Holy Fragments, Batkid!

We are humbled and incredibly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support received in response to Miles' larger-than-life, superhero wish in San Francisco. 

 

Due to the drastic increase in Web traffic, and perhaps because of a few troublesome villains, we apologize for the difficulties experienced in accessing our site.

 

We appreciate your continued support and encourage you to learn more about Make-A-Wish^® and how you can help us grant more wishes.

MILES...not your everyday hero!!!

Welcome back to my little Fragment of the World!  I used to be so on top of this weekly post.  What happened?  Maybe it was the dog...or my Adventures in Retail...or even the daily exercise of not really exercising, but planning to exercise!  At any rate, I'm back and happy to be here!

 

It's getting colder and a tad more windy here in Chicago!  This little SoCal girl still can't seem to get used to it.  I guess I just need to go shopping for more sweaters...and coats...and leggings...and cute boots!  Oh...and we are just about to have a great sale at work (Friends & Family)!  What a co-inki-dink! I'll just wrap them up and put "From Santa" on the tag.  Boy, will I ever be surprised!!

 

My _acebook addiction seems to be getting a little out of hand lately.  I don't play any games, but I seem to be checking status and pages of everyone I know....not just once, but more than a few times a day (hour).  This has got to stop!  A good friend realized she had this problem and just cancelled her account.  Could I do this?  Do I have the "juevos" to close off my only connection to the world (other than phone, email, letter writing and or jumping in the car and meeting for coffee)?  Nope...can't do it!   So...I've developed a plan to limit my time on this site to "3 times a day, with nothing in between"....sort of like my feeding times.  I don't know...it sounds a little white-knuckling to me...what do you think? 

 

I am looking forward to snow...just as long as the streets are clean by the time I have to go to work.  Bring it on, Mother Nature!!!!

 

 

Please stop by Half-Past Kissin' Time to catch up on the fragments of friends of Mrs4444! 

 

Baby's Breath

Your sweet breath brushes upon my face and seeps into my soul

The gentle wisp of air that comes from your lips…how it humbles me

You are the most perfect miracle of my life

My pain is no longer as we become one in spirit

I will be still and stay in the moment for as long as I can

This is our time, and it belongs to no one else

For you, my precious, are my world, my life, my everything

This baby’s breath of yours is a gift from God

Forever to be held in my heart

I wanted to submit my first piece for Trifecta.  The challenge I chose for this week is: baby's breath:US a scented plant, esp. Gypsophilia Paniculata. I realized after I searched for a photo, and wrote my piece, that I was supposed to write about the dictionary meaning, not mine.  I am submitting anyway, and hope that I don't get kicked out by the amazing participants who write for this site.  Thank you in advance. 

This photograph was used with the permission of Jessica Esfahani Photography.

Friday Frags - Oh is it Friday Already?

Just a quick howdy and here's what's new!  THE CARDINALS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!!

Spent last weekend purging the basement at the St. Louis house...I survived...I didn't even have to take pictures of stuff I threw out!  Will go back again next weekend to (hopefully) finish the job!  Need to pull off some wallpaper...not excited about that!  While standing at the kitchen window, watched a family reunion of squirrels, the resident woodchuck, and a small group of deer who like to pass through our common area.  We just get skunks in Chicago! Sorry, didn't take any pics! 

The highlight of my weekend was getting together with my YaYa Sistas!  We all worked together at the same preschool about 10 years ago, instantly became bestest buds, and continue to keep in touch.  One summer we all went to see "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" which has bound us together forever!  One sister lives in Washington state, one in Kansas, one in Illinois (moi) and the last one in Missouri.  I LOVE  these ladies, and it was Divine intervention that got us all in St. Louis on the same day!  May I introduce (our movie star names given to us back in the day) from left to right, Lisa Marie Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and Rita Hayworth. It's been a week since we saw each other, and it still seems like just yesterday for me!

I get to spend my weekend at work...making up for the lost wages of last weekend's fling!  That's okay...I'm taking notes for my book on retail adventures!  Big shoe sale at Macy's this weekend...come on by!

Thanks for stopping by here today!  Please check out the Fragments of some wonderful friends over at Mrs4444 at Half-Past Kissin' Time.  Just click on the logo below!  Have a great weekend!  It will be full of Baseball (ahem...Cardinals), football, hockey and all the fun things the kids will be doing!

