How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm now that they've seen Mt. Carroll

Deena, Dan, Marianne and Jeff

We usually choose less elegant cuisine after an overnight at the farm. But this weekend was different. May Fest Magic invaded our good senses and made us nonchalant about our appearances.  (I think Deena and I look pretty good after planting pumpkins and melons in the hot sun.) Besides we were excited to return to Bella Food and Spirits after having a drink there the night before. We were very well fed and pleased to meet the young owners Shaina and Troy.  

More good news - there's an internet cafe in town and some interesting new shops and people.

Jeff had so many mussels, you couldn't see the linguine

My cilantro lime pork chop turned out to be four chops

Deena's country ribs were knife and fork meaty

Dan's shrimp and ravioli in vodka creme sauce was gone in one sitting

Chicago it ain't

I loved seeing this couple - and their parrot - just relaxing the afternoon away at 

May Fest in Mt. Carroll. 

Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for red rock mountain majesties

Nick, Lizzy and Jeff admire the scenery outside Katie's Hilton

We're heading home to Hinsdale. Got a wedding shower this Saturday. An Assistance League meeting and luncheon next Wednesday. Gotta plant my pumpkins at the Farm, tomatoes and zucchini at home.  Get back in the swing of things.... at home in Hinsdale.

Such is the fabric of our lives. Weaving a rich tapestry that embodies two homes, two lives, each one lovely and meaningful. 

Right now, my bags are packed for our departure but my heart is sitting on the sidelines, sad to leave my children, even if just for six months.

Audrey Knows Best

If Audrey and Marilyn could speak, what words of wisdom would they give the girls who lived under their watchful eyes for one year on Franklin Street?

Would beautiful, sexy, sad Marilyn whisper, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” The right shoes carried Marilyn from stardom to self-destruction to immortality as one of the most iconic and tragic actresses of our generation.   Beautiful - yes.  A good role model - probably not.

But Audrey, Audrey, what a lady.  She was a classy actress and a humanitarian who spent the last five years of her life as a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador, traveling the world to help children in developing countries.  Her thoughtful and graceful words are inspiring, empowering and high-spirited - just the right dose of wisdom for 2012.

Congratulations to my Daughter and her Friends!

 

And remember one more bit of wisdom from Audrey...

Forever Gilmore

Four years ago, I felt like Lorelai Gilmore imparting last minute words of wisdom to Rory in the series finale of Gilmore Girls.  A mixture of sweet panic and joyful expectation that I, like Lorelai, gave my daughter all she needs to live well.  Only then, Katie was leaving for college; the fictitious Rory was joining Obama's on-the-road press corps.  Katie flew through college in 3 1/2 years and started her hotel career in Arizona.  In couple weeks, we'll attend her graduation ceremony and then head back to Illinois.  This time, instead of hearing Lorelai's frenzied speech in my mind, I'll remember Emily Gilmore's composed voice saying, "It's an honor to be your grandmother, Rory Gilmore."