A break from the "Now and Then" series....

...to put in a plug for The Heartland Spa! This was my 4th visit and I enjoyed every minute at the Heartland. I love spending time with Karen plus this is a beautiful place with great food, interesting classes and discussions, and lovely people. I highly recommend it.

(This isn't me...it's Kim, the fitness director and one of the lovely people.)

Crown Hill

Even if you don't like cemetaries, this is a good photo.

Weekend travels

My buddy Eli playing hockey ~ I became his buddy because I was an enthusiastic audience during the several hours of game time.

Our new niece Abbey, happy as long as she could ride high

New cardigan for Nevy ~ finished just in time for our trip

And Nevy herself looking very grown up.

Eli and Abbey were last weekend. This weekend we will be in Cincinnati with our Nevy-girl. Looking forward to a good time with her and with Sam and Gail!

We interrupt...

....our tour of ancient Egypt for an exciting announcement!Stew and I will be taking Ian to Los Angeles in June. We will ride the Southwest Chief (in a sleeping car! I have always wanted to do this ever since the I Love Lucy episode when they headed west!) through the Rockies and the desert and across the plains. We plan to visit Aunt Berniece and California cousins and hopefully our Bakersfield nephew and his family. An exciting way to celebrate a retirement, a landmark anniversary, and a grandson entering his teens!

Trip to Chicago 3: Visiting Minnette

We visited Grandma Minnette at the Friend Center.The kids hadn't seen Grandma's new place before and everyone liked it. It really is a very nice place.

Trip to Chicago 2: Hotel Togetherness

We stayed at a Residence Inn. Each subfamily had their own suite. Very nice.

We wisely decided not to do any sightseeing but stayed at the hotel. We ate, enjoyed the pool, messed around, and read books until we zonked.

Trip to Chicago 1: Traffic!

This is the first of several postings about our recent family trip to Chicago.This trip reminded me why I am glad that I no longer live in a large metropolitan area. Traffic was a nightmare! Going the smallest distance was the biggest deal.

This trip also taught me that if we are going to be stuck in traffic, it will be more fun if we have Ian with us!