Tuesday - October 13

 Started the day getting diesel for Big Red ($5.29) and then on our way by 8:05.

Highway 301 is great thru Georgia and then Florida - Georgia had very little traffic.  We passed many pine tree farms with all sizes (maybe some were Christmas trees) but Georgia is big lumber country so these very tall trees will be cut down (passed a few big loads of logs) and eventually at lumber yards for building supplies.   Also passed some pecan and peach trees.  We stopped in Folkston, GA for coffee at Elliano's (neat place but only drive-thru or walk-up).   At 10:42 we were crossing into Florida!!!

We arrived at the Ocala Sun RV Resort in rural Ocala (big-time horse country) around 1:15.  We hit 90 degrees today.

We drove to Swampy's for dinner along the Rainbow River to meet friends Ross and Carly from Hernando.    We met them in Okeechobee several years ago in their RV at Water's Edge.    What fun to be together - last time was this past April 16th.    We loved the ambiance of "Old Florida" at Swampy's, watching the folks kayaking or on their boats.   Food was excellent and so much to catch up on.    

Pat and Carly

Mark, Ross, Carly, Pat

Monday - October 12

 We left LJ at 7:30 and stopped in Marion for gas for Ruby ($3.39)!    Then to pick up Flo and Big Red in Candler at Buddy and JoAnn's property.    By 9:10, we were on our way.

Stopped in Clinton, SC at Waffle House for late breakfast/early lunch and back on the road.  Arrived at the Parkwood RV Park in Statesboro, GA at 3:15.    Mark remembered we had been here before -------------(2016 and 2018) WOW....his memory blows me away as this place did not ring any bells for me!    Ha...

Looking forward to seeing friends Ross and Carly tomorrow for dinner.    And after settling back into CT, we'll be off to Orlando Sunday/Monday to hang out with Michael, Brooke, Brady and Blair.    We'll also have lunch Sunday with my brother Ron and Vicki in Lakeland.   The Nomads are on the go.....

Mark picked up a pizza from "Blaze" a few miles away, I made a salad and that was supper!   Then a walk around the park (not very big) - felt good to stretch the legs.   

We remember Mark's sister Sue who died so unexpectedly 6 years ago today.   

Sunday - October 11

 Lots of heavy rain overnight - 4.8" at this point.    Michael picked Mark and I up for 11:00 Mass at St. Margaret Mary in Swannanoa.    Today is the 90th anniversary of the dedication of St. Margaret Mary (October 11, 1936).    It[s a small church and they are in the midst of a huge capital fund raising campaign to put on a $4.5m addition.   

After mass we went to Veranda for lunch - favorite for all of us and very good as always!   On home.    We took a nap, packed, did some laundry, ran the dishwasher, etc.

We made the rounds to say good bye to Erin, Ryan and Graham; then Michael, Brooke and Blair and finally dinner at Annette's.   

Ryan, Graham, Grandma, Grandpa

(Erin wasn't feeling well....she was photographer) 

So neat that we got to see all of our grand kiddos the past 2 weeks; but no Philip.    Hopefully he'll be home for Thanksgiving?

Annette made her wonderful enchiladas for supper.    We played more cards with Mark and Annette tying and me, FINALLY winning a game.    Maeve entertained us with a little fiddle concert and then said our good byes!

Maeve playing her fiddle

Annette, Luke, Maeve

Luke, Grandma, Maeve, Grandpa

Tomorrow we are "back on the road again"!!!  FIVE weeks and we'll be back!

Saturday - October 10

 Rainy weekend here in NC all coming from Isaias.    

I went over to Annette's to visit and watch her make little cream cheese/jalapeno yummies for football party we're going to this afternoon.

Yesterday Maeve had a field trip with her 5th grade classmates to the Waldensian Heritage Museum in Valdese, NC.    Annette was a chaperone.   So I learned all about the Waldensians!

Played "Sounds Fishy" and "Pass the Pigs" games with Luke, Maeve and Annette.   

