Friday - May 31

Gosh, it's the last day of May....2019 is flying by!    Got some things organized on Flo, put the Kringles in freezer and we left for town.    Met Claire at Farm and Fleet and she and I went onto the Mackinaw Tea Room.     We shopped at Garden Gate - beautiful gifts and flowers and then had a delicious lunch - our last hurrah till I'm back in IL this fall.    She brought me back to Kamp Komfort and hugged good bye....

A selfie at Garden Gate Floral and Tea Room at the Depot 

Mark got some things at Farm and Fleet and then on back to Flo.    After I got home, we went into town putting some things away in storage and got Big Red washed.

We met Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor at Busy Corner for supper and good byes to Anne and Connor.     They are going to Connor's games in East Peoria early tomorrow.. 

The Campbell Clan

Back to Kamp Komfort, hooked up Flo to Big Red and tomorrow morning we'll see Patrick at Liam's game at 9 and then we'll be "back on the road again" to Danville for a retirement party for our sister-in-law.  

These past 5 weeks back in IL have flown by but we've sure packed in lots of fun!    Praying that the rain stops soon (more in tomorrow's forecast) and the farmers can get their crops planted.

   It certainly has been an extremely WET spring.

Praying for the victims and their families after the horrific mass shooting in Virginia Beach this afternoon.    Another horrendous senseless loss of so many innocents.

Thursday - May 30

Woke up to rain and off we went to a wonderful breakfast at The Red Onion.    This place was in Racine when we boated many years ago.   It closed for awhile and reopened years ago in a new location (we didn't know this).   Omelets were good as ever!

Picked up our Kringle order and off to Lake Geneva.

Here come the Kringles

These guys are great carriers of our packages, chauffeurs, etc.    Both earned some good brownie points the past 2 days!!!  💗

  Had some rain along the way.    Been several years since Linda and I had been here - such a neat town.    Bob parked the car and we gals were on our way.    GREAT shopping (Racine is struggling with their downtown but Lake Geneva is definitely thriving)!!!     We did a bit of damage and met the guys (they had been hanging out at Starbucks).    We had a great lunch at "Oakfire" (pizza/sangria/bloody Mary's). 

The sun came out - was a beautiful rest of the afternoon.   Linda and I hit a few more shops and then to head home.    More heavy rain last night and today.....water water everywhere and so good to see the corn popping up, but major flooding once again.   Just unbelievable.

When we arrived back in Kamp Komfort - lots of water standing everywhere! 

Gosh, these Campbell boys are quite the fishermen....Liam broke a record today (against his brother) with this catch!

Wednesday - May 29

Hello from Racine, Wisconsin.    After breakfast of cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit, Bob, Linda, Mark and I were on our way at 7:50 this morning.   Arrived in Racine and first stop was Borzynski's - nice garden/gift shop along with gourmet foods, fresh produce, etc.    Browsed around while the guys sat in the cafe with coffee, I-pad and crossword puzzles.

On towards downtown driving around and having lunch at Kewpie's - yummy burgers and fries.    Stopped at O and H Bakery and ordered several kringles for pick-up tomorrow.   Then to Milaeger's.    Once again, plunked the guys down in the cafe with I-pad and puzzles.    This is one of Linda and my favorite shops.....so many neat things from home decor, gifts, clothing to gardening, patio and spectacular flowers.    I got a hazelnut latte and we were on our way.

Linda taking a break at Milaeger's

Late afternoon the sun came out and it was a bit warmer.....we drove along the lake and then checked into our hotel. 

   Rested, read and then off to Joey's Yardarm (formerly Yardarm).    This was one of our favorites from years ago and recently changed ownership.....food was still great and Mark and I shared the Captain's Platter (Bob and Linda, too)......cod, walleye, perch, shrimp, sand dollars, fries, slaw.....oh my)!

What a feast!

Back to the Doubletree and played "Pass the Trash" around the pool - Bob and I each won!    Been a really fun day and so good to be back here and relive memories from good ole boating days dating back to 1995.

We knew it would be chilly here in Racine (after boating here for many years, it was usually Father's Day till things warmed up!)     So, we got to experience more springtime beauty with many trees in full bloom!

