Sunday - May 31

 Busy day....starting with the 4 of us going to Black Mountain (Mark and Blair in one car; Brady and me in another).    First stopped at Dripolator for coffee/pastries, then drove around and showed the kids, Givens Highland Farms where we plan to live someday.

Then to 11:00 mass at St. Margaret Mary in Swannanoa.   And finally to My Father's Pizza and Pasta Pub for lunch - yummy!     Said our good byes to Brady as he headed back to the lake and we drove to Morganton.  

Mark, Pat, Blair, Brady

  At 3:00, Blair had a private session with Chase from the University of Cincinnati (sophomore on the cheer squad).    It was fun watching her do her thing - very proud of what she's accomplished and she loves it!!!

Wow.....impressed with her gymnastic skills

At 4:15, we left Morganton and "Port Clinton here we come"....well, that'll be tomorrow.    We had dinner in Wytheville, VA at Cracker Barrel and are staying overnight in Beckley, West Virginia.    Mark caught just a little bit of family zoom.    Blair and I had trouble getting into our room with the keyless entry (phone)....again just like last time.   Apparently they've changed something?    ARGHHHH!!!!!    Mark to the rescue!

Have a great week.....bye bye May!

Saturday - May 30

 Rained some in the morning....very humid but the sun came out at 10:30.

Mark worked on installing the last 2 thermostats.   I did 3 loads of laundry and started packing up our stuff for the trip (with Blair) back to Port Clinton tomorrow (part way).

Brooke called from Lucerne - they are having a ball in this beautiful city.    Michael said it's probably the most beautiful city he's visited (and he's been to a lot)!

Brady got home around noon - he and Davis had a great time at the hockey game last night and very excited their Hurricanes are going on to play Las Vegas for the Stanley Cup.

Mark, Brady, Blair and I left on the boat at 12:30.   We dropped Blair off at the Camp to hang out with her friends and we went onto Bear Creek for lunch.   We all enjoyed our lunch and the pretty scenery - we've not been on the lake for at least 3 years, so a big improvement to Bear Creek at the marina just this year....

Captain Brady

Brady, Grandma, Grandpa

Bear Creek

Blair had a fun afternoon with her friends - she's packed and ready to roll outta here tomorrow after her cheer stunt lesson

Friday - May 29

 A beautiful summery day.    We were off at 7 AM with Blair to Liberty Middle School for her last 1/2 day of 7th grade.

Mark and I went to Waterbean Coffee for coffee and shared a bagel.  Then back to school for her 7th grade awards ceremony.   Blair got straight A's for the school year and a few other awards.   This timeframe (9:30-10:30)_was for the 7th graders (6 classes)  

We ran a few errands as Blair stayed at school till 11:30 dismissal.    Back to pick her up and onto Town Tavern to meet judy and Bob (Brooke's parents) for lunch and a fun visit.   

Blair with her grandparents

Our rising 8th grader

Brady left at 3 to visit brother Davis near Winston-Salem.   They drove to Raleigh to see the hockey game and Brady is spending the night with Davis.

We had leftovers with Blair and also enjoyed a trek down to the dock/water - beautiful evening.

Anne got her stitches out this afternoon and Dr. Su said "no melanoma" and she is good to go1    Very thankful for this news!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - May 28

 Brooke took Blair  to school for her last full day of 7th grade.   Rain was in the forecast this morning, but missed us and was a nice sunny, warm day.    Michael and Brooke left for their European river cruise at 10 - Brady took them to the Charlotte airport.    They will spend a few days in Switzerland before boarding the ship.

Philip, Annette and kiddos flew to IL yesterday and Luke and Maeve will stay with their other grandparents (Judy and Dave) while Philip and Annette do the river cruise.    There are a total of 33 going from Lake James and beyond with some side trips planned.

Mark and I will hold down the fort with Brady, Blair and Millie till we take Blair to Catrina on Sunday.

Last night Michael and Brady were watching the Carolina Hurricane play and beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0.   They were screaming and yelling....the Hurricane are up 3-1 and tomorrow night, Brady and Davis plan to be in Raleigh for game 5.

Liam arrived in Minnesota (suburb of Minneapolis) this afternoon and will start his summer internship on Monday.   He is living with his freshman roommate's family.

Brady drove us (and Blair) to Morganton and dinner at The Madness, a burger and sushi place that opened exactly 1 year ago today.    It was very good.

