Another day

Another day of planning the crafts for the Christmas Retreat. And I look at the calendar and it's November 24th. Oh my gosh...looks so much like December 24th!

Sleepy evening

" Henri" was very tired after his visit to the groomer. "Bark-N-Bath" in Monee. He was happy though, socializing with the other dogs, who were all walking around and friendly. One was a big white poodle who reminded me of his mother (except she was apricot), and a big fluffy black cat who was very sweet. They said Henri was a very good boy! And he is. And here, "Timber" is just glad that he's quietly laying down.

While Henri was getting his makeover, we had burgers, fries and chocolate malts at "Schoop's" in Monee. I love Schoop's! We used to stop at the one in Munster, Indiana on the way home from Michigan, when we had a place there. This one was very good too with a very friendly small-town waitress. Then we browsed in the resale shop next-door, "Two More Things", and on to a resale boutique in Manteno, "2nd Impressions". I found two pretty little jumpers for Danielle, one is black velvet. For me, a LizWear red flannel shirt and a Sag Harbor black blouse. And a punched tin reindeer ornament and a lovely little enameled Christmas tree pin. I was really looking for a Christmas sweatshirt. I am invited to a "Funny Christmas Sweatshirt Party"! Any ideas?

Beauty shoppe day

Today, Henri goes to the groomer. He's getting pretty scraggley-looking and I told him he needs to be spruced up for the holidays! Do you think he understands? Oh Henri!

Timber does. He is glad it's not him. But Timber needs a bath too. He's getting old and I can hardly get him into the shower anymore. I will see what their set-up is here and maybe it would be easier on him. I know he would feel better.

Then back home to work on the projects for the Christmas Retreat! There are still a few spaces open, so if you can come we'd love to have you! It's Friday, December 4 to Saturday, December 5th. And for those who want to keep on crafting, we stay until Sunday, December 6th! http://www.thecenterpalos.org/ . It's a wonderful Christmas gift to give yourself.

Oh, and I thought it was time to put a new photo on my profile. The old one was from one of Brent's graduations. I think high school, but who knows..... Anyway, I'm older.

More card-making!

Yesterday, Danielle and I worked on some more Christmas card and gift card making. I love her decorated house with the cardinal silhouette on the roof and I love her little snowman. Can you see his arms?

A day at Brookfield

A perfect birthday outing. A day at Brookfield Zoo. Love these lions!

The gates are decorated in their holiday finery.

And it was Tree Trimming Day!

Some of the ornaments were wonderful handmade ones.

The gorillas were putting on a fine show, piling hay on their heads and I guess wondering why it wouldn't stay there.

The beautiful buffalo.

Lunchtime visitors!

Look at this big ol' hippo peeking at us.

And on to the camels.

These sweet faces, watching a grey squirrel run around in front of them on the grass.

The royal elephants.

And a stop for Dip 'n Dots! yum!

Some trees supplied their own decorations. The most beautiful ornaments.

A lazy day. Sleeping in the sun.

Almost all of the animals were out today with the cooler weather. A perfect afternoon for a sunny but cool nap for the lions and tigers.

Pretty, huh?

The sea lions were most active. Swimming and playing chase.

Taking a closer look at us.

Look at those piggies!

This window is asking to be a watercolor.

Soon it was time to go home. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Today's fun!

A trip to the zoo. Pictures tomorrow!

"Happy Birthday to me!"

And to make the morning complete, one of my best friends always calls to sing her birthday song. She calls and sings it to everyone on their birthdays. The day would not be right without it.

"Hey April! It's your birthday!
I'm in charge of the stars and I'm here to say -
Hey, April! It's your big day today!" written and sung by JoAnn