Beautiful flowering trees make for an awesome backdrop for

Bob and Linda

Wow....check out this beauty that Connor caught at Old Farm Lakes yesterday!

Tuesday - May 28

Hello from Mendota......we took off this morning for town and  several errands.    Picked up Liam and Connor and took them to Olive Garden for early lunch.  

The boys enjoying their smoothies at Olive Garden

  I had noon dentist appointment (got my temporary crown) and then we were off to Mendota.    Drove thru some heavy rain.

Stopped at the Lutheran Home to see my cousin Jim.    Then to Bob and Linda's - settled in and  visited.   Bob and Mark picked up Aunt Marian around 4:30 and then cousin Dick and Mary arrived.    So fun being together, catching up over drinks and yummy appetizers.    Then a great "comfort" dinner of mini meat loaves, baked potatoes, green beans, layered lettuce salad, fresh fruit and tah dah, raspberry truffle pie with chocolate drizzle and fresh raspberries.    Wonderful!

Aunt Marian (90 years young), Mary, Dick

Dick and Mary left and we played euchre with Aunt Marian and Linda beating Mark and me 2 out of 2.

And then the rain came...the guys took Aunt Marian home and we hunkered down for the night.

Tomorrow we 4 are off to Racine and Lake Geneva for some retail therapy and good eating.

Memorial Day - 2019

 Memorial Day - 2019

Hope you've had a great holiday doing whatever and thinking of and honoring all those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice!    And a big "Thank You" to Ryan and all past and present serving our country

We met our Monday morning breakfast group at Busy Corner and then all (except Marty, Sue and Jerry) came back to Kamp Komfort.    Fun to be with these folks one last time before we hit the road again.

Mark, Brenda, Pat Sigrunn 

Bev, Gary, Ken

Did some packing in the afternoon, took a nap, read and then off to town and met friends, Pat, Brenda, Sue and Jerry at Biaggi's for delicious dinner, dessert, wine and lots of chatter.

Pat, Pat, Brenda, Sue, Jerry, Mark

God willing, we 6 will be back together in July in Dallas to celebrate Pat and Brenda's 

50th wedding anniversary.

And some sweet memories from Memorial Day 2008...

Connor, Patrick, Liam

Anne and Connor

Sunday - May 26

Happy "Heavenly Birthday" to Mark's Dad who would've been 98 today!

More rain overnight and off and on this morning.    Great to see the first corn popping up this morning on our way to church.    We went to 9:30 Mass at Blessed Sacrament in Morton where Father Jerry is pastor.    We've known him since he was assistant pastor at Holy Trinity many years ago.    We have fond memories of inviting him to Lake Bloomington when Ryan was a baby (33 years ago).   We took him water skiing and he took a bad tumble hurting his shoulder and needing therapy.   Oh dear.....and off and on thru the years when we've seen him, he immediately grabs his shoulder and all that pain comes rushing back with a big smile.

So, what a treat to celebrate with him today, the 40th anniversary of  his ordination.   We sure could feel the love from his parishioners with all the nice tributes he received.   He's certainly one of our favorites!    He is actually a Monsignor, but prefers "Father"!

Congratulations on 40 years, and wishing you many more healthy years as you 

minister to God's people!

We found Eli's, downtown Morton for breakfast - coffee shop in a cute little house serving some yummy pastries and very good coffee (according to the reviews and Mark) and loved my "Nuts about Eli" - almond and hazelnut latte.    On home and the sun came out!

We had a lazy Sunday afternoon and nice to just "stay put"!     Walked around the park - lots of folks entertaining with cookouts this holiday weekend.

The Campbell boys have had a big weekend in St. Louis.   Liam's team won 1, lost 2.   Connor's was undefeated but lost the championship game  15-1..   Unfortunately, this morning, they had a 2-hour rain delay so everything running late!     

H A P P Y   M E M O R I A L   D A Y

Remembering those who gave their lives

Saturday - May 25

We were expecting rain off and on today, but what a nice surprise to have sunny skies and windy!    And the temperature was in the 80's.    Great day for Memorial Weekend!

