Observations And A Taste Of Chicago

...ah. Good huh? Chicago is such a pretty metropolis. Friendly too. The perfect blend of big city sophistication and Midwest charm. Kinda like me huh? No? Okay, okay but a girl can dream right?

Oh, and I want to remind you all about my August 19th post. If you have yet to grab the award for yourself, please do! I wanted you all to know how special I think each one of you is. Without you dropping by, I would just be sitting here mumbling to myself and none of us wants to see that now do we?

We had a fine time in the Windy City. Great food, beautiful, comfy lodgings and so much to see and do. It was my 5th trip to Chicago and I have yet to be disappointed. I thought about our friends Sheila and Jim and their families near by. We would love to see you all on our next visit. This was such a quick trip and we kept it quiet and *just for us* this time. I hope that made sense. It isn't everyday that we celebrate a 30th anything right?

And I had no idea our blog friend Latharia was so close by!

I wanted to wish you all a sweet weekend. Stay well, be good to yourselves and remember how special I think each one of you really is.

Thank you all for your sweet anniversary wishes. They meant so much to me and to Bill. Some of the emails were extra dear as well. I was asked if I had any suggestions to offer a newlywed couple. Oh wow. I am the last person that should be doing that!

We did not arrive at our 30th without a few battles and well healed scars. I adore him. Love him with every ounce of what little strength I have anymore. But we are very different in many ways and those differences often rise up when we least expect it. Still, I respect him and he respects me. As one of my blog friends wisely said, "Love is a choice". Yes, a wonderful, glorious choice. It is not something to be taken lightly and is often a choice we must make over and over again throughout the years. There are days that I could smack him silly and days I am sure he could do the same to me. Moments of downright aggravation and dismay at something he has done or said. (I think we ALL remember the German incident, as we now lovingly refer to it!)

Not that we would ever actually *DO* that! But it is the feeling, that moment when I have had it up to my ears with whatever he is doing to aggravate me at that moment...yet there is no one else in the world with whom I wish to spend my life. I am at peace with him. And, just so I can sound exactly like a syrupy sweet romantic comedy (That I do so adore!), he completes me. Yeah, I know, I know but it is true. I got lucky. And, even when I want to scream and throw a dish or two (Egad! How could anyone actually throw a pretty dish! Ack! Sacrilege!), I choose to remember how lucky I truly am.

It remains so much fun to share a city like Chicago with him....but he still can't read a map. Nope.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Fun Foto Friday

Stop Laughing Mommy! The Olympic Gymnasts Made It All Look So Easy!

Now, How Do I Get Outta This....A Little Help Please!

We Started Our Chicago Adventure...

...by jumping on the *L* and heading downtown.

Got off the train at Adams and hopped down the steps to the street level.

Why look Honey! We are in the Theater District! Imagine that!

Oh boy! Oh joy! Lookie! The Goodman Theater! Great, legendary stage performers have made their way to this place over the years. Huh? Oh yeah...that Dennehy guy has been here a time or two but I am not going to get all worked up over that....really!

Ah yes...here we are, just outside the Goodman's front doors. Oh...look over here. They are putting up a poster with all the coming attractions!

Hmm...Jeff Daniels would be fun to see here...and I always enjoy...wait. Do you see what *I* see?

Is that Dennehy guy on this poster? Let's take a closer look...oh MY!

Darned vandals! Look what they did to this! I am shocked. Really I am.

I hope the Chicago PD is working on this case...truly I do. Really. I swear.

In fact, I think I will offer a reward...maybe that will help

apprehend this despicable perpetrator!

Oh, guess where I will be the first week of March?

Now, where did I put all the other Chicago photos...let's see...give me a minute....

The Journey Continues

The Dayton Daily News, August 1978

Couple Weds At Grace United Methodist Church

"I didn't marry you because you were perfect.

I didn't even marry you because I loved you.

I married you because you gave me a promise.

That promise made up for your faults.

And the promise I gave you made up for mine.

Two imperfect people got married and it was the promise

that made the marriage. And when our

children were growing up, it wasn't a house

that protected them; and it wasn't

our love that protected them - it was that promise."

~ Thornton Wilder

30 years...where does the time go? On August 26th, 1978, a young couple stood before God, their friends and family members and took their marriage vows. They had no idea where the road would lead them but oh, how excited they were to begin the long journey. Along the way, they discovered beautiful, scenic spots, just perfect for a lingering picnic or a sweet woodland walk. But occasionally, just when they least expected it, the highway took a sharp turn. Look out! Construction ahead! Quite often those less traveled side roads led to great finds and lovely vistas. Other times, the detour streets were peppered with pot holes, making the road inevitable bumpy. Or, the road markers proved to be confusing and they would become lost for a time. Still, the couple continued on together, side by side, along

the boulevards and interstates of life. And so it was that during this expedition that they began writing their life story. They met while in college, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, during the Spring break of 1976. Two years later, they were married in the same church where her parents had become husband and wife 25 years prior.

