October 31, 2010

Day 304 - Spider Web


Day 304 - Spider Web
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
It seems a bit strange to be away from home on Halloween. But, I did find this great spider web to photograph! It was spun between the rails of a fence along a wooden walkway between our condo and the pool. This little lagoon has fish, turtles and even an alligator!

October 30, 2010

Day 303 - Hilton Head


Day 303 - Hilton Head
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
After spending the night in Columbia, SC, we finished the drive to Hilton Head today. We checked into our condo and began exploring. The weather is gorgeous!

October 29, 2010

Day 302 - Pretty Fall


Day 302 - Pretty Fall
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We left our friends' house this morning to continue our trip. We stopped in Gatlinburg, TN to tour an area for a possible family reunion. The fall colors are gorgeous at this time of year in Tennessee!

October 28, 2010

Day 301 - Feeling Welcome!


Day 301 - Feeling Welcome!
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Scott and I started off on our road trip down to Hilton Head, SC today. Tonight we stopped to visit friends who have retired to Tennessee. They have a lovely home and not only welcomed us with a great dinner, wonderful conversation, and a comfortable bed, but they even had us on their their chalkboard! Thank you Craig and Pat! It was so nice to see you!

October 27, 2010

Day 300 - Meeting Blake


Day 300 - Meeting Blake
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I still meet some of my school friends for lunch once a week. Several of them got to meet Blake today! Top left is Michele, who is a terrific teaching assistant at the school where I retired from. Top right is Sue S., who is also a retired teacher. Lower left is Betsy, who was at my school, but who was moved to another school a few years ago. Lower right is Sue M., another retired teacher friend. Three of these beautiful friends are also grandmas and the other hopes to be in the near future!

October 26, 2010

Day 299 - Little Firefighter!

Each new outfit I see on Blake is cuter than the last! Well, maybe the baby adds something to the cuteness factor!

October 25, 2010

Day 298 - Horse


Day 298 - Horse
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
There are two of these horse statues outside of a popular restaurant in a mall in our area. They are great for helping one find the best place to park to be close to the restaurant in this mega mall. I met a friend from lunch here at P.F. Changs for lunch today. I hadn't seen her for awhile, so it was fun catching up over a leisurely lunch.

October 24, 2010

Day 297 - Morning after


Day 297 - Morning after
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
These are the newlyweds! We were able to share more time with them this morning at a little brunch in the hospitality suite. It has been fun to get to know Joe and his family. Bekka and Joe won't be going on their honeymoon until December, so it is back to work for them next week.

October 23, 2010

Day 296 - Bekka's Wedding

This weekend, we celebrated with family as our niece, Bekka, got married.
Here, her father is walking her down the aisle. She was a gorgeous bride!




Bekka and Joe's Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony was beautiful! Bekka and Joe were full of emotion as they took their vows and shared their special day with family and friends.

Beautiful Bridesmaid


Beautiful Bridesmaid
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Our daughter, Cheryl, was a bridesmaid in Bekka's wedding. Here, she and here husband are introducing Blake to people during the cocktail hour before the reception.

Beautiful Auntie Kristin with Blake


Auntie Kristin with Blake
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Kristin also had a chance to show off her darling nephew during the cocktail hour. Blake loves his Beautiful Auntie Kristin!

Bekka Dancing with her Dad


Bekka Dancing with her Dad
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
The reception was wonderful! Watching Jeff dance with Bekka brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful moment in a father's life!

October 22, 2010

Day 295 - Bare baby!


Day 295 - Bare baby!
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
There is nothing cuter than a bare baby! Our grandson has added some adorable 'creases' in the last month. In this photo, Auntie Kristin is holding him. She flew in for Bekka's wedding. Today, she has been watching Blake while his mom is off with the other bridesmaids primping for the wedding. Kristin is having a FUN day!

October 21, 2010

Day 294 - Toes


Day 294 - Toes
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
My niece is getting married this weekend. I treated myself to a pedicure today. I must have pretty toes for the festivities! :-)

October 20, 2010

Day 293 - Spooky


Day 293 - Spooky
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
While out for a walk with the dog this afternoon, we walked by this spooky Halloween decoration in the yard of a neighbor. Our dog is usually quite brave, but this guy really spooked her and she wanted nothing to do with it!

October 19, 2010

Day 292 - Blake here!


Day 292 - Blake here!
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We are so lucky that our Grandson lives close enough to visit often! At 2.5 months old, he is already developing a personality. He smiles & laughs, especially for his grandpa, who is holding him here.

October 18, 2010

Day 291 - Fall window


Day 291 - Fall window
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I was working on a big project on the computer today. I glanced out the window beside my desk and saw these lovely fall colors. What a pleasant break from the computer screen!

October 17, 2010

Day 290 - Visiting Northwestern

One of my friends is working as a Housing Director at a sorority house at Northwestern University. Several friends and I drove out to visit her today. The house was decorated for Halloween in true "Judy style"! I'm glad you are now closer to home, Judy!