Pat, Blair, Brady, Mark

Wednesday - May 27

 The rain held off till 4 today.....we've had almost 6" since we got here last Friday.   It was a fun day for us....Mark worked on the thermostats again and Brooke and I visited till she got ready to run errands and pick Blair up after school for gymnastics and a meeting.

Brady was off to play golf with a friend in Morganton.    Mark and I drove to Marion and met friends, Bev and Jim for lunch at Smokey Q's.   Oh what fun to catch up with these folks who we met in  August, 2018 in Brewerton, NY when they were starting their Erie Canal boat travels and we were finishing.    Then in October of  '18, we visited them in their lovely home in the mountains near Marion.   Wow....almost 8 years and they are just as fun and interesting as ever.    They also have a travel trailer and planning to spend 2 months out west this summer.

Bev and Jim

Stopped at Lowe's for some screws Mark needed (another project at Michael's) - he likes to keep busy while he's here and his boys manage that just fine!   😂

Brady and Grandpa did more with the thermostats - not the easiest job but these newer models are definitely more challenging.

Brooke made another yummy dinner - chicken in a wonderful sauce with pasta and fresh asparagus!    We watched the YouTube video of the 2026 commencement speech at University of North Carolina given by North Carolina native, singer and songwriter, Eric Church.    Mark and I had heard it a few weeks ago - it is phenomenal and highly recommend you watch and/or listen to it.

Michael, Brooke, Millie, Blair, Brady

Tuesday - May 26

 Today would've been Mark's Dad's 105th birthday!    What a guy!!!  67 years of marriage, 13 children, 38 grandchildren and 70+ (and still counting) great grands!!!

Heavy rain last night and a little off and on today and very humid.   

Annette, Maeve and I went to town - stopped at WaterBean for coffee/macarons and then Maeve and I got manicures at Nail Time.    Ran a few more errands, picked up Jimmy Johns for lunch and on home.

Pampering Maeve

Girl FUN

Mark and I got our stuff gathered and headed over to Michael and  Brooke's to settle in for the next week.    He worked on installing some new thermostats.    Brooke took Blair to gymnastics after school and ran some errands.

We went back to Philip's and I emptied the dishwasher in the carriage house and put towels in dryer.    And then good bye hugs and more pics

Sibling love

Luke, Annette, Maeve, Philip

Blair started packing for our trip to Port Clinton next weekend.   Brooke made spaghetti and meatballs/sausage, caesar salad and breadsticks for dinner.    Sat around and visited and got the scoop of what's ahead the next few days.

Memorial Day - 2026

 

Remembering our veterans who gave their lives for our freedom....

THANK  YOU !

When we were in Black Mountain yesterday, we drove past the veterans cemetery which was very large and every single gravesite had a flag flying beside it.    Very sobering sight.

Maeve came over this morning with some kringle for our breakfast and a coffee for grandma!   Later we went for a walk (Annette, Luke, Maeve and me) - heavy rain around 11 last night with nasty thunder and lightning.    Very wet and humid to start the day. 

Crafty Maeve made this potholder for Grandma

The walkers

Mark worked on various projects for Philip at "our" carriage house.    We cleaned up some leftovers for lunch + Annette's delicious minestrone soup as we leave tomorrow and Wednesday for them.

The kiddos and friends went tubing in the afternoon - sky was threatening but they had fun before the next batch of rain.    We even had little spurts of sunshine!

Captain Philip

 Max, Maeve, Ivy

Luke and Maeve

Went to Ryan and Erin's for drinks and several yummy appetizers.    Fun catching up with them.   Philip, Annette and Maeve joined us later.

Ryan, Erin and "Karen"

The rain started again as we left their home.    We went to Philip and Annette's and played 3-handed euchre (Mark, Philip and me) which I won and then 4 handed - Philip and Annette beat Mark and me 2 of 3 games.

The rain is coming down fast and furious!    Nighty night!

Sunday - May 24

 The day started with rain!!!    Mark and I drove to Black Mountain for coffee/pastries at Dripolator (a favorite).   It was very busy this Sunday morning.    Then we drove around Givens Highland Farms where we plan to settle someday - continuous care facility.    All looks good there.....no clue when this will happen as we're still enjoying being nomads!

Onto Swannanoa for 11:00 Mass at St. Margaret Mary.    Small friendly church that was packed and our 3rd time to attend Mass here,   Big news that the Charlotte diocese will ordain 10 new priests next weekend.

