Weekend In KC

"Friendship is like a violin; the music may stop now and then, but the strings will last forever."

Being with friends is not an overrated experience! I had my fill this past weekend and yet it was not enough. I headed to my old stomping grounds, saw many friends and still left many on the "To See" list. Sorry to those I missed!

But boy, did I have some fun! I loved discussing the books at book club, eating meals with friends and family, staying up late to gossip and chat, going on a LONG walk, playing cards, being silly with my niece's daughter, enjoying leisurely meals out, and picking up Daughter #1 from the airport.

Did I take dozens of photos . . . no! Did I go sightseeing . . .no! Did I run loads of errands . . . .no! I just had a darn good time relaxing and being. It fed my soul and gave me the energy and strength I need to make it though the next month.

"Truly great friends are hard to find, diffult to leave and impossible to forget."

Relaxing In The West

The mountains have always been an inspiration to me. The ruggedness of the mountains against the beautiful blue skies leaves me breathless - and it is not just the altitude! The landscape of the mountains causes one to pause and take stock of the diversity of the trees, boulders and wildlife. The aspens glistening in the sun next to the sturdy pine trees creates a interesting picture. The eagle soaring in the sky next to the tiniest of birds dancing on the deck provides fascinating entertainment. The massive boulders that line all parts of the landscape next to the smallest of pebbles littering the river rubbed smooth by the running water. Night on the mountain creates a whole new set of awe - I feel as though I could reach out a pluck a star from the sky.

I headed west to Breckenridge with Sir and Daughter #2 to join up with friends for a relaxing Labor Day. The weather was perfect - slightly warm during the day and cool at night. Together we shopped, talked, hiked, ate, told stories, feed the trout, cleaned and laughed. Despite our wilderness week-end, we managed to have 5 ipads, at least 7 computers and around 14 cell phones. You can take us out of the city but you can't take the city out of us!

Now it is back to reality - I am bound and determine to appreciate the beauty in my everyday life. I might not have the majestic Rockies in my backyard, but there is beauty everywhere if we look for it and appreicate the diversity this world has to offer us.

A Day at the PGA

Sir, Daughter 1 and Daughter 2 loaded up the car and headed to Wisconsin with me. We had tickets to the third round of the PGA. Fortunately, they were behind due to weather, so we were able to watch the end of the second round and then the third round. We arrive and went straight to the 18th hole and watched as Tiger, Y.E. Yang and Vijay Singh finished. It was fun to experience the excitement of a live PGA tournament.

After, we broke into pairs and separated for the day. Sir and Daughter 1 were headed to watch the practice green then walk the course. Daughter 2 and I headed to shop for hats, hang out in the American Express tent (AC, nice toilets, TVs, massages :) ) and finally hit the 18th hole again. We could watch the 9th hole and 18th hole come in at the same time. It was fun to watch.

It was a sunny hot day. The grounds were PACKED. The course was hilly, lined with sand dunes and there was not a tree to be found! We enjoyed the day but were tired and hot and were happy to head home before the third round was over.

After our experiences on the course, we concluded that watching the final round on TV at home on Sunday was more pleasurable.

It was a fun day and I would do it again . . . .maybe the practice rounds - so I can have my camera!

The Concert Put Me On The Move

Thank you Disney and the Jonas Brothers. I spent Saturday with screaming fans, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and the cast of Camp Rock 2. Sir and I drove 60 miles southwest of our home with Daughter 2 and friend in the back seat. As they watched Camp Rock, we drove through the Chicago traffic astonished at how long the 60 miles took us.

After the girls were settled, Sir and I took off to shop, eat dinner and wait to go back to the concert. While we were leaving the parking lot, the Jonas Brothers van pulled in. They stopped the bus and the Jonas Brothers got out to greet the few fans waiting for them. I started screaming. . . . Daughter 2 is going to be so made! I didn't have my camera so grabbed my phone and headed to get pictures! How fun.

While at dinner we were surrounded by kids everywhere! While we were paying the bill, the waiter laughed and said, I think you are the only ones in the restaurant not going to the Jonas Brothers Concert. We had to laugh back! We were going to the concert!

We found our spot on the lawn (Daughter 2 and friend had real seats) and made a home for the next 5 hours. It was a beautiful evening, the temperature was tolerable and the sun set while we watched the concert.

We drove home with two very happy girls. It put a smile on my face knowing the joy the evening brought them.

