Happy Birthday to ME!!

Upcoming Weekend.............

Saturday is my birthday and I guess all the stars are aligned properly, because there are tons of fun things to do day and night. We are going to start out with Robbie's band "4 on the Floor" playing at the DuQuoin State Fair entertainment tent from 12 to 3. Then we have just enough time to drive back to Rick and Robb's house for Robb's brother Jimmy's 40th birthday party from 4 to 7 pm. Next the Jungle Dogs play a reunion at the Pinch Penny Pub. They probably won't start till 10 o'clock, but we would need to be there at eight to get a table because it will be so popular!! And of course we will stay there till the close of the bar, since it is my birthday and all that :-)
And then there is Sunday. Robbie's other band "The Stokers" will be playing all afternoon at the Alto Winery.
So get those dancing shoes on and come join us this weekend!!
:-)Peace

Didn't Happen

So last night I'm taking Robbie out for his birthday celebration. I talk him into going to the Mexican restaurant that supposedly does the big sombrero hat etc....(he wanted to go somewhere else, but I talk him into this). We walk in and I quietly tell the guy that seats us it's Robbie's birthday. I'm not sure the guy understands, but Robbie overhears me and tells the guy in spanish also. So at this point it's obvious the guy understands its Robbie's birthday. He even makes a few funny comments. We sit down and a different guy comes and takes our order. We eat, we drink (definitely my theme lately as the scale showed this morning). We finished eating and drinking and the guy brings the check, and I'm thinking any minute now. I finish my beer, still no celebration, no hat, no clapping and singing. I go to pay the tab, and ask the guy "don't you do any birthday celebrations anymore?". Well, after much excitement, spanish speaking and yelling at the first guy takes place, we still had no celebration, my camera has no pictures of Robbie in a sombrero, and I'm very sad (and ticked off) and we have to wait till next year to try again.
:-( Peace

Aunt Carol and Jim

Well they had to go.
It was way to short of a visit with my Aunt Carol and Jim, but we managed to do what we could in a short amount of time.
I took them site seeing to Giant City State Park, and then to one of our glorious local wineries.
http://www.blueskyvineyard.com/
They were impressed!!
We ate, we drank.......under a huge umbrella, by the lake, with a nice breeze blowing. Then we had a fun cookout last night, where they got to meet our eclectic, cross mix of friends.
Again with the eating and drinking!!
But they had to drive home today, hope they stay safe on the highway.
:-) Peace
p.s. Happy Birthday today to my Sweetie!!!

My friends know me so well!

Busy Weekend

(but nothing compared to the one coming up)
Late Saturday afternoon was a surprise party for Paul's 50th birthday. It went very well, total surprise to Paul. Good food, friends and family all together at Paul and Michelle's sports bar The Cellar.

Then on to my friends Rick and Robb's house for dinner and craft night. The dinner was fantastic (chicken and tortellini in a Gorgonzola cheese sauce) and I taught Robb how to macramé. Missa and Rick worked on a puzzle for their craft which took till 2:30 am to complete, but they did it!

Sunday started with a great lunch at the Giant City Lodge. They have a family style fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings which is great (but even better when topped off with peach and blueberry cobbler, oh bad BJ!) Robbie's parents took the family out to celebrate the August birthdays. Paul, Robbie and me.

Next off to a pool party for a very relaxing afternoon with friends. (and more food! notice a theme here).
I'm afraid to get on the scale this morning, but, a lovely weekend once again. Hope yours was too!
:-) Peace

FINALLY!! TOMATOES!!

Yea!!! We love tomatoes, and have been waiting for the harvest to start, cos we eat lots of em. We had a TON of rain Friday and they are finally turning red. I had lots of green ones just hanging around waiting for the rain. One of Robbie's workers built me a beautiful raised bed and we filled it with lots of compost. I planted 4 tomato plants, 3 pepper plants, 2 cukes, 2 zukes and 2 yellow squash. I love the raised bed, I plan on putting in another one next year. I have not been able to garden much since my tendonitis, so this is really fun for me again (and good eats too!!)

:-) Peace