Back to Lake James - changed clothes and off to the camp - met Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve there,    Lots of kid activities and big crowd - the rain finally let up.    The kiddos especially Maeve loved the rock climbing.    Luke does this with his adventure core group,

Maeve all the way to the top and rang the bell (several times)

Maeve and Luke "on the move"   

Michael, Brady and Ryan were also there......good times with our kids friends and yummy lunch.

Had a good chat with Anne - she sounds great and will be back to work on Tuesday and sees the surgeon on Friday.

Played some rousing games of euchre with Philip and Annette!

 

Saturday - May 23

Rain, rain, so much rain!     Nice leisurely morning in our carriage house and then later went to Philip's - Annette and I beat the guys in euchre    Mark is working on some projects for Philip (indoor).

Played more euchre with yummy food,    Also watched the golf tournament from McKinney, Texas where our friends Paul and Kathy were in attendance.

Two deer at entrance to Philip and Annette's driveway

Friday - May 22

 Anne had her reconstructive surgery this morning with Dr. Su at the Springfield Clinic and all went well.   She cannot use the phone (no screen time) for 2 days.    Not sure of other restrictions.    She returns next Friday.

Another rainy day and very wet Memorial Day weekend coming  - we left the hotel at 9, stopped at Starbucks and the heavens really opened up.    The barista at Starbucks (in Target) said that the store opens at 8, but folks were lined up outside in the rain since 3 AM for the new Pokemon cards!!!!

We stopped in Morganton at WalMart for a Rx, then dropped off stuff at Brooke's, onto Ryan's and finally arrived at Philip's.     Their friends, Darrell and Colleen, their daughter and boyfriend were all there and offered to help us carry all our stuff upstairs to the carriage house where we'll hang out the next 4 nights.   Much appreciated!!!

Annette, Luke and Maeve arrived - 1/2 day of school and they are now finished and onto 5th and 8th grades!!!   How can that be?    We had fried chicken, baked beans, watermelon and sushi (not a sushi fan but this was really good) for lunch.    Later, played a game of euchre which we girls won!

We were off to dinner at Habaneros with Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents), Michael, Brooke and Brady.  

Brady, Michael, Brooke, Bob, Judy, Pat, Mark

  And then to Blair's dance recital at COMMA in Morganton (large auditorium) and it was awesome with many many girls on stage from age 4 to 6 seniors in high school and 1 little boy.   Ballet, jazz, hip hop and lyrical.   The costumes, music and talent were top notch.

The star of the evening

Blair

Philip, Annette, Ryan and Erin went to an outdoor wedding and reception.   Weather is nasty.     We played one more game of euchre when we all got home - Mark and I beat Philip and Annette and then we sat around and visited as the rain came down.

Nighty night!   

Thursday - May 21

 We left Superior at 7:40, stopped at Coffee Express (1 of 2 favorite coffee shops in Port Clinton).    Got our coffee fix and on our way.     We shared the driving in the morning and no issues with traffic or weather.    Stopped in Kenna, WV for lunch at "Your Family Restaurant" which was very good and cheap!    I had a delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwich for $4.

I drove thru some rain before lunch but afterwards, it was really heavy and for most of the afternoon, downright ugly.

We met Davis for dinner at "Camel City BBQ Factory" in Winston-Salem.   It was in a very old tobacco building - great food (the BBQ and their hushpuppies which were long and skinny instead of the usual round ball shape) and we sure enjoyed our visit.  He loves being a homeowner.   Davis and 6 college buddies are hanging out on the beach this holiday weekend and he had a 3+ hour drive ahead of him.

Davis

There was some very funky lighting in this place!

We drove to our hotel and got to our room - but the app on our phone wouldn't work, so Mark went downstairs and clerk gave him 2 key cards but they didn't work either - frustrating.    The clerk finally came up to our room with a special card to get us in and apologized as the ladies across the hall couldn't get into their room either which made for 5 times today, this happened.    She was beyond not happy!

104 miles to Lake James!

Wednesday - May 20

 Alleluia!!!!    Anne called with some wonderful news this morning after Springfield Clinic called and said she did not need to come in today as all was clear with her Monday pathology report.    We are sooo thankful for this news and sooo appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts these past few days from family and friends!!!

Anne had more good news - Connor got a job at Lowe's for the summer!    Yay...

Yesterday it was 89 and sunny here in Port Clinton - today, more rain and windy and in the 50s.    Brrrr.......   we had 1.2" since we got here.

