MY KIND OF TOWN - PART TWO

Chicago is......

Chicago Water Tower

 

(remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

 



What a day Thursday turned out to be. It started bright and early with our children arriving at our room at the hotel around 6am. They had the bright idea of taking an overnight flight giving them the whole day to enjoy which actually was a great idea only they never got to sleep on their flight because it was full of turbulence.

 

Have to share that when they all planned to fly together from LAX I had some mixed emotions. God forbid something happened, but I had to move past those thoughts or I'd go a little crazy thinking about it. Taking a direct flight from LAX was the best plan for our daughter who is afraid to fly. (a few anti-anxiety pills helped)

 

So Amber laid on the bed and was immediately asleep. Soon to follow was Tristen and Adam while Dylan got comfy in the chair with the ottoman. So we let them sleep. We went down to the pool and I got in my exercise and sat for awhile in the spa. We waited for awhile before we returned to the room. (their rooms were not ready yet) Then we ended up showering and getting dressed. Mark had a conference call and then I meet him downstairs for breakfast. We let the kids get about 4 hours sleep and woke them at 10:30am.  Amber and Dylan were able to get their room while Adam and Tristen got ready in ours. (funny how your adult children are still so little in our eyes, especially when they are sleeping)

 

We had planned Thursday as the day we would go to the loop. Our son in law Dylan had never been to Chicago and I wanted to make a point of getting over to Navy Pier so he could have a great view of the skyline. Well we had the most incredibly beautiful weather the entire trip except for Thursday. It was cold and cloudy with a threat of rain all day. Luckily it didn't rain until much later.

 

 

Our first stop was Gino's East on Superior for one of our favorite deep dish pizza. After that we walked along Michigan Avenue for a little bit heading over to the John Hancock building. The kids went into a few shops looking for something warmer to put on. Tristen bought a cute sweater and Amber found a great jacket at H&M. I spent my time taking picture of the giant golf balls along the street which were in honor of the Ryder Cup coming up this weekend in Medinah, IL.

 

 

Even though it was foggy it was still fun at the top of the Hancock building! They take a group picture before you go up in the elevator and we bought them. I need to scan them and show them off. Also here we are on the 94th floor which we arrived on in 40 seconds and looking out the window a monarch butterfly flew by.  It was amazing!

 

 

Then we headed over to Navy Pier to view the skyline. It certainly gave a new meaning to "The Windy City" and we froze our butts off walking around the pier. I actually think the pictures are pretty with the evil skies lurking about. 

 



After Navy Pier we headed somewhere in the city to a small local pub to meet up with some of the wedding party who were meeting to watch the Bears play Green Bay. Of course the groom Jimmy was there and he brought my mother-in-law who had flown into town that afternoon. The plan was for us to take her back with us when we left so Jimmy could stay and party. It was fun but I was so tired from our long day that the LOUD was wearing me down.

 

When we arrived back at the hotel my mother-in-law went to her room, Amber and Dylan went to their room while Adam, Tristen, Mark and I went to the bar a shared a very nice bottle of wine. I slept pretty well that night!

 

To be continued.............

 

In case you missed it: 

PART ONE 

PART THREE

 

 

MY KIND OF TOWN - PART ONE



Chicago is........

 

 

Where do I start? Trip of a lifetime as far as I'm concerned. (until the next trip of a lifetime that is!) How do you talk about something so amazing that you are in awe of each day that passes. Okay I'm going to start with a few of the things that didn't go right before we even took off and get those uglies out of the way.

 

So maybe a day or two before we left I had a "shit....OMG I can't believe I just did that moment!" I was plucking my eyebrows and then sometimes I use one of those little pencil shaped trimmers with the small two sided comb attachment with a long and short side. You have probably guessed where I am going with this one. Some of my eyebrow hairs can get really long so I will go over them with the long sided trimmer only that didn't happen, I mistakenly used the short side and didn't notice until the second eyebrow. (#$%@)

 

I tried very hard not to panic, I knew I couldn't go back. They were just very short, not shaved off completely. So I made sure I had wispy bangs and played around with different eyebrow pencils. I never told anyone and no one asked about them. I thought for sure my daughter would say "What happened to your eyebrows?" Enough said.

