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.  

Mother's Day - 2025

 A beautiful today to celebrate "Mother's"!    Last night Anne told me that Scooter's drive-thru was open and the newest coffee shop in town!   Yeah.....we've been to the one in Mendota and also Iowa City (sit-down).    So Mark and I left early and stopped (busy place) but enjoyed my hazelnut latte before going onto 10:00 Mass where we met Anne and Connor.

Beautiful Mass with Father Loftus and Holy Trinity's outstanding choir.    Onto Shannon's for very hearty brunch - HUGE crowd but a great array of breakfast and lunch items and yummy desserts!   Said our good byes to Anne and Connor and on back to KK.

Mom and Daughter

Pat, Connor, Anne

We had a quiet afternoon till 3ish and then drove to Carlock to walk again in the park - such a lovely day with the birds singing, flowers blooming, corn and beans popping up, and all the lush greenery from bushes and trees.

Heavenly scent of lilacs in Carlock

So thankful for my 4 children and 8 grands....(soon-to-add Erin and Tessa)!   So nice to receive many texts from family/friends, phone calls, gifts, etc.   It was a wonderful day and I am sooo blesssed!

Zoom tonight was small and short.    Karen, Theresa, Tom, C, Tom H and us.   Most still celebrating Mother's Day.  Big surprising news from Tom C was that there is no longer any mail service in Denmark or Sweden - all electronic mail for these folks.    They also no longer use cash.   Interesting!

Have a great week!

Saturday - May 10

 A magnificent day with blue skies, sunshine and low 80's.  We drove to Carlock as we wanted to walk and Mark thought sidewalks would be better than the uneven gravel at KK.   We had a nice stroll including a paved path thru the city park.   Stopped at Busy Corner to pick up pie for our dinner with Anne and Connor tonight.

On home....Mark was reading about the maple trees shedding their seeds (helicopters) all over the place.   We have a maple tree near where Flo is parked here at KK and amazing how "loud" they are when they fall (last week - crazy as they hit Flo's aluminum roof.)   Ruby was covered in them  We did not know that other trees besides maple produce these seeds - Ash, Elm and Sycamore.

Our neighbors from Iowa are certainly admirable.....the man is handicapped and has a special lift chair to get in and out of their Big class A RV.    He then transfers himself to a portable wheelchair and the ramp comes down in their van; he drives into the back seat area and straps his chair in and his wife drives the van.    They left this morning for the day...that is real dedication!

Had a nice quiet afternoon - naps, reading, games, etc   Went to town to have dinner at Anne's.   Connor was home for the weekend.    What a treat to have a good home-cooked meal of sweet 'n sour meatloaf, baked potatoes, corn and rolls.    YUMMY!    And then came pie from Busy Corner (apple caramel for Anne; raspberry for Connor; French Silk for Mark and triple berry for me).   Had nice visit and on home....good to see Frankie and Gibson, too.

Connor and Grandpa

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY 

to all Moms, Grandmas, Great Grandmas, Aunties, Godmothers

Friday - May 9

 Here's how our day went.....left for hospital (St. Joe's Outpatient) at 11:45.   My procedure was to be at 2:30.    Got checked in, IV hooked up and waited.    LONG story, I'm back on Flo and still have my stent and stones.....2 emergencies came in to bump me back - they were definitely more critical as I was considered elective.   First back-up was a stabbing victim and then an emergency C-section.    There was also a cranial surgery with neurosurgeon that was taking a long time.    Dr. Tolentino came in to see me 2x, so apologetic, but promised I would be first on his schedule next week.    Of course, it's the weekend, so schedulers had all gone home and Dawn can't check to see what's available till Monday morning.    Dr. said he would cancel other patients to get me in!    He's a great guy! 

As we were driving out of the hospital parking lot, the helicopter had just landed outside ER (not a good sign) and the rescue squad was outside the ER doors with lights flashing.  

It was 4:30 when we left St. Joe's and I hadn''t eaten since 6 last evening.    It's ISU graduation tomorrow so restaurants were busy, but we were able to get a table at Baxter's - very good and hadn't been there in a long time.

