Illinois Preceptor Mu Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi

Beginning Day 2011 at Kickapoo Creek Winery

2011-08-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

New Windsor Rodeo Group Photo

2011-08-29T07:33:00.001-07:00

2011-06-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

By the way, we DID NOT stay at the Stanley Hotel! Too pricey and tons of people walking around and taking tours there of it.
Though it did have a great view of the mountains up there.
Lois

2011-06-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

2011-06-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

"Colorado"...What a Breath Taking Views!!
We had a great time there at the Rocky Mountian National Park.
We stayed in a cabin for the first 3 nights and Jacob & Sheri (sort-of girlfriend) stayed there with us. Spent time in Esteas Park down town at all the shops. Was there all of 20 minutes and had STARBUCKS!! Ha.Ha.

The other photo is of the Stanley Hotel, famous for the movie "The Shining" with Jack Nicholson. Was really hugh...cost to stay there...$350.00 and up per night. OUCH!!
The weather was rather chilly the first few days there...60-65 in daytime and 35-40 at night. Was kind of rainy one day but the sun came in and out that day.

It was great to see Jacob, he really likes his job and the store he works at (King Sooper Grocery Store) just had it's Grand Opening the day we left, so we stayed for that and then hit the road for home.
I could go on longer but want to leave more room for photos.

I'll share more at our next gathering.
Lois

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T21:16:00.001-07:00

Favorite William and Kate Wedding Photos

2011-04-29T12:22:00.001-07:00

Easter is on it's Way!

2011-03-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Inverness Scotland!

2011-01-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Sisters!!!

2010-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

Castles in Scotland 2010

2010-10-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Stirling Castle

Dunrobin Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Happy to Sad in a Day

2010-09-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is what happen to me on Monday night when Ginger & I were on our way to the studio for an appointment.

We had waited for a train to pass on Seminary st & North. We were the 3rd car from tracks, after the train was done we crossed the tracks I was going slow because the truck in front of me had to get up to speed and just as we got to the middle of the intersection of Seminary & North this car (jeep) came from out of nowhere from the left and hit the front of the van and ripped the bumper and headlights completely off.

The jeep almost flipped over, couple of tires ripped off and landed on the other part of the tracks on North st. The guy in the jeep took off running and left his dog in the car. The cops did catch him a few blocks away.

Ginger and I were OK, just a shook up and Jarred around. My van didn't make out so good. There were LOTS of witness since there were lots of cars waiting because of the train.
Estimate damage at this point is $5,300.00 so far.

Guy that hit us just got his license back a month ago from a DUI and was charged with DUI hitting me. He is only 23 yrs old. They said that he was going about 50mph.

What a downer after a great weekend.

Thanks
Lois

Raod Trip to Amana Colonies 2010

2010-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies, we had a RIP ROARIN GOOD TIME! The weather was great, just a little rain Friday night but Sat was perfect.
We shopped and ate and shopped and ate and shopped some more. ha.ha. The waitress that waited on us last visit wasn't working Friday night when we went to eat, but our waitress was her aunt and she was just as fun & funny.

I think we hit the Chocolate store twice, go figure right.Ha My sister-in-law was visiting from Florida and she went with us. She got Kimmy going in a laughing attach a couple of times.
Here are a couple of pictures to share, there are plenty more to see. I will try to have them printed by the next meeting.

A "BIG" Thanks to Kimmy for setting everything up for the trip. See everyone at the meeting.
Have a great one! Lois

Beginning Day in Aledo

2010-08-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well we had the most BEAUTIFUL day Saturday for our beginning day lunch. Several of us went early to hit the shops before lunch and just so happened that Aledo was having a car show and had several venders there with baked goods and music playing in the park.

Lunch was great, service was great & the room was perfect for our event! The table was decorated with tropical shells and colors. We all received a hand made (by Kim, Lois & Ginger) flower straws for our drinks. Several time during the day we had laughing attacks because of something said or done.
The new yearbooks were handed out to everyone. A big THANK YOU to Cindy for a job well done! The committee chairpersons went over the events for the coming year and we had the drawing for the scrapbook from last years events. The luck winner of that was Carole, as you can see from the photo she was VERY excited about that!! Ha.