 

First we started out by trying to make our reservations for the hotel in Arlington Heights and they said they were booked, no rooms available. Well I emailed my future SIL and told her. They got on the phone and raised a fit and eventually that got all worked out. Then Mark went to make the reservation for our car rental and he needed the flight number we were on. Well guess what, they cancelled our flights back in August and never told us, never sent him an email yet he had a confirmation number. Well luckily it all got worked out and we were able to get onto the same flights on Monday the 10th of September.

 

So we go to the airport very early for our flight to Denver, then onto Chicago O'Hare. So it's like 5:30 am and we are waiting to board our first flight and Mark got a text saying our second flight out of Denver was cancelled. So he went up to the desk to see what he could do. Well they automatically moved Mark to a 1:20pm flight and me to an 8pm flight! They did give us $40. in vouchers for food and I spent everything but 60 cents. I wasn't letting that one go. Anyway when we arrived in Denver it all got straightened out and I was able to join Mark on the 1:20pm flight. Hooray! We only had four hours to waste and I didn't have to wait 11 hours for my next flight.

 

So we arrived in Chicago, got the car and checked into the hotel. Then we searched for the closest location of a few of our favorite pizza places and headed out to dinner. It was so funny, Mark commented and I agree with him "It seems like on every corner there is some great Italian food we want to eat." We went to Aurelio's which is by far one of our most favorite thin crust Chicago pizza and had a few glasses of wine. It was a long day.

 

One Tuesday Mark had a sales call in Lisle, IL and I relaxed a bit, went to the pool and got ready for our dinner date with Diane and Larry our BFF's from H.S. Due to a previous scheduled appointment Larry was not able to join us. We spent a few hours with Diane and it was a perfect, actually more than perfect evening. Your can read about Diane and Larry and the amazing things that happen on our trip to Chicago at my For Your Tears post called The Depth of Friendship. I shared this on my post the other day.

 

On Wednesday morning we got up early and headed to Wisconsin. Mark had a sales call in Oshkosh which was about 3 hours away but along the way he dropped me off in Milwaukee so I could spend some time with my brother. I had four hours with him and it was perfect. He showed me around the city, we had lunch and then he took me to one of his favorite gay bars where we had a glass of wine. It was so nice to see him. I believe the last time I saw my brother was in Florida a few years ago when we both visited my dad. (That is a statue of Fonzie. I am showing you him from the back since the front had been tagged)

 

 Remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them.

On the way home from Milwaukee we made a little stop at a White Castle. I had one little burger. Yes I cheated on my diet and I'm okay with that. Then we got back to the hotel and had about an hour before we were being picked up from the bride and groom to be. (Jimmy and Caprice) Mark's other brother Jeff was also in town on business and we all went to Lou Malnati's for a late dinner. I didn't get a picture of their pizza. That is the pizza we order from Taste of Chicago. We had never had it in person before. Actually Jimmy and Caprice send us that for a family gift each Christmas. It was so awesome and because of my low carb I did only eat the top but had one small bite of crust because I just had to! That was one long day. (The deep dish pizza is from Gino's which we went to on Thursday.....more to come later.)

 

Favorite treats from Chicago



 

So I want to end part one on this note:

 

Happy Birthday to my brother Raymond

who is 66 years old today!

Love you so much.

 

PART TWO

PART THREE

 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

Click on over and join in the fun!

Thank you Joyce :)

 

1. The Wednesday Hodgepodge this week falls on John Chapman's birth date. He's more famously known as Johnny Appleseed...what's your favorite variety of apple?

I like when we get Rome Beauties at the orchards in the Fall. Otherwise I get Granny Smith from the stores which are another of my favorites.

2. When did you last say 'ick'?

I don't use that word often at all.

3. Do you think there's a generation gap? Explain.

Yes I do believe there is a generation gap but I feel it has more to do with inventions over the years. People are still all the same generation after generation but we can't always relate with the new stuff. When we all look back at our high school pictures 30 years later we all have the same reaction.

4. What's on your computer screen saver? Do you leave it alone or change it often?

My screen saver are colored pastel bubbles. No I don't change it because I like them a lot!

5. If you had the attention of the entire world for two minutes, what would you say?

Well as you know I have been dealing with baby loss mother's for over 3 years now. Over the years I have learned a lot about grief and their needs. Many people are afraid to talk about their child because they don't want to upset them yet that is one of their greatest desires. I think I would talk about the needs of a grieving parent.