The Big Purge

Hey, I'm back from the dead!  I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but I've been living some really great adventures full force so that I could return to Blogland and tell you all about them! Have I got some great Bug Juice stories for you!  They will need to wait...for now!

I live in Chicago; my house is in St. Louis; and, unrelated to this story, my heart will always be in Southern California. We, the Mister and I, have decided to sell our house of 18 years so that we can (1) stop paying taxes in two states; (2) get rid of stuff that we have had since the '70's - which has almost come full-circle and can be stylish nowadays; and (3) move forward with our lives.

This coming weekend we will make the five-hour drive to the house to begin picking away at the last 35 years (or more) of our lives.  As we examine our booty from the past, we will decide to sell, donate, or throw away.  Keeping will only be allowed after a command performance on my part which will entail throwing myself to the ground, wailing uncontrollably and/or inducing hypnosis upon the Mister making him believe we need to hang on to something..."these ARE the Droids you are looking for..." The kids have already been put on notice to put sticky notes with their names on any items they would like. Sorry girls, you don't get the china and silver just yet!

I'll bring the camera so I can take pictures of all that I really, really want to keep, but know in my heart that I can't.  After I recuperate from the emotional stress of the Big Purge, I will post again...a new woman...with a butt-load of room into which new stuff can go!

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy the rest of your week! 

Nope, Can't Do!

A year ago, 

my life took a turn in a new direction   

I was no longer allowed to stuff the emotional hollowness 

with glitter and unicorns 

Glitter and unicorns are pretty and made me feel good, 

but they could not be a part of my life

A new way to fill up the emptiness 

was presented to me on a silver platter

All I had to do was to follow the directions, 

which I have with great tenacity

I still admire pretty things, 

but I don’t need them to be happy, 

especially the unicorns

I am full

I am loved

Our challenge this week was to write exactly 100 words about the word "forbidden" without using the word, itself!  Boy, that wonderful Jenny is full of fun and games, isn't she?  Please ride your horsey over to Jenny's place and see how my friends have shared their creative genius!  Just click on the logo below!  Thanks for stopping by!

Fraggin' My Day Away!

Welcome to Friday Fragments, sponsored for the summer break by Unknown Mami.  FF will return to school in a week or so when Mrs4444 recuperates from her summer break!  Please stop by Unknown Mami's Friday Fragments by clicking on the Logo at the end of this post, and enjoy the witful wonders of fellow writers as they check in for the week!  Be sure to give Unknown Mami a big thank you hug for hosting this blog for the summer.  She's done a fabulous job keeping us in the loop!

I didn't have a chance to write about my BlogHer Conference experience last Friday as I was tied up in knots from the two hour drive (which should have been 1/2 hour) coming home from Downtown Chicago.  The conference was a huge success and although I only took part in the Expo Hall experience, I loved it!  My day started out with a "bang" as I entered through a revolving door and leaned in to the wall-of-glass-that-was-so-clean-I-thought-it-was-the-lobby! No worries, no blood or passing out for this tough cookie!  There were freebies to be had everywhere!  Too bad the food was not part of my eating plan!!!  I got to meet the Pillsbury Doughboy and told him that I loved him.  I watched as representatives from Dancing With The Stars performed while using a Shark Multi-Floor cleaner.  There were many booths advertising healthy living products.  One such booth had a mini aerobics class going on.  It took me back to my Richard Simmons days of the '80's!  In all, I had a great day and managed to get home in time to throw a pizza on the dinner table for Mister and me!

This week included all the yearly doc appointments (all is good) and a grooming visit for the dog!  I've enjoyed making "Magic" at my retail job and even got a kudos for writing up my manager.  No worries, it was a good write-up!

I'm so excited to say that I have been published in a magazine for my support group. It feels really good to have an article accepted and in print.  I know this was a God thing and I'm thrilled beyond (insert your favorite roller coaster ride here) that my work was chosen! It's given me the kick-in-the-you-know-where to submit more!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Don't forget to say hello to Unknown Mami!  Enjoy this wonderful sunny weekend, where ever you decide to spend it!

I Used To Be....