Kathy (Darlene's Daughter-in-law) also was able to join us for the day and she fit right in with us like she had been around us for years. She had us laughing many times and even got Kim going on her laughing.

So here are a few photos from the day for everyone to enjoy, hope all that attended had a great time. For those of us that were sampling the wine, of course we had a great day. Ha.ha.

See everyone at our first meeting on Sept 9th.
Thanks to all
Lois

The Sisters Visit Ryan Round Barn

2010-08-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

BSP Picnic Saturday 7.31.2010 @ 11:00

2010-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most unique features of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park is the large, round barn built in 1910 and located near the park entrance. One of the largest round barns in the country, the architectural marvel stands more than 80 feet high and is 85 feet in diameter.The barn has a full-size16-foot wide silo inside. Round barns originally were built by religious groups because they "left no corners in which the devil could hide." Today, the barn is available to be toured the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays, May through October from 1pm - 4pm.

BSP Cookbook Demise?

2010-07-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

Below is the poll results posted on the Beta Sigma Phi website.

Advanced Poll
Due to sales on the current cookbook we want your opinion on the option of continuing the Cookbook?
I would like to see the cookbook discontinued. 55.7%
I am interested and would purchase future copies. 44.3%

Total votes: 5223

It looks like the cookbook will be discontinued due to lack of interest.

Race for the Cure 2010 - "Shirley's Triumph"

2010-05-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Our Spirit Walker Team is named in honor of our sister Shirley Daddona. The walk will take place May 8, 2010 at Lake Storey.

Stacked Books - very cool...

2010-03-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

"Good books don't give up all their secrets at once."
Stephen King

Election Day

2010-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Several precinct representatives wait to check in Tuesday night at City Hall following poll closings. GRM 2.3.10 - Yep, I'm in the photo. Cindy Andrews

Happy New Year Everyone!

2010-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Goodness, doesn't just looking at this photo make you feel warmer? I'd love to stick my toes in the sand...

Christmas Shopping for the Seniors

2009-12-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

This year Bev, Shirley, Carole and I shopped for Alan and Henry at K-Mart. Both guys got gloves and a hat. One enjoys music and a warm throw. The other asked for a flannel shirt and music. I delivered the wrapped gifts to F&M Bank who will transport to the Gordon Behrents Center. Merry Christmas to all! Cindy Andrews

Glamourpusses

2009-11-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

If you like to laugh, if you like to smile, if you like hair and you like it on a kitty cat, you'll love Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs.

What a hoot! or maybe meow...I just couldn't resist sharing this! enjoy!

Halloween at the Clinic Pharmacy

2009-11-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hey girls, thought you might like to see our Halloween attire for this year. As you can see we were all dress up as Johnny Depp characters. Ha.ha. Not my Idea originally but sure did agree on it. ha. Susan was Willy Wonka, Patty was Captain Jack Sparrow, Gregg was John Dillinger and myself I was Edward Scissorhands. What do ya think??

We had some good competition this year with the clinic girls. One set of people from the ex ray department dress and the Gilligan's Island crew and the nurses from the same hallway dressed as the native headhunters. They did a REALLY good job!

It makes if even more fun when more people get involved to make it more challenging.

Well, sorry I missed the last meeting but thought it best if I keep my sick cooties to myself and not spread to others, but I am planning on seeing everyone at the next one at Darlene's for some GOOD food!!

See ya soon and have a great week.
Lois

Beginning Day 2009

2009-08-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Don't forget sisters, we'll be meeting in the East Main Street Hy-vee parking lot at 11:45 a.m. to caravan down to Peoria for lunch. Get ready for Adventure!!!

Innkeepers Anyone?

2009-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Paper Castle

2009-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Beautiful...and it's made of paper! It took the artist four years to create and it's currently being shown in a Japanese museum. Simply beautiful, and so delicate. Now that's extreme papercrafting!

2009-05-13T08:35:00.001-07:00

Race Update

2009-04-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ok,girls our team total went beyond my expectations. We have (drum roll, please) 22, that's right, 22 Spirit Walkers on board! Can we say "Woohoo?!" I'm delighted and I'll just bet Miss Julie is too...

