Saturday - June 7

 Liam and Connor arrived at 12:35 AM this morning.   A calm sunny much warmer day than yesterday   I went to Coffee Express for our fix as we didn't have any coffee on Flo for Mark.   Just as I arrived back at the marina, Connor called that they were up (8 AM) and ready!  

So, off to A la Cart for another hearty breakfast - their grilled cinnamon rolls are soooo yummy!   And over breakfast, the boys yakked and yakked about their NY experience.    What a trip and packed sooo much in since arriving Monday evening.

Connor and Grandma

Grandpa and Liam

One of many items on their list "to do" was golf the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, NY (Long Island).    When they arrived Monday evening, they were #6 to park.    Folks arrive throughout the night, sleep in their cars and wait for tee time in the morning,   When the boys woke up Tuesday morning there were 30 cars in parking space.   Unfortunately, they found out that the Black course was not open (they do maintenance on this course every Monday, but there had been an event there, so doing maintenance on Tuesday - arghhhh.)    Big disappointment but they were given a tee time on the green course (there are 5 courses at Bethpage).   And later that afternoon, they golfed with their cousin at his country club - so 36 holes on Tuesday.  And then the next few days, they did lots with their cousins and saw many sites visiting all the districts (financial, warehouse, garment, etc).  50,000 steps on Wednesday and 30,000 on Thursday.  😆   They loved their run in Central Park but so hot and everything so $$$$.   Bagels were better in NJ than NY and a corned beef deli was $28 but very good.

So Thursday night they went back to Bethpage and 7th in line.   Friday morning (50 cars in parking lot) they got a tee time for 7:30.    wow.....quite an experience having the opportunity to golf on one of the most prestigious courses in the country and what will be home to the Ryder Cup tournament September 26-28, 2025 between the USA and Europe.    The Ryder Cup is played every other year and alternates between the 2 countries.   It is a gorgeous course but very challenging.   

 What an experience!

Time to say good bye!

Lots of activity here at the Marina for a Saturday - a 68' racing sailboat came in by truck last night from Rhode Island and will be in the Chicago/Mackinac race later this summer.    It was be launched and the mast raised on Monday - what a biggie!   The owner from Cleveland also has an 80' racing yacht.    Mark had a good visit with him.

Mark gave Flo a good scrubbing and she and Big Red are now tucked away in the storage building,

We knew it was just a matter of time, but it all started today when the first sighting of mayflies appeared - ugh............now gearing up for 2 weeks of these nasties!

We went to 4:30 Mass with Father Jonathan.....today is the exact anniversary of his ordination - June 7, 1986 (on a Saturday).    Father is originally from Port Clinton and was baptized, confessed his first sins, made his First Communion and was Confirmed all at Immaculate Conception.   On that day 39 years ago, it was VERY HOT and there was no AC.   Normally, priests are ordained in their diocesan cathedral, but since he was the only one that year, the Bishop gave him the option of where to have the ceremony and he chose his home parish.    It was  a day of "perspiration" and "inspiration".   😄

We enjoyed our leftover Chinese for supper.

Friday - June 6

 It's National Donut Day and we did out part buying some delicious donuts at Lake Donuts before leaving town.    Got one each for us and some for the boys - they are sooo good and a great variety.

It was a miserable day with cool temps, fog, and oh so dreary again....also had occasional drizzle.    We drove to Jackson Center to pick up Flo.   There's an Airstream that has been converted into a coffee trailer called "Sip 'n Stream".   We'll have to check it out next time.   But for now, we gave these folks plenty of $$$ and Flo should be good to go!

Stopped in Marion, OH for lunch at House of Hunan - what a busy place and Trip Advisor ranked it #2 out of 96 restaurants in this town of 36,000+.    Very good Chinese.   Marion is the final resting place for President Warren G. Harding.   It's also the birthplace of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn 

We got back to Superior Marine at 3:15 with rain coming down and 65.    UGH!

Liam and Connor are on their way back here after a morning of golf  at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island.  More on that experience coming tomorrow.   Mark and I are anxious to hear about their week with family and taking in all the sites of NYC.   They won't be arriving till late tonight.   Mark and I will sleep on Flo.

We went for a walk and stopped to visit Michael and Chris (boat sister) - our first time to see them this spring.   Sat on their boat "Journey".    So good to catch up - not sure when all 4 sisters will be together?   

Chris and Pat

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - June 5

 After a high of 86 yesterday, it was much cooler and occasional rain - nothing heavy, just a nuisance rain.   We sure could use more and in the forecast, but not happening just yet.