I'd like to introduce you to a blogger friend who inspired me to write this post about the jobs I've held in the past decades of my life.  During the past week, Jeanie, at Living Consciously, shared her "job" history in a post.  I found it fascinating to read and I loved learning new things about someone whom I admire so much.  She has inspired others to do the same, just as I would like to put out a challenge to you.  I think it shows a different side to oneself, and reminds us of just how far we have come.

My very first job, other than babysitting, was sweeping the floors and cleaning the stations at a beauty salon. It was summer, I was 15, and I thought it was so cool to have a job that didn't involve children.  In my senior year of high school, I began working at Knott's Berry Farm, an historical/amusement park, where I was an ice cream scooper.  Yes, you know what I ate on my breaks!  While earning my Associate Degree in Secretarial Science (yep, that's what it was called) I began working in the credit department for Sears.  I was one of about 50 people who took phone calls from retail associates when the credit cards wouldn't work.  Upon graduation, I was hired by a law firm in Newport Beach, California as a Legal Secretary Trainee.  It was a dream job, in a dream city!  All I needed was a dream apartment to go with it all.  I got the apartment in a smaller town next to the dream city, and all was well.

As I gained experience, I moved through several legal secretarial jobs ending up in Los Angeles, where I studied acting in my spare time.  The acting school provided a few opportunities for work on a small scale...just enough to get addicted...I was very fortunate to get a few "extra" parts.  I realized that "in front of " the camera was not exactly working for me, and thought about "behind the camera" opportunities.  While employed at The Getty Trust, I became inspired by two women for whom I worked to return to school to obtain an undergraduate degree.  I returned to college, majoring in Communications (Radio,TV and Film).  It was there that I realized how much I loved to write.  As I was closing in on my last year of school, I heard the tic-toc of my biological clock.  My husband and I knew that we wanted children. The university wasn't going anywhere and there is no age limit to be a college graduate.  I took a break...for about 15 years, to bear some fruit...four of them!  To help with losing the baby weight, I taught aerobics at a Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylum! 

When my girls were in preschool, I volunteered to help out in the classroom and found a new love!  An opportunity for a teacher assistant position became available at the preschool, and upon encouragement from a neighbor who happened to be my daughter's teacher, I applied and got the job.  During this time, I also substituted for teachers who were going to be out.  This was my new "dream" job!  However, age was beginning to catch up with me, and carrying extra weight was taking it's toll on my body. I found I needed to step away.  My love for children was still very strong, so I applied for an office position (photocopy lady) at the middle school close to the house.  I advanced to school receptionist and then Guidance secretary.  Middle school is a quirky, geeky, still somewhat innocent age that I love.  Every day was a new adventure for me!  It was in this job that I was given the opportunity to use my writing skills, and this is when I discovered blogging.   A move to a new city brought me to my current position in the wonderful world of retail.  I'm thinking of writing (I'm sure it's been done a million times) about my adventures in retail, and the diverse group of individuals with whom I work, and the customers with whom I connect every day! I'm enjoying my job as I can schedule most of my own shifts and have free time when I want it. 

I still have the dream of finishing that degree.  I will accomplish it. It's a bucket list thing...  How about you?  I would love to hear your "job" story!  Please click on the blog site above to visit Jeanie.  Say hello from me when you do!


Thanks so much for stopping by!

Gettin' Gutsy

I would love to introduce you to an author, blogger (some of you already know her), mom, event planner and all the other hats that we wear! Her name is Sonia Marsh, and her site is Gutsy Living.  Please click on the site name and check out some exciting things going on, like her Gutsy Story of the week (no plug intended), as well as prior Gutsy stories, her recent posts about an upcoming event for a Gutsy Story Anthology made up of stories submitted by writers from around the world, AND, more importantly, her book, "Freeways to Flip-Flops," which started it all.  She is a genuine and lovely woman, full of courage, strength and inspiration. I am sure you will be impressed and fall in love with this lady, just as I have.

I recently submitted a piece for her Gutsy Story segment and was elated that it was accepted.  I am honored to be considered, along with so many other courageous and inspiring writers.  Please visit this wonderful site and you will be awed at the level of fearlessness and power that is shared through the stories she has posted.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Whoa, Stanley!

Welcome to Sundays in My City.  I am from Chicago, Illinois, and here's what's new in my town!