October 16, 2010

Day 289 - Chicago Botanic Garden

Today was a lovely day for a Fall walk around the Chicago Botanic Garden! I was surprised that there were still quite a few plants blooming. Scott and I toured the model railroad while we were there. It is really neat how they make the railroad look real with the natural plants, rocks, etc.

October 15, 2010

Day 288 - Ivy Hill


Day 288 - Ivy Hill
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I had another nice day of subbing at Ivy Hill today. I liked being here all week in the same position and connecting with the kids. This is the school I was teaching at when I retired and it is always fun to see my colleagues.

October 14, 2010

Day 287 - Birds


Day 287 - Birds
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I was subbing at Ivy Hill today and stopped to admire these great water color bird paintings created by the third graders. I love the way our art teacher brings out the talent in kids. I wish I had had an art teacher like her when I was a kid!

October 13, 2010

Day 286 - Cassie


Day 286 - Cassie
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Cassie was a special education teacher in our district who I subbed a lot for last year when she had team meetings and planning time. This year, she has moved down to Tennessee to teach. She came up for a visit this week during her Fall Break and met us for a drink. Nice to see you, Cassie!

October 12, 2010

Day 285 - Spices


Day 285 - Spices
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
My husband, Scott, has now been out of work for 18 months. When I came home from subbing today, he had cleaned out the cupboard that houses ours spices. Do you think he is bored? :-) I will try to keep the spices in alphabetical order! Love you, Honey!

October 11, 2010

Day 284 - Mums


Day 284 - Mums
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
These are mums that I potted for our patio to add some fall color as our other potted plants are no longer blooming. The pot sits on a table outside our kitchen bay window, so we can enjoy the flowers from inside as well.

October 10, 2010

Day 283 - Spelling Bee


Day 283 - Spelling Bee
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We have a season subscription to the plays at our local theatre, the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. Today was the first play of the new season, Spelling Bee. We had seen this play in Chicago a few years ago. Today's performance was every bit as good and so funny! We're so lucky to have quality theatre so close to home!

October 9, 2010

Day 282 - Fall reflections


Day 282 - Fall reflections
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
What a gorgeous fall day! We took advantage of the weather and took Lucy out to the Forest Preserve for a long walk. I took a lot of photos. This is one of my favorites. I love the colorful reflection of the beautiful fall trees in the calm lake. We're lucky to have such a nice place to walk just a short drive from home.

October 8, 2010

Day 281 - Out for lunch


Day 281 - Out for lunch
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
We went down to see Cheryl and Blake today and after visiting with them at their house for awhile, we took them out for lunch. Blake is such a good, happy baby! We are so lucky!

October 7, 2010

Day 280 - Fallen needles


Day 280 - Fallen needles
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Today is another beautiful fall day. However the wind last night blew down a lot of the pine needles. Looks like the patio needs sweeping!

October 6, 2010

Day 279 - 29 Gifts


Day 279 - 29 Gifts
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Our Book Club meeting is at my house this evening. The books for our December meeting will be handed out tonight. I got to choose the book. I haven't read it yet, but it sounds like a good read for the holiday season of giving. Has anyone read 29 Gifts by Cami Walker?

October 5, 2010

Day 278 - Fall!


Day 278 - Fall!
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Another beautiful fall day! This looks very much like a blue 'Colorado sky', but the photo was taken right here in our suburban Chicago neighborhood. I would be very happy if the weather could be like this year-round!

October 4, 2010

Day 277 - Squirrel


Day 277 - Squirrel
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
What a lovely fall day today! However, this squirrel was scolding us as he sat in the pine tree behind our patio. He was not at all happy that the squirrel feeders were empty! He has come to expect his free meal!

October 3, 2010

Day 276 - Shower of love


Day 276 - Shower of love
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Today I attended a lovely bridal shower given for the daughter of my dear friend and neighbor, Chris. Before the gifts were opened, each attendee was asked to share a story about Chris or Caroline. Some stories were funny and we all enjoyed laughing together. All the stories were full of love for these two beautiful women and the bond we all share. I'm so grateful for the friends I shared this lovely afternoon with!

October 2, 2010

Day 275 - iPod


Day 275 - iPod
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
Yesterday, I went to the Apple Store to help a friend buy her first iPod. Today I went to her house to help her set it up so it syncs to her PC. Since I'm a Mac girl, I was very happy to see that the iPod works just as easily with the PC version of iTunes! I'm sure we'll be sharing games of Words with Friends on our iPods soon!

October 1, 2010

Day 274 - I DO TECH


Day 274 - I DO TECH
Originally uploaded by Karin Beil
I got this license plate about 18 years ago when I was appointed as the BTA (building technology advocate) at the school where I was teaching. Parents and students in the school community still recognize my car when I drive through the neighborhood or come to sub at the school. This afternoon when I subbed at Ivy Hill, I was greeted warmly by staff, students, and many parents who had seen my car!