back in the saddle

After my Illinois trip, couldn't seem to get started again on projects. Was determined not to let myself start anything until I finished the boy pajamas. Well, finally put the push on and just got the last pair done a few minutes ago. So here they are and tonight I can let myself cut out something entirely new.

a little piece of delight

On Bastille Day, I turned 62 and this precious little beaded Eiffel Tower evening bag was among the collection of beautiful gifts I received from my sister. Hopefully, I will get up the nerve to fulfill my dream wish of going to Paris before I am 70.

my other Ginny

I have 2 Ginnys who are special in my life, one is my friend of the past 12 or more years and the other is a friend and also my niece who has been married to our nephew Darin for 15 years. On Saturday my friend Ginny (to be distinguished from my niece Ginny) and I went downtown for a little thrifting, an activity we both enjoy. Downtown is looking good, haven't been since the light-rail system is now completed and functional. This is a view heading north on Central Ave. where an overpass is adorned with Frank Lloyd Wright either designed or inspired pieces. A pretty looking day but hot as a pizza oven.

One of our reasons for going was the shoe and purse extravaganza at Flo's on 7th which might just be the nicest thrift store in Phoenix, not including consignment stores. It benefits the Florence Crittendon home.

I bought 5 or 6 items including these Enzo Angiolini sandals which are very comfy and very "turquoise." Had a really good time. Determined to get out of my rut.

a little bit of this and that

After the trip to Illinois, I have had a bit of a lethargic spell. The Arizona heat can contribute to that. Did rouse myself to create this necklace one fine day. Like it a lot. Black goes with many things.

Also made a tea party for Ginny and Kiera. Kiera has a sophisticated palate for a 2 year old. She ate most of her golden cream of carrot soup and here she is tucking in to the strawberry mousse.

We also had black pepper chocolate cookies and rosemary butter cookies.

An assortment of tea sandwiches rounded out our lunch. A fun time.

Birthday guy

Happy Birthday to my good looking son-in-law Brock doing in this picture what I most love watching him do-being Daddy. Both of my grandsons were lucky to receive their dad's snappy dark brown eyes. I love all 3 of these guys very much.

June is the month for weddings

Today is our 41st anniversary and this is how happy I was to be married to Prince Dennis.

Den's parents were also married in June and I believe the year was 1932. Fran and Mildred honeymooned in Rehobath Beach, Maryland. Not really sure if they were married there or Illinois.

Den's brother Dave and his wife Neona were married in 1957.

And my baby sister Melissa tied the knot with her soulmate Mike in June of 1986. The detail I remember most from their wedding is how upset Mike's mom Barb was that the priest referred to her son as Mike instead of Michael throughout the ceremony. Oh yeah! and maybe when Eric jumped up on the table and it crashed to the floor. Ha!

Long term friendship

On my last night in Illinois, Mom and I spent some time with Bert and Ken who have been our family friends for way over 50 years. Mom and Bert are kind of like sisters.

The 3 of them do lots of things together and it's because of these 2 that my mom can still stay by herself in her house. We all are very grateful to them and love them a lot.

Bert and Ken celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. Lookin' good, you two!

Meaningful locations

Okay, just about done with the Illinois. All these pictures are things that have been important in my life. The Logan County Court house where all our births are recorded and all our business was transacted.

Guzzardo's Pizza which was on the 2nd floor and always seemed absolutely the epitome of romance and sophistication to me during my high school years. And also the makers of some mighty fine pizza.

Lincoln Theatre the sight of many 1st (and last or only) dates.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital where I spent most of my nursing career, learned to really derive a lot of satisfaction from nursing and made some wonderful friends.

Trafton yard

A few views of Mike and Melissa's back yard which is prettier every time I visit.

A favorite spot

On Thursday before we left Joliet, we did a little garage sale shopping and then had lunch here at the yummy Portillo's.

Melissa, Allie and Mom had salads.

But Katie and I know what is primo.

And we chowed down on these juicy Italian beef sandwiches.

Birthday girl

My baby sister, Melissa

We celebrated her birthday with her on June 17

The Trafton Trio

These are my 3 sweet nieces.

Nicki, who just finished 6th grade

Ally just completed her freshman year of high school

Katie with the first year of ISU under her belt.

the rest of Tuesday

Traveling on quite a distance, we finally came to Tuscola. We made a visit to the restaurant and candy kitchen.

Thanks to me telling Devon who is one of the sisters who own this place about Lori's blog and how we were all the way from Scottsdale and Buffalo to stop in, she invited us back into the candy room where she was making horehound squares. She was a pleasure. Mom had horehound but Mona and I opted out. Devon said you either love it or hate it and I am a long standing hater. However, I did partake of some fabulous hand dipped chocolates.

After several hours at the outlet mall we headed up the road to Champaign-Urbana. Got thoroughly lost, found I don't remember my way around at all. We all had the giggles a few times and ended up having some dinner at Silver Creek, a restaurant my son-in-law David managed when they lived there.

The place is still pretty and the food was still good. My delightful dinner of roasted corn chowder and crab cakes. Tuesday was a very long day. We didn't get home until after 11 and we were all very tired.