Visit to Springfield, Illinois 2009

It 's always great to take a trip with other people. First off, you never know what you might encounter. For instance, finding the right seat belt for everyone. Since there were ten of us going to Springfield, Illinois, it was so funny just making sure everyone was belted in. We laughted so much! You would have had to been there to experience that laughter. After what seemed like about a half an hour we were able to leave the parking lot of Heritage Baptist Church. Of course you have to take in account that this is the Senior Saints going on this trip. Ages ranging from about sixty-two to ninety one. With such difficutly in getting belted in we began writing a poem. Started with "We are the Senior Clickers. The mighty mighty clickers.

With Bill Lawson at the helm, we headed to Lincoln's Home. After seeing a movie about Lincoln's home, we had a guided tour in his home and the homes surrounding it.

The next morning we went to the Abraham Lincoln & Presidential Library & Museum. That is so AWSOME to see! "Blending scholarship and showmanship, this expansive 200,000 square-foot complex brings together a culmination of Lincoln history, lore and legend to one state-of-the-art facility. You'll discover more than 40,000 square feet of galleries, theaters and historic displays. Above you see a photo of our group with the Lincoln's family. Yes,those are just statues...but they look like real people.

Here we see another great statue of young Abe with OLD Gary! We could have spent more time here, but we needed to head to New Salem before heading home. We didn't even have time to see Lincoln's tomb.

We ate lunch at the New Salem Village. We saw a sign that said the best burgers in town. I tried one...they were okay, but I'm thinking to myself I've had better.

In this photo we have Les Kramer listening to a man explain how they made buckets, tubs, and barrels at the Henry Onstot Cooper Shop. This shop is the only building left from the original New Salem.

Clair Dietz, ninety-one and Gary listened while this lady at the Martin Waddell Residence explained how different hats were made. And as always time just flies by as you visit all the different homes in the village.

We all wanted to let Bill know that we appreciated his driving and took up a small collection to give him . He didn't want it but Lucy forced him to take it. We were thinking he could buy supper for himself. Knowing Bill he probably put in the offering the next Sunday. But I on the other hand, hope he used it for supper.

Here we have Les and Freida Kramer checking out the map for our return trip home.

If anyone knows me very much, I like funny photos. So after everyone had taken photos of the group, I told them I wanted them to be silly...AND THE ABOVE PHOTO IS WHAT I GOT! Gary jumped in front of everyone and I just took the photo! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

We had a great time getting to know each other a little more and so very thankful to arrive home safely.

Warrens Cranberry Festival 2009

It's only 152 miles to Tomah, Wisconsin where we had reversations at the Comfort Inn. The drive was beautiful. Some of the tree leaves are turning into full color. There were several rock formation that we spotted on our way up.

While I was busy checking us in and Gary was getting our luggage, I didn't even notice their Guest of the Day sign. When Gary came back into the lobby he said, "How did your name get on that sign?" If anyone knows me, they know that I am NOT an observance person. "Wow, that me!" I said. Well I got a package with bottled water, popcorn and a snack bar in it, along with "Congratulations!" for the desk clerk. Being this was our first visit to Cranberry Fest, we really didn't know what to expect! But as you can see in the photo below.....it's a sea of people. Well what would expect with 850 booth of arts and crafts, 350 booth of antique and flea markets, 100 booth farmer's markets. Needless to say, Gary and I got our walk in every day.

With any event one likes to check out different foods that might be available. Since I'm a muncher, those ribbon fries below was one of my favorite foods.

Right near the top was cranberry ice cream!! They only make it for the festival. Gary and I truly enjoyed licking our cranberry ice cream cones.

We won't able to see all the booth but I did have Gary stop at the antique booths. I was looking for some special plates that I collect...Homer Laughlin that have the bull and bear on them. No luck. But we did purchase some goodies to bring home with us. Hugh cabbage heads, homemade blueberry jam, oatmeal cranberry walnuts cookies, honey, and a special dried mix of cranberry, blueberries and cherries to put on our cereal.