Signing off - still singing.

On The Move In Chicago

I was on the move in my own city! With Sir in tow, I headed down town for a day of sightseeing, eating, shopping and exploring. We boarded the mid-morning train, with our Starbucks in hand, and rushed to the top deck so we could see the landscape of the city.

Once arriving at Union Station, we took the easy route - we hopped in a taxi to Water Tower Place to start our shopping. Our plan was to walk the Miracle Mile and shop along the way. Filenes Basement, Crate and Barrel, Macy's, and Lush were just a few stores we stopped in. We did more "window shopping" then shopping. The streets were bustling with people, vendors, street entertainers and vehicles. It was noisy, crowded yet so heavenly!

We enjoyed a wonderful leisurely lunch at Smith and Wollensky's overlooking the river. As I feasted on my Shrimp Cobb Salad, I watched the endless activity of life on the river. Private boats, tour boats and kayaks kept a move on the river with everyone appearing to have a great time. Our restaurant was below the famous building used in The Bob Newheart Show and various action films.

As we continued south after lunch, we came across a crowd of people with cameras pointed at an indescribable scene. Nosy woman that I am, I went up to investigate so I could to get a picture... must be good with so many people around! They were filming Transformer Three. Dozens of workers in yellow shirts milled around behind the baracades and many looked completely bored as they encouraged people to "keep moving." You could tell a few of the yellow shirts were tired answering questions about the filming. Don't they know it is exciting for us non-hollywood types!

After more window shopping we took the"L" to the Lincoln Park area to explored the area and wait for our 5:00 play. Lincoln Park is a cute area with DePaul University and Children's Memorial Hospital sitting the tone for the shops, restaurants, residential area and traffic. We went to see "The Million Dollar Quartet" which is the story of one night in December of 1954 when Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins all gathered in an impromptu meeting and had a jam session - of course it was recorded. It was a fun play, the music of course made the play, but all the songs were from the very early days of all four artist. I stopped in the lobby after the show for a quick picture with Jerry Lee Lewis - what a flirt!

I rolled into the old homestead, tired and happy. It was a great day with Sir. We made a vow to spend more days in the city exploring!

Heavenly Days in the Ozarks

I hit the road with Sir in tow and head to the Lake of the Ozarks where we joined friends at their cabin on the lake. Lake of the Ozarks was developed in the 1920's and 1930's. The lake is 90 miles in length and has 1,100 miles of shoreline! It is huge and we experienced a small piece of heaven during our 4 night stay. With Daughter #1 and Daughter #2 on their own adventures, we had fun, relaxed and enjoyed lake living with our friends.

What did we do for 3 days? Well. . . we ate, explored the lake jet skiing, went tubing, took the boat to dinner and came home in the dark, indulged in a nap everyday, played uno, packed a picnic and took the boat to a cove for lunch and a swim, enjoyed fireworks, watched the sun set, took a long walk every morning, shopped at the Osage Beach Outlet before we headed to play miniature golf, and did I mention . . .we ate!

My favorite times? Flying over the water on the jet ski while pushing myself to a speed I didn't think I could go. Boating by moonlight. And, setting around the table with friends drinking and eating a delicious lobster dinner as we watched the sun set.

I returned home totally relaxed and a bit tanned. I am so grateful for our friends, for the hot weather and for the time spent with Sir.

4th of July Celebration with Friends

It seems words never can convey the memories of a great week-end. Sir and I enjoys a great time with Daughter #1 and friends over the 4th of July. Our friends from Georgia arrived in time to go to dinner before heading back to the airport to pick up Daughter #1. Daughter #1 has been in DC this summer working at the Congressional Awards Office on the Hill. We were happy to have her home and enjoying Chicago with us.

As Daughter #1 kept busy with appointments and shopping on Saturday morning, we headed to Lake Michigan for a stroll along the beach. We took time for pictures and to watch the activity in the marina. I would have loved to climb aboard a boat and head to sea for the day!

The 4th was spent at a good old fashion parade. We biked in the morning to my friends house just a few miles (Daughter #1 would say 6 miles one way is not a few) north of our house to enjoy a bit of breakfast, a two hour parade and then a great lunch off the BBQ.

After everyone left us on Monday, Sir and I headed to see the White Sox play and win. It was my first official game since moving to the Windy City! The evening ended with a beautiful fireworks display.

Just a few pictures of the parade!