 Mark and I both had a bit of cabin fever so decided to take a little trip to Toledo (40 miles).   It drizzled off and on and we found "Maddie and Bella's Coffee Company" so that was first order of business - then thought we'd walk around downtown and get some exercise.   BUT, it was 63 and drizzling - no thanks!    We are fair-weather walkers.

I just assumed that Maddie and Bella were probably friends who opened a coffee shop (there's also one in downtown Perrysburg).    Well, Maddie and Bella are really Australian Shepherds and here they are....

Thinking of our 3 Aussie grand dogs - Jinx, Gibson and Frankie

On home and settled in Catrina,   We had an early lunch (leftovers from last night at The Orchard Farmstead) before we left for Toledo.

Liam and Connor had another fun day in NY - spent time in Central Park and probably went for a run!   🏃🏃    The Guardians beat the Yankees 4-0 last night.

e

View of the Big Apple from Central Park

Josh from Airstream called around 4 and said Flo was all fixed and ready.  We'll pick her up tomorrow!

We had spaghetti, salad and breadsticks for supper - good meal for this cool, rainy night.   We did get a nice gentle soaking rain this evening!    Very thankful,   As my Dad would say "this is a million dollar rain,"   Our friends Allie and Owen in North Port, FL got 7.9" the past few days.   Florida is in dire need of rain, so that should help!

Brady traveled to Switzerland today - what an amazing adventure he's having.

Wednesday - June 4

 Windy Wednesday but warm with lots of sunshine!   Mark reorganized the back of Big Red - so many bins, so much stuff, but he worked away and I walked downtown to get some steps, mail some letters and a stop at Coffee Express - muffin for him (tomorrow's breakfast) and an iced latte for me.   Lots of construction going on outside the marina gates - putting in new gas lines.

At 4, we went to West Marine and Mark got some new Sperry Docksiders (boat shoes) and a sale was going on!  😀

Had dinner at The Orchard Farmstead - sat outside and always a good meal here.  I had a peach BBQ burger and Mark had the perch sandwich.   Our waitress remembered we were from Florida.

After all the wind today, tonight was so calm and humid.    Rain is in the forecast tonight thru next Tuesday!   We sure need it.    We had 2 days in the mid 80's but tomorrow only 69 and then several days in the low 70's.

Luke and Maeve are in Honolulu and ready to go cruising...

Aloha

Liam and Connor have had a really busy day in the Big Apple - lots of sightseeing, including Ground Zero, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Empire State Building, ending with Yankee Stadium tonight and game between the Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians.    At one point, Liam had over 38,000 steps.

At the ole ball game!

Tuesday - June 3

 Warm and windy today....upper 80's.    Mark fixed eggs, sausage and toast for breakfast and we left around 10 with Flo for Jackson Center (2 hours south).    A few stops along the way including Panera for lunch in Lima.    

Jackson Center is headquarters for Airstream and the town is FULL of Airstreams.    While Mark was waiting to talk to Josh (service guy assigned to Flo) and go over our list, I walked around checking out all these silver campers from all over the country - some had been in accidents and needed the body shop and others in varying degrees of needing a fix up.  They even have a Pottery Barn Airstream.  Flo won't be ready till Thursday evening or Friday morning.    

And then we were on our way home - stopped in Wapakoneta for some ice cream at Krave Creamery (chocolate shake for Mark and malt for me).

The boys played golf on 2 different courses today and having fun hanging out with cousins (Patrick's family).

Walked around the marina and called it a day!

Monday - June 2

 40 years ago today, (June 2, 1985), Mark and I welcomed a baby boy, Ryan Patrick (surprise baby) weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. at 2 AM to be welcomed home by Philip, 9 and Michael and Anne, 14.

And in just 19 days, he'll marry Erin.....so proud of all he's accomplished and thrilled for he and Erin and this new chapter about to begin.

Ryan and Mama

Ryan and Dad

Our guests, Liam and Connor had a good night's rest and then up at 5:50 and off for a run along Lake Erie (3 miles).   These boys are sooo energetic and have such an adventurous spirit.   We left for breakfast at 7:10 at A la Cart.   They ate a hearty hot meal and then hugs good bye before 8 and off to Cleveland and the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

Connor and Liam

Mark and I came back to Flo - it's a pretty morning - mid 60's and clear sunny skies.   We had some excitement around 10:15 when out of the blue, 4 deer came flying past Catrina.    We did not see them, but Bob and Donna and workers (Dave and Brad) saw them....apparently they jumped into the water and were able to follow their heads as they swam across to Brands Marina (across from us on the Portage River).    Where oh where did they go as not many places for them to get out of the water on their own?   Hope they're ok?