He joined the Navy, flying in aircraft and landing on ships. She taught children, sold antiques and worried about him, missing him terribly while he was at sea.

They never got used to that part, those long deployments, but they survived.

2 children would come into their lives, arriving from far away lands and settling into their home, their lives and their hearts. There would be 17 homes, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 Navy Aircraft Carriers, one war, 5 cars, 1 son, 1 daughter, far too many roosters and teddy bears, dozens of arguments over silly things, thousands of hugs, 1 million tears, 1 billion smiles and an uncountable

amount of love. Their story remains unfinished, as does their road trip through this life. They still have no idea where the voyage will lead them but they know one thing...

...they will travel this winding path together. She will still pack far too much luggage, he will still refuse to ask for directions. They will stop at Sonic for her Cherry Limeade and

McDonald's for his Dr. Pepper and she will still ask to stop at far too many antique malls. She will watch her crush, Brian Dennehy, in films on the portable DVD player and he will add silly dialogue to those movies. They will ask each other Trivial Pursuit questions and try to fool each other about the answers.

He will get quiet and hum Grateful Dead tunes and she will get sleepy and grumpy when the day turns to evening and they still have 100 miles to go. But they will also be holding hands. Now and forever...

Fun Foto Friday

This Fun Foto is dedicated to my dear friend *P*...

Have a wonderful weekend. Love you all.

Chicago

"Chicago...that toddlin' town. Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it. Bet your bottom dollar You'll lose the blues..." or so sang Frank Sinatra. How we love Chicago. And this weekend you will find us there. We are heading out today for a weekend in the Windy City. It is a special celebration for us but I will tell you more about that next week! Until then, stay well and smile a lot! You look SO pretty with that lovely grin on your face! Here is a little bit about (From their web site) the bed and breakfast we will call home this weekend.... "Harvey House B&B, a unique and upscale 3 story, 6,000 square foot brick Victorian home, is located in the heart of the historical section in Oak Park, IL. (near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum) The home was totally rebuilt literally from the ground up. Our Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen, formal dining room or the Brussels Belgium stone patio is a perfect spot for breakfast. During the week or on the weekend a full breakfast is prepared, and we accommodate most diet considerations and preferences. Each room has its own distinctive decor, and guests love to explore unoccupied rooms to see where they would like to stay next time. Amenities include amazing fireplaces, private baths, terry robes, flatscreens, TV/VCR, WIFI, Internet workstation dedicated for guest use, FAX and copier, and phone for local calls. Licensed massage therapist available by appointment. 1/4 mile running track across the street, walk to dozens of restaurants and shops. The perfect location, easy access to Chicago (train stop within 2 blocks) with Premier Oak Park location. Our Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen, formal dining room or the Brussels, Belgium stone patio is a perfect spot for breakfast. Every day a full, gourmet breakfast is prepared, and we accommodate most diet considerations and preferences. There is a sign up sheet for what time you want breakfast, or just arrive when you are ready! The Inn accommodates both business travelers and those on romantic getaways! The living room is noted for its fireplace, piano rotunda, bookshelves, and a set of French doors leading to the outside patio. " We are huge fans of B&Bs and really look forward to visiting this one. And yes, there IS a Jimmy Stewart connection. Harvey House pays tribute to a certain film about an invisible rabbit...uh huh. Rabbit. Where would you expect folks from Rabbit Run to stay huh? I will miss you all...don't forget to grab the little award in the post below. Each one of you deserves it. It comes from my heart.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

An Award For You...

I have a little award that I would love to pass on to all of you. I made this one, and it was with all of you in mind. You, the dear blog friends who mean so much to me. Each one of you has a beautiful blog that offers me friendship, inspiration, home ideas, thoughts on how to live more beautifully, smiles, laughter and joy. Each one of you has a blog which is truly a beautiful place to be. I would like to award this to each one of you who visit me here at Rabbit Run Cottage. It is my tiny way of thanking you for bringing such sweetness into my life. You can right click and save, then download it onto your blog if you so wish.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

And So The Week Begins...

Hi there all you sweet, oh so dear people...gosh but I think you all are so special. I often think how lucky I am to have had the privilege of getting to know each of you over the last 2 years. And, how wonderful

it is to meet so many new blogging friends recently. What a blessing you all are to me.

The way I added pictures in the last post might have been a bit confusing to many of you! The farm images are from our Sunday afternoon...part of the last weekend before school begins. I should have specified that! I also failed to mention that the little boy at the pool was my nephew Brady (Or my Boo as I call him!) and Grace is pictured with her BFF, the adorable Miss K. That would have been helpful to any new readers! D'uh Susie Q!

Today was a fun day for Grace. Her beloved "Aunt" M, one of my dearest friends in the world, took her out for a *Girl's Day Out*. They shopped till they dropped, had lunch and well,

enjoyed a lot of girlie talk. Oh how Grace adores M. We all do!

