Life Happens

 On our way to Starved Rock State Park here in Illinois to see our friends and hopefully see some eagles.

 It was so gloomy and foggy.  Some spots on the highway were really soupy.

 There was still ice on the rivers, but the temperature was rising all day.

 We found our friends already checking out the eagle situation.

 Over the river on a branch was one eagle, posing for photographs.  We did see one other eagle in flight.  It's pretty thrilling.

 We headed over to the lodge for brunch.

 The conversation started out serious, as Sue was in a terrible car accident in early December.  She was hospitalized for three days.   Of course we talked about our kids and grandchildren, pleasant conversation and sharing.  I hugged Sue repeatedly, so grateful that she is doing better. Life happens to us all, but we are here for each other through thick and thin.

 What a great room, no pun intended.

 Plenty of spaces for relaxing and conversation.

 This is Dot and Kev.

 This is Sue and Ron.

 This is a kindly old couple, but forever young on the inside.  We ladies have been friends for 50 years. That is where I am concerned.  Sue and Dot go back to maybe first grade, and Kev and Ron have been friends since grade school too.  The guys, have known each other since our courting days in the 70's.

A good time, as we always have when we are together.

 Earlier in the week we had some snow.

Just love the look of the neighborhood in a blanket of snow.

 On Monday, I looked out the window to see this amazing sky at sunset.

 How do you even try to describe this beauty?

It only lasted minutes but it was stunning.

 I put this geranium in my hubby's office at Christmastime.  It loves the all tech talk and the sunny days.  Sorry honey, I will try to keep up with the falling petals.

 I enjoy this pop of color in the winter.

 Changed things up just a little for Valentine's Day.

 I pick out all the green candies from Christmas to enjoy at Valentine's Day. ;-)

A little bit of Valentine's Day in the kitchen.

On a sad note, my guild lost a dear member on Saturday.  Our friend Shirley died suddenly.

Shirley was an amazing artist.  She was generous with her talent, decorating the Church for the different seasons and holidays.  As a guild member, she held the record for cutting out the  most Hug a Bears.  Her quiet nature and kindness made her a pleasure to work with.  She had a twinkle in her eye when she talked art and gardening.  Shirley will be sorely missed, but we are comforted because so many of us have her lovely paintings.   Those paintings will be cherished, just as Shirley's memory will be cherished by all of her sisters in Guild One.

Thank you for stopping by and for your friendship and kindness.

Enjoy this beautiful day.

Love, Penny