When my anesethologist came in to talk, he was very gabby.....he's a pilot and has an RV.   He studied at Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin,, and Ohio State, so definitely a Midwesterner and Big 10 fan.

Mark walked around KK and found 2 new states....New Mexico and Michigan.   This morning we went for a short walk - felt really good as I've done so much sitting and lying around these past 4 weeks.

We did facetime with Blair - she made the cheerleading team for next year (7th grade).   2 of her brothers (Davis for the weekend and Brady for the summer) are home!

Have a great weekend..........

Thursday - May 8

 WOW............we have an "American" Pope!  We'll always remember where we were when we heard the news.  

  But the day started with a trip to town to have breakfast at The Bloomin' Cafe.   This is our meeting place with boating friends when we are back in town - a very enjoyable time with good long-time friends and a hearty breakfast (their cinnamon swirl French toast is theee best!

Pat, Barb, Roger H, Gary, Roger P, Mark

So, we said good bye to these folks and next stop was to visit Donna Rae at Westminster Village.   We were chatting about this and that and then the subject of the pope came up and the election process.    Her neighbor had shared a big article in the Pantagraph about how a new pope is chosen.    And then.....Brooke texted that "we have a new pope",   We immediately turned on the TV and watched all the pomp and circumstance before Pope Leo XIV made an appearance and we learned he was American!    WOW...........a very historic moment!   We watched for 1.5 hours and then time to walk with Donna Rae to the dining room for a late lunch (1:00).   We said our good byes.....most of this visit was the 3 of us sitting glued to the TV and not much talking.

Donna Rae

On home....took a nap, made a batch of BBQ and enjoyed the sunshine, although VERY windy today.

Wednesday - May 7

 C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S on 20  Y E A R S

PHILIP and ANNETTE

Happy Anniversary

Little Switzerland, NC

Thank you for giving us Luke and Maeve!

I went into town around 11, stopped at HyVee for a few groceries and then met Brenda, Sue and Sharon at Biaggi's.....yummy lunch and of course, LOTS of girl chatter.

Sue, Brenda, Pat, Sharon

Mark enjoyed a day on Flo working on projects and made a trip to the hardware store in Eureka when I got home.   Also did some bookwork.

The nurse called yesterday with a bunch of questions before my Friday procedure (kidney stone).    I watched #6 of "Call the Midwife" last night - just 2 more left.

New states tonight include Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, Arizona. Colorado (2)

Tuesday - May 6

 A beautiful spring-like day with lots of sunshine and a high of 74.    We were off to town to meet friends, Paul and Marlys at Egg Republic (a favorite for all of us).   Delicious breakfast and great visit - we had not been together since 9/14/24.   So....lots to catch up on.    Always enjoy our visits.    Said our good byes till fall...

Paul and Marlys

Then to do the laundry.   Mark got me all set up  and we got to see Jack, the manager of 2 laundromats who is such a nice guy and does a great job cleaning and keeping things in top shape.    I did 4 loads while Mark was off to get a haircut with Brandon.   The guys had a good time catching up, too.    He was back to help with folding and take to car.

Last stop was Kroger for a few groceries and finally on home.

Mark walked around the campground - new states are North and South Carolina and West Virginia.   I sure miss our walks - maybe next week?

Monday - May 5

 Dreary, drizzling and 49 as we left for breakfast at Busy Corner.  We met Ken, Sigrunn, Pat and Brenda.    Great to see Pat and Brenda since last December.    We missed Sue - her daughter, Julie had an emergency appendectomy last night and today would've been Jerry's 83rd birthday (Happy Cinco de Mayo Day)!  

Ken often buys lottery tickets - today he had some "new" special ones with a bar code and gave each of us 1 ticket.    When you scan the code, it plays music, lights up (red, white and blue) with a slot machine and tah dah....I won $30.    Very cool.....