 

6. Four fashion trends to try this fall are-brocade/jacquard (fancy printed fabrics), peplum, lace, and printed pants...which of these four would you be most likely to wear?

I am a jeans and blouse kind of girl. Some of my dressier tops are fancy printed fabrics. Actually I bought one yesterday!

 

7. What can make your bad day better?

My husband taking me out to dinner.

8. Insert your own random thought here:

So Mark's been gone for two weeks (Berlin, Germany and Worcester, UK) which has allowed me to be kinda lazy. Okay, it's really lazier than normal! I have been having trouble with the color on my TV and then the picture went out totally so I have been camping out with my computer in the family room since Sunday. 

 

I had to set all my DVR programs onto his DVR which was a pain in the butt especially with the new season shows starting. Today I was trying to see if maybe something else was up with the TV. I put in a DVD and it played fine so then I thought maybe it was my DVR box. I checked the connections but nothing changed. So I looked further at the back of the TV and one of the plugs was out!  Must have happened when I was dusting. It seems to be a bit of a stretch for the cord. All seem fine now so I guess we are not going TV shopping this weekend:)

 

IN MEMORIAM

Each year when I watch the award shows I am always sad to see the number of people who have passed away during the year. In honor of their lives I am sharing this video from last nights Emmy's.

 

 

 



DOWN :( BUT NOT OUT

 

Everyone knows me for being pretty open and honest here on my blog so I wanted to share a few of my thoughts with you. I am feeling a little down. My mother suffered greatly with depression and I remember my dad telling me that my mom would always be down after a vacation.

 

I don't feel depressed and I know I don't take after my mother because she also dealt with alcoholism. What I do know is that my trip to Chicago was so emotional for me that I just seem to be breaking into tears when I try to think about writing my post about it. Tears are falling down my face and I type this.

 

Sometimes we experience things that just so beyond wonderful that it takes your breath away. I am thinking that it is only natural for me to be a little down right now because I was riding high in Chicago. Imagine a trip that involved seeing your brother, seeing your dearest friend after twelve years, having my whole family there with me to show off, having a family reunion of sorts at a family wedding, visiting a family spot full of great memories and of course eating the best pizza's Chicago has to offer!

 

Then you come home to reality and your husband is leaving on a two week trip to Europe just 8 hours after you arrive home at midnight. Besides the fact that you road an emotional roller coaster getting the phone call between flights that your dog was sick. Here I am almost a week later and I'm just coming down to reality. Oh yes and I still have all the laundry from our trip waiting for me to do since I went ahead and let the kids do theirs first.

 

Suddenly it hit me that it is going to be October and I am turning 61!  Wondering what I have accomplished since I hit 60 last year and wanted to change my world as I knew it. Then on top of that I started to think OMG the holiday's are just around the corner....how can that be!

Now to top this off I just found out something today (Friday) that made me pretty mad. I took Skye in today for her check up after her ruptured anal gland. All is well, healing great and they took out the drainage thingy. Doesn't have to go back and so very thankful that all turned out so well. But there is more to this story.

When the kids arrived in Chicago Amber told me that I should take Skye to the vet when we get home because she has a sore near her butt. Come to find out today that Skye could barely walk that day when they took her in but no one told me. They even called Mark to ask what they should do. They were afraid that the kennel wouldn't take her if she was sick. Do you realize that maybe, just maybe something really bad could have happened in the mean time before we picked her up. Thank God the kennel noticed it but it wasn't until Sunday. I feel like they put Skye's life at risk and it makes me so sad. They could have at least been more honest when they arrived on Thursday morning and I could have alerted the kennel.

Coming home from the kennel on Monday.

Charlie and Skye.

 

So here is what I did today. I know that the most emotional part of the trip was seeing our dear friend Diane. I also knew that I wanted to write a post on my For Your Tears blog because so much of that blog has to due with our friends losing their son 12 years ago. I also knew that if I included that story when I posted about our trip that it would make my posts very long. So I have written my post on my blog FOR YOUR TEARS and it would be wonderful if you could find some time to read it. It is long but it gives you all the background of our dear friends and why the trip was over the top emotionally for me.

