beautiful fall weekend

All of you wonderful blog-posters have shamed me into making a contribution...

This has been a lovely week for me, since I had a week's vacation to use up before my Jewel anniversary in November. I think I could adapt to not working at all, although I might have a tendency to vegetate too much. Pop and I went to the Arboretum twice for a couple of nice walks. On Thursday we also took a one hour tram ride (our "free" coupons expired in 2008) and we nearly froze. It was in the high 40's, but an hour traveling in the open air left us almost frozen. We thawed out over lunch and walked through the woods for awhile.

Gram has had a terribly painful week - the hematoma in her hip seems to move around a bit, and there was a large lump right where she couldn't sit or lay down without it interfering. Linda has been really good about applying hot wet compresses to the area, and that seems to give her some relief. She's pretty reliant on the Darvocet to control the pain. When she ran out on Thursday night I offered to pick up the refill, since it wouldn't be delivered until late on Friday. She declined my offer, but I should have done it 'cause she had a really bad night.

My oven refused to turn on all last weekend, so on Monday we had a repairman replace the igniter, to the tune of almost $200. Pop watched carefully, so the next time he can do it himself - as if the same thing would happen again ;-)

Melissa and Dave, I'm delighted that Evelyn is sleeping all night for you. What a difference it makes when you're not feeling like a zombie all the time. We really appreciate all the pictures that you post - can't wait for her "2 month old" picture (tomorrow?) I hope that something happens to make Dave's job more tolerable.

Julie and Brandon, we wish we were at the birthday celebration (and not just for the yummy cake!) Thanks for making Gavin's first year so open to us - we feel like we're there.

How's everything in North Aurora? We enjoyed the Halloween festival at the Devonshire last Saturday, and loved seeing Sami in her ghost costume and Chris in his ninja costume. I expected to have more trick-or-treaters this year because of the wonderful weather, but we only had between 50 and 60. I should give some thought to returning the un-opened bags to the store so they don't tempt us.

Pop has been on an antibiotic for the past 9 days for a sinus infection, and he seems to be feeling pretty well (for an old guy...) Lots to do in the yard, but he has both sides of the garden tilled. We have only 4 1/2 weeks until our New Zealand cruise, so we should be busy getting ready. I really hope we can put together enough suitable clothes, and figure out what else we need to have and fit it all into 2 suitcases (Thanks to D.J. and Gram for loaning us theirs!)

I just found out that the Bears are losing 20-10 to Detroit. I had best go root for them to turn this tide...

Love to you all, Mom