We kept busy with Mark working on Catrina inside as she won't be launched till early June.   I started packing all our stuff to take to NC - leaving tomorrow for 11-12 days.

I got a hair cut with Wendy and fun to catch up with her!    Then Mark and I had dinner at Casa Las Palmas - so good.   Back to Flo to warm up!    Chilly out there!    Ready to head south!😀

Tuesday - May 19

 Big day for we nomads.    We left KK at 6:40 with lots of good memories of our month-long stay.

Mostly cloudy in the morning but later the sun came out and a nice day for travel with no rain which had been in the forecast!    The wind did pick up in the afternoon but Flo handled it just fine..

It was a 7-hour trip + stops (4) so made the trip in 8 hours and 5 minutes and now back on eastern time.    Found a cute coffee shop in Fairbury - "Dream Cabin Coffee" and had lunch in Huntington, IN (I made sandwiches last night).

It got to 89 today and we arrived at Superior Marine around 3:40 - so good to be here, stretch the legs and visit with Dave, the Dockmaster.

Lots of boats in the water and he said the marina will be full this year!   WOW....

We were tired and not wanting a big meal, so decided to go to Doc's Beach House for drinks and appetizers - it was so pleasant sitting by the water and even had a familiar waitress.    

Lake Erie - where are all the people?    Just wait for a few more weeks!

This is the "calm before the storm"

Came back to Flo and the sky looked threatening - Mark checked the radar and it wasn't pretty.    About 20 minutes after we were settled in for the night, it started to sprinkle and then heavier and oh my........the wind blew like crazy, lightning, thunder and VERY heavy rain.    Yikes!    Talk about a drastic change.    

So today Anne was to have her 2nd slow Moh's procedure but she got a call when she and Connor were on their way to Springfield.    They had not received the pathology report from yesterday's test, so canceled today!    Arghhhh.....frustrating waiting for test results over and over!    Back tomorrow.

Monday - May 18

 Forgot this pic yesterday from Rob Dobs...

Connor, Mark, Pat, Anne, Liam

We've been at KK for one month and have seen 15 states and New Brunswick, Canada.

I left for the Hornet's Nest to meet the Monday morning group and Mark drove to Darrel's and rode with him as we both needed a vehicle today.

Good breakfast and nice having Pat's 2 sisters from Texas join us.    It poured while we were eating.    We all left at 10:20 with good bye hugs for Mark and me (and good luck to Anne).  

The girls:

  Tammie, Brenda, Sigrunn. Pat, Sue, Debbie

The guys

Pat, Darrel, Mark, Ken

 I had a 11:00 lab appointment for bloodwork.    Then I picked up Anne and we were on our way to Springfield.   Just light rain till the last 10 miles when it came down really hard.   

We stopped at Grab-A-Java for some hot beverages and then onto the clinic.   Today was Anne's first slow Moh's procedure (excision).    Plenty of time waiting but actual procedure took 12 minutes.    She has to go back tomorrow - same time, same place.   Connor will take her.

Took Anne home and good bye hugs for she and the boys.    Hate good byes!   Stopped at Menards for some clamps for Philip (he loves Menards and they don't have that store in NC).    Got some gas for Ruby and on home.    

Tomorrow, we are on the move again heading to Port Clinton.

Sunday - May 17

The wind was strong again and to continue thru tomorrow!    We met Anne and the boys at 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Bo.    We planned to go to Egg Republic for breakfast but even with call-ahead seating, it was going to be an hour wait and it was very loud!   People people everywhere!   So we went across the street and ate at Rob Dobs - all good and so fun to be back with Liam and Connor and catch up.

Stopped at Olive Garden for the salad I'm taking tonight to our pizza party.

Happy Birthday to our granddog

Frankie is 5

Idaho is new state at KK tonight.    

Our friend Gary invited us to his homemade pizza party tonight - thought it was going to be Barb and Roger H, Roger P, Gary and us.    And then we arrived to these familiar faces we had not seen in years.....oh my!    So much fun.    The pizza was sooo good along with lots of other yummy stuff.

We share so many memories with these folks;  Gary, Roger P and Leon have all lost their dear wives (Judy, Carol and Helen).    Tonight was really special....with tears and laughs.  Gary shared the video of memories thru the years with Judy that was shown at her celebration of life.    And what was extra special was how far these folks traveled.