 

Love you guys!



FOLLOW FRIDAY FOUR FILL-IN FUN

 

 

I'm joining in with Hilary this week.

Click on over and join in!

 

 

 

This week’s statements:

1. The last time I was on vacation, I went to Chicago!   (it was just last week)

2. For dinner I like to eat a big salad.

3. My heart hurts when a child dies  because parents should not have to live with so much grief !

4. Why must we pay so much for beauty products  just to wash most of them down the drain.

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOYCE
YESTERDAY!!!

 

 



1. What's the best and worst thing thing about growing older?
For me the best thing has been being able to travel more. Worst thing is that the older members of our families start to pass away :(

2. Autumn arrives this week in the Northern Hemisphere...what one thing do you love most about the fall season?
My favorite thing about autumn, but not in my part of the country, is the beautiful colors when the leaves change.

3. Speaking of fall...pumpkin seems to be flavoring everything these days-are you a fan? What's your favorite pumpkin flavored food or beverage?
Yes I am a big fan of pumpkin. I am going to say pumpkin cheesecake!

4. Since we're on the subject of fall...what's the worst fall you've ever taken?
I fell off a log in the water while fishing in Mammoth Lakes about 10 or more years ago. The problem is that I still have issues with my ankle that I twisted.

5. If you could own a prop from any film what would you choose?
I will say the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

6. What's the most interesting word you've read or learned in the past week?
The most interesting word I saw this last week was Leinenkugel but it's not new to me. It is a beer from Wisconsin. It is a very interesting word don't you think?

7. When was the last time you locked yourself out of your house, car, or office? Was it a big deal?
Honestly it has been years and even then I can't remember when I have. I am sure something will come to me as I start reading other posts today.

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a million random thoughts going through my mind from our trip to Chicago which I hope to get put into posts at some point soon.  Remember the question from last week "What circus act best describes your week so far?" and I put a Car Full of Clowns. Well let me tell you it was that and more!

 It was also a juggling act and three ring circus!

UPDATES....CRAZY TIMES!

I will make this short and sweet. So much to tell you. Some of you know this because I did put a few things up on Facebook because I just couldn't hold out any longer! My family and I were just in Chicago for a family wedding and so much more. Mark and I left last Monday and the kids flew on Wednesday night to join us. I didn't want to advertise it because this is the first time in 2 1/2 years that our home would be empty. (You never know who is watching)

 

So Skye and Charlie went to the kennel and I will be picking them up this morning. Mark and I flew home from Chicago yesterday, kids fly home today. Also Mark is on his way this morning to Germany and UK for two weeks after getting home at midnight last night. So I wanted to get this up quickly so you could pray for my family and their safety today. Last week when I asked for prayers it was for our children flying to Chicago and thank you so much. They arrived safely. You won't believe my week when I get it down on paper. God is so good!!!!

 

So anyway Mark and I just arrived in Denver for our second flight. I didn't turn on my phone because I was almost out of battery. He turned his phone on and it rang but he didn't know the number. Well thankfully we called the number back. It was the kennel. Skye was in need of seeing the vet and they needed our permission. Apparentely she had an anal gland issue which needed immediate attention. They assured us it was simple, very common. She may need to be put out but maybe not. I was a wreck! (Being upgraded to first class and a few glasses of wine helped)

 

So I just called and all is well. They had to put a drain in last night and she is all set to come home. Thankfully it was all taken care of. Honestly we are now thinking that this is why she has been biting at her bottom and maybe it wasn't flea bites afterall. I am leaving shortly to pick her and Charlie up. It would have been nice to have some help her today but everyone is gone but I'm not complaining. I am thankful for all the blesssings I receive.

 

I will be back with so much to share. I will be around to read what I missed while I was gone. Literally there was no time to blog and barely read my emails. When there was time I was resting. I have never been this exhausted in my life and tomorrow I have to bowl six games. Wish me luck!

LIFE-DEATH-RESURRECTION

Yes this is about the life, death and resurrection of my

Poinsettia plant from last Christmas - 2011.

 

 

 Easter....still thriving.

 

Thriving.....

Thriving....

 Thriving.....