We went into town and met friends, Gary and Judy for breakfast at Shannon's.    It's been over 3 years since we've been together and always enjoy their company.    We enjoyed our breakfasts and lots of chatter.

Gary and Judy

 Said our good byes and we stopped at Beer Nuts for a little stash of nutty snacks and then to storage.   Put stuff away, got stuff out and on back to Flo.

Mark did a lot of organizing in back of Big Red preparing for next Saturday when we are "back on the road" again.    So, one week left here at Kamp Komfort, our spring central IL home for Flo.

Around 5:30 we drove to Eureka for an ice cream fix at Uncle Bob's - 1st visit this year but always soo good!

It is a beautiful evening here at Kamp Komfort - almost full tonight (just 2 empty spots).

Friday -May 24

Mostly cloudy, but warmed up in the 80's.    We exercised and had a leisurely day catching up on stuff.   More rain came thru in the afternoon....

We had a very fun evening at Roger and Barb's home - awesome dinner (Chinese chicken and rice, broccoli, spinach salad, rolls and apple creme pie) - all delicious!!!     Thoroughly enjoyed sitting around the dining room table and chatting about this, that and everything!    So good to be back with these dear friends.

Roger and Barb

Anne and the boys are at the Cardinals/Braves game tonight in St. Louis.    The boys each have a tournament this weekend.    Patrick will join them tomorrow.

Wishing you all a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Thursday - May 23

Whew....this was a big day after another rainy, stormy (terrific lightning) night and another inch of rain.   We left Flo at 8:45 with 4 loads of laundry, a quick Gloria Jeans fix, brought the clean clothes home and then back to town to meet Roger and Carol for lunch at Baxters.    Great food and great catching up with these long-time friends.    We sat and enjoyed whats been going on with each other and then said our good byes.     

Carol and Roger

My dentist wanted to see me (actually check my tooth that's supposed to get the implant next week).    So, Mark dropped me off (we had a short time frame as he had a haircut and then picking up Connor from school).    Anyway.....long story short, Dr. feels I don't need an implant as there's enough of the tooth left that he could put a crown on?    Well, this was a surprise and he showed me the impression and took another x-ray.    That's the plan for next Tuesday - crown instead of implant and about $3,500 less.   

Mark took me to visit Donna Rae at Westminster Village and went onto get a haircut and then got Connor from school and took him home.   We sat and watched the Cubs (lose) and yakked away. Mark came to Westminster and we 3 continued the chatter and went onto the Club Room for wine (a Tuesday/Thursday happy hour).   Always enjoy spending time with Donna Rae and she is a trooper at 87.

"Wine Time" with our dear friend, Donna Rae

Stopped to get a sandwich for Mark and then to Connor's game at 5:30.   Great fun with the Renegades winning 12-8.    Connor as catcher,  threw 2 perfect strikes throwing out the runner trying to steal from first!    Awesome!!!

Stopped for a few groceries and finally back to Flo at 8:00.    We are tired, but it was a fun day and accomplished a lot. 

Wednesday - May 22

Finally......................warm, sunny and breezy - 82!!!    We did have an inch of rain overnight and more coming tonight!     But for today, thank you!!!

Mark worked on some Flo projects and I was off to town to do some shopping at Von Maur (gifts) and then met Claire at Ancho and Agave, new Mexican restaurant east of town by the airport.    Soon as we walked in the door....whoaaa, nice, really cool atmosphere.    The food was excellent along with our prickly pear margaritas (nice memory from San Antonio).    All in all, a winner!    And of course, Claire and I yakked non-stop.   So nice to be outdoors without being bundled up!

Claire and Pat and awesome margaritas

Back to Flo  and after a brief power nap, we walked around the park - this was my very 1st time and we've been here almost a month!     The former owner (Cliff)  used to tease me about wearing out his pavement with all my steps, but not this year!!!

Tuesday - May 21

It's May 21st and we woke up to 45 degrees with a wind chill of 38.   All day long it was chilly (low 50's, windy and of course, no sun)!