I got many errands done, grabbed a quick lunch with my Mom and then picked up Grace for her late afternoon tutoring session. This was her last one for the Summer and what a delight it was for all of us to get to know Mrs. B. Grace loved being with her and really dug right in worked hard at her reading. Mrs. B teaches 4th grade at the same school where my buddy T is a 5th grade educator. She was fantastic for Grace and has helped rekindle a love of reading in our girl. Mrs. B always met us at Mom's as that was easier for her...a sort of *halfway* point between her home and ours.

Bill and Dan arrived just as the session ended and we all had a delicious dinner that Mom prepared. Isn't fresh sweet corn one of this season's most yummy delights? Add in some juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, fresh half runner green beans and baby. Wow. You've got yourself a great meal!

Tomorrow Grace and I are having lunch, just the two of us. She gets to pick the spot so we will see where we end up!

Thank you for all your sweet wishes to Grace on her upcoming school year. I think she is really getting excited about it all. That is always a good thing right? *smile*

I hope your Tuesday is a good one...be good to yourselves!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

A Lazy Summer Weekend

Just a few shots from our weekend...such sweet days. Sunny and low humidity, cooler temperatures, family, friends and fun. The last lazy weekend of Summer...school begins this week!

I hope your weekend was a lovely one and that all is well in your corner of the world.

Grace starts back to school on Wednesday and yes, I will miss having her around all day. I always dreaded the beginning of school with Daniel and now, with Grace. I loved being able to spend more time with them. Gosh but it all goes by so, so quickly.

Grace is excited about the upcoming year and a wee bit nervous too of course. She has a wonderful teacher and her best friend is in the same class so that is as good a start as possible! We did her back to class clothes shopping last week, Grace got a new haircut and has all the needed (and wanted) school supplies at hand. I would say we are as ready as we are going to be!

I Think I Know This Guy...

Great interview. You can pause the music player if you wish to listen in...

He Looks Familiar...

Fun Foto Friday!

Ah yes, it's that time again. Fun Foto Friday! Okay, okay. Calm down now. Please, remain calm! I realize I have missed a few Fridays...hm? What? Oh, more than a few? Well, since I have been remiss in posting on a few Fridays, I will now try to make up for that. I know how excited you must be but do try to conduct yourself as gentile ladies and gentlemen.

Ahem. And now, without further ado or run on sentences, may I present:

Fun Foto Friday!

Okay now, where did you get that photo Gracie...stop laughing! And yes. That IS Mommy on the right. Peace out and groovy man. And they called it puppy love... Let me introduce you to my *grandchildren*...here is my Grace with Emily, Samantha and Olivia visiting Grace's Grandma. I have no idea how Grace does it...the girls are always so well dressed and coordinated, unlike their Grandma Sue.

Sometimes life just stinks Auntie Sue! Haircut, schmarcut.

This is the LAST time I do this no matter what my Mommy says!

How many more pictures should we add today Boo? Two more? Okay, you're the boss... You gotta have friends...right? It's a guys night on the town.

So Hon, what do you think of today's Fun Foto Friday? Bill? BILL?

Well, all good things have to come to an end...and so it it is for this chapter of Fun Foto Friday. Aw ladies! Come on...

Dry those tears. There will be another one next week!

I hope your weekend is a sweet one. Remember to do something good for yourself.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

He Didn't Take The Bait

A red brick Georgian home in a great Oakwood, Ohio location.

Offered at $595,000 by Felix S McGinnis

937-602-5976

*sigh* Old Billy Boy would not take the bait. Silly man thought the *Father of the Bride* house was too expensive for us. Hm...I offered to serve him nothing but mac and cheese for the next 20 years and, for some reason, he STILL balked.

But hey. Being the good wife that I am, I found a few other places that would be quite do-able and still eat hamburger now and then.

How about that first one? Heck, that living room alone sold me. But still too high? Okay then...

I can do even better price wise and still get a lot of charm. How about a house in the Oregon Historic neighborhood of Dayton?

Offered at $275,000 by Listing Agent: Swick, Denise 937-743-2350, this home has gorgeous woodwork, a lovely garden and an adorable garden house.

Back into the $500 + range, we have this home in Waynesville, Ohio, just down the road from the town where we live.

I could love the wallpapered bathroom (The match for the pretty laundry room next door) and how about this pass through shower? Hmmm...but I KNOW I love the wine cellar room. Look at the brick work and copper sink. *sigh*

Offered by Listing Agent: Kyle Bowling 937-432-0246

In the $670 + range, we have this house which reminded me of Diane Keaton's home in Something's Gotta Give.

I would love this house for the bedroom and master bath alone! Talk about sweet serenity!

Listing Agent: Sherman, Patsy 937-298-6000

Yes, yes. I do love our Rabbit Run Cottage and I doubt we will be making any moves too soon.

Bill and I have been quite happy here even without the fancy amenities and, well, square footage of many homes. Still, I can glean ideas and have a little fun looking right? And if Billy dear is ever feeling really guilty about anything, I have a home or two to show him. Naw...he will never feel THAT guilty. Nope.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q