 

So I go and visit my dad in Florida for 16 days. I leave a note saying....water 1/4 cup twice a week. Come home and it's floating in water. It was overwatered because it wasn't watered the whole time until someone noticed it! Then slowing it lost all of its leaves. I was broken hearted. This was the first Poinsettia that ever lived past Christmas.

 

 So I cut it back and now it is getting new leaves.

 

***I'm doing the happy dance.***

 

Can't wait to see it at Christmas.

 



The End



Update: A week after I wrote this post it's even bigger!



FIFTY SHADES OF DEBBY

My blog friend Cyndy at Putting the Fun in Dysfunctional posted this meme a few weeks ago. I thought it was pretty interesting and thought it might be fun to do. I have not read the books but thought I would give these questions a try. You know I love answering questions! Play along if you want. I put the questions at the bottom of the page. For some reason 34 and 35 are missing so it's only 48 shades of Debby.

Okay, here we go:

1. What is your best friend's Mom's name?

Dorothy

 

2. Where is the weirdest place you have a mole?

Under my breast.

 

3. Who was the hottest teacher you ever had?

I don't remember his name. It was in H.S. and he was a hottie.

 

4. Have you ever made out in a movie theater?

Yes I did as a teenager.

 

5. What body part do you wash first?

Usually my face.

 

6. Do you hover over the toilet in public bathrooms?

Yes but we also have seat covers here in California. 

 

7. What's the strangest talent you have?

It's been a few years but I was pretty good on the pogo stick.

 

8. Do you have an innie or an outtie?

Heck, I don't even know anymore with my puffy belly!

 

9. What's your favorite flavored Pringles?

Haven't had one in forever....years and years but I will say Sour Cream & Onion. 

 

10. Have you ever been tied up?

Not that I can remember.

 

11. What was the last thing you ever got grounded for?

I seldom got grounded, if ever. But I do remember one time when I was told I couldn't go out but later that day my parents let me go after all. 

 

12. Do you parallel park or drive around the block?

I had to parallel park to take my driving test in Illinois at 16. No I do not parallel park, even with my Mini Cooper.

 

13. Have you ever had two dates in one night?

Yes I did. It was back when I was divorced. One for lunch, one for dinner.

 

14. How many times have you been cussed out?

 Too many to count.

 

15. Which shoe do you put on first?

I think it's my left.  I am almost always in sandals and haven't paid attention.

 

17. Have you ever been to a gay bar?

Yes I have been. Back in Illinois when I was divorced and working at Ace Hardware Corp. office. One of the secretaries, male, was gay and he took a bunch of us downtown one night to a gay bar. The male dancers were all so cute! (No it wasn't a strip bar) 

 

18. Girls. This is not a question. Just want to have fun.

 

19. Is there one thing all of your love interests have had in common?

They made me laugh.

 

20. Did you French kiss before you were 16?

Yes!

 

21. Have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?

No, never! 

 

22. Who is the last person you usually think about before you fall asleep?

Whoever I am mad at!

 

23. Have you ever had a poem or a song written about you?

I believe I have but I don't remember it.

 

24. If you had to choose to not ever wash your bed sheets again or not wash your bath towel ever again, which would you rather not wash?

My bath towel. Basically when I use it I am clean from the shower so it's just clean water on it. 

 

25. Have you ever found anything in your parents' bedroom that was questionable?

No, I was never a snoop. 

 

26. What was your childhood nickname?

My father called me "Peanut" 

 

27. When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Air guitar has never been my thing. 

 

28. Have you ever peeked in the opposite sexes locker room?

Sure, didn't we all. 

 

29. What's the weirdest thing you have done while driving?

Probably changed my shoes. That was many moons ago. 

 

30. Have you ever bitten your toenails?

No

 

31. How do you eat your cookie?

Just as they are. I am not a dipper.

 

32. When working out at the gym, do you wear a belt?

I don't work out at a gym. 

 

33. Name something you do when you're alone that you wouldn't do in front of others.

Walk around naked while I'm putting on my make-up, drying my hair, etc.

 

34. Missing.....

 

35. Missing.....

 

36. How many drinks does it take before you get drunk?

About 4 depending on the drink. I think 2 lemontini's got to me once.

 

37. Have you ever sniffed an animal's butt?

 No

 

38. How often do you clean out your ears?

About once a week.

