Memorial Day Weekend

We have a tradition of spending time with family on holidays.  Usually it's Ron's brother, John.  This year was no exception except it turned out to be a four day weekend
One of Ron's sisters, Maryellen, is married to Rollie and they are envolved with the American Legion.  This Saturday the post dedicated a memorial to all services.  It was a nice celebration.
We always have a good time with John and Pat.
The trip home was enjoyable experience partly because we stopped at the Mars Castle.  I had never been so we decided it was time.  They were busy but we did find several cheese s to buy.  When we started back on 94 it was a parking lot.  We stayed on the frontage road til we got to 50 and headed to 45.  We followed that into Illinois and beat the traffic jam.
It was a great weekend but it felt good to sleep in my own bed.
We met his Niece's future husband.  Joe seems to be a good guy.Looks like there may be a wedding this Fall.

Quick Trip to Missouri

The calendar is messing with our plans.  Maybe I should include the Federal Government as party to that problem.  After all they are the ones who made this three day weekend thing for holidays.

Whatever the reason for a mixup, it happened.  Thought we had plenty of time to put flowers on the graves.  I even phoned our usual motel and made a reservation, but when I got off the phone
I realized I had made the reservation for Memorial Day weekend.  Needless to say I called back and cancelled.  Lucky for us she had one room left for this weekend.  It was the handicapped.
We made the trip there Saturday, decorated the graves and came home Sunday.
We made a detour by way of Moris.   Stopped at R Place for a late breakfast.  They were busy but the service was good and the food was great. 

Don't like to make quick trips like that but this time it was necessary.  One time a few years ago I made a deal with a local nursery to have them put the flowers on the graves but they only did it the one year.  I think I'll have to see about doing that again.  We usually drive down a couple times a year so it's not like I wouldn't be going to the graves at all.  We'll see.

Doctor & Lunch

Prettygood day here in beautiful northeast Illinois.  Some may say it's gloomy but a positive visit to the doctor and lunch with my son is a beautiful day in my dictionary.  Not only did my visit go well but so did Ron's.  The spot on his face that our AZ beautition was so worried about  is a skin condition treatable with salve.
Talked to my daughter today and she seems to be doing OK.
Life is good and for that, we thank God.

You Don't Bring Me Flowers

Mothers Day was different but special.  The usual and activities didn't happen but a nicer one did.  My son, wife and two children came to my home and brought flowers, four baskets of flowers.  A son is a son til he takes a wife but a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life.
This year fell under special circumstance for my daughter.
Life is coming along well.  Plenty of flowers, garden is almost planted.

New Life Together

We returned yesterday from our trip to the East Coast.  Earlier than planned.  It seems my other half wasn't interested in sightseeing.  To bad since we were within a hundred miles from New York City.

The wedding went off without a hitch on a cloudless sky day.  The bride and her dad danced to a beautiful song.  Perfect for the occasion.
Sunday was a celebration of a different kind.  Their son, Sammy, second birthday.  What a beautiful child.  So handsome and well behaved.
So now life is back to normal for a couple of weeks.  Ron mowed the yard twice, as usual.  I got my nails done and finished the grocery shopping.

Next will be trips to Missouri and Wisconsin.  Got to put flowers on graves.  It's an old fashioned tradition but one I've been a part of since I can remember.

Mount Arlington, NJ

We're enjoying time with family, close and extended.  Yesterday was a beautiful wedding of our grand daughter and the love of her life.It was a beautiful day.  The wedding was outside and the weather couldn't have been more cooperative. Not a cloud in the sky. The people at our table for the reception were interesting and fun.  We even got in a few dances.  We tied with another couple for longest married.  Thanks again Amber and Tim for asking us to be a part of your special day.