Outside of Bond County

Mike and I have been spending more time out of Bond County lately.  The reasons for this usually involve dining and shopping but we manage to include time with our family (both human and animal) too. 

On November 3, Suzanne, Heath, Laura, Mike and I got together in Edwardsville to enjoy dinner on Laura's official birthday.  We met at a Mexican restaurant which all enjoyed.  The special drink of the day was Strawberry Margaritas which for some of us made the trip worthwhile right there. 

On Thursday of this last week, my favorite quilt store was having a sale.  I needed some items to complete some Christmas projects but it was also the perfect opportunity to spend time with Suzanne on her day off.  We ended up having lunch at Sweet Katie Bee's Organic Bakery in charming downtown O'Fallon.  We ordered hot lunches so while we waited for them we ate a sampling of their desserts.  That's what I call a perfect meal.  

While at Suzanne's house, I noticed she had made a few changes.  There is no longer a glass coffee table in the living room.  The dogs Finn and Pongo were playing and Pongo knocked into it.  It was made of safety glass so it shattered into pellets but it made quite a noise according to Suzanne and Heath.  Plans to replace it are on hold as the dogs seem to enjoy the extra space and Suzanne is not sure what exists that is Pongo proof.  

Suzanne has also added some Cat's Meows to her window ledge over the front door entry staircase.  She had so many that Heath had to create a second story by adding a board on which to place the extra.  It looks great.  Suzanne insists she wants to rearrange them but Heath insists they buy a ladder first.  

The paper bats are from Halloween.  

To fortify myself for the long drive home after eating, shopping and inspecting Suzanne's house I stopped at a Starbucks.  That's another perk of Suzanne living in O'Fallon.  O'Fallon has three Starbucks so there is always one on my way to wherever I am going in O'Fallon.  I ordered my first Peppermint Mocha of the season.  

The following day, Mike visited Suzanne in O'Fallon.  He had driven his brother Bill to the airport in Belleville and had some time to kill before his sporting good store opened.  They ended up going out to a Starbucks but first Mike insisted on greeting the dogs.  He wanted to see Finn who has spent many days at our house this year.  Suzanne would not let Mike leave until he also greeted the cats.  According to her and Heath, Mike qualifies as a cat person now that he has bonded with Kitty, the cat that has moved onto our property.  Based on her photo, I would say she is right. 

On Saturday, I met Suzanne and Heath in Edwardsville for our annual craft show shopping at the local High School.  The High School band organizes it as a fundraiser.  They have approximately 300 booths and have been doing this for twenty five years.  Suzanne and Heath shopped for holiday ideas which meant they spent less money than me.  I shopped for Thanksgiving decorations and actually found some.  Mike helped me decorate the front porch with them. 

At this point, Mike was a bit concerned that we were encroaching on our children's time a little too much.  I asked Suzanne about this but she was not concerned.  She said since we were not planning to get together again for another eight days I had nothing to worry about.  Phew!

I had such a good time at the Edwardsville Craft Fair that I stopped at another one on the way home.  Without Suzanne and Heath's influence, I spent more money there.  Then I commissioned a Thanksgiving wreath that I now am going to have to pick up at another craft fair next weekend.  Guess I am going to be spending even more time outside of Bond County.  Can't wait!