I'll see all of you at Knox College on Thursday as we celebrate Founder's Day.

Race for the Cure 2009

2009-04-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

We are all registered as "Spirit Walkers" under the team name "Julie's Spirit." More details to follow. Please call Cindy if you have any questions or concerns.

My Photo from Millenium Park in Chicago

2009-04-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Have You Seen The "Bean"?

2009-04-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is the Bean, as they call it in Chicago because of it's shape. It was so cool. It is in Millineum Park. Also here is a picture taken from the top of the Hancock Building observation deck, 94 floors up.ha.
We had a great time in Chicago, I didn't reialize that there were so many things to see there. We were there 2 & 1/2 days and still could have seen more stuff. The Weather was great, for Chicago. I tell you what!! Chicago has HOGGED all of the Starbucks! I bet there was a Starbuck about every 3 blocks. I think we seen at least 20-25 of them.
I would suggest if us girls went again as a group, we go and take the bus tour that you can get off and on as much as you want at different places and skip the shopping stores. The other stuff is WAY BETTER!!
I would like to go back later in the summer when the trees are full and everything is greener. It would be even prettier. We went to Grant Park where they held the inaugruation for Oboma and tried to imagine all those people there. WOW! It's a big park but still.

Anyway, had a great time and I will see you all at Founder's Day on the 30th at Knox College, 6pm.
Lois

BABY ALLERT!!

2009-04-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Elaine and Russ are proud grandparents of a new baby girl. Renee gave birth last night or this morning to a healthy 7 pound baby by Cesarean. Grandma did not know a name as of yet.

Elaine said both baby and Renee are doing great. They will be leaving Friday to go to Indy and will be gone for the week she said. She will not be attending the meeting.

Please pass the word if you see a sister.

Happy Easter!
Lois

Alert: Edit Post, Scroll Down

2009-04-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the St. Patrick's Day post, girls. I added a new photo. Thanks for sharing, Elaine.

Ok, Lois, This is for me, David Cook!

2009-04-02T14:05:00.001-07:00

Here you go, Lois, Adam Lambert!

2009-04-02T13:46:00.001-07:00

Biker Chicks

2009-03-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Looks like Elaine and Karan are having a great time in Florida. Thanks for sharing, girls!

Me at Work - slow day...

2009-03-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Australian Fire Storm

2009-02-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

A volunteer fireman rescues a koala bear suffering from burned paws. She was taken to a medical facility and is receiving treatment. So far, 200 human deaths and who know how much wildlife has died. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

International New from Web Site

2009-02-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Walter W. "Bill" Ross III
Walter W. "Bill" Ross III, 85, of Leawood, Kan., died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital South, Overland Park, Kan. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bill and Marilyn Ross Literacy Scholarship Fund of Beta Sigma Phi, 1800 W. 91st Place, Kansas City, MO 64114. Born February 8, 1923, in Kansas City, Mo., Bill was the son of Walter W. Ross, Jr. and Dorothy Eagle Ross. He attended Missouri Military Academy, Southwest High School, and Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving 3 years, 3 months and 3 days. He served in the Atlantic Theatre, Mediterranean and South Pacific. Bill was named president of Walter W. Ross and Company, Inc., in 1953, and served in that capacity until 1999. At the time of his death he was chairman of the board of Walter W. Ross and Company, Inc. The corporation manages Beta Sigma Phi International, the world's largest non-academic Greek letter organization. He was affiliated with Girlstown U.S.A., where he served as the director of the board, KC Philharmonic Orchestra, past president of KC OPO, member of the Atonement Lutheran Church, Blue Lodge member of Mason, served as national director of Cerebral Palsy and past president of Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association of Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Bill married Mary Kay Ready in November of 1945. She preceded him in death in February of 1987. Their son, Walter W. Ross, IV (Bucky), preceded him in death in March of 1992. In May of 1990, Bill married Marilyn Job Wegner, who survives him along with his daughters Linda Ross Costa (Gayton) of Kona, Hawaii, and Judy Ross of San Jose, Calif.; his stepson Ted Wegner of Kansas City, Mo.; his stepdaughter Gretchen Lynch (Jason) of Denver, Colo.; his step granddaughter Ava Lynch; his brother John J. (Jack) Ross and family of Kansas City, Mo., and a worldwide circle of friends. Arrangements are by the McGilley State Line Chapel, (816) 942-9180.

Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen & "The Boss"

2009-01-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite photographs from the inauguration festivities. Mr. President.

With Deepest Sympathy

2009-01-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Marjory M. Reed, Galesburg Chapel
90, 1534 Knox Road 650 E, Galesburg, died at 11:20 PM Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born June 13, 1918 in Biggsville, Illinois, the daughter of Chester and Vivian McGraw Stotts. She married Albert K. Reed, Sr. on March 6, 1937 in Oquawka, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2000.
She is survived by a son, A. Kenneth “Kenny” (and Joyce) Reed, Jr. of East Galesburg, 3 daughters, Darlene K. (and Marvin) Lannholm of Galesburg, Dianna M. (and Jim) Perry of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Judith L. (and Dave) McClay of Galesburg, 2 brothers, Charles Stotts of Rock Island, Illinois and Gene Stotts of Oquawka, Illinois, a sister, Dorothy Dixon of Rock Island, Illinois, 19 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Myrna Stotts and a great great granddaughter, Willow Jean McClay.
Marjorie was Assistant to the Dean at Western Illinois University in the 1930’s and helped the Dean with the writing of a book on Hawaii. She also worked at the former Gale Products Division of Outboard Marine Corporation, the former Ross Clinic, for Sears and Roebuck, and retired from the library department of Carl Sandburg College. She graduated from Biggsville High School and lived her entire life in Galesburg and surrounding areas.
Marjorie was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church and its Women’s Group. She wrote short stories for the Spoon River Anthology and was also a reading buddy at Nielson School.
Funeral will be 10 AM Friday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. Jean Hembrough will officiate. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the chapel. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

So Sorry for your loss Darlene!
Caring Thoughts
Lois

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T14:55:00.001-08:00

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

"True Gritt"

2008-12-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

In our lives as we grow up we all have had to go threw many different challenges that life's thrown at us. Some say that God helps us build our lives and guides us to make the right choices in our lives.
I wonder why it is that some people have smooth, carefree lives with little hardship, while other endure more hardship and sorrow than their share.
Today I took a good look at my life and I realized that I have one of the smooth and carefee lives for today and in the past. I have not endured True Gritt hardship, yet. I've not lost a Spouse, child or parent. To me that is true hardship.

My husband's cousin, younger mid 30's or so, he's married and has 7 children. One son (child #3) was born handicaped with a disease that makes him wheelchair bound. Even with this challenge they still had more children. They had a Walton kind of family. In April of this year he (the dad) was killed in a car accident while riding with his son-in-law. The son-in-law was in critical condition. Now his widow is left with no husband and 7 children and with being extremely handicaped. What a traumatic time for her and their family.
Just this last Thursday (12-18-08) her handicaped son passed away. He was 15 years old. A blood clot had formed in his leg and moved to his lung. He endured brain damage to the area that controls your breathing.
Many of you may have read his name in the Register Mail today, Cody Mecum. When I read about it today I though, how much more could this lady withstand? She has had WAY MORE hardship and sorrow than her share!!

I just took pictures of Cody at an anniversary party in August in his Cubs hat and t-shirt. He was very happy and full of life. Which brings me back to God. I'm not asking why did he take Cody away, more of why does he keep picking on the same family? That's just mean.

I know this is long, but I wanted to share my thoughts with someone and who better to share them with than my sisters?

Thanks for listening!! Merry Christmas
Lois

Happy Halloween from the Addam's Family

2008-10-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, wanted to share our picture from the pharmacy. We dressed up as the Addam's Family this year. We had some good competition this year at the clinic. A group of nurses dressed as Hippie's and the office girls (about 10) dressed as Gang Green and they each had there own disease. One of the guys in the computer office came as a Split Personality and he shaved one side of his head and on the oppiset side of his face he shaved his mustache and goatee off and his cloths were two different set. It was Pretty clever!! Ha, I will bring pictures to the meeting.

