Monday - August 31

So, last night at the boys ballgames, I started sneezing and then blowing my nose....well, this has escalated into a major blown-out COLD that came on fast and furious!    Did not sleep well at all, the sneezing and blowing my nose is ongoing .....yikes!    Mark and I each drove separately to breakfast with the former neighbors and then went to the storage unit and got some things out.   

 

I met Martha for lunch at Red Robin - new in town.    My first time to eat at one of these.  Had a good lunch, but especially enjoyed our visit. 

 

Selfie of Martha and me

 

From lunch I was off to therapy and Jim really stretched the shoulder way over my head - OUCH!    But he also worked his magic on my very sore neck (all related to the shoulder) and gave me some exercises to do at home.    I really enjoy chatting with these therapists (same ones I had 5 years ago and catching up on their families, etc.)   After spending 6 months with them, we were pretty well acquainted!    Plus, while we are yakkin' away, keeps my mind off what they're doing to me

(well, sort of)!

 

I was scheduled to give blood this afternoon after therapy, but canceled cause of this rotten cold.   Mark filled in for me and I will take his spot on 9/14.

 

Back on Daisy and just taking it easy....not meeting the Monday Night Friends!   

 

Luke is ready for some BLT's tonight at his other grandparents

An architect, builder, carpenter (like Daddy) in the making?

Connor and his brand new hockey bag!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - August 30

What started out as a foggy Sunday, ended up sunny and warm!   We went to 9:30 Mass at Blessed Sacrament in Morton.    Their pastor, Father Jerry Ward has been a long-time friend of our family and he was pastor at Holy Trinity several years ago.   We have a cute picture of Ryan as a baby sitting on his lap.    We did get to visit a short time before Mass started, but Father Jerry was not saying our Mass today.

 

After church we went to Leaves and Beans coffee shop - cute place in downtown Morton.    Back to Daisy and project of the day was cleaning out and defrosting the fridge.   Tah dah....nice to have that task done!

Went to the boys fall ball games late afternoon.   Liam's team lost and Connor's team won.

 Liam warming up before pitching

Between innings with Connor who came to say "Hi" to Grandma

 Stopped at Schnucks for a few groceries and on home.   Blair checked in to see her Papa - didn't want MeeMaw...all about Papa tonight!

Enjoy your week...
Stay safe, happy and healthy!



 

 

 

Saturday - August 29

Cloudy Saturday with a few sprinkles here and there.....we ALL slept in and didn't get up till almost 8:00!    Felt good!!!     We did face time with Blair and Brooke.   Fixed waffles/bacon and sausage for Mark and the boys and then the guys went for a walk.   Brady, Liam and Connor did face time and the boys picked up right where they left off when Brady was here with lots of giggles!!!    I tidied up Daisy and did my therapy.    Later we drove to Busy Corner and met Anne and Patrick for lunch AND pie!    As always, the place was packed.

 

Busy Corner in front of the big map where pins show customers from all

over the USA and beyond

 

The boys went on home and Mark and I drove to Peoria for quick stop at Costco.   I got a new pillow (gel-filled) a few weeks ago and really like it.    Mark used mine while I was in Galena and decided he wanted one, too, so.....very comfy!

 

Back on Daisy - took a short nap, read, did e-mails, etc.

 

Philip, Annette and Luke are visiting Annette's parents, Judy and Dave.   This trip had been planned, but we were glad they were out of FL and whatever Erika had brewing.   But now it appears, it has fizzled - good news!    Luke is having fun on the farm...

 

Grandpa Dave teaching Luke how to drive the tractor...

 

 We walked around the campground tonight - sure was threatening rain, but radar is all clear!

 

 

 

 

Friday - August 28

Cloudy, cool day....I was off to town at 7:30 and had my first therapy session (Donna) at 8:15.    She was very pleased with my progress (so am I).    Lots of memories from 5 years ago when it was so painful  bringing on tears....felt some twinges now and then, but certainly can tell a big difference in how much better the shoulder feels.    I have 6 more sessions (that I know of) with the pros

+++ all the at-home stuff.   

 

After therapy I went to Panera for breakfast and set up with the I-pad, phone and calendar.    Good to see my friend Carol there and meet her friend, Sherry who is wife of Ryan's pediatrician.   Dr. Zimmerman was wonderful. and now retired....had never met Sherry, but what fun we 3 had chatting before we all needed to go our separate ways.   I picked up the boys clothes at Anne's and then to storage unit to put some things away.