The only disappointment we had was when we tried to purchase bus ticket to see the cranberry bogs. It was only one-thirty in the afternoon, but the tickets were all sold out. But we did go visit the Cranberry Discovery Center-Museum and learned all about cranberries. It was such an excellent museum! Do you know why cranberries float? It because they have four air pocket inside the berry.

We won't able to see the Bear Game, (Those Wisconsin station) but because of my special package gift, I did get to enjoy my Sunday night popcorn. However concerning the Bear's game, we did see the last two minutes because we went to the Ground Round which has a sport bar and you could see any team you wanted on individual TVs at each booth. And the Bears won!!!

Will we go back next year? Our reservations are already made for next year! This time we will go Friday and Saturday and get our bus tickets early so we can see the bogs! Plus visit some of the booths that we didn't visit.

For now we will just savor our goodies and look back on Cranberry Fest 2009!!

Mom's Birthday Gifts - Turns 92!!!

What would you like if you lived to be ninety-two? As the saying may go, "Each to his own." Well, we put that question to our mother. And here is what she wanted:

Before we do begin, my mother who grew up on the farm, enjoys just going for country rides. She has always loved looking at houses and even at one point in her life had a collection of houses given to her by her family and friends. So to begin her birthday day, she wanted a country ride. Ride along with her three daughters, Jan, Louise and I as we fulfill her birthday wishes. First on her list was some donuts critters from Edward's Apple Orchard West. She only loves them when they are HOT! So, of course we had to eat them hot off the press.

Some of the critters just look like a much smaller donut! Let me tell you they were hot and very delicious. Above you can see Jan enjoying one of those critters.

Second on Mom's birthday list was onion rings from Culver's. Louise checked to make sure that there was a Culver's in Freeport, because that was where we were going to have our picnic.

Mom's third wish was to have our picnic at Krape Park, in Freeport, Illinois. It's a great family park. We have all been there at various time in our lives.

On Mom's birthday list was having a salami sandwich. So Louise packed the french bread, various cheeses, salami and of course the ingredients that make a sandwich great...like onion, relish, mayonnaise etc.

And no birthday would be complete with out a birthday cake. Since my brother Bruce had given mom a small cake from Hilander's, she kept it for trip. We sang off- key, "Happy Birthday" to her and then we.....

devoured the cake. Yes, we eat the WHOLE THING!!!!! To complete the party, mom then opened our cards and gifts to her.

Even though the sun never came out, we had a perfect day. Before we started to eat, Jan had somthing hit her on the head. "What was that?" Of course if we had noticed what laid all around the ground, we probably would have realized that it was a small acorn. While we were eating, something hit me on my neck, I knew what it was but didn't realize that a small acorn can hurt so much. It just added some more laughter to our day.

Before we left the park Jan wanted Louise and I to walk to the Carrousel to take a picture of us riding the horses. Since mother is limited with her walker on how far she can go on uneven grounds, we left her in the car. Her reaction to us leaving her along...."You mean you are going to forsake me on my birthday." she said laughingly. But when we arrived at the Carrousel, it was closed.

The last birthday wish was a stop at Union Dairy Ice Cream Shop in Freeport, Illinois. What a perfect way to end the day. Above mom is enjoying black cherry ice cream in a waffle cone.

Lots of talking, laughing and of course WAY TOO MUCH FOOD! Now it was time to head home. Hope you enjoyed riding along with us. Wasn't it fun! And to think that mom got ALL HER BIRTHDAY WISHES!

Grandkids Visit 9-18-20, 2009

Like many weekends this year, this weekend was packed full. On Friday afternoon, September 18, we headed for Dixon, IL. We usually love taking our time driving thru all the little towns on our way down. Those beautiful towns, like Byron and Oregon. But with all the road construction going on, we wished we had taken a different route. But we made it in time to see Andrew play soccer. Even if they lost the game, they truly played hard at trying to win.
Here we have Brigitte getting a piggyback ride from her dad.


When Andrew as done playing this is what he looked like. Very soaked with sweat.

After the game, Gary had to mount the bike rack on our buick so we could take the grandkids bikes back with us. That took awhile, but we managed. When we got back home and Gary had taken the bikes off the rake, Andrew came into the house and said, "Grandma, you have to come outside and look at your trunk." "Why?" was my reply. "Just come out and look at the trunk." he repeated.