Delicious appetizer

Maeve and the pigs

It was such a yucky WET day that Mark and I decided not to go to the football party....good to stay home with a nice fire and watch football (Notre Dame and/or IL), read, whatever!    We always enjoy seeing our kids friends though.

I watched Iowa for a little past 1/2 time last night beat Washington and then fell asleep.    The game didn't start till 9 PM eastern time.

Mark and I went to Michael's to watch some football with he and Davis after they left the party.   

Played euchre with Annette - she won 2 games and Mark won 1.    The rain continues!

Better picture from Blair's 8th grade recognition at the football game October 7th.

Brooke, Blair, Michael

Friday - October 9

1st dreary, cloudy day in a long while (75).    Mark worked on more projects (he likes to keep busy).

We left for Black Mountain at 10:30 - ran some errands and drove around Givens Highland Farms where we plan to live someday!    Love this town!

And then we met Patty and Paul at The Pure and Proper (old Pure service station).    We ate here June 2, 2024 with the family for Sunday brunch.    Good food but best part was our 2+ hour visit with these long-time friends who live in Asheville.    Patty and Mark worked together many years ago.    Sooo much to catch up on, including our families, State Farm, all they went thru from Helene (2024 hurricane that hit NC so hard and over $100,000 damage to their home/property), continuous care facilities, etc.,  etc.   Time flies sooo quickly - because of health issues, Helene, etc. we had not been together since October 22, 2018 when they came to Lake James.

Patty, Pat, Mark, Paul

Tonight we met Michael, Brooke, Blair and Davis at Slices on the Marion Lake Golf Club for dinner.    So nice that Davis could join us - driving from Winston-Salem after work.    Good dinner and fun catching up!

Davis, Michael, Mark, Blair, Pat, Brooke

After dinner, we went back to Michael's for more visiting and then on home....

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - October 8

 Another glorious day...we went into town - ran some errands, coffee/breakfast at WaterBean and then a few more errands and on home.

Mark worked on some fix-it jobs here at "our" carriage house.   LOVE staying here!    I walked in the afternoon - we were in the 80s today, but cooler, rainy weather is coming our way.   We both took naps in the afternoon, too!

Luke, Blair and Maeve are on the go - busy little people with after-school activities.   So different than when our kids were this age.    

Mark met Michael and Ryan and other guys from the lake at Fonta Flora for a beer.    Later Mark and I went to Erin and Ryan's for dinner - great visit and meal....and enjoyed our grand dog, Graham...love these one-on-one visits with our kids.  

Hi Graham.....nice to meet you!

Mama and Ryan

View from Ryan and Erin's home - cotton candy sky over the mountains

and then ...

Michael sent this from his home over Lake James just a few miles away

Been keeping an eye on Isaias.   Our friends near Destin are evacuating tomorrow.    Hope and pray for those in the affected areas are safe.

 

Wednesday - October 7

Foggy start to the day....we had a hot water issue (as in no hot water).    Ryan came over and tah dah....all good now!    And by 10, the fog had cleared, sun came out and it was a beautiful day!!!

Annette and I went for a 2-mile walk - some pretty fall color coming out!

After lunch we 3 played more euchre with Annette winning 2 games and Mark, 1.   I'm still winless😔

Maeve did some mighty fine decorating for Halloween....

We visited with Brooke and then went to the 8th grade football game at Liberty Middle School where Blair cheers.   It was a special recognition for the football players and cheerleaders along with their parents before the game.    Bob and Judy were at the game, too, so fun to catch up.

Unfortunately, Liberty lost 28-6.    We all went to Habaneros for Mexican.

Brooke, Blair, Michael

Blair's at the top of her game!!!

 

Tuesday - October 6

 Hello from Lake James....so happy to be here after another long day of travel.    425 miles thru KY, TN and NC.    Really strange that the further south we went the more fall color....loved it and can only imagine the next few weeks thru the hills of TN and how beautiful it will be.