 

Met Kathy (my Texas buddy) at Biaggi's for leisurely lunch - sooo good to see her again.   We had a great lunch and yakked for 2.5 hours before I was off to pick up Liam and Connor from school.    We'll see Paul and Kathy in October in San Francisco to sightsee and enjoy the Blue Angels.

 

Cheers to our friend, Claire

 

The boys are spending part of the weekend with us here on Daisy at Kamp Komfort.   

 Grandpa has a big roaring fire going.  

 

The boys new uniform shirts...

 and the new school logo

Water was a little nippy, but they didn't care....

Labor Day is just around the corner and pools will be closing!

 

Roasted hot dogs and s'mores, the boys built a fort in Daisy and a jolly good time was had by all!

 

Sweet dreams and enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

Thursday - August 27

I am home - back on Daisy!   It was a very fun 3 days with Linda and Vicki - lots of shopping, eating, enjoying the trolley tour and just hanging out together!   The Desoto House was the perfect location right in the heart of Galena!

We did our part to boost the Galena economy!

 

We had another good breakfast at the hotel, shopped a few more stores and then were on our way.   Stopped at "Poopy's Pub and Grub" in Savanna that Linda and Vicki had heard about and recommended by friends.    It's a biker bar, but serves breakfast, lunch and dinner - quite the place!   Good grub, too.

 

Unique place

 

Mark is doing good - got some things done with Daisy and some R and R....

 

Tomorrow - 1st visit for therapy at 8:15.

 

Night night!

 

 

 

Wednesday - August 26

Hello from beautiful, historic Galena......Day 2 was awesome starting with wonderful breakfast at the DeSoto House.    We shopped some and then took the 1-hour trolley ride around town.    The DeSoto House is the oldest hotel in Illinois.    And the Galena Post Office is the oldest continually-owned and operated post office in America....2 facts I was not aware of!

 

We stopped for iced coffees/diet coke/cookies and sat a bit and then off for more shopping.   Just a glorious day to be out and about!   

 

Ready to board the trolley

Resting the weary bones...

Oldest hotel in Illinois

The DeSoto House opened its doors in 1855

 

Tonight we walked to Fried Green Tomatoes - outstanding dinner +++ "French Silk Ice Cream"

that was incredible.....

 

French Silk Ice Cream - phenomenal!!!

The Birthday Girl

Liam got fitted for new hockey skates today  -

the boys season will soon be underway!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - August 25

Up early to do therapy, finish packing, load up the car and off to Mendota.   I picked up Vicki and then to Linda's where she had donuts/fruit/coffee ready for us.   We were on our way by 9:30 - a gorgeous day for travel    Arrived in Galena around noon.   Settled in at the Desoto House and then hit Main Street.   Had lunch at Goobie's and shopped all afternoon.

 

The shops are full of fall décor - not too many folks out and about today - school has started back up and we are here before the huge throng of visitors come for the fall season.

Had dinner here at Generals in the Desoto House - very good and celebrated Vicki's birthday (actually in March, but this was a milestone one; thus another reason for our sisters-in-law getaway.)

Called Mark and he had a good day taking the truck to Morton for an oil change and then picked up some things at Costco.

Neat photo taken in Kansas City of Fat Albert flying over
the Blue Angel jets

 

Monday - August 24

Special day for Mark and me....47 years ago (August 24, 1968) he proposed!    So thankful for our family and so many wonderful blessings and this adventuresome lifestyle we are so enjoying!

 

We drove separately to breakfast meeting the neighbors and catching up.    Then to our storage facility to change clothes (they have a nice clean bathroom) and we went to the funeral of a long-time friend, Mike Rabbe who passed away last week of pancreatic cancer.   Mike was only 68 and we played bridge with he and Holly for many years.    My heart is breaking for Holly......

it was a very nice memorial and tribute to Mike....we saw some boating friends we hadn't seen in a long time, so caught up with them over lunch.

 

Back to storage to leave the church clothes, Mark got a few groceries and went back to Daisy.    Was hoping I could get into the dentist but not till next Tuesday, the 1st (course, I'm out of town the next 3 days), sooo...)   I was on waiting list for therapy, but won't see those folks till Friday.   Doing my own thing, though....not nearly as painful as I went thru 5 years ago.    Just going to take

TIME and PATIENCE!

 

I got a manicure/pedicure, car washed and gassed up and then met Patrick and the boys for hugs and quick chat.