We Midstate grads who try to get together once a year (Barb, Jane, Allie and me) planned to meet in Galesburg (our usual spot to gather) today.   Allie is still in Florida (smart girl), Jane was not feeling well today, so I left shortly after 9 and met Barb.

 We had such a fun day despite the weather....shopped at some of the really nice spots and ate at our favorite Landmark Creperie and Cafe.    Delicious spinach bisque and quiche for Barb and 1/2 chicken salad sandwich for me.    We shared  a yummy piece of salted caramel cheesecake.  Cooks and Co. is a wonderful kitchen, gift, floral shop that moved since we were last there - much larger location and just a fun, fun place to browse.    Also checked out Mother Goosebumps - cute children's shop and Four Seasons ladies apparel.    My Mom always enjoyed shopping at their Princeton store (where Annette hails from).    Think this was my 1st time to be in one - I got a new top and then we said our good byes and on home.    A very fun day with my long-time friend, Barb, but missed Jane and Allie!

Barb and Pat

We had wind gusts of 30 mph this afternoon and more rain coming tonight!     But 83 degrees coming tomorrow

We planned to go to Connor's double header tonight but cancelled cause of the cold/wind.    Smart move on coaches part, but Liam had a chance to sub on his friend's team, so......Grandpa and I chose not to venture out on this yucky night!

Proud to hear that Davis was chosen to be a Marshall at graduation - this honor is bestowed on the top 6 juniors in the class.

Had pulled pork sandwiches for supper and just happy to be indoors.....bring the heat on tomorrow!

Monday - May 20

Chilly, cloudy Monday....we were off to town shortly after 7.   I took Mark to McDonalds (our new meeting location on College Avenue), stopped for a Starbucks and then to dentist appointment and consultation on implant I'm getting next week.

Then back to McDonalds to meet the breakfast group.....not sure this new location will work, but better than where we were on Oakland.     Time will tell, but since we nomads are seldom there.....next week they are all coming to Busy Corner for breakfast and then to Kamp Komfort (Memorial Day).

Mark and I ran a few errands and stocked up on wine at Binney's.   On home to Flo....Mark went into town for 2:00 dentist appt.

We met the Monday Night Friends and hubbies (13 of us) at Busy Corner for dinner and pie (to go) and then Ruth, Gerry and Gary (Connie is in Texas) were the diehards who braved the cold, windy night and came back to Kamp Komfort and sat in front of a nice fire that Mark built.    We were cold, so finally, came inside Flo and continued our chatter while listening to Beach Boys songs (compliments of Alexa).    Very fun evening!

Ruth enjoying her pie

Gerry, Ruth, Gary

Nice fire on a chilly night

Meanwhile, it's been HOT in North Carolina...

Maeve on the move..

Sweet Luke missing a tooth

Sunday - May 19

Very windy today - cloudy in the morning, but then the sun came out!   Liam's games were cancelled!

We went to 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity and then coffee/latte/cranberry muffin at Gloria Jeans and on home.

Caught up on a bunch of e-mails, read, vacuumed out Big Red and just a nice quiet Sunday afternoon.

We picked up pie (each person's favorite) at Busy Corner and then off to the Campbell's.    Patrick grilled ribeyes fore he and Mark and filets for Anne and me.   Yummy and along with a pasta salad, deviled eggs and crescent rolls, we had an awesome dinner topped off with our pie!

Wind is still blowing but maybe has calmed down just a little bit!    Have a great week!

Saturday - May 18

Today started out nice 'n sunny, windy and warm.....we exercised and left for town around 9:15.   Stopped at Starbucks and then while I got a mani pedi, Mark ran some errands.    And then we were off to Pekin for Liam's doubleheader.    As we were heading west, the skies were getting darker and radar was not pretty.    From graduation to baseball player....but that didn't happen today!

Parked, walked to where Anne was sitting, saw a little action from Game 7 (Liam's team), Liam came up to bat, flied out and then..................the heavens opened up.    Everyone grabbed their stuff and scrambled for shelter under the refreshment stand.   The rain was actually coming down sideways.....crazy.    Didn't take long for the officials to call the game and see what tomorrow brings.   Bummer.....it was supposed to be warm, sunny and windy (earlier they had mentioned rain and then took out of the forecast....well, that all proved wrong.)