Bob and Donna gave us an egg roll from Nagoya Hibachi Express -  we've never been, but that's gonna change 😋   Instead of the usual stuff inside, this had big pieces of crab, avocado, cream cheese and something crunchy + a delicious sauce   Soooo good!   Donna said they are $9 apiece, but well worth it!   

The boys thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and got to do some jammin' with employees - they were "in their glory"....Patrick would be beaming!

We took Catrina out on the lake this afternoon for a little spin and make sure everything is A-OK.    It is a gorgeous day and our best yet since we've been up here.   Catrina ran smoothly,    We warmed up to the mid 70's and love that sunshine!

Ready for some summertime fun

 Bob and Donna left this morning and the marina staff have gone home, so we're here by ourselves.    Tomorrow we're taking Flo to Jackson Center for her yearly check-up and have a few things fixed.

Connor sent his Mom a video crossing into NY with Frank Sinatra singing "New York, New York"!!!    😀Their Uncle Michael is in NY on business about 65 miles away.

Sun setting over the Portage River

Sunday - June 1

 June arrived with cloudy skies and chilly temps in the 40's this morning.   We went to 8:00 Mass with Father Jonathan and enjoyed another awesome homily.   Then to the laundromat (saw Ms. Clean, Barbara Ann). 😊 We had 6 loads (ugh), but 1.5 hrs. later, we were on our way home.    After Mark helped get the clothes into washers, I drove to R Coffee Corner for some breakfast sandwiches and coffees.

Liam participated in the Pigman Triathlon in Palo, IA (near Cedar Rapids) this morning and placed 2nd in his age group with a time of 2:55:31.    So proud of him!   Anne, Connor, Drew and Tessa were there to cheer him on.   He did a total of 32 miles (swimming in 68 degree water temp and 54 air temp); biking and running.

Off and running

The brothers after the race

Liam's prize

19 years ago today, (June 1, 2006) Mark retired from State Farm!!!  I would say he's definitely enjoying his retirement and being a Nomad for the past 10 years!  😄    This is our 16th year on Catrina and 5th year at Superior Marine.   

Feel so bad for our neighbor here, Donna who is having some severe back pain yesterday and today.    They'll be going back home (London, OH) tomorrow.    

Brady texted that he's having a wonderful time in Italy and earlier today took a boat ride along the Amalfi coast.    I was telling him that Pope Leo is coming to Rate Field where the White Sox play on June 14th for a special mass and celebration.   Tickets were to go for $5, but now being resold for $1200.    Crazy.....  his classes are going well and he's been to Florence, Venice and Naples and looking forward to the Vatican and hopefully, a special blessing from Pope Leo XIV

Around 5, the sun came out and it warmed up to 63.   We're s l o w l y getting warmer day by day.   We walked downtown - several folks at The Gristmill, an outside bar with music and a nearby food truck "Naughty Lobstah" was quite busy.   I stopped in to see Donna who was lying with an ice pack in their sunroom....she is really hurting.😢

Just 7 on zoom tonight.    So, at the end of the discussion, I found out that Pope Leo is not going to be in Chicago "in person", but rather on a large screen.....I sure didn't read that article correctly!   

We are anxiously awaiting Liam and Connor's arrival - they will spend the night on Catrina (Mark and I are sleeping on Flo) and then tomorrow, off to Cleveland to see the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and then onto NYC.   

The boys arrived at 9:25!   

 

Saturday - May 31

 Can't believe it's the last day of May - boy, this month really flew by as is 2025,

Very windy and chilly but around 8:30, we had some sunshine and we were off to Coffee Express.   Whoaaaa.....we usually don't come here on the weekends cause it's so busy.   Today, was a total zoo.    I visited with a nice lady in line who was there with her 2 sisters for the wedding of one of the sisters on the beach at 4 today.   Yikes....a beach wedding in this weather?   They were all from out of town (Columbus, Sandusky, Cleveland) but guess they wanted a beach wedding, so Port Clinton was the choice.   As I'm writing this at 10 AM, the windchill is 41.

I made a batch of BBQ and sorted the laundry (a LOT) for tomorrow.    We spent most of the day hunkered down in Catrina with good books, games, etc.

At 5, the wind died down so we put on our hoodies, grabbed our wine and went walking.    Felt good to get in some steps - been sitting too long.

Bye bye to May....

Friday - May 30

 Finished moving our stuff and cleaning - tah dah....big job out of the way and now...."bring on summer" but the weather says differently as another day of dreariness, no sun and barely made it into the low 70's.