The clinic has a contest with different categories, Best Group, Most Original, Best Individual and funniest.

We won best group again this year. Carole came out to see us and I thought she was going to fall our of her chair laughing. ha.

Well enjoy the picture and I'll see you next month.
It was a Spooktacular day!!!
Lois

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Goodreads

2008-10-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed our chapter is now a member of goodreads.com. I placed a widget in the sidebar so we can post books we've read. Please feel free to add your books too. To access the goodreads account - click on the widget, it will take you directly to our page. Then click on the tab "my books" and you'll see a listing of our books. To the far right you'll see a link "add more" Click on it. You'll be directed to a search book. Simply type in the title of your book and click on search. A picture of your book will come up. You may have to sift through the list if more than one is shown. Sometimes you have to look for the "right" bookcover. Once you find your book, rate it and it will automatically be added to our bookshelf. If you have any problems, please call me. I'd like everyone to enjoy this site!

I'm Back!

2008-10-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Gulf of Mexico is even more beautiful in real life than this photo. It's such a clear blue-green that shimmers in the sunlight. And shells, oh boy! did I find the shells. I even found a baby conch shell. I'm ready to go back again. We love Gulf Shores Alabama!

A Must Read - The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

2008-10-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you read anything this year, read this book. It is so well written it blew me away. Think John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemmingway, Colleen McCullough. This is not a fast-reading book. You want to take your time and savor every word. I guarantee you will love it. It's a winner!

2008-09-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Amana Colonies Get-Away

2008-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

What a WONDERFUL weekend we had!!!
We had perfect sunny weather for our shopping adventure. We arrived there around 10:15 am and hit the shops. We can't wait to tell about our trip, there are so many fun and funny things to talk about.

Here are a few pictures of the trip. Enjoy.
Lois

With Deepest Sympathy...

2008-09-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Elaine lost her brother, Alfred Albers, age 66, this past week. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in Feburary 2008. Comfort, peace and safe travel to Elaine and her family. You're in our prayers.

Chicago Part 2 - Windy City Scrapbooking

2008-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Weekend in Chicago

2008-08-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's me modeling in a shop in Chinatown.

Great shot of downtown Chinatown.

All the street signs are in English and Chinese.

Me in Millenium Park around 11:00 p.m.

From Red to Black, that's where we're at!

2008-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

We'll ladies, I think that our garage sale was a success in the sense that I think we are now at least $50.00 dollars to the good now. With a quick count by Shirley on Saturday night, she informed me that our profit was $450.00. If I remember correctly we were in the red by $325.00 or so. This will get us to the positive side and give us a good jump start for the year.
Thanks to everyone and a special thanks to Shirley for her extra efforts and being our cashier the whole day. And also a special thanks to Renee (Elaine's Daughter) for all of her help with setting up and taking down the sale. She was a great help to us by making the cloths rack and setting up tables.
See everyone in 3 weeks at Beginning Day.
Lois

Vacation Bible School at First Christian Church

2008-06-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

We just finished a week of vacation bible school at my church and it was amazing! Our theme this year was "Power Lab" Jesus gives us the power to be thankful, help others, be brave, etc. Any other VBS sisters out there? Please share your experiences too.

Sex and the City

2008-06-03T09:44:00.001-07:00

If you enjoyed the series - go see the movie. This is truly the epitome of a chick flick. I loved it!

Me and Mark Twain

2008-05-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

I was in Batavia at the public library yesterday for professional conduct and ethics training through Prairie State Legal Services. This statue of Mark Twain is at the entrance. He's reading one of his favorite books to me - Huck Finn! Gosh, this is a gorgeous new library. They even have a coffee shop on site.

Race for the Cure

2008-05-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Luncheon/Shopping Trip

2008-05-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Founder's Day at Bishop Hill

2008-05-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Founder's Day Part 2 hosted by the Galva chapters. We had a great time shopping at Bishop Hill and a wonderful lunch prepared by P.L. Johnson's at the Colony School.

