September 25-26

What a fun, fun weekend with my "sisters" at the wonderful Diamond House in Arcola!   There were 10 of us (missed Nancy and Marilyn).  Where to start....one of the best memories will be the food which totally blew us away - they serve a 7-course breakfast each morning and the presentation and table settings were phenomenal.    Beautiful flowers and greens (herbs) graced each serving dish and most were edible.    These are all grown by our hosts - Bill and Lynne and their son, Dan and Tammy.

Lynne and Bill

Dan and Tammy

Friday night was spent catching up on the porch with plenty of yummy appetizers and wine. 

A rousing game of "Hand and Foot"

 Saturday was spectacular with those cerullean blue skies and pleasant fall temps.  After the big breakfast, some of us walked downtown and enjoyed the neat shops; then we took off and got a taste of the Amish life style as we trekked out in the country and shopped at Beachy's Grocery, Miller's Dry Goods and the Homestead Bakery at the Pumpkin Patch.

Some of us after stocking up on homemade bakery treats...

Karen, Lydia, Doris, Sue, Janet and Sharon

After a short rest back at the B & B, we were off to the country again for a typical Amish meal and oh my...........still stuffed from breakfast, we ate at 3:00 and had the family style platters and bowls of thee most wonderful home cooking prepared by Elsie and daughers!   What a treat visiting with Elsie and enjoying every last bite! 

Back in time for 5:00 Mass at St. John the Baptist and then waddled back to the B & B for cards, wine and laughs!   

Sunday.....another 7-course bountiful feast and then we all packed up and thanked our hosts BIG time for their wonderful food, ambiance and hospitality.   Lots of hugs and  then the 18th annual sisters' weekend was a blur of special memories and stretched-out tummies! 

Front:  Sharon, Joan and Janet

Back:  Beth, Doris, Theresa, Pat, Karen, Sue and Lydia

Mark had a productive weekend getting stuff off Daisy and setting up our surround sound system on the TV in family room (waiting for hardwood floors to be installed).

Anne and I went to Sam's this afternoon and tonight Mark is at week 3 of his scuba lessons!

Chilly out today and definitely feels like fall.

September 24

After a rainy morning, we are enjoying a gorgeous afternoon of pleasant sunshine and temps. 

   Sincere sympathy to our friend, Susie in FL......her John lost his 5-year battle with cancer early this morning but what a valiant effort he showed throughout with such an amazing attitude!   

I had therapy with Lee and he's thinking this may be coming to an end (with the pros), so I'll see him on the 8th and then determine what's what.   In the meantime, I can ease up a bit at home, too.   He was pleased with my movement!!!  

Got a manicure and then met Anita for lunch at Station 220.   Anita lost her dear Russ to cancer 3 weeks ago tomorrow.......we had a good chat and reminisced.

Mark and Daisy arrived home this afternoon!    And I'll be leaving soon for Sisters' Weekend....wishing you a really good one, too!

September 23

Today was officially the first full-day of fall, but it felt more like a typical summer day - hot, sunny and very windy!     More cleaning and then a fun bike ride to meet Carol on the trail and enjoy some milkey way yogurt at Emack and Bolio's.   After resting in the shade with our treats and a good chat, we rode a bit together and then parted ways each taking a different trail route to our homes.

My new biker buddy, Carol

After a refreshing shower, I ran a bunch of errands and now settled in - supposed to be much cooler next few days!   Mark put in a big day on Catrina and coming home tomorrow!

Enough of this fall cleaning for a few days.....going to "Sisters Weekend" (Mark's sisters) at an

 Amish Bed and Breakfast tomorrow afternoon till Sunday morning!

September 22

After a rainy/stormy night, today is fresh, sunny and warm!    I did more cleaning, washed my lace sheers, and pulled some weeds.  Amazing how much mold/mildew is around - lots of our rocks in landscaping are green as are the trunks of the trees.    Way too much heat and humidity this summer!     

 Had lunch with Exchange club and after missing out on several weekly luncheons/meetings/entertainment, it was good to be back with this group!

Really warmed up after lunch.   Sigrunn and I rode bikes for 10 1/3 miles and did a part of the trail new to me!   We had a great visit and ride!  

 I had dinner with Ed and Donna Rae at their retirement home and then to friends, Joe and Phyllis for a glass of wine - very nice evening with good friends!

Ed, Donna Rae, Joe and Phyllis

September 21

Happy Birthday Philip!!!  

Happy 34th

  Had a good chat with the birthday boy this morning along with cleaning the living room and making stuff for tonight's supper.   Ran some errands and then we celebrated the last day of summer which went out with a bang....92 and windy here!    Around 5:00, it really rained hard but didn't last too long.

Marty, Anne, Patrick and boys came for the "Last Hurrah of Summer" picnic supper on the porch.   We had brats, macaroni salad, baked beans, deviled eggs and tomatoes topped off with angel food/butter finger cake.   And we sang "Happy Birthday" to Uncle Phil..

Connor and Mr. Marty

Liam, Anne, Connor, Patrick and Marty

Mark had a good day of waxing Catrina and nice dinner with friends, Ron and Pat at the Lake House.