The Monday Morning Breakfast Bunch

Pat, Mark, Pat, Brenda, Sigrunn, Ken

Today around 12:30, we heard from our friend Darrel that Tamara had passed away.   Mark and I are so thankful we went to the nursing home yesterday and had such a nice visit with Darrel.    We have been friends since 1972 when we were neighbors on Meadowbrook.  Michael and Anne stayed with them when we went to the hospital for Philip's birth in 1976.  Tamara, Marsha and I founded the "craft" group back in '73 (now known as Monday Night Friends).     So many wonderful cherished memories of 53 years of friendship.

Around 4, the sun came out!    Yeah!!    I drove into town to meet the Monday night friends - so good to see these gals and we did a lot of reminiscing remembering Tamara and all the memories and good times.   We ate at Flame@Bloom (a Latin American place that was new to most of us).   It was very good.   Some of us enjoyed a specialty margarita, too, in honor of Cinco de Mayo and a toast to Tamara.

Nadine, Jody, Pat, Donna, Brenda, Sue

Sunday - May 4

We nomads do not like this chilly, windy (and occasional rainy) weather here in central IL.   We were in the 50's again today......burrrr....it was 38 with the wind chill when we got up this morning!   😕

Mark and I met Anne at 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Bo (this was our first time to meet Father and we both agreed, he reminded us so much of Rob Prosser at CT)!    The choir was outstanding.   Then we went to Times Past for breakfast - good hearty meal and visit.

Daughter and Mom

Our friends since 1973, Darrel and Tamara are dealing with Tamara's serious health issues and she's been transferred from the hospital to nursing home.    She slept throughout our visit, but nice to catch up with Darrel, reminisce about years past as neighbors, our families, etc.   God bless Tamara.....so sad.

Stopped at Holy Cross cemetery to visit Patrick's grave and on back to KK.    Good afternoon to hunker down with a blanket, read, take a nap, etc.   The wind is very strong out here in the country.

I watched the 5th episode of "Call the Midwife", so now I'm caught up with 3 episodes remaining for this 14th season.

We played 2-handed euchre and I won 2 of 3 games!

Nine on zoom tonight - missing Janet and Tom.    Joan updated us on her visit to Cleveland Clinic and how impressed she was.    Other health issues discussed, Jim and Lydia are flying back to St. Louis to see their kiddos tomorrow, Doris's 2 granddaughters were confirmed today, new grandbaby coming later this month, etc.

Saturday - May 3

Rained during the night and this morning...a yucky day with chilly temps hovering in the 50's....we decided a nice hot breakfast was in order so off to the Carlock Family Restaurant.   It was busy and everyone who came in was wearing hooded sweatshirts, fleece or quilted jackets....not typical May weather, but then we are in IL, so.......

Next on our little outing was to find a post office to mail some cards we wanted to go out today..........well, we are close to several small towns which have a post office (Carlock, Congerville, Goodfield, Eureka, Deer Creek, etc.)    But their Saturday hours vary from one town to the next with shortened hours.    We drove to Eureka only to be told the mail is not picked up every day?   And definitely not on Saturdays!    ARGHHH, so the cards won't go out till Monday.   The clerk said they've cut back on mail pick up---------well, yeah, service is cut back, BUT we have to pay more as 1st class stamps are going up AGAIN from .73 to .78 come July 13th. 😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖

Mark got Ruby washed, a quick stop at Dollar General and on home.    Good to be nice 'n warm for rest of the day.    I watched 2 more episodes of "Call the Midwife" as I've been behind.    Still so amazing to me that this is the 14th season (8 episodes per season) and with all those various story lines, I still cry each and every time at these heartwarming stories.

We shared a warm piece of lava cake with vanilla ice cream for a little afternoon snack.

 Mark and I have been involved with the Unbound program  (nonprofit international development organization to serve the poor in 17 countries).   We have sponsored Harold since he was 8 years old and on June 8th, he'll be 17.    What a nice young man who lives in the Philippines with his family.

  Before the Kentucky Derby race, we were watching the muddy mess at Churchill Downs and I so enjoyed all the hats and hoopla!    Mark predicted his choice of who would win....."Sovereignty" and by golly, he was right on!!!