Our neighbors across the street at CT, Buddy and JoAnn live in Candler (suburb of  Asheville) offered their property for keeping Flo and Big Red the next 6 days.    Buddy met us there, got Flo all settled along with electric hook-up and then off to Ingles to meet JoAnn.    Soooo good to see them - 1st time since late February.    We sat and yakked away while Mark and Buddy enjoyed some dark chocolate Dove bars, I had a Starbucks iced coffee and JoAnn had a sandwich and drink.    So good to catch up with them.    Then we said our good byes and we'll see them late December in CT and we were off in Ruby to Lake James.

JoAnn and Buddy

Annette and the kids were home when we arrived - the kiddos were a big help getting our stuff carried upstairs to the carriage house.    Annette made a delicious meal of sweet 'n sour meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans w/bacon -  one of my very favorite meals!    Also got in some good games of euchre (3-handed) which Annette won both games.

Mark went on home and Annette and I enjoyed our wine and some good catching up!   

Looking forward to seeing our NC kiddos the next few days, but bummer we won't see Philip who is still in training with FedEx in Memphis.

One of the neat pillows at Whispering Hill RV Park last night in Georgetown, KY

SO TRUE !!!

Monday - October 5

 Whew what a day!!!    Picture perfect weather (don't think we've seen a cloud in the sky for past several days)!    However, it was stressful dealing with heavy traffic, crazy drivers and lots of construction (Indiana) -  360 miles

But we are at Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown, KY and so happy to be here!    We stopped 3x along the way and got gas in KY for $3.79 (Ruby) and diesel for Big Red at $5.40.

Tonight is the 12th time we've stayed here..  Memories from many years ago with Daisy and having Brady with us and swimming in the nice pool  (2015) which is now closed for the season!    

When Mark checked in at the office, the lady told us to be sure and check out the new bar?    So, in April, a new building went up with a very nice bar (The Happy Campers Bar) and all kinds of tempting drinks (mocktails and the real thing) and then just 3 weeks ago, they opened an outdoor patio on the water with nice wicker furniture, tables and chairs, mums, fall pillows, etc.   Very nice - we sat out there in the sunshine and enjoyed our drinks.   

Our neighbors next door are from Rhode Island - did not see that state at KK.

We had a baked spaghetti casserole from Braker's Market and I made a salad for supper.   Delish!

Nighty night = back on eastern time and we nomads are tired! 

Happy Birthday to Brooke's dad, Bob who is 87 today1

Sunday - October 4

 Happy 1st Anniversary to our grandson Drew and his bride, Tessa...

October 4, 2025

October 4, 2026

Love this central IL weather and today was another winner!    We left KK at 8:00 and drove into Goodfield - had planned to get some coffees at Revive, but forgot they are not open on Sundays.    Off to Busy Corner to get the kids favorite piece of pie.   While I was picking up the pie, Mark checked on a coffee shop in Morton.    A few days ago we were at Four30 Scone which we really enjoyed but today he decided on a closer one off the interstate - "LnB" (Leaves 'n Beans).     I went in to get the coffees and a maple vanilla chai donut and he went to get Ruby washed.    We shared the donut and sat for a few minutes and then took our coffees and back on the road.

We were going to Davenport to meet Liam, Drew and Tessa who were coming from Cedar Rapids (D and T) and Iowa City (Liam).    We first went to Costco for gas for Ruby - $3.88 - gotta love Iowa prices!   The kids rode together and we met at the Machine Shed.    Enjoyed their good comfort food and lots of chatter - a very fun visit and can't wait to all be together in NC for Thanksgiving!

Said our good byes and hugs after which a very nice man who was driving the John Deere tractor giving hayrack rides took our picture!    So much neat fall decor with a straw maze for the little kiddies.

Grandma, Tessa, Drew, Liam, Grandpa

Back to KK (2-hour drive) and changed clothes and set to work getting stuff on Flo stowed away, the tanks empty and hoses, etc. put away, Flo and Big Red hooked up, etc., etc.

Micci (owner of KK) stopped by with my new water bottle which she made - has the machine to do various art decor, all colors, etc.   I love it!

 

We went for a walk around KK one final time....no new states but in the past 3 weeks, 38 states have been represented!     Amazing for little ole KK.

