Yeah, that’s broken

The other day I went to turn off the upstairs bathroom light, but the switch had other plans. The light stayed on, and the switch itself was just hanging there. Andy took off the switchplate so we could get a better look and ... yep, it was a goner. Also, very gross. Apparently, switches collect more dust and grime than you'd think. We made a quick run to Menard’s, picked up a new switch, and Andy got it installed in no time. Now it works perfectly and it’s clean! (Note to myself: Wipe down this switch on a regular basis).

Back to the ‘burbs

Did I mention that Tower Hill had no cell or wifi service? It's been sketchy in past years but this time we had nothing.

Breakfast on Sunday morning was our last meal of the weekend. They had sausage gravy (ick) but the biscuits were OK. At least they had sausage and bacon. Sadly, no eggs.

Then it was time for worship. It was warm enough to be outside. The sun was peeking through the trees and we saw a group of five wild turkeys walk by but they were too far away for me to get a picture. Once we got in the car to head home, I was back in the 21st century with cell service and wifi! I was able to check in on E who was on the plane back to Seattle. Saturday she had a sorority installation at UIUC.

On the way home, Andy and I took a detour to the Albanese candy factory and bought a big bag of assorted gummy bears. This 5-pound bag of "misfits" for $10 was tempting but we'd get tired of one flavor (green apple or grape) before they were gone. Note for next year: Bring a bed pillow from home.

Tower Hill Saturday

Saturday morning is the only real church programming of the retreat (other than Sunday worship). This was a list of people telling how they use their senses to bring back memories. I had to mention almond extract. I always made the kids smell it when I was baking Christmas cookies and said, "It smells like Christmas."

Andy and I went to a couple of antique shops then a produce stand where we ran into one of his golf buddies. Seriously. They were comisserating about the Americans losing (so far) in the Ryder Cup. We bought a big bag of fresh Michigan honeycrisp apples. This dishtowel was in the store's housewares section. It's full of funny stuff no one needs.

Lunch at camp was bad. Dry chicken tenders that even ranch dressing couldn't save. And no dessert - boo. After lunch, Andy and I went exploring. We went to Bridgman and stopped by Weko Beach. Andy thought this sign should also say, "No fun." His golf buddy was at a campground there but we didn't try to find him.

At the beach on a beautiful day.

We stopped at Haymarket Brewery, which also has a location in Chicago. The wall murals were kind of rough and a little creepy.

They have a nice outdoor space but we wanted to watch the Illini vs. USC football game and with seconds left on the clock U of I won 34-32.

Back at camp, the social event for the afternoon was a happy hour. Lots of cheese, crackers and some wine.

We had a great turnout.

Dinner was bad too. At least there was salad and garlic bread. I could have done without the soupy vegetable lasagna. Andy helped organize the retreat and didn't have any say in the catered food but thought maybe one lasagna was supposed to have meat but they mistakenly brought us two vegetable ones? And, again, no dessert.

After dinner were games in Schrag...

then Andy built a fire where everyone gathered for s'mores and conversation. It was nice to see stars that we can't see in the city.

To Tower Hill

I worked a half-day Friday then picked up our friend L's daughter for the drive to Tower Hill. E was out shopping when I got home so I didn't get to say good-bye. I did win a friendly bet with Andy when I saw she arrived home with an Alpine sub.

In New Buffalo we stopped at the Church Brewery where our friend B met us and then drove his daughter the rest of the way to camp.

We stayed with them in Cabin A.

There was no group dinner outing planned so Andy and I went to the Red Arrow Roadhouse. I got the steak quesadillas and Andy had a chicken sandwich on na'an bread. It was called a na'an chicken sandwich but he didn't realize it would come served on na'an bread.

The tables there were covered with license plates and the table we were seated at had Duran Duran on Illinois plates. It was a sign ... from the '80s.

Back at camp we walked to the lake and saw some deer ...

and the sunset. E had her hair and makep artist come to our house for her trial Friday night. She sent me pictures and looked beautiful but I won't post any so everyone will be surprised on the wedding day.

Dress fitting day

Yesterday was National Daughters Day and E was home!

I took the day off to go with E to Cantigny where she finalized some wedding details ...

like choosing linen colors, how many tables, which beers, etc.

Happy hour will be on the patio. Let's hope the weather is cooperative.

Inside the hall.

Their sweetheart table and cake table will be set up in front of the fireplace.

Such pretty, well-manicured lawns and gardens. It's too bad they probably won't get there for pictures before the sun sets.

Then we went to Oakbrook Mall where she got her nails done and I sat around.

We stopped at Lou Malnati's for an early dinner.

Then we went to the dress fitting where I sat around some more and didn't even get to see her in the dress.

I drove home so she could sleep. She had an early flight and had been up a long time.

Firepole dedication

Andy and I went to the museum last night for a gathering with some of our generous donors.

So many desserts ...

and champagne!

I love a well-executed theme and one of our volunteers nailed it. We were there to celebrate the 147th of Philander Barclay whose photos essentially started the Historical Society. A bicycle repairman by trade, he rode his bicycle all over town to take photos so the tablecloth and napkins had bicycles on them and there were bicycles on the table, of course.

We also had a dedication ceremony for the firepole that was installed late last year. The museum is in an old fire house so it's only fitting we have a fire pole, and now we have a plaque dedicating the pole to the executive director (who had the idea to install a pole) for his 30-plus years of working at the Historical Society.

The surprise of the night was the executive director sliding down the pole. Normally, the hole is covered with plastic so visitors can't slide down. He went pretty fast, hence the blurry photo. I also have a video that I hope to post on Facebook today.

Andy helped me out by taking pictures. Here he is in action.

Pretty surprise

I took the recycling out and noticed these purple flowers blooming where I don't recall planting anything.

Apparently, they're asters and are perrenials so we'll be seeing them for years to come, I hope.

Good timing, Pilgrim

Andy and I went to church Sunday, ending our self-imposed summer break, and it was our first time seeing the sanctuary without the large overhead speakers. The sound system was recently replaced which included smaller speakers placed by the woodwork so they're barely noticeable - just in time for E's wedding. Let's hope the sound actually improves.

Bears win

Andy and I went to our friends Matt and Renee's house to watch the Bears game yesterday ... and the Bears won, beating the Cowboys 31-14.

Matt plans his game day menu based on who the Bears are playing. They played Dallas so he made steak fajitas, rice, beans, the works. Delicious and great company. We talked and laughed all night long.

I'm not sure what to think about this German waitress woman apron Renee gave me as a parting gift (at least it wasn't an onion lol!) She wanted one from Amazon and it came in a two-pack. I kind of like it.

Housewarming party

Andy and I went into the city with our friends Matt and Renee last night for our friends Tim and Betsy's housewarming party. They recently moved from the Lincoln Park area to the Wicker Park neighborhood. Parking is a bit of a challenge but we found on-street party about a block away.

Beautiful and spacious inside. We spent most of the night on their outdoor patio.

They sent us home with leftover barbecue, lots of rolls and an onion. Who leaves a party with an onion? Apparently we do.