Mark drove to Fremont to return some supplies he got at Lowe's the other day.    Then he got a haircut downtown with Gina.

After lunch we went to WalMart for groceries, piddlies and Rx.   The sun came out at 4:30 - yeah!    Feels so good.  

We went to The Crow's Nest for dinner - met Bob and Donna and their friend, Jerry.    This place always has great food and of course, a lot of good visiting.

Jerry, Pat, Mark, Donna, Bob

Back to the marina for more visiting on "So Blessed",   It is crazy windy tonight and the temperature is dropping!   But it's so good to be back on Catrina in Port Clinton with good friends despite the weather!

Thursday - May 29

 We both had a very productive day....it was chilly again with strong winds!   

Mark's appetite is definitely back - we are "in our groove" of going out to eat.  😀 We went to Bistro 163 (the "Pay it Forward" place) - great food and today's special was shrimp corn chowder which was excellent.

Had our fish leftovers from The Tackle Box for supper.

More pretty daisies on our walk tonight

 We are tired, but it's a "happy" tired!😀

Wednesday - May 28

 Burrrr.......it's May 28th and 56 here today!    Yikes!   Enough with this cold stuff but at least the wind wasn't bad.  We spent our first night on Catrina and both slept very well.    Mark was off to pick up some Amazon packages and a stop at West Marine.   And then I took Ruby downtown, got my fix at Coffee Express and then a mani/pedi with Danielle.   We had a good catch-up visit.

When I came out of the salon......whoaaaa....the sea gulls or birds had a heydey "decorating" Ruby.   Nasty and I wasn't parked under a tree, so definitely sea gulls which are very plentiful downtown.   On home and we were off to Fremont.

Mark is feeling so much better - eating regular food and keeping busy with boat projects.

He needed some stuff at Lowe's but first lunch and he thought The Tackle Box would be a good choice.   This is full of everything imaginable - a real collector's paradise.   We usually sit outside but not today....we both had fish (pollack for Mark and perch for me).   Plenty of leftovers.   

The Simpson clan greet you when you enter The Tackle Box and then you start gawking!!!    The 4 rooms are jam packed with stuff 

Entrance to Superior Marine - newly planted flowers plus lots of wild daisies

Next stop was the car wash and then to Lowe's and on home.   Nice 'n cozy on Catrina - just did a little transfer of stuff.    Mark made another trip this time to WalMart - seems when you think you have everything you need for a project, there's always "something" else! 😕

We had grilled cheese and tomato soup (Trader Joe's) for supper on this chilly night and a bit of drizzle

Tuesday - May 27

 Chilly, windy and dreary start to this Tuesday.   We both woke up early so on with the day.   I did more transferring of our stuff; Mark went to the hardware store.

And then Mark made a 2nd trip to Bassett's and I got a few groceries.    He worked on boat stuff and pretty much a  low-key day.    

Our niece, Theresa (Mark's sister Doris's daughter) and Richie welcomed a new baby girl this afternoon.    Tessa James weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and is 20.5"    Tessa will be welcomed home by sister Emma and brother, Jameson.   

Tessa is the 66th great grandchild in the family.

We went for a "short" walk before super but darn....its chilly and windy and we're "fair"-weather walkers!  😀

Memorial Day - 2025

 To all who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you today!  

  Thank you "Ryan", our family/friends and all others for your service.

 

I played lots of patriotic music today - so many neat songs

Today would've been Mark's Dad's 104th birthday!    Thinking of you "Dad" as you celebrate in heaven!

Mark felt much better today and kept busy working on boat projects, took a short walk and ate a little regular food.

I did a lot of transferring today - and washed Ruby and Big Red this afternoon.  Between traveling in the rain and all the dust from strong winds, they were nasty.

It was a nice day with plenty of sunshine but just low 60's

Sunday - May 25

 My patient is feeling better today but still weak.   we both had a good night!

I got some big hugs from Bob and Donna (neighbors on "So Blessed").    And then I was off to 10:30 Mass with Father Jonathan at Immaculate Conception.   Mark stayed home and watched online.

So good to be back with Father, Deacon Maury and other familiar faces.   As always, a great homily by Father - he was a former teacher at St. Francis DeSales High School in Toledo and one of his students was Robert McMahon, our organist and music director (fabulous voice).   Another student was caught cheating on an exam.......so the story unfolded how we cannot copy from someone else in school; however, in life we need to copy Jesus, the Saints, etc.   Father has a knack of telling a personal-life story and comparing to the readings.   