Friday - May 2

 Happiness is stepping off the elevator at our Hotel Chauncey (2nd floor) this morning and tah dah...."Fix" is right there - cute little walk-up coffee shop.   Such a nice barista who said his wife does all the baking....we enjoyed our coffees and almond biscotti (YUMeee).    This guy is originally from Canada and a huge hockey follower (Edmonton Oilers)....I will tell Liam about "Fix" as he is a coffee and hockey fan!

Delicious maple latte

We met Liam after his morning class at The Bluebird Diner - what a neat place for breakfast/lunch/dinner.   Our meals were excellent (Liam had breakfast; Mark and I, lunch).   We sat and caught up - so proud of how disciplined he is with studying, working out, working his IT job, and training for olympic event (swimming, running and biking).     Liam is one busy guy!

Liam with Grandma and Grandpa

He rode with us and we saw where he lives, works, and some buildings where he has classes.    Also where he will live next year - my gosh.....an upperclassman!!!    Dropped him off at the library and we headed back to KK.

Started drizzling along the way!    We stopped at the Mississippi Rapids rest stop - it's at least 1 mile off the interstate but what a pretty view up high overlooking the Mighty Mississippi.   I drove from the quad cities on home.

Unpacked, had some leftovers for supper and settled in - going to be an off and on rainy and cool weekend!

Thursday - May 1

 Happy May Day!  Rained pretty hard during the night.    Mark and I packed up our stuff and off to Cindy's along with Bob and Linda to meet friends Ruth and Butch.

Ruth and I have known one another since 1966 and were classmates at Midstate College.   We missed our friend, Jane who was not able to join us.    We had a great breakfast AND visit catching up.    Sooo much to chat about - our families, health issues (ALWAYS), reminiscing about other classmates and on and on.    It was a very enjoyable morning.    Always sad to say good bye....thanks to Bob and Linda for their hospitality.

Mark, Pat, Ruth, Butch, Linda, Bob

And then "back on the road again" for we nomads heading to Cedar Rapids, IA.   We stopped at Dunn Brothers Coffee (it was a chilly, drizzly day so hot drinks were in order) and then I got a manicure at LV Nail Salon.    Drove around downtown and saw St. Patrick's Church where Drew and Tessa will be married on October 4th, also the hotel we'll be staying at and the rehearsal dinner venue.

We arrived at Drew and Tessa's at 4 - Drew works from home and Tessa has a short drive to work.   Also enjoyed seeing Maverick, checked out their huge fenced-in backyard and a tour of their new home.   And then sat and yakked.,,,so much to hear about their jobs, wedding details, plans for their yard and home, etc.

We drove separately downtown to The Black Sheep for dinner.   Neat place in an old building dating to 1914 (LOVE these old buildings).    Enjoyed our dinner and just kept yakking!    Very fun afternoon and evening.    Said our good byes....

Drew, Maverick, Tessa

Drew, Tessa, Grandma, Grandpa

at The Black Sheep

Drove to Iowa City in the rain and now settled in our hotel.   Tomorrow we'll meet Liam for lunch

Wednesday - April 30

 Chilly and rainy day....felt like it was in the 50's.    We had a leisurely morning - Linda and I played SkyJo and then we were all off....Linda played cards with her friends; Bob was "supposed" to golf, but the weather stopped that.   Mark and I met Judy, a grade and high school classmate of his and 4-H friend to both of us at Cindy's for lunch.    2.5 hours later - we said our good byes and look forward to being together in September for their 60th high school class reunion.

Judy, Mark and I enjoyed our lunch (good day for soup) and then sooo fun catching up.    Judy's husband Duane, passed away almost 6 years ago.  We caught up on our families, health and so many memories from years past.   It was a wonderful visit.

Pat, Judy, Mark

We drove to Sublette and visited Mom and Dad's gravesite and the pretty flowers.    On back to Bob and Linda's.    I did a load of laundry and we just hunkered down with our I-pads.

