Labor Day Weekend

My weekend

Friday evening: After checking on the canines in my care, I met my friend Rhonda for supper. We both needed to laugh after the long week!

On Saturday, Lauren and I delivered cookies to one of Sunday School kids (because BAKED GOODS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS). He's had some struggles obeying. He did tell me Sunday morning that his poppa died and "I didn't even get to give him a hug goodbye."

After our visit and a couple hours of chillin' with the dogs -- Foxy Roxy (which is my new nickname for one of the canines) and Shiloh, I met the girls for a FUN DAY OUT AT THE ORCHARD!!! I, Angela Dawn Good, was the first to arrive at the orchard. I KNOW! (Said like Monica from Friends!) I am never-ever early...infact 9 times out of 10, I'm usually late...or if I am "early", it actually means that I am literally RIGHT ON TIME. In order to locate me, my text said, "I am near the banjo man." Well -- guess what? Mr. Banjo started walking around...so like a stalker (which Greg Delaney believes that I am), I had to follow Mr. Banjo.

Leah and I both LOVE the apple orchard. "Love" as in we-would-move-in if they would let us. :) What a delightful day for a trip to the orchard -- it was classic Midwest SWEATA-WEATHA! Sunny, breezy, and a crispness to the air. (sigh) What a beautiful thing. We ate donuts and drank cider. Ruthie and I split a 1/2 peck of gala apples. And I purchased a gallon of cider to share with my brother who was on his way out to visit.

After the orchard, Bry showed up! We hung out for a bit and ate some yummy salsa that I "made" -- I really didn't make the salsa in its entirety...it's a doctored-up jar of salsa. I will post the recipe.

After chowing on that and getting Bry acquainted with the dogs, we hit the bike path. We didn't do the Leah & Angie insane bike path that nearly killed us a week or so ago. Bry and I started out a Harlem High School and walked to the Perryville path and we meandered down that path about 1.5 miles. It was a nice evening for a walk...too be honest, it was actually cold. Neither of us grabbed hoodies so we sure did hustle to get back to Rosie!

Sunday morning after Sunday School and church, Bryan and I went out to Red Robin for lunch. I had not been there in 2 years. I believe the last time I was there was with the guys from Terracon and Lauren the secretary. And I know for sure that Chad was in the mix -- so it had to be 2 years ago...I remember them joking about Iron Mountain.

After Red Robin, Bryan wanted Coldstone! I threw my anti-sugar diet out the window for the day. Bryan had faux banana ice cream with coconut...OF ALL THINGS! Ick! He said it tasted like a Banana/Coconut Cream pie. Gross! I had a scoop of peanut butter ice cream with a crushed up peanut butter cup. LOOK -- IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO ALL OUT AND HAVE ICE CREAM TO HELP YOUR BROTHER CELEBRATE HIS 33rd BIRTHDAY...WHY NOT GO ALL OUT AND HAVE YOUR FAVORITES???? I mean really...it's not like I eat that stuff everyday!

After ice cream...we went back and hung-out in Loves Park for a bit before heading to Sunday evening church! After church, I delivered Bryan to the cottage and got to see Maggie. She wasn't vexed at all that her human wasn't around. I am beginning to wonder if she does not enjoy not having me around. Cats...they don't have owners, they have staff!

This brings me up to Monday -- Labor Day. Bry and I met this morning for breakfast at Machine Shed. OH MY GOODNESS-----YUM! I had an omelet and Bry ordered the Carrot Cake pancakes. How he can eat a gazillion & 5 carbs and not put on any weight is beyond my comprehension! Needless to say -- we shared our food. His pancakes...I believe I told my mother, "The next time I suffer a broken-heart, I am going to Machine Shed and ordering those pancakes and having myself a happy carb-fest!" They were soo good. In lieu of syrup, they sent out buttercream frosting. Who would've thunk!!! Frosting on pancakes?

After breakfast, we ran to Starbucks where I caffeinated my brother for his 5 hour roadtrip back to Hudson. We had tall pumpkin spice lattes. 'Tis the season.

Lastly, Bryan and I took a couple pictures and then he went on his merry way.

After he left, I took myself to the gym for a good workout. I have to admit -- all that sugar made my 60 minutes on the elliptical fly by. I watched Rachel Ray for a bit. After working-out, I went and hung out with the canines. I painted my toenails and fingernails while the dogs laid outside in the sunshine being the sluggards that they are.

What a great weekend.