So my antsy hubby decided to go to Bassetts Hardware/Grocery and get some part which they didn't have.   Felt  better and ready to get out and about.    But he's still taking it easy.   hard to hold this guy down when he's so close to his boat.

I worked in Catrina's galley cleaning and organizing, got our bed made and a few other things.    

At 5, several of us gathered under the tent for a cook out (delicious burgers grilled by Dennis).   Lots of yummy food and so good to be with these folks again AND meet some new boaters.   Mark stayed on Flo with his crackers and some chicken noodle soup.   It was a beautiful evening

Saturday - May 24

 Pretty Saturday with sunshine and gentle winds compared to yesterday's bone-chilling weather.   We hit 60 degrees this afternoon.

Mark still not feeling up to par, so decided he should go to Urgent Care.....they don't open till noon so we were there a few minutes early (old Armory building) and folks were already ahead of him.   2+ hours later we had a diagnosis from Dr. Kendall that it was stomach flu after checking for various other ailments - he tested negative for Influenza A and B and Covid.   Dr. wrote out Rx for 4 different meds and we were on our way to WalMart for some groceries and pick up the Rx.   I shopped and Mark stayed in the car - he's contagious.   We wonder where oh where he picked up this bug???

On home and we both took naps.    This weekend is the 44th annual walleye festival here in Port Clinton and we always enjoy this event...but probably not this year 😒

Thought we would be transferring our stuff from Flo to Catrina, but not ready to tackle that just yet.    

Liam called and so enjoyed our visit.   He's finished his sophomore year at Iowa. made the Dean's List and has started his summer job (IT) in Iowa City.    He's doing the Pigman Triathlon on June 1st in Cedar Rapids (swimming, biking and running).   Then he and Connor are coming to see us and spend the night before going onto NYC.    Can't wait....

Our friends/sisters (Donna and Bob, Teri and Dennis) were out early this chilly morning to plant flowers and fill the wooden planters here at the marina.    They always do such a nice job but today, Donna fell on her face (gravel)....oh my, the poor dear.    She's going to tell people she was attacked by a bear.....she's a character, but sure sorry this happened.

Friday - May 23

 Burrrrr......we left the campground at 8:05 with 2 hours to Port Clinton, Superior Marine and Catrina!    The sun was shining along the way but still chilly and windy.

I stopped at Coffee Express for a fix and to warm up.    Mark went on with Flo to check in with the guys, see Catrina, install the impellers, etc.

With the strong wind coming off the Portage River, the wind chill got down to 37.   Arghhh - not a good day to launch a boat.    But these guys at Superior are thee best - Dave, Keith, Brad and Scott.   They were there every step of the way till Mark got Catrina into her slip and a successful launch for the 2025 season.

Sooo many things we love about Port Clinton and our "summer home" - being back with my boat sisters (Donna, Teri and Chris) and their guys, living on Catrina, Father Jonathan at Immaculate Conception Church, Coffee Express (best and biggest selection of muffins, sandwiches and quiche), favorite restaurants, BeYOUtiful (nail salon) with Danielle, best laundromat with Barbara Ann as manager (Ms. CLEAN) and so much else.

Mark had some tummy issues overnight, so after getting Catrina settled, we're both lying low.    Good to be inside Flo where it's warm and toasty and let the winds howl.   The sun comes and goes.

I keep forgetting to post this pic of neat mural on side of building...

Goodfield, IL newest coffee shop

Texted with Brady today who is currently in Florence, Italy.   He took the train from Rome and enjoying the Italian countryside - also to Venice and next weekend, Naples.

Bob, Donna, Dennis and Teri (boat sisters) have arrived for the weekend; however, no hugs or hanging out as Mark is still under the weather!    

Thursday - May 22

NOT the best day for travel.    It was raining, very windy and 49 when we left KK at 8:21 this morning with our little caravan (Mark and Big Red pulling Flo, Ruby and I behind)!

We had some rain off and on and the highest temp was 56.    Stopped in Logansport, IN for lunch at the Heartland Cafe.   Just a few bursts of sunshine, but it popped out and then back in...dreary ole day and certainly not typical weather for Memorial weekend.

We arrived at Jefferson Township Park Campground at 3 (back on eastern time) near New Haven, IN.    Good to be settled in and warm up.

Took a nap and just hunkered down!   There's just one other RV here tonight.   Sun finally came out late afternoon, but still chilly and windy.

 2 hours to Port Clinton and Catrina.

