Ellinois

Well...we actually DID get to "Ellinois" (as Ryan calls it).  I was nowhere ready to take off on Saturday...in fact, considered canceling out altogether...but my neighbor agreed to come in and feed the dog in our absence, so I ran around and threw things into suitcases, and off we went.  We didn't depart until almost 4:00 PM, Indiana time.  As we were pulling out, Ryan said, "Ellinois, here we come.  Hit the road, toad!"  I laughed out loud!  Not too far down the road, Grandson Ryan fell asleep--and stayed asleep the entire rest of the trip!  As long as he slumbered, I just kept driving.  No stops.

Because of the timing of our arrival, we were to meet the gathering family at TGI Friday's in Springfield, for the celebration of my grand-nephew's 25th birthday.  Ry and I parked there at about 6:20, their time...and stood in the lobby awaiting the rest of the family, due to arrive by 7:00.  After about 30 minutes, my grand-niece Holly and hubby arrived.  Yay!  Someone I recognized!  She said, "Grandma's car is here."  Huh??  They had been there all along! 

Ryan didn't recognize anyone there, so he was acting shy, but he ate pretty well, and before things were over, he had warmed up to his cousin Chance (age 7) and even took Holly's hand when departing. 

I have to say this:  the entire time we were visiting at my sister's very lovely home, little Ryan was pretty much an angel!  Don't know what the odds are of that happening again, but without the stimulation of sibling rivalry (with his sister gone), he was totally civilized!  Played with toys by himself.  Sat at the table quietly eating during meals and used his manners.  Went to sleep on cue.  What a cutie!

We went to visit my niece who is in a wheelchair for another month, due to a head-on car accident on November 30th (not her fault)..  She is convalescing nicely because her husband took major time off to be at home to take care of her and her 7-year-old son, Chance.  (The hospital wanted her to go to a nursing home!)  I have seen pictures of the car, and of Laurie's injuries before surgery and treatment.  She is seriously lucky to be alive!  (Maybe "lucky" isn't the right word.  She had a guardian angel medallion that fell into her lap as the accident happened.)  If you are reading this, Laurie, do whatever the doctors tell you...and get down on your knees (if you could!) and thank both Almighty God, Danny, and your parents for loving you enough to help you get through this.  Wish I had found someone like Danny first time around!

New Year's Eve was a quiet celebration.  It was the one-year anniversary of the death of our brother (although we didn't know it until the next day).  We ate crackers with salami and cheese, and had a toast of sparkling grape juice and/or wine.  Ryan had no idea what it was all about, but since he had had a long nap earlier in the evening, he joined in.  At midnight, we all yelled "Happy New Year" and kissed everyone...and that was the end of that.  Ryan was put to sleep on the couch while my sister and I stayed up too late and drank too much.  (She suffered for that the next day.  I only suffered from lack of sleep because Illinois is an hour behind Indiana time.)

Ry and I left IL for home yesterday afternoon about 3:00.  No problems.  Ry is a good car rider, fortunately, and the weather cooperated.  We hit the sack later than I wanted to, but he was no problem.

Today...my last day of freedom before returning to work...we didn't do much.  Took Ry back to Chick-fil-A (his choice) for lunch (and the play place), then ran some errands.  Got the windshield wipers replaced...and noticed that the car is overdue for an oil change.  The alert light didn't come on!  Also got some drain cleaner for the tub drain which has been running slowly, and some caulk for the new half-bath floor.  There is laundry to do, etc...but can't do everything with a young'un in tow.

Ry will go to one of Meg's friend's tomorrow while I am at work.  Have to have him there at about 7:30...so it will be a busy day.  Robin and her other grandmother return from Atlanta tomorrow, God willing, and the siblings will be reunited.  That should be interesting...  Thereafter, the next two days, the children will stay with the other grandparents while I work.  I will probably have them at night.  Don't know who is taking them home on the weekend.  Ahm tard!

My daughter and son-in-law are blessed, and they don't even know it.  Nathan's father is having a new motor put into the defunct Taurus, on his own nickel, as a surprise.  These people have spent a tremendous amount of money helping them out, as I have.  We want to see themsucceed.  I hope to God the message gets through!  Meg and Nate, if you are reading this, understand that your families love you...but there is an end to our ability to help you.  Be good stewards of what you are given.  It ain't gonna last forever!

Net time!