Connor was visited today by Gibson and Frankie on U of I campus.

Anne celebrated 29 years yesterday with State Farm!

9 on zoom tonight - Doris went into detail about her daughter-in-law, Michelle's surgery, taking care of the grandkids, etc.   It's going to be a long process/recovery and prayers are much appreciated.

 

Saturday - October 3

 Beautiful fall day and it's COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY!!!]

We had a lunch date with Marty (our neighbor on Jackson Street for many years)!    He celebrated his 90th birthday on September 17th and his kids had a surprise party for him but we were in Memphis, so missed it.    Was hoping to see his 4 kiddos but between work and illness, didn't happen.   Anne joined us at Schooners and we had 1 1/2 hours of great visiting, reminiscing, and checking up on the ole neighborhood where Marty still lives.

"Methuselah" and Marty

And then Mark and I went to Anne's to watch football - Notre Dame's big win and part of Iowa vs. Ohio State game before we left for 4:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Joe Logan.  Bye bye to Anne till Thanksgiving.

Stopped for a deluxe gondola at Avanti's to have while traveling next week.    On home for supper and watched rest of Iowa game which they lost and IL lost to Purdue!  

Walked around the campground - not much activity and no new states.

Friday - October 2

 

 Chilly morning....Mark and Big Red went into town to get Flo's propane tank filled at Love's.   I sorted laundry and left for town in Ruby.   Stopped at Dollar Tree for a few things and then met Claire at Biaggi's for lunch.    What a big surprise to see my cousin Dick and Mary there.   They are in town for a wedding tonight.    

Dick and Mary

Claire and I had a lot to catch up on - she and Mike just returned from a 2 week river cruise in France.   So....we yakked and yakked and 3.5 hours later....we said our good byes (with leftovers) and hugs.    We'll get together in Florida in January.

Excellent pumpkin creme' brulee which we shared

 

Claire and Pat catching up!!!

On home.    Mark and I loaded up the car, I changed clothes and off to the laundromat in Normal to do 3 loads.   And finally on home.    It was a gorgeous fall day - perfect for a wedding!    

Enjoyed some leftovers for supper....

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - October 1

 Another fun day....we left home around 8:30 stopping at Holy Cross Cemetery to visit Patrick's gravesite.   Then to Starbucks to pick up coffees for Donna Rae and me.    We had a 2 hour visit with her at Westminster Village - what a delight she is at 94.    She is in the midst of writing her memoirs and so enjoyed hearing about her growing up years and at this point, she's just starting high school.    What a treasure this will be for her children, grands, and great grands    And then bye bye and hugs for our dear friend.

Mark, Donna Rae, Pat

Then to Anne's to drop off some stuff (including the printer) and visit for a bit.   She was working from home so we didn't stay too long.   We'll see her again Saturday.

Last stop was Chili's to meet long-ago neighbors John and Linda.    They moved to the country in 1984 and now selling their beautiful home and property and downsizing back in Bloomington.    Always enjoy our time together and so much to yak about!   Hope to see them in May in their new home.

Us with John and Linda

So, 2 long leisurely visits with our former neighbors (Donna Rae, John and Linda) were so much fun!

The rain that was predicted kept missing us and we just got some sprinkles.   We walked around KK and met a couple from Colorado who had just arrived and were out walking.    They came from Minnesota visiting friends and now on their way to Titusville, FL for the winter.    They had the neatest British accents.

The rain finally started around 7:15 and wow...really came down along with strong winds!

Wednesday - September 30

 Another month almost gone - where oh where did September go???    Now down to our last 3 months of 2026!

Icky rainy day....and a good one to hit another new coffee shop for us thanks to Allie and Owen's recommendation.    This one is Four30 Scones in Morton.    The couple who own it were married on April 30th and have 4 daughters.   It's in an old service station that's been totally remodeled and big windows to watch the gals making scones in the kitchen.    So many choices of scones - Mark had the lemon blueberry and I had lemon raspberry - delish along with our coffees.    We sat for a while enjoying our treats and I-pads as the rain came down.