Brenda, Sue, Tamara and I drove together to Connie's in the country for delicious supper and visit - a real rarity (not since our Christmas gathering in 2014) that all 11 of us were together!    And getting 11 of us to agree on a date for this year's Christmas party.....yikes....still to be decided!

Helping Mommy shop at Trader Joe's 

Luke and Mommy at a new place that serves food, can pick strawberries (in season)

 and has lots of caged parrots!

Another gorgeous day....sure doesn't feel like August!

Off to Galena tomorrow.....

 

 

 

Sunday - August 23

Hello from the country roads of Missouri as we travel this spectacular Sunday afternoon.   Mark likes to take the less-traveled roads versus interstates at times and we always enjoy the little towns and the beauty of the countryside.   There are many, many hay bales in the fields.    Talked to a guy in Kahokia, MO (stopped for ice cream) who said they are getting to the end of the hay baling season.    And also saw many fields of corn that looked ready to be harvested and were planted very early according to this same man who was also getting ice cream

 

We met Ryan for breakfast at the hotel and then said our good byes.    The Blues will be in Michigan, New Jersey, Maine and Texas before we see them again in Virginia Beach.

 

Walked to 9:00 Mass at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1 block from our hotel), loaded up the truck and were on our way!   

 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

 

Our niece, Colleen sent this pic of Ryan flying over the KC crowds.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Kansas City, starting with our stay at the Reagan's Queen Anne
 B and B in Hannibal, MO and then touring the Arabia Steamboat Museum, walking around Country Club Plaza, great eating (especially our steaks at The Majestic) and of course, the air show, made for some great memories.

We arrived back on Daisy at 6:20....long day, but enjoyable.   I drove 100 miles and Mark read and finished his book "The Boys in the Boat" which he thoroughly enjoyed! 

Big week ahead - lots going on tomorrow.
 

Got my suitcase unpacked and ready to pack for the next adventure - a 3-day getaway with my sisters-in-law to Galena Tuesday-Thursday.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday - August 22

What a big day in KC....we were planning to drive to Country Club Plaza this morning for breakfast and walk around (Claire had told us it was a really neat area and then heard same from others).    We checked with the concierge about leaving the parking garage and would there be a spot when we returned?   He quickly said "NO....do not leave"!    He suggested we take the Orange line bus which worked out great - this big plaza is 4+ miles from our hotel.   What a beautiful area of shops, shops and more shops, restaurants, etc. in a Spanish architectural setting.   Developed in 1922, it has a similar décor as Sevilla, Spain (been there, so really appreciated all this beauty)!   As our concierge said, "It is the Rodeo Drive of the Midwest"!

 

While we were eating breakfast outside of the "Classic Cup Sidewalk Café", I broke off  a tooth eating my scrambled eggs.....aaarrrghhh!  It doesn't bother me, but I think there's a crown coming up!    UGH!

 

Strolled around this lovely area and then back on the bus to the Marriott, changed clothes and off o the air show.    There was no parking at the show, so shuttling people on school buses, but there were so many and taking so long, we decided to walk across the bridge (1.8 miles) along with many others.  

 

HUGE crowd today.....our niece Colleen and her friend Seretta joined  us and what a fun day!   We even had burgers, hot dogs, chips and brownies for the Blue Angel Friends and Family area.   

 

Colleen and Seretta had their picture taken with the pilots and they left hoping to catch a bus.   We lucked out and got a school bus with AC.   

 

Showers and then off to a big bar-b-que at Captain's Frosch (#1 pilot) sisters's home.   Wow...over the top and so much good food, drink and fabulous home!   We had a great time and Ryan rode back with us to the Marriott.    BIG day....

Nighty night!

The Blue Angels with Colleen and Seretta 

Seretta, Pat, Colleen, Mark 

Andrew (Drew) and Mark

Captain Tom and Leigh's son

 

 

Friday - August 21

Beautiful day in Kansas City.....we had coffee with Ryan and chatted about 1/2 hour.    Thankful for any time we get with him...so much going on and commitments for these Blues!

 

Mark and I walked to the Silver Spoon Café for breakfast and met some other family members of the Blue Angels in hotel lobby.   Always fun to see friendly faces again.

 

Therapy is well underway - I have 8 different exercises and some are not too bad but a few are....ugh!

 

Happy Luke

Stopped at the Silver Spoon Café for a sandwich to go and off to the airport.    Walked all around and the Blues performed at 3....enjoyed the practice and then back to hotel and had drinks in the lobby.