Said our good byes to Liam and Anne as they headed home and we stopped at Busy Corner (did not know there is one in Pekin - no connection to "our" Busy Corner, but nonetheless, good food, but only 3 pie choices!!!)     Rain kept coming down.....glad to get back to Kamp Komfort.

In the meantime, Patrick was with Connor in Champaign.   It was beautiful there and he played 3 games.    Anne drove over and got to see most of the 2nd game and all of last game.    They won 8-4, tied 6-6 and lost 12-8.    Connor had some good hits and after 3 games, he is exhausted!!!      No rain in Champaign!

Mark and I met Jim and Shelly at Lucca Grill for delicious a la Baldini pizza.    Mark and Jim used to work together and it was so fun to catch up and see wedding pics of their son's recent wedding in Florida.     Hope we can get together when we're all visiting Dallas area in July

Jim, Shelly, Pat, Mark

 

Friday - May 17

Mark was up and outta here shortly after 6 for Uftring Ford in East Peoria and an oil change in Big Red (7:00 appt.)    Rained during the night and it's cloudy and dreary....again (we just can't seem to get 2 straight days of sun!!!)

We met Jim and Lydia at Busy Corner for lunch.    They were on their way to visit their son, Paul and family near Manitowoc, WI for the weekend.   We had a great visit, took pie-to-go, said our good byes and off they went!     Sure appreciate them wanting us to meet them - of course, Busy Corner was a win - win for all!

Mark, Pat, Lydia, Jim

Big milestone tonight as Liam graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic School......beautiful Mass and 45 graduates celebrated followed by a reception afterwards.    We had Monicals Pizza along with a cookie cake and presents!

The graduate and his family

 Grandma, Graduate, Grandpa 

Auntie Karen (Godmother) and Liam

Congratulations, Liam 

and best wishes for much success and fun at CCHS.

Thursday - May 16

Partly sunny skies, warm but VERY windy!!!     We exercised and then off to town.   Went to storage and I had appt. with Dr. Pinter to have re-check of my eyes.    They are much better but still not totally clear, so....continue with drops for 2 more weeks (2x a day for a week and then once a day for a week). 

We had lunch at Carmela's - been here for breakfast but never lunch - really good (burrito for Mark and taco salad for me).  Stopped for a few groceries and back to Flo.   We did see 3 or 4 farmers in the fields.     We thought we were meeting friends, Gary and Judy for lunch but those plans fell through.

Quiet afternoon taking a little nap and reading.

Went to Connor's doubleheader - not good results, though losing 9-8 and 9-3.    Really pleasant sitting at the ole ballgame, though!     Strong winds finally calmed down in 2nd game.

Connor in the on-deck circle had some nice hits and an RBI

Wednesday - May 15

A spectacular spring day - sunny and 75!!!     Mark was off to town early for 8:00 dermatologist appointment with Dr. Lucy.    Back to Flo and I left shortly for a little shopping at Von Maur and then met 6 of my Sublettian friends at Destihl for a little mini reunion.    This was a big "welcome back" to Kay who is visiting from AZ.   Also, Debbi came from VA.

Our "guest of honor" Kay

Back:   Jane, Kay, Anita, Pat

Front: Marilyn, Debbi, Mary 

Jane and I shared the most scrumptious banana cream pie

We had a nice big round table and yakked the afternoon away (3 hours over a delicious lunch).     So much to catch up on as we had not all  been together in many years.    Kay moved to AZ 9 years ago,   Lots and lots of giggles and laughter....just a wonderful afternoon!

Back to Flo and just did some chillin - Mark, too, as he kept busy doing some outdoor projects on Flo - felt sooo good to finally be outdoors while I was gone.

Gosh, 4 years ago today - (May 15, 2015), we closed on our house and became full-time nomads.    And the adventures continue!