Founder's Day in Moline

2008-05-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

2008-04-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was in jail! for scrapbooking! I went to a 16 hour crop in Aledo. It was held at The Slammer - a bed and breakfast in the former Mercer County Jail. I had such a good time hanging with a bunch of scrappers, drinking coffee (some of them are really into Monster drink) visiting, eating, trading techniques. This place was wonderful! We had lunch at a new restaurant downtown called The Livermore. It's owned by Maple City Candy Company. It was pretty good. Beautiful decor. Maybe we can check it out together.

The dining area is the actual jail cells and the tablecloths and curtain are an attractive black and white striping!

A facinating historial series on HBO - I highly recommend it.

2008-04-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

"I cannot live without books"
Thomas Jefferson to John Adams 1815

Summer Reading Book Club Pick

2008-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Race for the Cure Saturday May 10

2008-04-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls! I'll be participating in the Race for the Cure this year and hope some of you will be able to join me. Innkeepers will be sponsoring a team right here in Galesburg with a one mile walk. Registration is this Saturday at Innkeepers from 8am-4pm. The team captain will pick up our packets and cool t-shirts in Peoria before the race. Detailed information will be available at Innkeepers. I plan on registering around 11:00 and my Mom is going to walk too! Come join us! Lets honor the women in our lives that have been touched by breast cancer.

"Day Tripping"

2008-03-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is Jerrilynn Wood from the visitor's center. She gave an informative program on day tripping around the Galesburg area. Thanks Jerri!

Snowing on Easter?

2008-03-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

What's with the freaky weather snowing on Easter? I snapped this photo in my backyard. Kinda pretty. I don't believe I've ever seen it snow on Easter Sunday. How about the rest of you?

Happy Easter Everyone!

2008-03-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Look at this gorgeous Easter lily! It's from my secret sister. Thank you! Mom and I love it! It's so fragrant.

First Day of Spring! Enjoy the Weather, Sisters!

2008-03-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

When Spring Appears

Meadowlarks give lusty cheers
when Spring appears
when Spring appears.

Buds and seeds
prick up their ears
and blades of grass
show eager spears.

And only icicles weep tears
when Spring appears
when Spring appears.

- Aileen Fisher

Get Well Soon Elaine!

2008-03-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

These are for you Karan, Happy Easter!

2008-03-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the Air!

2008-03-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

The weather is fantastic! 59 degrees and sunshine. Spring is just around the corner. Woohoo! I'm ready for yard work!

A New Book by Kate Jacobs

2008-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Kate's new book is availabe May 6. I'll be reading it!

St. Patrick's Meeting

2008-03-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Gals,

Our Meeting is coming upon us this Thursday starting at 6:00 pm and remember we are having a Baked Potato bar with all the fixin's. Everyone signed up to bring a topping, so don't forget yours or we may be having naked potatoes.Ha.
Wear your greens!!! You know I will be dressed in something goofy. Ha
See ya then
Lois

Valentine Dinner

2008-02-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

It was an evening of Good Friends, Good Food and Good Fun!! I hope everyone enjoyed their eveing. After we ate, Carole crowned the new Queen which was kind of funny watching her crown herself.Ha. Then we played a couple of word games. Bev won a little valentine bear. Then we played the "Newly Wedd Game". Aggie & Gene were the winner of that game.
After the games we all enjoyed desserts. It was a fun night.

See ya Thursday.
Lois

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

2008-01-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here's our first pick for 2008 for our book club. Books will distributed at the January 24th meeting at Cindy's home. Have fun reading the book. Discussion will be on March 13 during our St. Patrick's Day party. I'm warming up my knitting needles!

Ho, Ho, Ho...

2007-12-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my sisters, near and far away!
Hope is GRAND.
Lois

Mary Lou's Summer Vacation!!!

2007-11-04T12:13:00.001-08:00

Dennis and I took a trip to South Dakota with my sister, Jane and her husband, Tony. We had a great time. Here are of couple of pictures of what we saw. We saw, Devil's Tower, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and the Badlands. We ate lunch at Wall Drug and also, stopped to see the Corn Palace. Here are a couple of pictures.

Cindy at Niagara Falls Canada

2007-11-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

Convention 2007 - North to Alaska!