 

39. Do you scrunch or fold your toilet paper?

Fold 

 

40. About how many times a day do you pick a wedgie?

Hardly ever get one. 

 

41. Do you have any strange phobias?

Nothing is coming to mind but I am afraid of snakes and ants drive me crazy too.

 

42. Have you ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

No 

 

43. What is the stupidest thing you've ever done at a bar?

Actually I passed out once. It was just for a few seconds and have no clue as to why. I was with girlfriends and we had just gotten our first drink. Everyone was really worried about me.

 

44. Have you ever been dared to do something you totally regretted?

Yes I have but I really can't recall the specifics so don't ask.

 

45. Have you ever called your love interest by an ex's name?

No

 

46. Have you caught a guy/girl farting while on a date?

I am sure I have. Hey, it's part of life and always funny.

 

47. Have you ever played naked Twister?

No

 

48. Have you ever been drunk at work?

No....gee do I sound boring?

 

49. Have you ever found your date's/lover's brother or sister more attractive?

No

 

50. Do you want to bring sexy back?

I'm working on it. Not easy at 60!

Here they are if you want to play along:
1. What is your best friend's Mom's name?
2. Where is the weirdest place you have a mole?
3. Who was the hottest teacher you ever had? 
4. Have you ever made out in a movie theater?
5. What body part do you wash first?
6. Do you hover over the toilet in public bathrooms?
7. What's the strangest talent you have?
8. Do you have an innie or an outtie?
9. What's your favorite flavored Pringles?
10. Have you ever been tied up?
11. What was the last thing you ever got grounded for?
12. Do you parallel park or drive around the block?
13. Have you ever had two dates in one night? 
14. How many times have you been cussed out? 
15. Which shoe do you put on first? 
17. Have you ever been to a gay bar? 
18. Girls.  This is not a question.  Just want to have fun.
19. Is there one thing all of your love interests have had in common?
20. Did you French kiss before you were 16?
21. Have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting? 
22. Who is the last person you usually think about before you fall asleep?
23. Have you ever had a poem or a song written about you?
24. If you had to choose to not ever wash your bed sheets again or not wash your bath towel ever again, which would you rather not wash?
25. Have you ever found anything in your parents' bedroom that was questionable? 
26. What was your childhood nickname?
27. When is the last time you played the air guitar?
28. Have you ever peeked in the opposite sexes locker room?
29. What's the weirdest thing you have done while driving? 
30. Have you ever bitten your toenails?
31. How do you eat your cookie?
32. When working out at the gym, do you wear a belt?
33. Name something you do when you're alone that you wouldn't do in front of others.
34. Missing.....
35. Missing.....
36. How many drinks does it take before you get drunk?
37. Have you ever sniffed an animal's butt?
38. How often do you clean out your ears?
39. Do you scrunch or fold your toilet paper?
40. About how many times a day do you pick a wedgie? 
41. Do you have any strange phobias?
42. Have you ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
43. What is the stupidest thing you've ever done at a bar?
44. Have you ever been dared to do something you totally regretted? 
45. Have you ever called your love interest by an ex's name?
46. Have you caught a guy/girl farting while on a date?
47. Have you ever played naked Twister?48. Have you ever been drunk at work?
49. Have you ever found your date's/lover's brother or sister more attractive?
50. Do you want to bring sexy back?

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

As always, thank you Joyce for our questions. 





 

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? The NFL is back in action along with all the college teams. Are you a fan? Who do you root for? If you're not a fan what do you do while the rest of America watches Saturday, Sunday, Monday night, and now Thursday night games?

No, not my thing except for Super Bowl Sunday. I do what I do everyday, sit in my office, watch movies on premium channels and work on my computer.

2. What's something I'll always find in your closet?

Besides a mess.....ironing board and iron!

3. Share one of your earliest memories.

I think I remember my sister peeing in her pants by the front door when she couldn't get the door open and our mom didn't hear us. This would have been before kindergarten.

4. What circus act best describes your week so far?

Well I think it would be a car full of clowns. Explanation to come at another time!

5. What's a food you disliked as a child but you love now?

Mushrooms for sure. I wouldn't touch them at all but I loved collecting items with mushrooms on them when I was a young adult. (Mugs, pictures, nik naks)  I love the form of a mushroom, especially the red dotted ones. Very Bohemian to me!

