Thursday-Friday, August 27-28

 Thursday - we are off to Dixon for my 60th class reunion.   We stopped at Coffee Express for our fix and then on the road....shared the drive but Mark did the nasty stuff around Chicago!    Hadn't driven in all that traffic for a long time!    Ugh!   379 miles to Dixon.   Along the way we watched Iowa vs Ohio in the Little League World Series.   Iowa lost so they were eliminated, but what a great  experience for these boys and they sure provided thrills and chills for their fans!!!    There are thousands of little leaguers out there but such a huge accomplishment and experience to get to play in Williamsport!    

We stopped in to see Karen's workplace (business manager for St. Patrick's Church and St. Mary's School).    Auntie is Mark's sister.

 Rested a bit when we got to Auntie's, changed clothes and off to the reunion at the Palmyra Pub.    What a surprise to walk in and there was Shirley (a classmate one year behind me) who was there with girlfriends for a planning meeting of their garden club.    Shirley is one of those incredible gardeners responsible for the gorgeous petunias in Dixon (Petunia Capital of the World).    GORGEOUS blooms on all the light posts.    We get together in FL with Dick and Shirley each winter.

What a fun reunion with 24 classmates and 10 spouses.   We had some really good hors d'oeuvres during social (and get reacquainted time) and then we ordered off the menu.    Food here is really good and so enjoyed reminiscing with these long-time folks I knew 60 years ago (mind boggling)!!!   Mark knew some of the guys so he enjoyed the evening, too. 35 classmates have passed away out of 92 in our graduating class.

We came up with a plan that maybe in 2 years, we could have an "80th birthday party"???   We shall see....

My classmates from Amboy High School

Class of 1966

On our way to the reunion, we got a text that our niece's hubby, Ryan was back in the OR with a ruptured artery - oh my.....Ryan has just had one problem or complication after another!    Big time prayers for his recovery and no more setbacks.

Back to Auntie's for a good visit and then to bed - switched from eastern to central time today - tired nomads.

Friday - we were up early with the time change.    Auntie left for work and we were off to Starbucks for coffee/pastries.   I'll see Auntie the end of September for Sisters' Weekend.    Sure appreciate her hospitality.

Youngest and oldest siblings

Notre Dame was our next stop to meet Brady for lunch.   He doesn't have classes on Friday so this worked out perfect.   South Bend is almost exactly 1/2 way from Dixon to Port Clinton.    Great lunch and visit!

Grandma, Brady, Grandpa

Golden Dome in background!

Connor called on our way home.   He had a good 1st week of classes at the U of I....a bit different than Danville Area Community College with 300 in one of his classes!!!

Visited with Jeanne and got a tour of her beautiful yacht - "Magic Carpet".    Then visited with Bob and Donna on "So Blessed"   Dennis, his brother Steve and friend Jerry stopped by.    They are leaving tomorrow on a guys boat trip to Canada.    

We enjoyed listening to the special tribute to Dolly Parton on the XM tribute channel singing her many wonderful songs

RIP to the Queen of Country Music