Wednesday - May 21

 Sure was an ugly day weatherwise; but otherwise, all very good!!!   We met our friends from Champaign, IL and Frostproof, FL at Braker's Market in Eureka.   We sat and yakked over our coffees, did some shopping and then off to the tea room in Mackinaw for a delicious lunch and some more shopping.    Mark had the brilliant idea that we stop at "Revive" new coffee shop in Goodfield (that we just discovered yesterday) to check it out and more coffee.

What a neat place (opened 2 months ago).   We enjoyed our hot drinks and more yakkin'.    And then time to say good bye to Butch and Joyce till we meet again this fall in FL.   Great visit despite the cold (50's but with wind chill in the 40's and drizzle off and on and strong winds)!  

Joyce, Pat, Butch, Mark

Stopped at KK to drop off some things for fridge and freezer in Flo and then into town for the stent removal.   Oh sooo wanting to get rid of this thingy.    The whole procedure took just minutes in the Dr.'s office.   Dr. held up the 12" long "blue" stent and said "it's a boy"!   He's so funny!

On home and Mark got Flo and Big Red hooked up and prepared for our trip tomorrow (part way) to Port Clinton! 

More pretties from Ruth's garden

Our last night at KK till fall.    Can't believe how fast this month has flown by.    It was different from usual with stones/stents/surgeries + "Grace", the boot.   However, we made the most of it and thoroughly enjoyed our visits with family and friends!

Said good bye to Micci (manager) and thanks for KK's hospitality!

Tuesday - May 20

 Rained over night (1") and more since.   We were off to town with 1st stop at College Hill Meat Shop for chicken and ham salad.   Love this stuff.   Then to my appt. with Dr Kim.    We were early but got in and outta there 10 minutes BEFORE my scheduled appt.   How often does that happen???    NEVER!   Ha...

They took an x-ray of my foot/ankle and both healing nice with the foot taking a little longer to fully heal   Normally, they plan on 6-8 weeks for complete recovery and I'm at 5.5 weeks.    But NO more boot, so "Grace" and I parted ways.   She certainly served me well and sooo appreciate Mark and his daily patience with the 5 velcro straps securing my foot in Grace.    Dr. recommended not going barefoot for awhile, and coming back in a month for another x-ray.    But since we won't be here, he said I should be good to go and if any problems, see an orthopedic Dr. in Port Clinton.  

Felt sooo good to put on both tennies and very comfy walking!!!

YEAH....2 shoes again...

Stopped at Crafted for some coffees to go and off to Westminster Village to visit Donna Rae.   We had a great visit as always....she's such an inspiration - love our visits!   Good bye hugs and onto next stop - Busy Corner.   We were picking up a coconut cream pie for tonight's salad supper at Ruth's farm.   It was raining and a yucky day, so Mark suggested we have lunch at BC.....chili and sandwich for me; beef 'n noodles (special) for him.   All good and as we were leaving the parking lot, lo and behold.....there was a coffee shop "Revive" Coffee Roasters???    When did that come to Goodfield?    I'm usually drawn to a coffee shop like a magnet.  😀 Gets rave reviews - will definitely check out when we're back here in September.    Can't believe we missed this!   It opened in early 2025.

Sweet Donna Rae

On home and took a nap!   Weather is threatening...had some brief showers on my way to Ruth's and while we were there.    The Monday Night Friends met on this rainy stormy Tuesday night for a salad supper at Ruth's Chenoa farm.   So much delicious food and all of us (8) were there and a great time with so many laughs, memories and stories to share with these friends from the early 70's.

Ruth, Donna,  Sue, Pat, Jody, Nadine, Marsha, Brenda

Just a few of Ruth's beautiful Iris which are all over the farm in many colors

Monday - May 19

 Chilly and windy and a little rain off and on!    We went to town and met the Monday morning group at Times Past.   Marty, our long-time neighbor on Jackson Street joined us - great to see him.   Good breakfast and visiting with everyone.   Bye bye to these folks till September.

    

Sue, Pat, Mark, Marty, Pat, Ken, Sigrunn, Brenda

Then Mark and I were off to Fort Jesse Imaging for my mammogram.    And finally to the laundromat with our 4 loads.    Mark helped me get all the clothes in washers + soap + card to pay and then he left to run some errands.

I walked next door to Gloria Jeans ready for some hot coffee, but their espresso machine is still not fixed.   The guy said they have an Italian machine and will take awhile to get the part???

Mark was back to help with folding and carrying to the car and on back to KK.   A good day to stay indoors!   The sun did come out around 5.   Rain didn't amount to squat!

