Happy Halloween!!!

A SPOOKY HELLO-O-O ...

Trick or Treat Anyone?

The girls are busy making themselves up for Halloween.

In Murphysboro, the age limit for trick or treating is 12. So, this is Bethany's last year for getting "treats"!

Lilly is dressed up as a cowgirl, wearing her pink suede hat she got in Cheyenne, WY.

Bethany is dressed up as a second grader in the 60's. (Wouldn't smile...it's all too embarrassing, even though getting goodies can't be passed up!)


An SIU student and friend, Luella, is taking the girls and several other kids out for a couple of hours. The kids range from about 3 years old to 12. We adults will be at her home with her parents for the evening, ready to sort through the goodies when they come in for the night. There'll be hot chocolate for everyone...it's co-o-old outside. It'll be "sweet"!!!

Happy Birthday ... Erin!!! I didn't forget!!!

Hwy 127 - Southern Illinois

Last post I mentioned that the drive to Springfield was "same ole, same ole", so on our trip last Friday, I decided to take some pictures to see if my opinion had changed. See a selection of those photos below ... then maybe you'll see why I did change my mind. There are some shots included taken in Springfield of the Capitol building, and from the Abraham Lincoln Museum. Bethany spent a couple of days with a friend, so you'll only see Lilly in some of them. We had a blast! Especially, when we were trespassing on the abandoned farm! Maybe that's why our car battery died when we tried to leave. Jim and Lilly flagged down a good samaritan who jumped the battery, and we went on our merry way. What a hoot!

Enjoy ...

The leaves on the trees are turning ...

The farmers are harvesting their fields ... and bringing their corn to the grainery ...

Then we came across an abandoned farm that provided some excellent photos ...

... from the sheds, to the barn, to the water pump, to the falling down and rotting wood that was everywhere!

There was a hint about the age of the farm that came from the old truck and farm machinery.

Then, there were the final artistic finds ... what do you think they are?

That's it! There were a lot more pictures, but you get the idea.

By the way, thanks everyone, for the birthday wishes!
Mari

It's October!

...and...lots of stuff is happening. Here's an update:

TeenREACH Murphysboro

First off, Beth and Lilly are having the best time ever attending an after school program called TeenREACH at the local youth and recreation center. Jim and I have volunteered time in several ways to help increase the membership and get the word out into the community. Here's a snapshot of what it's all about:

The kids that didn't have homework on the photo day got to pose for this picture. Yes...that's Bethany on the left holding up the sign.

Inside, Lilly was diligently working on her homework.

And later, Bethany goofing around....

Here is the flyer I designed that is being used for recruitment with parents, teachers, churches, etc.

Also, there's a poster invitation for an OPEN HOUSE to showcase the students' science fair projects. It's Lights On After School nationwide this month!


OK....next...

Jim and I are off to Springfield again this week for xrays and (hopefully) the last doctor visit to follow up from his neck/spine surgery. I've begun to hate that trip up and back. It's so long and the same 'ole, same 'ole.

Spring, aaahhh, I mean Fall Cleanning?

I must have my seasons mixed up. It's been cleaning and getting rid of time around here. I heard about this neat Yahoo group called FreeCycle.org. We've gotten rid of lots of stuff just posting items and giving them away. I've also gotten a few cool things, as well. Anyway, everything must be free that is listed. Can't believe the activity in the group! Try it! I wish we had an active Craig's List here in Southern Illinois...

Another year older...

Well, Saturday marks the last year of my 5th decade. That's right...I'll be 59!!!!! Goodness, can't believe it! Next year I'll have the trauma most people go through when they turn 40. I can't even remember that birthday!!!!

And, special birthday wishes to: 'Baby Gaby' ... who just turned one; Gabe ... don't know how old you are; Nick...our doctor in training; Jody... we love you!; Safa ... we miss you! Lots of Libras in our circle of friends! (Hope I didn't miss anyone!)

Upcoming...

Lilly's Self-Proclaimed Favorite "Holiday?"

Can you guess? Halloween!!!! She's already counting the days... Bethany thinks this will be her last year trick or treating. (You know how that was...you still wanted all the 'stuff,' but were embarrassed to go to the doors and ask.) Now we're just trying to figure out what 'costumes' would be the right ones. Sizes for 11 and 12 year olds aren't that readily available. Maybe they'll have to resort to making their own...something I did when I was a kid. Heaven forbid!

Thanksgiving weekend

We're making our (2nd annual) trip to the Chicago area for Thanksgiving this year. My long-time friend, Denise, has lovingly asked us to stay with her family again. It also gives us a chance to visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. And, this year, we all will be having lunch with the girls' Grandma Nancy at the Hard Rock Cafe. We also will spend some reflective time visiting Kelly's gravesite. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, so we're focusing our memories on those special times.

That's it for this time...gotta go move some more furniture!!!!!