I'm not sure if you can see the dent, but believe me when I say there is a very nice dent in my trunk. Andrew's bike was a very old bike and we didn't think about how much heavier they use to make bikes. It was the weight of his bike that caused the bike rack to make this dent. Happy to report that after calling State Farm this morning, we are covered to have it fixed.

On Saturday morning we headed for Janesville, Wisconsin for family day with the co-op we belong to. Brigitte hates to have her photo taken and as a result...this is what I got. She still cute. Brigitte could have played in those bouncing houses all day.

In the meantime Andrew and Gary took a bucket ride. This one bucket went up only 50 feet. Some of the others went up to 65 feet. We then had lunch that the company provided. Then we headed to Edward's Apple Orchard West to pick up some donuts. We were thinking that we would see me mother that evening.

When we got home we prepared for our long bike ride to Poplar Grove. We invited Andrew and his sister Lindsey to join us. Their mother said it would be okay for them to go. When I told her that it would be going to Poplar Grove she laughed and said, "Your kidding!" The picture above is the five ahead of me....as always.
Let me tell you after leaving Mary Drive and getting to Roland Olsen Park was enough riding for me. I was thrilled when Lindsey said she had to get back for a youth activity. Sooooo I told Gary we would head back. I even asked Brigitte if she wanted to go back with us. "No, I want to go to Poplar Grove with Grandpa." she said.

Here we have four brave souls heading for Poplar Grove.

Lindsey and I arrived back around 4:30. At the same time Gary and his crew arrived in Poplar Grove for dinner. They must had rested a good forty minutes. Gary realized that the sun usually sets around 7:15 and needed to head back.

Around 6:45 Carrie, Andrew mother came to my door. "Are you thinking the same thing I am? Where are they." was my question to her. Thankfully before Gary and I parted ways, he remembered to give me keys to our house and I rememered to give him our tracfone. When I phoned him, they had just turned on to Dorr Road. I got on my bike and met them on Surf Trail. We all arrived at Andrew's door at 7:15.

After everyone took a shower, we all relaxed and watched a movie that Brigitte had brought with her from home. And we all slept good that night.

After Sunday School and church, we had lunch at Culvers and then went to visit my mother who will be 92 this Thursday.

My mother always enjoy seeing grandkids even great grandkids like Brigitte and Andrew.

Then back home. This time Gary just took his truck. Put the heavy bike in the back along with Brigitte's bike. We don't have the big cab on our truck so I had to stay home while Gary took the grandkids back to Dixon. There is a little side seat that Brigitte is small enough to fit into.

After they left, I turned on the Bear's game and fell asleep during the first half. Didn't even knew it had been raining. Gary got home around 7:30.

So it was another weekend packed with fun, food and fellowship. Thanking the Lord for the safety we had during all of our activity. And for giving us Andrew and Brigitte.

Linda Returns to France

Like any vacations, all good things must come to an end. So on Thursday, September 10th, it was time for Linda to return to France. Our brother, Ron is the first-born and then follows Linda. So we were glad that Ron was able to come here from Chicago for a few days. Since they are both very intellectual, they enjoy conversations that I find very somewhat at a level I'll never understand. I'm just a plain Jane type of girl. And frankly, I enjoy that...at times.Both Louise and Dave were able to join us to see Ron and Linda off.
Here we have Linda letting us know that she has packed her carry-on bag and it is very heavy.


I'm glad Dave and Gary were able to help with Linda's luggage. Believe me when I say: "She packed those suitcases so full that I was afraid the zippers might break." Ha! And to even think of all the boxes she had already sent on to France!


So we wished her a wonderful flight home. Which I'm happy to report that she indeed did. And I know that she has many many memories of her 2009 trip to the States!

We will miss not seeing her around...and even little Sam will miss his Great Aunt Linda.

Trusting she is now recovering from all the activites that come when she visits the States.

Judi Turns The Big 50!