Drew is flying tonight with 3 friends to Venice, Italy for a month and taking an engineering class taught by Iowa professors.    Cimba University is north of Venice in the Italian Alps.    What an awesome experience!

Tonight Mark and I sat outside and had gin/vodka tonics - what a treat (sitting outdoors and drinks) as that's the first time we've done this since we were in FL.   Haven't seen any farmers in the field around here yet......hopefully soon before the weekend rain arrives.

Tuesday - May 14

Today was fun.....first of all, it was sunny for a few hours till the clouds rolled in!     We exercised (time to get back in that groove) and later left for Champaign.    We met our friends Butch and Joyce for lunch at The Black Dog - excellent food in old train depot.

Mark, Pat, Joyce, Butch at The Black Dog 

  So fun to be together with our coffee/ice cream buddies we met in Okeechobee in 2018 and then enjoyed being neighbors again this past January.    After lunch we went to their home for (lattes/coffee and more chatter.)

Fun friends and hope to get together again when we're back this fall

We were amazed at how much water is still standing in the fields around Champaign - huge lakes and this is from 2 weeks ago!!!

Back to Bloomington, went to our storage unit and later to Liam's ball game - how exciting with Liam walking 2x and a single and scoring #1 and #6 runs to win the game 6-5.    Great game as we sat bundled up in hooded sweatshirts and blankets.      Game was over just in time as it started to rain!

Batter up - way to go, Liam!!!

Tomorrow Anne and Liam are off to Chicago with his class trip.

 Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Blue Man Group and Dave and Buster's.

Happy memories from 3 years ago today when we had the big "Chamberlain Family and Friends" gathering in St. Louis to watch the Blue Angels (Ryan was #5)!    Great day despite the cold, windy weather!

Monday - May 13

Beautiful sunshiny day....yeah!    We were off to meet the Monday morning bunch for breakfast at McDonalds and whoaaa...surprise, while we were gone this winter, it was totally renovated.   Not sure we like it - very modern and the seating for a large group is not real "friendly"??    We decided a change was in order, so going to another location next week.    Anyway, good to catch up with everyone.    These little people joined us - Brenda's grandchildren...

Graham (23 months) and Brooklyn (4)

Mark and I came back to Flo for a little bit and then off to Busy Corner to meet long-time friends and former neighbors, John and Linda.    Our kids grew up together and we saw them 1 year ago - so time to catch up again.    Lots of fun....

Linda and John

What a treat to open some of Flo's windows and door to let the fresh air and sunshine in.....feels like we've been cooped up and spring (or whatever season we've had) is waiting to be "sprung"!!!

Went back to town tonight and had dinner with the Monday Night Friends (6 of us) at Medici 

 great food with great friends!

Mother's Day - 2019

Hope you Moms had a special day with your loved ones! 

   It was a cloudy and chilly Mother's Day here in Carlock/Bloomington.....Connor's tournament was cancelled!    That was a good thing as it was only 47 when the game would've started....burrr!      So, we were all able to meet at Holy Trinity for 10:00 Mass (beautiful) and then we had lunch at Panera (Anne and I had made no plans as we thought we would be at ball games all day)!     We came on home; they went home and we all hunkered down....started raining at 3:15 but didn't last long!

We went to the Campbell's late afternoon - we played "Pass the Trash" and then had Monical's for dinner...rain started up again at 7:15.

Liam, Grandma, Anne, Connor

Love my new Vera bag with pink flamingos 

Liam with new wheels he bought with confirmation $

It was a great Mother's Day - so blessed to have Michael, Anne, Philip and Ryan + their spouses (Brooke, Annette and Patrick) AND Drew, Davis, Liam, Brady, Connor, Luke, Blair and Maeve!!!  

  Life is GOOD!!!

Our version of Shirley Temple

A real "tiny" house here at Kamp Komfort

Have a great week!

Saturday - May 11

Great night's sleep.....and then we were off to do laundry (and yummy hot drinks at Gloria Jeans) and then got a few groceries at Schnucks.    We got back to Flo and unloaded our stuff just before the rain started.   Hot soup and sandwiches for lunch and then naps were in order as a nice gentle rain fell all afternoon (high of 49).