6. Describe your summer in three words.
Busy Beautiful Blessing

7. Where were you on September 11, 2001? Will you do anything special to mark the day this year?

I had just come home from taking Mark to the airport. It was 6:30 am in California. Normally I would go back to bed but I came in and turned on the TV. OMG.... I could not believe what I was watching. I actually called my aunts house and woke them up. My dad was in town visiting with them. I knew they had to see what was happening. I also woke up the kids. Then Mark called to see if I knew what was going on, they were sitting on the runway not taking off but were not given any information. I had to go back and pick him up. As you know most air traffic was cancelled that day. Also it was bowling that day and it was a solemn day but I felt comfort through by bowling friends. Actually I did do something last night that is worth talking about in another post but it didn't come about because of 9-11 but just because of timing. It too will remain in my heart for coming years.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am extremely busy the rest of this week with a few family obligations so if you don't see me visiting your posts I do promise to be around when I can. This is the reason some of my answers are so vague but rest assured that all is wonderful. By the way, some family members are in the air today and prayers for their safety would be appreciated. Enjoy the rest of your week. ((HUGS))

OLD FRIENDS - OLD TOWN

As in friends from my past!

Technically we are old but that's not the point here!

 

Isn't it wonderful having friends. Even though I moved from Illinois to California back in 1988 I have maintained communication with several dear friends. Don't you just love the direction of events that happen in your life that God has given to you. They may not all be happy ones, that's for sure, but they bring us to our today.

Today I am going to talk about Joan and Jan who became my friends through the knitting of other friends in my life. I was living in Western Springs, IL in a lovely home. We had become friends with several of our neighbors but amazingly we don't always know what goes on behind closed doors. Then my husband left me and it was like the gathering of the broken women. There were several on our block. My neighbor/friend was Cathy and she was going through a divorce too. She ended up moving to an apartment complex where she meet Joan. That is how I meet Joan and we have been friends ever since.

Well after my divorce I needed to find a full time so I would have health insurance. I got a job at the corporate offices of Ace Hardware in Oak Brook, IL. Then later Joan got me in at the Regional office of Hormel in Oak Brook, IL.  That is where I meet Jan. I never really hung with Jan because she lived further away and I was busy with my children. However working with her was a blessing. Joan and I spent a lot of time together. I hung with her on the weekends when the kids were with Mark. Joan and Jan have remained very good friends and as it turned out Jan's son ended up here in Los Angeles years ago.  So Joan and Jan have made a few trips out this way over the years since I have been living here.

Well the next trip they planned was to come here in late August and I got to meet with them on Tuesday August 28th. It has been almost six years since I have seen them. Jan and I have been email friends for a very long time. We send each other jokes all the time so we have become very close over the years knowing about the comings and goings of our families. (I just now got Joan's email. She is not into it much but now I can keep her informed on my family) Well Jan's son now lives in San Diego which is why they were in town and I drove there to see them.

We had a wonderful time. We walked around through the little shops and then went to eat lunch. Ended up sitting there for probably 3 hours talking. Didn't realize how much I missed them and how I wish we all lived closer together. Jan is on the left and Joan is on the right. Love you guys!

"A single rose can be my garden....a single friend, my world."

Leo Buscaglia

LABOR DAY TREATS

I picked up this cute popsicle maker from Avon. I have been wanting to try a few low carb recipes that I had so that's exactly what I did for a Labor Day treat. Of course there were real ice cream treats for those who are not doing low carb! You can find both of these treats at Things I Have Made on Pinterest or use the links below. Both are pretty good for a refreshing low carb treat!

 

 

First I made Mocha Frappuccino Popsicles from

Low Carb Layla.

 

So Cute!



 

Then I made Frozen Orange Creamsicles from

Low Carb Luxury. Of course these are lime

because I couldn't find orange at the time.



We also had a great dinner of BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Corn and broiled Asparagus. Mark invited Phil from work to join us! He brought over some wonderful champagne which we all toasted with our dinner. Our table included Mark, Amber, Adam, Tristen, Phil and me. Dylan was still out of town with his family. We look forward to him returning home on Sunday.

Adam and Tristen having a quiet moment to themselves. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

Click on the button to join us.

Thank you Joyce!!!!