On Friday, September 4th, it was a packed day of fun. Jan came down from Watertown so we could celebrate our sister-in-law 50th birthday. Since Judi works for Rockford Christian we wanted to see what time would work for her to bring her a birthday wish. She had 10:30 openning for just a half -hour. It didn't matter to us. We found her waiting for us outside...we were at the wrong place. I'm so glad we spotted her.
We filled in the most fun and laughter one can only do with this crazy family of ours.

It was nice that Ann-Marie was still off work. She just adds more fun to our adventures. We loved singing "Happy Birthday" to Judi. Afterwards she opened our funny cards and enjoyed the enclosed gifts inside.

After we celebrated her birthday, we continue on with going to garage sales. Yes, we did hit some garage sales on are way over to see Judi.

Then Louise went up and picked up Mom and we all meet at Culvers for lunch.

My niece Tammy had a great surprise for Jan! Jan loves to tell the story of the wide-mouth toad. Well low and behold Tammy was shopping somewhere and came across the book. Since Jan didn't have that book, she was so happy to receive a copy.

And of course it is with joy when my mother who will soon turn 92, can join us. Also with Linda being here from France, it was extra special.

Once agin thanking God for all the relationship He has given this family...like a wonderful sister-in-law like Judi.

A Funny Thing Happened In Door County

One of the big questions when staying at the home of Charlene is: "WHERE WILL YOU SLEEP?" We needed to bring our own sheets and pillowcases. There are four choices. The king bed, the queen bed, one of the two twin beds or one the two hide-a-beds.

This is one blog that I wish with all my heart that Ann-Marie could have posted. She has a way with words and can be so funny. The reason I need her is because it was very comical when looking back! Of course I first must make the statement we made in Door County. "WHAT IS SAID OR DONE IN DOOR COUNTY, STAYS IN DOOR COUNTY" But since I am a Rehfeldt, I must tell this story.Here we have Venita making up her bed. Linda would take the other single bed.
Don't we all look so happy heading to Door County. The five us would arrive on Saturday. In making decisions on who should sleep where, Louise would take the king-size bed and when Tammy arrived on Sunday, she would share the bed with her mom. Jan and I would share the queen-size bed. Linda and Venita would take the single beds.

Sometime during the night, something went awry! One of the hide-a-beds had sheets on it. But no one was sleeping in it. Hummmmm. Linda was in the living room and we asked her if she had slept on it. "No!" not me. Well it had to have been Venita. So when Venita got up she just said, "Boy, does Linda snore. I just couldn't get to sleep so I came out here and made the hide-a-bed." The word snore in the dicitionary says, " To breathe the nose and mouth while sleeping, making snorting noises caused by the vibration of the soft palate." And may I add...very annoying.



To make a long story shorter, Jan & I would ask Charlene if we could sleep upstairs in the room above us. Venita would take our room, which is nice and quiet. Great plan! We thought. When Jan & I went upstairs the next night, we could hear everything. Not only the people downstairs, but anyone outside in the yard. Neither of us slept well that night. So now Venita was going to try the upstairs and Jan and I would go back to our original place.

In the meantime, Linda had taken the hide-a-bed. Beth and Carol took the twin beds. Even though in the morning, we might hear someone say, so and so also snores we finally all stayed put.....

but in the morning the day we would be leaving, I found Jan sleeping on the other couch in the living room. "What are you doing sleeping on the couch?" was my question. "Well, last night you started snoring and I told you to turn over because you were snoring. You said that you hadn't even gone to sleep yet, so you couldn't be snorning. And then I said I must had been dreaming, because you certainly were snorning.!" I do remember her saying that and also remember telling her, "I wasn't snorning, but I will turn over." Then durning the night I must of done some more non-snoring, because she did forsake me.

Louise and Tammy perhaps gets the prize! Never heard about anyone snoring in their bed. Carol and Beth stayed put, but we did find out that each other did snore to some degree! So when making plans where to sleep, perhaps the first question should be...WHO SNORES?

Perhaps I could have titled this post: Musical Beds. Vacations are truly about the memories...the good and the bad.All in all we had a great time! And there are somethings that will certainly stay in Door County..NO QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT! Besides snoring is not all bad...you made end up having a bed all to yourself.:)