Decided we could drive to East Peoria early and walk at Costco and get some steps.    So, what a surprise to walk inside and NO one was checking out where there's usually LONG lines.    We didn't buy a thing but just walked up and down every aisle.   Then we left, got some gas for Ruby and onto The 520 Cafe a few miles away.   We met Jane, Allie and Owen for lunch - new place for all of us and popular.    We had a nice round table and sat and yakked while enjoying our lunches.   So good to be with them,   Said our good byes (hate good byes especially when we don 't know for sure when we'll be together again)!

Mark, Pat, Jane, Allie, Owen 

Last stop was Braker's Market in Eureka for some meals - all made in house and so good.  They were very busy - while I browsed around, Mark took a nap in Ruby.   It's definitely a good day for a nap!

Mark got a notice that our new printer had been delivered to KK - Micci was waiting with the big box in her arms when we came in past the office.    We bought another one not too long ago, but it wasn't a good fit in Flo - works much better on Catrina.    So, we'll store that one at Anne's till we can use on Catrina and will be one less thing to transfer from home to home.   Mark got it all set up and we're good to go.  

 There's an Airstream across from us here from Alaska, so that's definitely a new state.

Tuesday - September 29

 Wow, we reached 82 today!    Summer is not over yet!    We worked outside between Ruby and Big Red organizing our stuff before leaving next week.....rain is in the forecast for the next 3 days.    Then we left at 10:30 for Bloomington to meet Marlys for lunch at Egg Republic.    Marlys cried, I cried and we had a 2 hour, 15 minute visit over delicious patty melts (all of us) that she had recommended.    Marlys' long-time friend since the 1960s and our friend for a long time passed away July 5th.   Paul was 90 and such a great guy - our kids went to school together and Paul's wife Margie was a dear friend (she passed away in 2015).    We shared many stories and memories with laughs and tears.    It was a bittersweet visit but so glad we could get together.    Hoping to meet in Florida this winter.

Pat, Marlys, Mark

Stopped at HyVee, Dollar Tree and Binny's and on home.    Quiet afternoon with our I-pads and then after supper, walked around the campground.   New Mexico is a new state.

Monday - September 28

 Absolutely gorgeous day - love fall especially out in the country and KK is in the heart of harvesting as we are surrounded by corn and bean fields!    We were off to town with a stop at WalMart and then met the Monday morning group at House of Yolk for delicious breakfast - really like this place in a former Bob Evans location.

Ken, Sigrunn, Darrel, Sue, Pat, Mark

Ken and  Sigrunn, Sue and Darrel, Mark and I together one last time before we leave next week.   Stopped at Farm 'n Fleet and on home.

We walked around KK this afternoon and visited with a guy from California.   He and his wife are doing the Route 66 tour.    They are having a great time.    They left CA on August 21 and won't be home till mid November.    This is the 100th anniversary of that famous route.

Oklahoma is a new state.   This camper has been in the campground for a few days but not sure how many people live there?

A real "tiny" house!

I went back to town this afternoon and picked up a Rx at WalMart and then met the Monday Night Friends at Panera for supper.   We always have a bunch of laughs and tonight was more of the same - great group of gals....missing Nadine and Donna.

Ruth, Pat, Sue, Jody, Marsha and her daughter Laura

Our daughter-in-law, Erin, spent the weekend with 2 girlfriends in Vermont at a golden retriever farm - "Wines and  Wags".    They had a great time!

Erin and "friends"

I was burning a very pleasant candle in Flo today - "Pumpkin Spiced Latte" !  😄

FOUR years ago today, hurricane Ian left so much devastation on Fort Myers Beach

Friday-Sunday, September 25-27

 Friday -  I went into town for a manicure (coffee first at Jasper Java).    Good visit with Lisa and saw pics of her new grandson, Wesley born in July.    Onto Mendota to visit brother Bob and Linda.    Linda had a nice lunch for us and we got to catch up for a few hours.