Hockey, Hockey and more Hockey.  Our home team won the big prize this week, and many, many, many people came out to celebrate on the ONE DAY that we DID NOT have severe thunderstorms, hail, flash flooding, and all-around yucky weather! The sports gods were taking care of business for us!

The celebration began the moment the Chicago Blackhawks plane landed. For the next 24 hours (it seemed) they shared their victory with Chicago fans by a gigantic pub crawl throughout the city.  They thanked fans, signed autographs for the fans, and even let fans "touch" the Stanley Cup trophy!

I've lived in cities where there were Superbowl winners, World Series winners, and NBA Champs, but this is my first experience with hockey champions.  No, I was not in the crowd depicted above, however, if you look closely in the team picture, you may see me putting rabbit ears on one of the players....I wish! 

For more places to visit this Sunday, please click on the Sundays in My City logo below to see what is going on in other places.  Give Unknown Mami a huge hello while you are there!  Thanks for stopping by!

F is for Food Addict

Hi, my name is No (I can't tell you my last name because we don't use last names here...but some of you already know my last name is Excuses), and I am a food addict.  Well, after you all pick yourself up off the floor from laughing (hope none of you wet yourself while you were down there), let me explain. 

I love food.  I am in love with food, and I simply don't want to live if I can't have it!  There!  I've said it! Admitting that is the first step. Food makes me crazy, just like boys used to make me crazy.  Food makes me feel safe, just like mom and dad used to make me feel.  Food fills me up and helps me to fall asleep.  When I am asleep, I don't worry about anything...because I'm asleep, and nothing is going to happen until I wake up...right?

Like most moms, I can multitask, but when it comes to food, I have tunnel vision.  The only thing I can concentrate on is getting the food from the table to my mouth.  Sometimes, this part can't happen fast enough...especially if there is a desert involved.  Have you ever wondered how we discovered so many different, yummy tasting things!  We had to have help.  There must be a supreme being out there with computer access to every single recipe that was ever written, and sends just the right ones to us, just at the right time.  Believing that this being is providing recipes to us is the second step.

There are some days that I just can't decide what to eat.  My choices are too many, and then, there is the preparation.  Can't someone just make it for me?  Oh, yes, drive-thru!  But then, what drive-thru should I drive through?  Decisions....I can make myself so crazy!  So much of my time is wasted on trying to figure out what to eat, when to eat it, how much to eat, how much time do I have to eat, and then when I'm done...should I have desert?  I think I'll just let someone else decide all of that for me.  That's the third step.

Food is glorious...in the right amount, in the right combinations and eaten at the right times.  It nourishes our physical body, but should stop there.  When it becomes an obsession, a crutch, or a means to escape or numb out, it is just as unhealthy as alcohol, drugs, gambling or smoking can be, and needs to be addressed like any other addiction.  I made light of it above, but food addiction can make people very unhappy, sick and even cause death.  I know, because I have a food addiction. I was sick and unhappy; I am now in recovery. Every day the sun shines a little brighter, and I love the journey on which I now travel.

"The truth shall make you free."


Please take a few minutes to visit Jenny Matlock, Headmistress of Alphabe-Thursday, by clicking on the logo below.  Thanks for stopping by today! 

Make My Day - Sundays

Heigh, ho....off to work I go!  I have to pass this life-size poster each day as I make my way to the "department du jour" at the retail store where I work.  As I pass it, I always say "S'up Brad," giggle and then get the biggest smile on my face!

Even though we share the "Pitt" name, I don't think we are related. I've searched the Net, Ancestry and even have a published "Pitt Family" book, but alas..no connection!  Does it really matter? All that matters is that the poster stays put.

If the store opens one day...and the poster is missing...they only have to check the cameras to find an white-haired lady running through the store carrying a 200 pound poster and frame over her head! I'll confess, and I'll do the time...it will be worth it!

I'm originally from Cali, then St. Louis, now Chicago, Illinois!  Welcome to my city!

Today's post is brought to you by the amazing Unknown Mami!  Please click on her Sundays In My City logo below and enjoy traveling to places I only dream about!  Thanks for stopping by today!

The Whip

I woke up this morning 

to the sound of the Whip

thought I was still dreaming

but then...

Again and again, 

it snapped and it cracked 

right outside my window 

and then...

I jumped out of bed,

and threw open the blinds 

was it day, no it was night 

but how then...