2007-11-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sister's of Summer Potluck Mixer

2007-08-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

We will be having our summer social (pool party)at Aggie's house on August 18th. The invitations are in the mail with all the details and everyone should receive them in a day or two.

Also enclosed in the envelope is the invitation to Beginning Day and all the details for that too.

We all have had a very busy summer so far, I know that we have been VERY BUSY. I think that we all deserve a little R&R for ourselves for a change.
Well try to stay cool and don't think about your electric meter spinning like a top because the air is going. Ha.

See you all soon.
Lois

Movie Night with the Sisters

2007-07-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Great Pizza! This is the Draggo. We highly recommend it!
We had dinner at The Cellar, then saw "Licensed to Wed" with Robin Williams. Dessert at Steak-n-Shake. Good evening.

Lois?

2007-07-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

New Baby Ahlberg

2007-07-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Joseph Michael Ahlberg arrived at 1:08 AM on Thursday July 12, 2007.

He weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. He looks just like big brother Jacob.

Karan

Movie Night July 17, 2007

2007-07-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Greetings Sisters! Just a reminder our Movie Night is July 17 beginning at 5:00 at the Cellar. Doesn't that pizza look delicious? Oh, I can smell it!

Keep cool, Cindy

Just fooling around...

2007-06-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Rememberace of our Sister

2007-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

We Will Miss You Julia!!

As our hearts break at the loss of our Wonderful Sister and Friend, we also know that she is our Guardian Angel now.

She will be watching over us to make sure that we enjoy every minute of our lives and family.

That we remember to laugh a lot and have fun, to do fun and goofy programs, get homemade treats from Hy-Vee, that any secret sister gift can be made if you have glue and that being "Queen" is the best.

But the most important thing that I will always remember is to "Have the Courage to stay strong and positive when life gets you down" and to
"Never Give Up"!

Wishing you comfort.
Lois

Summer Book Club Selection

2007-05-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette's brilliant and charismatic father captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want the responsibility of raising a family.

The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The Glass Castle is truly astonishing -- a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar, but loyal, family. Jeannette Walls has a story to tell, and tells it brilliantly, without an ounce of self-pity.

Sisters, you're gonna love this book. I've finished it and it was fantastic! I bought my copy at Target for about twelve bucks. It's also available at Amazon for nine dollars. This is a great book for the beach. Now just to find a beach...Lake Storey? Nah, I'd prefer Daytona!

Have a great summer, Cindy

Sit, Relax, Enjoy Your Life

2007-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, we need to set aside some "me time". Take a few minutes, an hour, whatever and reflect. I like to go to my favorite coffee shop and sit, relax and just daydream. I found the following on the 'net this week. It's from the magazine, Body & Soul. It really made me think. Feel free to print it off and put it on your fridge. It's a keeper.

Ten Thoughts on Whole Living

1. Your home is more than the sum of its walls. Make it a sacred space.
2. Creativity is a lifestyle, not simply an activity. Let is expand you.
3. True forgiveness springs from love, not regret.
4. Learn something new. Emphasize the trying, not the succeeding.
5. Spend some time in the dirt. You'll be amazed at what nature can inspire.
6. You don't have to have a perfect body to feel great in it.
7. Define yourself by who you are, not the roles you play.
8. Find rejuvenation in five minutes of silence.
9. Contribute to abundance. If you no longer need something, pass it on.
10. Find direction in your life by looking where you want to go, not where you don't.

Have a good week,
Cindy

Founder's Day Dinner

2007-05-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

We ladies we pulled it off!!

Other than a few snags things went pretty well that day. We had a lot of good comments and that was good to hear. The cakes were a big hit, especially the raspberry one.

There is one thing that we did not get that day and that is OUR chapter's group photo. All of the dinner photos are posted now on our web site.

The only thing that is depressing about Founder's Day is that is means our year is almost up and our summer chores are upon us. Ha. But we have our summer socials to look forward to and of course that involves more eating. Ha.

See Ya soon

Lois

Happy Easter Peeps!

2007-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Best flavor in 2008! They never get old!

Peeps on the Barbie - this is so, so, bad; don't tell Karan!

The Evolution of Peeps

Oh Baby! It's 1970 again!