Ruth's granddaughter is graduating tonight from Pre School, so our Monday Night friends will meet tomorrow night instead of the usual Monday.

New state tonight is Alabama.   

I watched the final episode of "Call the Midwife" for series 14.   Another winner with tears....but so excited that the 15th season is in the works starting with their Christmas special in December.    Can't wait....

Sunday - May 18

 Beautiful sunny Sunday with a high of 75.   We went to 10:00 Mass with Father Bo (and wonderful choir) at Holy Trinity.   Anne was with us.  Visited with several long-time parishioners afterwards.

And dear friends, Claire and Mike

Went thru Scooter's drive-thru for coffees and on home.    Anne came out in the afternoon and we later went to Busy Corner.    Good meals and visit but so chilly in there😐

Pat, Anne, Mark

Said our good byes to Anne.....we'll see her in Idaho for Ryan's wedding in 4+ weeks!!!

New state tonight (next door) is Arkansas.

Zoom included 10 siblings and majority of the conversation was health related!   

My brother Ron caught this whopper in Marathon, FL last week.

Ron and BIG catch!

Saturday - May 17

 3rd straight  day of strong winds and oh my....feel so for the folks in MO and KY - loss of life and so much damage.

We went into town and met former neighbors (many years ago) John and Linda Stuckey for breakfast at Shannon's,    Always enjoy our visits and catching up over a good meal.   

Mark, Pat, Linda, John

Good bye hugs for these great folks and then a stop at Talbot's for me to do a little retail therapy (thanks to our kids for Mother's Day).   On home.    After 2 really warm days, it was chilly today along with these crazy winds.

We met Barb and Roger at The Pickled Radish in Eureka - LOVE this place.    Great dinner and visit - we won't see them till fall....

Mark, Pat, Barb, Roger

Happy Birthday to our Grand Dog, Frankie who is 4 today!

Friday - May 16

 Another crazy windy day (gusts to 39+ mph).   WOW......storms around us, too...

I was off to Peoria to pick up cousin Jane this morning (planned this trip months ago) and then to meet our Midstate friend, Barb in Galesburg for lunch and visit - been a few years since we were together.   Barb came from Moline.   

Jane and I got there a little early so checked out the Carriage House Bakery and Coffee Shop - we both brought some pastries (cinnamon roll and raspberry/lemon scone).   And then we met Barb and enjoyed our lunch (tradition that we always eat here) at the Landmark Creperie.   It was good as always and great to catch up.    We missed Allie - today Owen had triple bypass surgery in Sarasota - we wish him the best and a full recovery!

After lunch, we went back to Carriage House; I got a latte and Barb, an Italian soda.   We sat in the warm sunshine and more yakkin'.    Normally, we would've checked out some shops as Galesburg has several cute ones, but.....Barb's still dealing with painful knee from replacement; Jane, recovering from fractured left shoulder and I have my kidney stone issue and foot, so.....we ladies didn't hit the shops - maybe next time!

Pat, Barb, Jane

Said our good byes to Barb and then Jane and I headed back to Peoria saying the Rosary along the way for our friend, Owen.

More hugs as I took Jane home....such a fun visit (Jane and I have known each other since we were little girls; and we met Barb and Allie back in 1966.)   Great friends!

The wind was just nuts and very glad to get back to KK as semi trucks were weaving on the road - even Ruby felt the strong gusts.    Mark filled me in on his day going to town to get fuel in Big Red, a few things at WalMart, Farm 'n Fleet and did a load of laundry.

Took a nap and just settled in as the wind blew..........

I watched the 7th episode of "Call the Midwife" - good as ever!

After a very warm windy day, tonight the wind is still blowing strong, but the temp has dropped and tomorrow only, in the 60's.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - May 15

 Wow....10 years ago today, we closed on our Jackson Street house and became Nomads!    Still having fun....

I felt good this morning and so Mark took me to town (I was not to drive for 24 hours after the anesthesia).    Claire and I met at Egg Republic for a late breakfast and 2-hour visit.    So good to catch up over our hearty omelets!   No picture - 😒

Then Claire drove us downtown to Ivy Lane Bakery for one of their delicious cookies and more visiting.   She dropped me off (with a big hug) at MODA for a haircut with Ashlyn.    I usually see Morgan but she and her family are visiting her Mother in Bonita Springs, FL this week.

Mark picked me up and back to KK where it's crazy windy today.

License plates tonight (new) are Ohio and North Dakota

We had a nice chat with Brady tonight.    He leaves Saturday for 5 weeks in Rome studying Theology and Philosophy thru Notre Dame.   Wishing him safe travels, a wonderful adventure and hopefully, a blessing from Pope Leo XIV.