Next stop was Rockford and pick up Janet for Sisters' Weekend on Eagle Lake, WI.    Doris has a lovely home there and hosted the sisters (10) this year.    The girls trickled in late afternoon (Theresa and Beth will join us tomorrow).    We settled in and then left for the Dover Inn and the Friday Night Fish Fry.    Lots of chatter rest of the evening and some games (Sliva Poker and Hand 'n Foot).

Front:  Doris, Joan, Marilyn, Lydia

Back:  Sharon, Karen, Pat, Janet

Mark had lunch with his SF colleague, Henry at Times Past.

Saturday - Some sisters (myself included) slept in for a bit but others were up early - WHY???    Ha....Doris made a delicious Cowboy Casserole, plus we had kringle, caramel pecan rolls and fresh fruit.    Theresa and Beth arrived and later, the 3 of us plus Sharon went for a good walk - beautiful fall day.

Some of us watched football in the afternoon and then we all went to 5:00 Mass with Father Hugo from Columbia - what a great priest who has 4 parishes (Kansasville and Union Grove) and so personable and young.    We were at St. John the Baptist.

And then time to eat again....Michael's on the Lake is a great supper club which we've been to before - all enjoyed our meals and of course, plenty of chatter.

Back:  Sharon, Theresa, Karen

Front:  Janet, Marilyn, Lydia, Joan, Beth, Pat, Doris

Beautiful view at Eagle LakeO

On home but 5 of us said good night - and the other 5 stayed up to visit some more.    

Sunday - there was some fog over the lake, but the sisters left at various times after getting the beds stripped and remade + the towels and tidy up the house.    Janet and I were the last to leave.    We had a really good visit back to Rockford - never a lull in our conversation!😀

Dropped Janet off, helped her get her stuff into the house and said hi to her Michael.    And then the last leg of the trip to KK arriving around 2ish.    Good to be back.    Mark and I caught up on our weekend.

He spent all day yesterday with Dave and Judy (Annette's parents) finishing up the Starlink set up, installing cameras, etc.    They are enjoying their high-speed internet and cameras.

He went to 10:00 Mass this morning and just chillin' here at the ole campground.

I walked late afternoon - gosh, it gets dark too early - time to get back to the eastern time zone,   But then we'll be falling back November 1st.

Only 3 on zoom tonight since the sisters had been together all weekend - Auntie Karen, Tom H and Mark.    They still had plenty to chat about!

Enjoy your week!

Thursday - September 24

 Busy day starting with driving to Lexington - tried a new coffee shop (Sirius) - it was a unique place which also served alcohol (weekend evenings) with lots of specialty craft cocktails served by LuLu, their mixologist who has worked all over including Europe.    Quite the place but we enjoyed our coffee and Mark had a burrito and I had a blueberry oat bar (both very good).

Then just a few blocks away was Morgan in her new location - (Raenn Beauty Lounge).    I hadn't seen Morgan in over a year, so always enjoy visiting with her and got a much-needed haircut.

We drove around Lake Bloomington - so many big homes from when we had our little cabin there!    Then to Green Gables and met Barb for a good long visit (3.5 hours).   It just seemed so different without Roger who passed away August 17th (his 75th birthday).     Barb has been such a dear friend and we sure feel for her but overall, she seems to be doing ok and was her sweet, friendly self.

Us with our dear friend Barb

We were waiting for the call from Heller Motors that Ruby was finished from when we brought her in yesterday - finally got the call, so said our good bye and hugs to Barb (hope to see her in Florida this winter).

Mark was in Big Red and me in Ruby and on back to KK.    We did our nightly walk (most of the time) and had a nice visit with a couple from Iowa.    New states tonight are Utah, Alabama and Massachusetts.

I'll be in Wisconsin the next few days for our Sisters' Weekend so no blog till  Sunday.

Wednesday - September 23

 Mark drove Big Red and I followed with Ruby to Pontiac (seemed strange not to have Flo in front of me)! 😉  Ruby was getting a check-up + check out a few things at Heller Motors.    After dropping her off we went in Big Red to The Cup and Scone (downtown coffee shop in old building with brick walls, tall booths, etc.) - cute and enjoyed our coffee/scones.

