November 15, 2010
Day 319 - New bed
Lucy's new bed arrived today. I had to order her a new bed because she chewed up her old one when she was staying at The Doggie Playhouse while we were on vacation. I ordered this bed online from Fetch Dog. I think she likes it!
November 14, 2010
Day 318 - Happy Birthday!
We celebrated my father-in-law's 80th birthday today! His family knows him well, as everyone gave him very funny cards that brought out oodles of belly laughs. Two things I love most about him are his great sense of humor and his strong love for family. Happy birthday, Bob!
November 13, 2010
Day 317 - Expressions!
One of my friends has a daughter who is a senior at BGHS and a member of The Expressions Show Choir. Each year, they have a fund raiser dinner, silent auction, and show to raise money for their competition trips. They are sounding great this year!
November 12, 2010
Day 316 - Sunset
Living in a densely populated suburban area near Chicago, we don't often get a good view of a great sunset. So, when we do get a glimpse of one, I can't resist snapping a photo!
November 11, 2010
Day 315 - Traveling!
Cheryl and Blake are going to Denver today to visit Auntie Kristin. It will be Blake's first trip on an airplane. I'm really proud of Cheryl for traveling alone with Blake. I know they are going to have a fabulous time!
November 10, 2010
November 9, 2010
Day 313 - Sleeping baby
Our grandson, Blake, is 3 months old today. He is growing so fast! We know that we won't have too many more months when he is small enough to cuddle and fall asleep on a shoulder, so we are taking advantage of all the snuggle time we can get. What a wonderful way for Scott and I to spend an afternoon!
November 8, 2010
Day 312 - Celebrating Life!
My dear friend and colleague, Ann, died from breast cancer several years ago. Each year, near her birthday, many of us gather for a dinner to celebrate her life. We had 20 friends around the table tonight at one of our favorite restaurants. Several friends always help brighten the table with decorations, flowers, and candy, all in pink to honor Ann's heroic fight. This year, we were able to celebrate a new joy. Ann's husband remarried this year and her 3 young children are now blessed with a new mom who loves them very much.
November 7, 2010
Day 311 - Good-bye Halloween
Now that we are home from vacation, it is time to put away the Halloween decorations! This pumpkin always makes me smile. My mom made by needlepointing on pieces of plastic canvas.
November 6, 2010
Day 310 - Wedding vows
We've watched our neighbor, Caroline, grow up. She is a beautiful young woman. It was so delightful to share her joy on her wedding day and to celebrate with our dear friends from the neighborhood where we have lived for 28 years.
November 5, 2010
Day 309 - Long trip!
We are finally home after a very long day of driving. We decided to make the return trip all in one day so that we could attend a wedding tomorrow. We made it safely after driving 987 miles from Hilton Head, SC to Arlington Heights, IL.
November 4, 2010
Day 308 - Berries
Our plan for today was to hike in the wildlife refuge near Hilton Head. We were able to get about an hour of hiking in before it started to rain. It is a lovely place to enjoy the South Carolina flora and fauna!
November 3, 2010
Day 307 - Bike ride
We took a long bike ride today. The sand is hard enough here that it is easy to ride on the beach near the water. We enjoyed the views and seeing the wildlife.
November 2, 2010
Day 306 - The Wilkes
Today we made the drive from Hilton Head to see the sights in Savannah, GA. Scott's brother had recommended that we visit The Wilkes restaurant for lunch. I'm so glad we did! There was an incredible amount of delicious, Southern food, served family style at tables of ten. This restaurant has been in business and run by the Wilkes family for 40 years.
November 1, 2010
Day 305 - Ocean!
We spent today at the beach. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm day! The ocean was very calm and pretty. In this photo, Scott is standing in the water, enjoying the view.
October 31, 2010
Day 304 - Spider Web
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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!
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