Our niece Colleen who lives in Lawrence, KS and works in Topeka picked us up and 6:45 and we had a WONDERFUL dinner at The Majestic (Mark really wanted a good steak and wow....we were all in awe of fabulous steaks, sides and then dessert)!

Colleen is Mark's sister, Janet and Mike's daughter from Rockford.    She and  a friend will be with us tomorrow for the show.

Pat, Colleen, Mark


 

 

 

 

Thursday - August 20

I am sitting here with ice on the shoulder for 10 minutes after doing my therapy - definitely some different exercises than I did 5 years ago.    So.....we are at the Marriott Downtown, Kansas City and looking forward to getting acquainted with this town
(my first visit - Mark was here several years ago with State Farm).  

 

We started the day with a fabulous breakfast at the Reagan's Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast in  Hannibal - peach/cranberry stuffed croissants  with warm vanilla sauce and egg cups with smoked ham, pineapple salsa and sharp cheddar.   Everything was wonderful!   Enjoyed visiting with Norm and Judy and compared notes on our military sons.    Judy's Grandfather was the first manager of the original Steak 'n Shake in Normal, IL (a sister city to Bloomington)     Also, Norm and Judy have had guests from many countries and all 50 states, except Rhode Island,
but they are working on that.

Judy and Norm 

Breakfast...

 

 

We left Hannibal at 9:30 and had a nice 3.5 hour ride to Kansas City stopping in Blue Springs at Camping World.   It was a grand day for traveling.

 

Checked into our room, changed clothes and added tennies and off we went.   Walked a few blocks and as we were crossing I-70 walking over a bridge....whoaaaa....there was the roar of the blue/gold jets and we were back with our Blues!    They arrived in town late this morning and were scoping out the area, getting their bearings, etc. which happens every Thursday when they arrive in a new location.    So, as many times as we've seen them, still can't stop being in awe watching and listening to them AND knowing Ryan is up there!

 

One of the tourist spots in KC that Norm and Judy mentioned was The Arabia Steamboat Museum.   We walked there and along the way, met a nice guy who was very familiar with KC and had all kinds of thoughts on what we should do, where we should eat, etc.

 

We had never heard of the Arabia which was a huge cargo steamboat that departed Kansas City and one hour or 6 miles later, it hit a submerged tree and immediately sank on September 5, 1856.    Goods were to be delivered to 16 towns along the Missouri  There were 130 passengers/crew onboard and all were rescued.    The steamboat was traveling to NE and full of merchandise that would stock the shelves of many general stores.
 

After 131 years it was finally discovered in a farmer's field and the excavation began - the museum is full of all the wonderful "intact" items that would be found and sold in these stores.   Although covered with mud, the merchandise was mostly intact.   The water and mud kept oxygen from getting to the crates, barrels, etc. and things were well preserved.   Even the perishable items that were in glass bottles/jars were drank or eaten after 131 years.   But for the most part, these items were cleaned and now in this wonderful museum !   It was a very unique experience and if you are ever in the Kansas city area, put this on your list of "things to do".   The museum opened in 1991.

On our way back to the Marriott, we stopped at Big John's Deck and had drinks on the rooftop. 
Later, we walked downtown and browsed around Cosentino's - upscale yuppie grocery where you could grab something to eat.   It had it all!!!

We had dinner at the Yard House and what a fun sports bar.    I had thee most wonderful grilled cheese (5 kinds of cheese with mashed tomatoes) on grilled artesan bread served with yummy tomato bisque for dipping.   Mark had the roast beef dip!    Neat place!!!

 

Wednesday - August 19

Hello from Hannibal, MO - home of Mark Twain!    Today, 4 of our grandsons started the new school year....big day for Liam and Connor as they have a new name for their school after 100+ years of being St. Clare and then Holy Trinity,   Corpus Christi is the new name and lots of excitement this 1/2 day of school with Mass downtown at Holy Trinity.

Liam (5th) and Connor (4th)

Outside church - Liam and 5th grade friends

 

And out in North Carolina....Davis started 8th grade and Brady, 4th grade!

 

Today was much cooler and very fresh after the storms and rain last night.   We exercised and then packed up the truck and headed to town.   Had a few errands, including a little snack at Panera.   I had noon evaluation with Lee, my head therapist to determine what was to be done with the shoulder. 

