Living by the Seasons

 Oh, how I look forward to the first fluttering leaves of the honey locusts out front, signaling that Autumn is here.

 Even though the days have been hot, the evenings are cooler and the nights perfect for snuggling.

 We had a busy weekend, filled with fun and family.

I didn't take many photos, but since I seem to do the same things each year I went back to the archives for a few.

The one photo I did take was of a campfire.

We are fortunate to live a stone's throw from a large Forest Preserve, the oldest and first forest preserve in Cook County.  On Saturday we celebrated a Party for the Preserves event, a campfire with a group of musicians and a walk into the forest after dark.  We had our Baby grand with us.  What an amazing experience!  I have never walked in the woods at night before, and Penny was all about it.  Grandpa had some reservations, but quickly decided that we should join the fun.  We had a flashlight for the beginning of the walk, guided by a knowledgeable employee and even a uniformed police officer.  At a certain point all lights were turned off and we were in darkness.  It didn't take long for our eyes to adjust and our other senses to take over.  We could hear insects and other sounds that Penny was quick to recognize.  The leader of our group would ask a question and from the back a small voice would answer, yep, our girl! We walked over a half mile into the woods and stopped at different points to hear about the history of the land.  When it was time to turn around we walked with the wonderful employee, and leader of our group, Janet and talked.  It was an experience I will not soon forget.  I hope that Penny will remember our night walk in the woods, or someday this story stirs a memory of a magical night with Grandma and Grandpa.

On Sunday we all celebrated Charlotte's last birthday before she becomes a Willoughby.

The preparations are taking over her life, so we surprised her with a comforting dinner of her favorite

Golumpki. (Polish stuffed cabbage) and a pumpkin cheese cake for dessert.  Of course the talk was of the wedding, and things that still need to be done.  Charlotte was surprised and grateful for the small interlude before things really start hopping!

Now as I am apt to do, I have buried the lead ,so to speak. 

 The news is this, My baby is coming home!

My Michael and his fiancee Amanda have decided to come back to the Chicagoland area.

To say my head is spinning is an understatement.  This came out of the blue, though I have hoped and wished for this for a couple of years.  Mike and Amanda are excited to start a new chapter in their story together.  We are looking forward to more time to get to know Amanda, Kris and Charlotte are anxious to get to know their new sis to be.  Hope she likes Target! ;-)

Finally, I am doing so much better.  I am writing, I mean hand writing again, a major development.  My bumps and bruises are healing, my finger is taking more time, and I may have the crooked finger I always promised to point at my kids.   I told my ortho Doc that no Polish Grandma worth her salt didn't have a crooked finger.  Another x ray and I might start glowing!

Back to life, beautiful sweet and surprising life.  With my hubby next to me on this roller coaster ride, we are pleasantly surprised by what was started by us over 40 years ago. We are truly blessed with great kids and their partners and our grand daughter...We were sitting in the car and from the back seat Penny says, "You guys are beautiful!" Who could ask for anything more.

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments.

Enjoy this beautiful day.

Love, Penny