Then to the laundromat to do 3 loads - this was very nice and clean (ranked right up there with Port Clinton's).    On home for lunch.   

This afternoon we drove to Hudson and met boating friends for a pizza party.    Gary makes thee best pizza.    Lots of fun chatter with these long-time friends and we met Roger's fiancee' Lorraine - they will be married one month from today!     So happy for them!

Rod, Sharon, Gary, Roger, Lorraine, Barb

Tuesday - September 22

 W E L C O M E   F A L L

My favorite time of year is here!    Nip in the air, campfires with s'mores,mums, pumpkins, football,  apple cider, apple cinnamon donuts, pumpkin spiced lattes, etc., etc.

Mark was off to town for a haircut with Brandon.    They had damage to the barber shop, Dollar General next door and other nearby locations from the nasty storm that blew thru Bloomington a few weeks ago.

Today my cousin Jane was coming from Peoria to play Rummikube but she wasn't feeling well, so those plans fell thru.   Mark put new batteries in the tire pressure monitors on Flo.   I sorted laundry and wrapped a few Christmas gifts.

We walked in the afternoon but it was chilly, windy and no sun!   

 New states are Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and North Dakota.

.We went to Busy Corner for some chili and pie - they have really good chili and it was a good night for that.    We shared a piece of coconut cream.

Monday - September 21

 It's the last day of summer and the birthday of our bicentennial baby!!!

Philip is "50"

September 21, 1976, we welcomed Philip John weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.    In 1988, Philip flew to Japan with the 4-H Exchange Program (LABO) - he was only 13 and his first time to fly but decided then and there he wanted to be a pilot!!!    And he has climbed the ranks over the years to become a captain.....we wish him all the best in his new career with FedEx. 

 He's been a great son, brother, uncle, hubby and dad to our family!!!    He chose well with Annette and together they added to the family with Luke 13 and Maeve 10.    Proud of you Snookie!!!

Mark and I went into town and met the Monday breakfast group at Scrambler's - (new place in Jumer's or the Chateau).   Ken and Sigrunn, Darrel and Sue were there and another fun visit and meal.    Such huge portions....Sue and I had their ""Tipsy Tomato" (aka Bloody Mary's).    Also very good.

Pat and Sue

with their

Tipsy Tomato beverages

We ran some errands and on home - it was a dippy, drippy, icky weather day - the temp was only 62 (chilly after 102 over the weekend).    

Later this afternoon I drove to Braker's Market in Eureka for some goodies and on home - the farther I drove, the more rain!

Tonight a small group of Monday Night Friends - but still plenty to chat about at Parkview Inn. 

Pat, Sue, Ruth

Friday-Sunday, September 18-20

 Memphis was HOT!!!!!    But it was a good trip to see Ryan and tour the FedEx facility.

Friday - we left KK at 7 AM, stopped for a Starbucks fix in Bloomington and on our way.   463 miles and while the first 2 hours were cloudy, the sun came out and the heat came on!   Stopped in Portageville, MO for lunch at Katie's Diner - there were lots of fish specials - our waitress said "every Friday we have "Fish Friday - we are a Catholic town and fish is very popular"!    Catfish, fries, cole slaw, ham 'n bean soup and hush puppies - a LOT of food!    A big portion of the trip after lunch was 102 on the car thermometer.

Kept on heading south (I-55 all the way) and arrived at our hotel around 1:30.  Checked in with Ryan who was taking a jet to New Iberia, Louisiana for a paint job.    And it was the "Ryan jet"!    Some of the planes are personalized with a name that goes into a lottery system.   Ryan flew back with a newly painted "Joseph".  

Ryan ready to take off for New Iberia, LA in the "Ryan" jet

 Our hotel was on Beale Street, the heart of Memphis for music, restaurants, bars, etc.    Mark and I went to our hotel rooftop for drinks - very nice but waaaay too hot to sit outside.    Nice area inside, too, with refreshing AC.