His opinion is that while I have some impingement and definite lack of motion in right shoulder, the cortisone shot has not and will not do any good.   I have something similar to a “frozen” shoulder but not exactly.    I am set  up for 4 weeks of therapy (2x a week) +++ exercises  3x a day on my own 7 days a week for 4 weeks before he re-evaluates.!    Some are very similar to what I did 5 years ago.   After each session, I’m to ice the shoulder for 10 minutes.       It will be nice to see these familiar folks who helped so much last time and let them have at me again……..

 

We arrived in Hannibal around 4:00 and met Norm and Judy, owners of the

Reagan Queen Anne B  & B.   It is a lovely old home built in 1889 and they have been the proprietors for 16 years.   We settled into our "Riverview Rose" room and then set off for downtown (2 blocks away)   Wow....cooler here than at home - 67 and it's mid August with 55 by morning???  There are some nice little specialty shops + antiques, coffee café, bars, restaurants, etc.   We had some yummy sandwiches and brews at the Mark Twain Brewing Co.   Settled in for the night and ready (I guess) to get started with this grueling therapy tomrrow! 

 

Here's s few pics from Hannibal

 

The Reagan Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast 

our home tonight

 

Mark at the infamous white picket fence

Becky Thatcher's home 

 

Kansas City....here we come!

Tuesday - August 18

Rained hard and often during the night.    Mark left at 7:30 with my car for an oil change.   I left at 8 in the truck with a stop at the Carlock post office and then the Laundromat.   Got that caught up and Claire met me at Gloria Jean's (next door) for coffee, muffins and a whole lot of chatter    So fun to catch up and always plenty to yak about!!!

 

Back to Daisy.....Mark went to Farm 'n Fleet, I put laundry away, caught up on e-mails and started packing for next trip....tomorrow, I have noon evaluation on therapy for shoulder and then we are truckin' onto Hannibal, MO and staying tomorrow night at a B and B before movin' onto
Kansas City Thursday.

 

Tomorrow, Davis, Brady, Liam and Connor start a brand new school year.    Drew is well into his sophomore year!!!   Best to all the boys for a fun-filled, educational year!

3 of the Sublettians met for early supper (4:00) at Busy Corner tonight - threatening weather with tornado warning going till 10:00.   Good to be back "home" safe 'n sound.

Pat, Deb, Ann

The princess decked out with her little purse and "trying" to wear Brady's shoes. 

Luke is a "man on the run" at the playground!  

Sunday at North Avenue Beach

 

We did facetime with Luke late this afternoon.   

 

So....the weather radio came on around 6:10 talking about possible tornado touching down near Congerville and Goodfield - yikes.    Congerville is just 5 miles away and the Busy Corner is in Goodfield where I was earlier with Ann and Deb.

 

We took off for the public bathrooms here at the campground - stayed in the women's restroom with a couple from San Antonio and their 2 dogs.    Sky looked so nasty....but believe worst is over and it has moved northeast of us.    Kamp Komfort did lose a tree near the pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - August 17

After all the hustle and bustle of big-city life, it's good to be to be back in the country at Kamp Komfort......we exercised this morning and then off to town to meet the breakfast friends.    Good to catch up with Sue and Brenda while the guys (Jerry, Pat, Marty, and Mark) did their thing.

 

Mark and I then were on the hunt for an extended stay hotel for the month of December.    Kamp Komfort closes November 1st, so we will be in and out (mostly gone in November,) but after visiting 3 options, we are going with Eastland Suites.    The location is perfect and it has recently been totally renovated.    It has some nice amenities including full hot breakfast each day, linen service 2x a week, laundry ($1.50 for wash/dry total), pool (requirement for when Liam and Connor visit), fitness center, and happy hour!   What more could you want???  

 

Stopped at a roadside stand to get some fresh tomatoes and back to Daisy.    Mark drove to Gridley to have Roger do drilling for some device to winterize Daisy's engines.

 

I walked around the park and met 2 ladies who had just arrived in their Lazy Daze (different layout than our Daisy, but nice to chat with them)   They are from Washington State en route to Chicago for 3 days and then NYC for 10 days.   Whew....they will meet up with a caravan in both Chicago and NY which they enjoy as neither of them is mechanical minded.   On their way home, they may stop in southern CA and see about ordering a new Lazy Daze as theirs has 120,000 miles! 

WOW....our Daisy has just 53,000 miles.

 

I went to Linda's for Chinese and Busy Corner Pie - all delicious and fun to be together
 (7 out of 11 Monday Night Friends).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - August 16

Our whirlwind 4 days of sun ‘n fun, blue and gold jets streaking thru the sky, lots of walking, big series between the Cubs and Sox (Cubbies won 2 out of 3) and just enjoying beautiful Chicago is now a happy memory,

We started today with 9:30 Mass at St. James and then back to hotel for light breakfast, packed up our things and checked out of the Hyatt.    Parked about 1 mile from  North Avenue Beach and walked (along with thousands of others). 