We were in the 90's today - crazy weather and some areas got some nasty weather tonight including large hail - nothing here at KK.

 

Wednesday - May 14

 My crazy kidney stone saga continues.....last night Dawn (Dr. Tolentino's scheduler who's been with him for 20+ years) called to say my procedure was moved up to 11 instead of noon.    Yeah....we'll be at St. Joe's at 9:15.

I checked in at registration and they did not have me in their system- no surgery scheduled!    Another "WHAT???    (been using that word too much lately).

On Monday, Dawn saw there was an opening for today, set it up with me and got info in computer but never hit send to go to hospital.   REALLY....how does this even happen?  She was very apologetic but now has to find an OR, Dr and laser machine all available on short notice.   We drove across town to BroMenn for 1:30 procedure.    Had 4 hours to just do whatever.....hung out in the "Arium Cafe" (no eating or drinking for me).    

Both hospitals were great - St. Joe's so apologetic they couldn't fit me in....not their fault - Dawn totally dropped the ball.    And BroMenn able to do their best to fit me in.   So, got the ole stent out, lasered the stone and new stent put in for 1 week.

Oh so ready for this day to end....I could write a book about this fiasco which all started 5 weeks ago today when Linda (sister-in-law) and I were sitting on our patio at CT playing rummikub and my back started hurting,    Then so many more issues to come with the medical folks in FL, NC and now IL.    ARGHHHHH    I just want this to be over - yesterday!    Ha...

Nighty night - thank you so much for your prayers and kind thoughts!

Tuesday - May 13

 Sun, clouds, rain, warm, cool....a little bit of everything today weatherwise.

We had a quiet morning here at KK and then left for town.   Stopped at the Normal post office and then met Bob and Martha at Medici.   Haven't been here for ages....good food and a wonderful 2+ hour visit.   So much to catch up on after 2 days short of last being together (5/15/24).    Martha is a great cook/baker and she's so thoughtful to always bring us cookies.....today, chocolate chip and snickerdoodles!   A real treat for we nomads.   Said our goodbyes and left in the rain (it poured while we were inside).

Bob and Martha

It had cooled off too, so Mark and I thought some hot coffee sounded good.   We went to Gloria Jean's only to find out their espresso machine was down?   WHAT?   That's a big No No for a coffee shop!    Ha!  So drove across the street to Starbucks and I went in to order while Mark went to Schnucks for some K-Kups.   We enjoyed our drinks + a Martha cookie on our way back to KK.  😋

Very little rain here and a few sprinkles after we got home.   Anne had 2" at her home.

Luke on his rappelling and hiking weekend with his adventure club

Our very adventuresome grandson

We did a short walk around the campground doing our license check....New Hampshire and South Dakota are new tonight!

Monday - May 12

 We were off to Bloomington at 8:30 to meet the Monday morning group for breakfast at Times Past.   I decided NOT to eat as there was a slim chance I would have my procedure this afternoon.    Pat, Brenda, Ken, Sigrunn and Sue were there.    Mark and I left at 10 and decided to go straight to Dr. Tolentino's office and talk to Dawn, his scheduler to see if she had any luck rescheduling me?

We chatted with her and she was working on it, but all things have to come together - find an available hospital or SurgiCenter and OR + the laser machine, and of course, the doctor.    So, Dawn told us to run our errands and she would be in touch.   Still a possibility later today, but most likely not going to happen.   We got Ruby's oil changed and a much-needed car wash and picked up a Rx at WalMart.

Dawn called around 11:30 and said we are all set for Wednesday at noon at St. Joe's and be there at 10:30.    We drove to Uptown Normal and I dropped off my rings at Solid Gold to be checked and cleaned.   Then we walked to Windy City Wieners and shared a gyro with fries - very good.   Picked up my rings and on home.

We saw a video today of Fort Myers and all the flooding on Palm Beach Blvd (street we use all the time) - 2-3" in less than 24 hours.

The past few days brought RV's from Washington, Colorado and Pennsylvania.

I went to town and met Ruth, Sue and Marsha at Tobins for dinner (had not been here in years)!    Pizza was good; Ruth had chicken/spaghetti.   And of course, great visit.  

Stormy weather tonight - as I was coming back to KK and traveling west, the sun was shining, but the sky behind me to the east was a very dark navy blue.   I got a warning on my phone about severe weather for McLean County and several other counties.

We did get some rain (naturally after we had Ruby washed - never fails)!   But I'm sure the farmers were grateful.