2007-03-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

You know you're a child of the 70's if...

You wore that rainbow shirt that was half-sleeves, and the rainbow went up one sleeve, across your chest, and down the other.

You made baby chocolate cakes in your Easy Bake Oven. You washed them down with snow cones from your Snoopy Snow Cone Machine.

You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a basket. You even owned roller skates with metal wheels.

You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute.

You had either a "bowl cut" or a "pixie", not to mention the "Dorothy Hamill" because your mom was sick of braiding your hair.

You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.

You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.

You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple shredded outfits.

You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color.

You even had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle).

You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!

Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" and you kept it "pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket.

You and Your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.

Every now and then "It's A Hard Knock Life" from the movie, "Annie" will pop into Your brain and you can't stop singing it the whole day.

You had Star Wars action figures and you made Shrinky-Dinks too!

You even asked Your Magic-8 Ball the question: "Who will I marry...David Cassidy, Bobby Sherman, or Rick Springfield?"

You completely wore out your Partridge Family, The Monkees, and Carole King albums.

You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape recorder up to the speaker.

You thought Olivia Newton John's song, "Physical" was about aerobics.

You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.

You had subscriptions to Dynamite and TigerBeat.

2007-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

It's Time To Vote!

The time is upon us to vote for "Girl of the Year". Do you know who you will vote for? We will be voting at the next meeting on March 8th, so get your thinking caps on.

Until then keep warm..

Lois

February Service Project

2007-02-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder - Don't forget to bring 2 dozen cookies for the Red Cross Thursday night. I made my famous (?) cream cheese spritzes with pink and green sugars. Spring is on it's way! Don't you just love this weather? Anyway, we'll be meeting at Elaine's home about 7:00 p.m.

I'll see all of you soon!

Cindy Andrews

Time

2007-02-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

Time can be an enemy, yet sometimes be a friend.

There is a time that we all grow, and then a time we mend.

Time that seems to make us late, can sometimes make us cry.

There is a time we call our life, and then the time we die.

Time is used to measure days, we spend here on this Earth.

It helps divide the times in life, and re-calls all from birth.

It is a constant from this world, and then it fades away.

Taking all within its grasp, and making a new day.

Time it seems can measure space, and all ones distant travels.

It rushes us throughout our lives, and then delays arrival.

There's always time for disappointment, and appointed time.

But time that's somehow wasted, seems such an awful crime.

Time can not be bottled, nor packaged in a bag.

But when it's managed wisely, time seems not to lag.

This timely realization, sometimes is not remembered.

Events that seem so timely, though cherished may be squandered.

And now you have, your space in time, for all that it is worth.

To you it seems, a grand old time, your life upon the Earth.

But you will see, that time flys by, and empties your lifes cup.

So make it count, this thing called time, before it's all used up.

- Author Unknown

*For those of you who haven't heard, Karan's best friend, Peggy Martin died early Tuesday morning at St. Mary Medical Center. Please keep Karan in your prayers.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Candy! Candy! Candy!

Enjoy the day girls!

"The New Queen"

2007-02-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

I would like to present to you the new

Preceptor Mu Tau Queen "Carole Batterton".

Faye crowned our new queen just before our dinners came and as you can see Carole was quite surprised!!

The evening was a lot of fun with GOOD company and LOTS of laughs!!!

But our meals were a different story. It was VERY dissappointing. Almost everyone's dinners were barley warm, the bake poataoes weren't even hot enough to melt butter and weren't all the way done. Del, Russ and Kim all got Prime Rib steaks, the waitress gave Russ and Del the wrong steaks at first, then she ended up giving Kim & Russ the wrong steaks. She ordered the 8oz. and was given Russ's 12oz. and it wasn't noticed until it was too late.

We politely complained to the waitress, no management personnell came out to talk with us, nor was anything adjusted on our bill except for changing the charge on Kim's ticket to the larger steak. The waitress even asked Russ if he wanted her to get him the other 4oz's of meat that he didn't get. Can you believe that?

So for those who were not able to attend, you only missed out on the good company and lots of laughs and be thankful that you missed the meal. The coffee was good though!!Ha. Ha.

Until next time;

Lois