Another hot one!

Unfortunately, there was a very sad pall cast over the air show when the Golden Knights Parachuting team had a horrible accident at the start of Saturday’s show.   One of them crashed into a building and has been in critical condition; another suffered a broken leg when he landed on the beach.    This is their life’s profession and to have these accidents is such a tragedy.    We saw the team at the hotel when we arrived Thursday.    Around 4 today, Corey Hood (32) from Cincinnati died

Kevin and Dawn, our boating friends we were with Friday, came to watch the show (land side) today looking out over the tons of boats anchored on turquoise Lake Michigan.   They have been watching the air show for the past 16 years from their boat, but had never seen it from the beach….so different and entertaining with the music, narration, etc.       They walked back with us to our car and great to be with them (and celebrate that they just sold their condo and laughed that they will soon be nomads, too)

Kevin and Dawn

It took us a while to get out of the city with all the traffic.   We stopped at Cheddar’s in Bolingbrook for supper.  

Home for a few days and then off to Kansas City for more Blue Angel fun!

 

 

Saturday - August 15

What a great day in Chicago......we left the hotel around 9, walked along Michigan Avenue, stopped at "Yolk" for breakfast and then onto the Art Institute.    Good jaunt, but still a ways to go, so, we got a Uber ride to North Avenue Beach where we watched the show with a bunch of family and friends!

 

It was hot and sunny and so fun to watch the Blues overlooking Lake Michigan and a jillion boats bobbing around!

 

Liam and Connor went swimming at the hotel and then we went for a walk thru McCormick Place (Anne and Patrick had a date night - dinner at McCormick & Schmicks.)     We met Ryan at 6:30 and the 5 of us walked to Girodano's for dinner.    Watched the Sox/Cubs game, enjoyed some great Italian grub and good chatter.

 

Got a Uber driver to bring us back to the Hyatt.    Love this service with very clean automobiles, English speaking drivers, no tipping or $ involved.    We know our driver's first name ahead of time, license plate # and type and color of car.

 

Some highlights of our day...

Brooke's Aunt Jane and Uncle Dean from Atlanta enjoying the show

My good friend, Linda

Pat, her cousin, Geri and husband, Henry with their daughter, Kristen 

Our nephew, Matt with us

Very strange cloud formation during the show...

 

Tomorrow....we'll do this again....

 

Friday - August 14

Big day in Chicago and we nomads are back in our room at the Hyatt winding down.    What are the odds of this huge hotel (twin towers) and we are right next door to Ryan, but have seen very little of him (actually saw more of him in the sky today than face to face)!!!

 

We took off walking this morning stopping at Brasserie for breakfast on Michigan Avenue.    There are so many beautiful condos in our McCormick Place area - just a wonderful area for strolling.

 

After breakfast we used a uber car service (thee way to go) and our driver took us to pick up sub sandwiches, chips and cookies which we had ordered online.   Then to DuSable Marina to meet our friends, Dawn and Kevin and their friends, Nancy, Regina and Deb for a wonderful day on the water!    Soo appreciate their hospitality and there is just nothing like the Chicago skyline!   We sailed for a while and then anchored (we and many others) - beautiful sunny , very warm day!     Enjoyed lunch and then another great performance by the Blue Angels.

 

Nancy (knows my brother, Ron), Regina, Pat, Deb, Dawn

Mark and Captain Kevin

 

We cruised back to our slip after the show, said good bye to old and new friends and we took another Uber car back to the Hyatt.   What a nice guy who told us about the great old homes, mixed in with new condos (made to look old) on Prairie Street (south Loop).   What a treat..

 

Good to be back in the cool confines of our room where showers felt so good.   Had a nice quiet evening including dinner here at the hotel and then nice walk.   We've been strolling the Hyatt to McCormick Place and up 2 levels and out on Michigan Avenue (crossing over Lake Shore Drive).    We are in the comfort of AC and then to come out on the lake - love it!  

 

McCormick Place is massive and tonight they are setting up for a big ACE Hardware convention - unbelievable with all the special effects.

 

Tomorrow and Sunday we'll be watching the show from North Avenue Beach where they are expecting 1.5-2 million spectators!   WOW!!!    We have several family coming , including

Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor.  

 

Going to be HOT!