up more gumballs) and then took a 4-mile bike ride - felt good (been a long time since we've been on the bikes). Met Roger and Carol at Emack and Bolio's for ice cream and enjoyed a good visit. Then back on the bikes for the 4 mile ride home!

Weather is to warm up to mid 80's next few days - yeah!!!

The Monday Night Friends went to Destihl for good supper and conversation (7 of us)!

Mother's Day - 2013

I had a beautiful Mother's Day and hope all you Moms enjoyed yours, too. It was chilly (50's) and windy, but lots of sunshine!

Mark and I went to 10:00 Mass and then met Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor at Station 220 for a delicious brunch (what a spread)!!! Mark and I drove to Danville (1.5 hrs) and celebrated our niece Megan's high school graduation from Schlarman Academy. Megan is the last of the 38 grandchildren in Mark's family to graduate and she was salutatorian. She gave an excellent speech full of humor and emotion!

Stopped at Steak 'n Shake for some yummy old-fashioned shakes on the way home and enjoyed good visits with the kids - we were riding in high style in the new truck!

Memories from Mother's Day - past and present

2005 - 4 generations

Pat, Anne, my Mom with Liam

2013 - Pat, Anne, Liam and Connor

Our niece Megan

Mark's brother Tom, Megan, Beth and Matt

Aunt Pat, Megan and Uncle Mark

Saturday - May 11

Beautiful sunny day, but windy and chilly! Leisurely morning and then off to pick up tulip bouquets for our 3 tables at bridal shower/luncheon Sue and I co-hosted at her home for Kassie.

13 family/friends of Kassie gathered and what a grand time - food was very good (had it catered by Pat (NOT me) who is theeee best . Hot chicken pie, strawberry/spinach/pecan salad, asparagus wrapped in bacon, mini blueberry, walnut with maple glaze muffins and cinnamon rolls. Then after Kassie opened her gifts we had selection of 6 mini desserts to choose from with tea and coffee

Good to be home with the feet up and glass of wine in hand!

The Bride and Mother-of-the-Bride (Brenda)

Kassie and her 100-year old Great Aunt Ginny

Pretty centerpieces

Wedding cake favors that Pat made (mini sugar cookies - yum)!

Kassie (who is Ryan's age and both "surprise" babies) and Kyle are getting married June 9th on

Santa Rosa Island, FL (destination wedding). Mark and I will be there!!

Mark took Patrick and the boys for a ride in his new truck and then they were off to shop for

Mommy!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

to all you MOMS out there......

Friday - May 10

Chilly and dreary today - a few nice days and then rain yesterday and rest of weekend is to be cool!!!

I exercised and then loaded up the car with dishes, table and stuff to take to Sue's for bridal luncheon/shower we are co-hosting tomorrow. Got things set up and then ordered tulip centerpieces for our tables and off to meet Claire and Kathy for lunch at A. Renee (belated birthday celebration for Claire - May 1st is the real deal).

Good to be home this afternoon with sweater and sox on!!! Our neighbor is having his roof torn off and new one put on, so lots of activity next door.

While I was out and about, Mark was out of town and then driving back in his brand new truck - a 2013 GMC crew cab with lots of bells and whistles! Spiffy!!!

Bye bye little red truck

Mark's new toy

Ahhhh Luke is growing up...

Daddy teaching Luke to hold his own bottle

My weekend was off to a great start when the doorbell rang at 5:30 and there was a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers from Ryan for Mother's Day!

Thanks Ryan

Thursday - May 9

Rainy day but that didn't stop 4 good friends from having a ball together in Galesburg. We've known one another since the late 60's as classmates at Midstate College of Commerce. Allie, Jane and I rode together and met Barb who came from Moline. Non-stop chatter over a great lunch at The Landmark Café and Creperie in historic Galesburg.

Love shopping in this little town and Grandma did some damage at "Mother Goosebumps" children's shop! So much fun, sooo many laughs!

Pat, Allie, Barb, Jane

Landmark Café and Creperie

Allie, Barb, Jane, Pat

"Together We So ROCK"

at The Calico Cat

On our way home, Annette did face time with Luke and Grandma....

Uncle Ryan and Luke hangin' out by the pool

Found out this afternoon that Ryan and the 6 other Blue Angel pilots have had their tour extended one additional year - YEAH!!!

Little Man at ONE month

Wednesday - May 8

Happy ONE MONTH to Luke.....gosh, how can that be! His Uncle Ryan came to meet him today and staying a few days!

Little "Mohawk" Baby

Started this spectacular day off by exercising, then to 8:45 Mass at Liam and Connor's school for the 2nd grade First Communicants all dressed up in their white dresses and suits. Then they changed clothes and enjoyed a play day! I ran a bunch of errands and had lunch with Exchange Club.

Mark and I went for a walk - it was 81 today, sunny and with all the blooming trees, just awesome to be out and enjoy God's beauty We have not been walking or biking in eons, so....

.time to get ship shape!

Several neighbors and friends gathered tonight for Norma's birthday party - big surprise (not only her birthday, but celebration of her successful recuperation and return to good health after

a difficult winter)!