We walked and he drove to SOB (South of Beale).  So good to see him and we enjoyed our dinners with Michael our server.    Made plans for tomorrow's "Family Day" and tour.  He brought us back to the hotel - still in the 90's.

Ryan, Mom and Dad at SOB

Saturday - Mark, the dear, went downstairs to the lobby to get me a latte.   We checked out of the hotel and drove to Ryan's.    He lives about 13 miles from the airport and drove us in Ruby.   These 2 four-hour tours were 9-1 and 1-5 and held one day each year.   What they didn't tell us is that you could come any time in that 4-hours and stay for as little or long as you want.     It was beastly and most of the activity was either in the huge hangar (big fans) or outside.    Ryan knew we would want to see the planes he flies (757 and 767) and Philip will be flying the 757.    So we were able to walk around the huge area where the 5 jets were parked and avoided the long lines (lots of children there and of course, they wanted to go on all the planes)   😃

There really wasn't much else to do (lots of kiddie activities, music, food, etc.) but kinda disappointed we didn't get to see the HUB where the packages are sorted and loaded into the metal containers and then put in back of plane.    But since there are no packages on the weekend and they are building 2 new HUBS, the construction sites would've not been feasible to accommodate that many people.    They were expecting 10,000 (that would be the families and employees who volunteered).  They did have lots of bottles of water.  Mark had been on a plane 8 years ago when Ryan had orientation but this was new for me to see how the metal bins are automated and put on conveyors (rollers) to fit in plane.    Amazing.

Driving around Memphis took us past the huge St. Jude children's Hospital complex - they are doing a massive addition!    Mark and I were there a few years ago but it is sooo HUGE with several cranes and equipment 

FedEx has 530,000 employees world wide and 35,000 in Memphis.   There are over 5,000 pilots.     The huge grounds are something to see.    Since we were finished early and well before 1:00, we left and Ryan took us to his house - bye bye for a few weeks till we're at Lake James and then we were on our way - temp, still 102.

I'm in the left seat (Captain Ryan) of the 757

Mark in the right seat (First Officer Philip - when finished with training)

Inside the jet and where the metal bins with all the packages are 

One of the bins and some packages (usually full)

We shared the driving coming and going - stopped in Marion, Arkansas for iced coffees at Tark's.      Later in Benton, MO for supper.

Ryan left around 4:30 yesterday for a flight to Seattle - unusual as they do not usually fly on the weekend?    He had no idea what the cargo was.    Coming soon, FedEx will be flying a panda from China to Atlanta!!!    

We were happy to be home around 6 last night.   

Happy 28th Anniversary to Michael and Brooke

Sunday - dreary day with rain off and on   We picked Anne up (she and Liam had been to the cemetery this morning) - today is 7 years since Patrick passed away.   Liam then went back to Iowa City.    We'll see him in 2 weeks.

We were off to Champaign and picked Connor up at the Newman Center after 9:00 Mass.    Sunday mornings are VERY popular for folks going to breakfast and the place we had wanted to eat - Maple and Yolk (Anne did call-ahead seating) said there were 89 parties ahead of us!   We ended up going to the Apple Dumplin' on the outskirts of Urbana.   Home cookin' and their specialty is Apple Dumplings - we had wanted to take some home but they had already sold out and the new batch would not be ready for a while.    This was sign above kitchen...

# of apple dumplins' sold since 1985

Pat, Mark, Connor, Anne

Our breakfasts were very good - everything made from scratch.   We took Connor back to the house he shares with 4 other guys and back to Bloomington.    Dropped Anne off and we came onto KK.

Had some rain off and on but heaviest was around 5.

New states are California, Colorado and Kansas.

So happy for Connor as he received a Co-op offer to work for Toyota next semester in Princeton, Indiana.    Very exciting and great experience - his major is Industrial Engineering.

Luke and Maeve in the flowers

Spectacular sunset over the mountains in Banner Elk

Tonight we had 9 on family zoom...missing Janet and Marilyn.   The usual chatter and laughs!    We gals are looking forward to Sisters' Weekend coming the 25-27th at Doris's Wisconsin lake home,

Enjoy your week!