My parents gravestone

Springtime beauty in Bob and Linda's neighborhood

Cant believe it's the last day of April!!!    WOW....bring on May with warmer temps, lots of sunshine and pretty flowers!

We went to China House for supper - excellent Chinese, but always eat waaaay too much!

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Connor played in a tournament in Springfield, IL with his DACC teammates competing to go to Nationals.    The team placed 4th and Connor missed the individuals by ONE stroke!!!  

Our star golfer (Mama Anne in background)

Bob is the Puzzle "King" and our cousin Eileen is the Puzzle "Queen"

Bob has a definite strategy of sorting the pieces.    He has done sooo many neat designs thru the years!

Tuesday - April 29

 Another big day starting with packing up Ruby and off to Busy Corner to pick up a coconut cream pie, and slices of French Silk and  rhubarb.    Then to Faire Coffee in Eureka for our coffee fix.    Drove thru the country to LaSalle and met brother Bob and Linda, and cousin Dick and Mary at Uptown Grill. 

Bob, Linda, Dick, Mary, Mark, Pat

 We had a great lunch (a favorite for all of us) and then to Mendota and Stonecroft where Aunt Marian lives.  

A vicious game of rummikub

The ladies

Aunt Marian, Linda, Mary, Pat

The guys

Bob, Mark, Dick

We spent the afternoon playing euchre and then rummikub.   Fun!    Linda, Mary and I won 2 games of 6-handed euchre and Linda was the big winner at rummikub.   Left a slice of pie for Aunt Marian and rest of us came back to Bob and Linda's.    Said good bye to Aunt Marian (she'll be 97 this fall).    Lots of reminiscing from many years ago with lots of laughs!

Linda had all kinds of snacks and then we enjoyed our pie.

Monday - April 28

Very big, but FUN day............Mark and I left for town separately to meet Ken, Sigrunn and Sue at Shannon's for breakfast.    We missed Pat and Brenda who are in Door County.    So good to see these folks and catch up!

Mark, Ken, Sigrunn, Pat, Sue

I stopped at Dollar Tree and then met Claire - we sat in Talbot's parking lot for awhile yakking and then to Destihl for lunch and more chatter.    As always, a great lunch  - warm today, (82) but very windy. 

Pat and Claire

 Said bye bye to Claire and I was off to visit Donna Rae at Westminster Village.   She just celebrated her 93rd birthday last week and doing so well.   We visited for over 2 hours....

Donna Rae

Then it was time to meet the Monday Night Friends - only 3 of us tonight, but we talked non-stop at The Parkview Inn.    Had some yummy pizza.

Ruth, Marsha, Pat

Mark ran some errands after breakfast and then met Henry, former colleague at State Farm for lunch at Times Past.

I'm back home with Mark on Flo - tired, but what a fun day visiting with long-time friends and enjoying some really good food!   Other than Claire who I saw in Florida this winter, had not seen the others since December!

Tomorrow we're off to Mendota to visit family/friends....nighty night

Sunday - April 27

 Bright sunny Sunday but only in the 60's.    Breezy, too!    Mark did some bookwork and I started packing for the week ahead (Tuesday-Friday).

Mark did 2 loads of laundry - we now have a stackable washer/dryer in each restroom here at KK.

Mark found 2 new states tonight - Mississippi and Virginia.

Zoom tonight with all 11 siblings - catching up with all kinds of stuff, but mainly health issues and bank fraud!

Busy week ahead - cool and rainy

Saturday - April 26

I did not get up at 3 AM to watch Pope Francis's funeral but did tune in when I got up to watch the somber service with much pomp and circumstance.   

 Chilly, windy, sunny day at KK.   We had a leisurely morning and then set to work getting Flo, Big Red and Ruby better organized.

Anne came out in the afternoon.   We went to St. Luke's at 4 for Mass and then to The Pickled Radish - love this place.    All very happy with our meals and Anne took home a piece of caramel/apple cheesecake.

Anne and parents

Exactly 22 years ago today, Anne and Patrick were married..