   However, NO more is needed - poor farmers have planted nothing although we did hear about someone in this area who had planted everything several weeks ago and was all under water after 5" or so came during the week  10+ days ago.   

Connor's game was cancelled (can't imagine all the scrambling the coaches are doing these days with so many games/tournaments cancelled.)   He did pitch the Renegades to a 10-1 victory last night!!!

It was a good afternoon (after naps) to sip on hot tea and munchies with our computers and books!   BLT's and macaroni salad for supper- rain has stopped!    

HAPPY  MOTHER'S  DAY!

to all you awesome Moms out there!!!

Friday - May 10

We girls were up VERY early (3:15ish), checked out and off to the airport.    Turned in the rental car and then waited with Kathy (she was flying American and Delta for Claire and me).    We had one final cup of coffee, said our good byes and off we went - such a FUN week!

Farewell coffee

Uneventful flights to Atlanta and then Bloomington.    Mark and Mike were there to meet us and away we went.     I was in desperate need of a haircut, so took care of that and got a torn fingernail fixed and then onto Flo.

This weary nomad took a nice nap and Mark and I caught up on what went on with each other the past 4 days!

It was a mostly cloudy day - dreary in the 50's. 

Thinking back to the past few days, oh my.....so much good eating and great comfort, low country food - shrimp 'n grits, fried green tomato BLT (with pimento cheese), she crab soup (2x), jalapeno cornbread, thee freshest shrimp, hush puppies, etc., etc.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - May 9

A wonderful final day in Charleston....we walked across the street to Harris Teeters for a Starbucks fix and then Kathy and I were off to Budget to get our car for the day.    Claire stayed back to print off her boarding pass.    We got the car, picked up Claire and on our way to Middleton Plantation (about 30 minutes away).    Traffic was good but just as we arrived, the rain started - arghhhh....it was not supposed to rain today but sunny and high of 80???    Fortunately, they had umbrellas for guests, so we each grabbed one, bought our tickets and off for house tour at 10.    So interesting hearing about the Middleton family and their huge plantation where they had 3000 slaves.    The family actually owned 19 different plantations. 

Following the house tour (rain was intermittent), we did a garden walk (Middleton Place has the oldest formal gardens in the country).    Would LOVE to see this place late March, early April when the azaleas are in bloom - would be spectacular.   

Then it was time for lunch and we ate at the restaurant which was very good.    Off to "Beyond the Fields" and all about what the slaves lives were like living at Middleton Place.    Very interesting.

Walked around the grounds some more (so many camellia, azalea and magnolia bushes/trees, but nothing much in bloom now).

 The magnolia trees are just full of buds, but few are in full bloom - did catch this one!

Lunch at Middleton Place 

We left this beautiful plantation around 2:30 and along the way, stopped at the Charleston Coffee Co. for a mid afternoon treat.    Since we had extra time, we drove to Folly Beach (Betty's suggestion from yesterday).    Drove along Arctic Avenue pat all the beach homes and then the downtown area.

Next stop was Bowens Island which friends, John and Beth had strongly suggested we stop at for a "real" low country experience.    It is out in the middle of nowhere and although it is very old and rickety, there are some gorgeous homes.   We arrived at 4:15 and by 4:30, they were lined up.   You order at the counter and they bring food to you!    We so enjoyed our dinners, the beautiful ambiance of low country and after the past 3 nights of eating at high end restaurants, this was a real down-home treat!

 Great food and experience at Bowens Island

 Frogmore Stew (Kathy and Claire)

Excellent shrimp, fries, slaw and hush puppies!   (Pat)

So tomorrow we fly back to TX and IL very early, but what treasured memories we'll take with us - we all 💓💓💓 Charleston.    

Mark had a fun trip to Iowa yesterday to visit his college roommate, Mike and then helped Drew pack up his "stuff" from dorm (few things went into Big Red).   He had his last final late this afternoon and then off to NC and home sweet home for the summer.    Can't believe he's finished with his freshman year.    Neat to see on FB that University of Iowa was one of the top 20 colleges/universities in the country with the "Happiest Students"!!!