Back:  Leon (Muskegon, MI); Rod and Sharon (Towanda)

Front:  Gary (Hudson); Roger P (Boomington)

Mark and Pat (KK)

Back:   Barb and Roger (Gridley), Dave (Bay City, MI)

Front:  Viv and Mike (Lake of the Ozarks, MO)

Saturday - May 16

 Big day for we nomads.....left KK around 8ish and went to Revive in Goodfield for coffee and shared a bacon/egg/cheese sandwich on some delicious grilled bread.   Then to Costco in Davenport for some supplies for Philip and Brooke.

Met Tessa (Drew's wife) who drove over from Cedar Rapids at the Machine Shed in Davenport for lunch and great visit.    So good to have these one-on-one visits.   Drew is in NC with his family this weekend after working in Cincinnati.

Tessa, our granddaughter-in-law

Midwest  folks with ear of corn outside Machine Shed

Pat, Tessa, Mark

Bye bye to Tessa - hope to see she and Drew for Thanksgiving in NC.

Next stop was Sterling, IL to visit Mark's sister Joan and Joe.    Joan had the recent ankle surgery and a long recovery.    But she's a trooper and was working away in the kitchen and had made a 4-berry pie (cherry, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry) - delicious!    Her surgeon said she should stay active so just has her leg propped on her wheeled walker and moves around the kitchen like a champ.    We also got to see their son Tim and his daughter Sophie.    Great visit and Joan will be going back to Cleveland Clinic on the 27th for next check-up.

Joan and Joe

And finally arrived at KK at 5:20 - big day but lots of fun!

Walked around KK - Montana is a new state tonight.

Friday - May 15

 WOW....11 years ago today Mark and I closed on our Jackson Street home and became full-time Nomads!    Who would've thought.....and we're still having FUN!!!

Rained earlier today and after one calm day, the strong wind is back!

Liam is back from his junior year at U of Iowa!    Now in a few weeks he'll start his summer internship in Minneapolis.

We went into town at 11 and picked up Nancy, a long-time friend (Jim and Mark worked together at SF), we went to the same church, etc.    Jim passed away April 10th.    Such a nice guy.....it's been awhile since we've seen Nancy, so.....let's do lunch at Lil Beaver Brewery.  We had a great 2 hour visit over lunch with tears, laughs and memories.    3 of  4 of Nancy's kiddos live in the area, along with many grands and 23 great grands scattered here and there.

Mark, Nancy, Pat

We took Nancy home with hugs and went to Starbucks to get some coffees for Donna Rae and us.    She had just returned from the beauty parlor and looked as good as ever.    What a delight she is at 94.    Another 2 hour visit catching up on a little bit of everything.

Donna Rae

And then to Martin Health Care to visit our friend Paul who was admitted there from the hospital a few days ago to regain some strength.    This was a short visit as the nurses, occupational therapist, etc. were coming and going in his room.   We wish Paul the best for recovering his strength and going HOME which is where he wants to be!

Next stop was O'Reilly Auto Parts for new batteries for our key fobs.    Then to Culver's for a small cup of their flavor of the day - "chocolate toffee crunch".    Yummy and finally on home!

We walked and then chatted with Greg and Patty from Ocala, FL.    They are originally from Clinton, IL where Greg was a chiropractor before retirement.    Now they travel all over and usually spend a month here at KK.   We've been with them at least 3 springtimes and just a real neat couple who used to boat.     In fact, before they moved to Ocala, they owned a lot at Cypress Woods next door to Cypress Trail (CT).    They are going to be in Sandusky, OH in September but we'll be leaving Port Clinton right after Labor Day.

I watched the last episode of "Call the Midwife" tonight for Season 15.    Lots of tears and such a heartbreaking story but yet joyful, too.    

Connor received his Associates degree tonight from DACC (Danville Area Community College).     Proud of him and wishing him all the best as he pursues an engineering degree from the University of Illinois,

                                                                   Congratulations Connor!

 

Thursday - May 14

 I went into town - gas for Ruby at Loves, stopped at Anne's, then met Claire for breakfast at Fort Jesse Cafe.    I had not been there in ages and it was sooo good.    Busy place for breakfast and lunch.   

This was our last outing here in IL................Claire and Kathy will be visiting me in Port Clinton in August.    We've sure had some good times and meals.

Claire and Pat

On home.    It is a gorgeous day.   Mark had walked while I was gone.   He took a nap, I visited with Micci in the office and then walked.

Tonight the Monday Night Friends met at the Pickled Radish in Eureka - sooo good and everyone was very happy with their meal.   Marsha's daughter Laura joined us.    Fun evening.