 

 

 



1. In your opinion what's the most important job in the world? Oh, and parenting is a given so besides parenting, what's the most important job in the world?

I'm going to say our military personal who are protecting our country. Next to being a parent I am going to say those awesome doctors and nurses who save the babies who are born early. The ones who give their all to keep those little cuties alive.

2. Share a favorite or not so favorite memory from a childhood birthday.

Honestly I don't remember any of my birthday parties as a child. Wait....hold the phone! I remember a party that I had when I was in HS, maybe freshman year. (I wasn't a child per say)My father managed a movie theatre so we got to go and eat at the restaurant next door and we all got to sit up in the balcony to watch a movie. We all had big boxes of popcorn and drinks. That was in the late 60's. I have no clue what we saw but I remember kissing my boyfriend at the time.

3. Peanut butter-crunchy or smooth?

I have always been smooth but recently have changed to crunchy....so there you have it!!! 

4. William Butler Yeats is credited as saying, "Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing." Your thoughts?
Well if you are growing you must be doing something that you like at the time and that would bring you happiness. Growth can bring change and hopefully it's for the better. That's all I've got!

5. What's something that makes you cringe?

Animals being abused.

 

6. Name a song that always puts you in a good mood?
Can't Smile Without You by Barry Manilow.

7. The answer is yes. What's the question?

Do you love Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you see me on Facebook you may have seen this. I found that I was able to swim when I was in Florida without getting winded. Light swimming and just walking back and forth. So when I go home I thought I should check out our pool which is part of our association which we pay for. This is it and it's wonderful. So I went three times last week and had the pool to myself. The sad part is that after Labor Day they don't heat it anymore. I'm going to try to keep going until I can't stand the cold water anymore. We may be very warm during the day but our evenings get cool so I'm not sure how much longer I can do it.

MY TIME IN FLORIDA

It's about time I show you some pictures from Florida. I really didn't take many and several are from my phone. When you go someplace often enough sometimes you just forget about the pictures. I spent 16 days with my dad and family. It was a perfect visit. I've been home for about 20 days now. Time sure does go by quickly!

 

We kept super busy. We watched the Olympics each night from 8pm until Midnight. That was fun for us and every time the medals were given out we stood up for the National Anthem and of course crossed our hearts.  We went to the casino and also went to show to see Hope Springs.

 

I did notice that this time my dad's memory wasn't as good as when I visited him in March. We would have a discussion about something and maybe a few hours later, or the next day, we would have it all over again :( This is very hard on me. Also had a few close calls while he was driving. Got honked at a few times :o  I worry about that but I'm not sure how to take that away from him. If he can't get out and run little errands each day he would be so unhappy. It would truly be the end of his life.  All in all though he is doing great. A lot of aches and pains which he tries to live with. It's so hard when the body ages. I love him so much.

 

My dad!

 

 Fun with Ashlynn and Garrett. Went to Build-a-Bear and took advantage of the special they had going on. These are my sisters grandchildren. The showed me their diving!

 Relaxing in the sun. Also did exercises in the pool.

 

Took the kids bowling. We had so much fun!

Amanda, Ashlynn, Amber and Garrett

 Love the clouds in Florida!

 

My sister and BIL. My niece Melissa, great niece Amber and her friend. We all got pedicures. Melissa and Amber again plus Amanda and Garrett. Had some great meals out. One night my dad and I were lucky enough to meet with my sister and BIL for a free meal at Red Robin. There is a new one that was opening at their mall and my sister was invited to attend since she manages the Hallmark in the mall. That was fun! It's really hard living so far away from all of them.

 

A saucer my dad had that I brought home with me. 

Wish I had the cup! And the cute little sign bought for my kitchen.

 

A few odds and ends. A super tiny frog, not much bigger then the raindrops on the hood of the car. The tiniest lizard I have ever seen. A MJ game at the casino. I didn't get around to play it. A magazine I picked up at the airport that is so awesome. For Woman First and it is packed full of awesome idea! Some ducks in a row and a mosaic alligator outside the mall by Red Robin.

 

 These are from my flight home. I know I told you before but I will say it again. I got to ride home in first class on each flight. It certainly was fun. The one place that makes me feel like a Queen!

 

There you have it!

 

Happy Labor Day