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

Wednesday - May 13

 More crazy wind here at KK - what a "windy" spring we've had!

Our Champaign friends, Joyce and Butch arrived around 10:30.   We visited them at their Frostproof, FL home in March and always look forward to our yearly get together here when we enjoy the Mackinaw tea room, Braker's and Scottwood Floral in Eureka and then Revive for coffee in Goodfield.    

Another fun day with these dear friends we first met in Okeechobee in 2016 when we were on Daisy and all together at Water's Edge.   

Joyce and Butch at the Depot

My lunch - garden salad, chicken salad croissant, mint chocolate pie 

All DELICIOUS

Pretty spring decor in the dining room

Us in Mackinaw

Anne will have her 1st "slow" Moh's procedure on Monday afternoon.

 

Tuesday - May 12

 Said our good byes to George and Susan - so many connections - both Air "Streamers" (a new term George used), Notre Dame, Brady knowing Professor O'Rourke and his namesake "O'Rourke's Irish Pub", Susan a pilot along with our boys, etc.    They are headed to St. Louis today to visit friends.

I left for town at 9:45 and had several errands before I met the BBB gals for lunch at Rob Dobs.    Many years ago we bridge friends formed this club - "Babies, Bridge, and Books"    Well, we haven't played bridge in a LONG time, we now talk about grand kiddos (no more babies) but we all love our books.     In fact, for several years, we would all bring our favorites to trade and share.    But that was long before the kindles, I-pads, etc.,     It's been many years since we got together and sorry that Karen and Holly could not join us today.

Ruth, Pat, Sharon, Sue

But the rest of us enjoyed yakking away for 2.5 hours over a yummy lunch.    Ruth was our inspiration.....91 years young and sharp as can be.    It was a delightful afternoon!

It was a VERY WINDY afternoon - crazy out here in the country.  Mark and I caught up on our day and read and played games rest of the time.

Had a very light rain - walked later - no new states tonight.

I watched the 7th episode of "Call the Midwife" and then Anne and I beat the computer 2 of 3 games of euchre.   And we had some heavy rain!

Monday - May 11

 Nice sunny day and warming up a bit more each day.   We met the Monday morning group at The Hornet's Nest in Heyworth for breakfast.....Ken, Sigrunn, Pat, Brenda and Darrel.

The girls sat in a booth and the guys at  a nearby table - plenty to chat about and food is good and cheap here!

Stopped at Holy Cross Cemetery and visited Patrick's gravesite.

Then laundry time in Normal - 3 loads, washed, dried and folded and on back to KK.    Nice quiet afternoon.     The MNFs are not meeting tonight as we're having dinner Thursday night (Pickled Radish is not open on Mondays.)

An Airstream came in across from us this afternoon - they are from Colorado and just came from South Bend.    George is a South Bend native and they were visiting long-time friends,  James O'Rourke was head of the Mendoza College of Business and retired 1 year ago.   Brady remembers Professor O'Rourke and later we had a chat with George and Susan (our Airstream neighbors) - small world.    Susan retired one year ago as a United pilot after a career in the Air Force..   George's Grandfather was a track coach at Notre Dame in the 1920s and was a roommate of Knute Rockne's.    George's Dad was a dentist and one of the football team's dentists for 20+ years.   

The Social Security Administration recently released the top names for boys and girls per their records and the #1 name for boys for the 7th straight year is "Liam" and "Olivia" for girls!    How about that!!!    I remember so well Patrick saying his firstborn son would be "Liam" and that was 21 years ago!!!    

Colorado is a new state tonight     Orange chicken from Trader Joe's was supper.

Mother's Day - 2026

 It was a beautiful Mother's Day here in central IL.    We met Anne for 10:00 Mass at Holy Trinity with Father Bo and then breakfast at Flame@Bloom.    It was very busy but sooo good.   I had not been there for breakfast (just dinner) - we were all very happy with our meals.

Moms and Mimosas

Back home and a quiet day at KK.    So enjoyed hearing from my kiddos, grand kiddos, family and friends.    

Linda and I shopping at Milaeger's and buying the same top!

And the pretty shopping bag

We went for a walk - one new state tonight - Arkansas

Zoom tonight was with 9 siblings - health issues, Auntie Karen's car was totaled from hitting the deer, so she'll be car shopping, what the Moms did for Mother's Day, wedding plans for Alex and Adam, First Communion for Doris's grandson, Paxton, grandparents day for Tom H and his little Evelyn, etc....