Could it be so bright 

right outside my window 

it looked like fire, everywhere

and by then...

It was too late, 

Whip took not just the tree

but the house in the tree 

even then...

It was all changed

but not gone

we'll start over again 

Curse you Whip!

Please whip over to Saturday Centus at Jenny Matlock, Off On My Tangent, to be awed by some very enlightened friends! Just click on the logo below!

Just Fraggin'

It's that time again...Friday Fragments...sponsored by Mrs.4444 at Half-Past Kissin' Time, who is on summer haitus at the moment...so for a short time, the captivating, multi-tasking Uknown Mami has agreed to take over!  Thanks, Unknown Mami, for stepping in so unselfishly on behalf of our dear friend, Mrs.4444!

The "Heat is On" here in Chi-town!  Spring made a very quick appearance and we are now making our way into hot, humid, muggy, sweaty, stinky, "hope all the air conditioners don't give us a blackout" couple of months!  It's only my second summer here...and I'm ready! 

The landscapers have scared away the geese by mowing the lawns!  Thank you God, for the little things!  Now I don't have to watch my every step when I'm walking Tootsie!  I just have to hold the leash a little tighter as the bunnies are out in full force.  When they see us coming, they stretch out flat like Snoopy, hoping to blend in.  We "pretend" that we don't see them, and continue on with our walk.  We know where all the dogs in the complex live, and have to pass by each of their apartments so Tootsie can pee in front of them.  They start barking at her, she barks back and I feel like I'm pulling a 747 to get us to the next point in our walk!  I guess I need to beef up my upper-body workouts!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Please click on the logo below to see what other Friday Fragment Friends are doing.  And while you are there, please say "ello" to Unknown Mami!

Portillo's Legacy

As I travel up and down one of the main business streets in my neighborhood, I am always amazed at the amount of traffic at a certain location that houses some retail businesses and a few restaurants.  In fact, around early afternoon, there are always one-to-two police officers with their car and flashing lights in the median.  "They must do this to get free food" I would think!  What I didn't realize was the immense traffic was due to patrons! The restaurant is called Portillo's and I had the pleasure of my first visit a few weeks ago.

Barnelli's Pasta Bowl

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Dick Portillo began his restaurant business in 1963 with a 6' by 12' trailer called "The Dog House."  His initial investment was $1,100 and he sold hot dogs.  The trailer had no running water, or a bathroom.  He ran a hose from a nearby building to get the water he needed.  Within four years, and much success, the business was renamed "Portillo's", and since then has grown to 50 restaurants in the Chicago area and includes expansions to Indiana, Arizona and Southern California. One of his three California locations is situated in Buena Park, the town where I grew up! He has expanded his restaurants to include Barnelli's Pasta Bowl (all things Italian), Luigi's House (an Italian home style atmosphere), Honey-Jam Cafe (breakfast and lunch only). Portillo's Home Kitchen is the company's fast-growing catering and shipping division.


The owner has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and brought back ideas for menu items, as well as decor for his restaurants.  The menus consists of hot dogs, chili, sandwiches (chicken, fish, beef and sausage), burgers, salads, pasta, pizza, sides and deserts.  EVERYTHING is yummy, although I haven't sampled it all....yet!

Luigi's House

As you can see by the pictures, Portillo's is a well-oiled machine for a restaurant. Although it is set up similar to a fast food style, there is nothing fast food about it (except for the speedy preparation and delivery). I ordered my food and within minutes it was ready, placed on a tray with my drink, and I walked over to a window booth which was clean and free of any signs left by the previous occupants.  There are always employees out on the floor to help customers and keep the dining area clean.  Every single employee behind the counter has a smile and made me feel very special! 

Honey-Jam Cafe

Please check out this amazing business and its history on their website at portillos.com. Thanks for stopping by today.  Please check out some other great places around the globe at Unknown Mami's Sundays in My City by clicking on the logo below.   

I'm originally from Buena Park, California, and now Chicago.  Welcome to my city!

Just Fraggin'

Welcome to Friday Fragments everyone!  One of my favorite places to visit, as well as, partake in "giving" away some fragments that have been rattling around in the nothingness I call my head!  Mrs4444 of Half-Past Kissin' Time sponsors this group therapy session each week where fraggers from all over the place share their wonderful lives!

I recently received a text from my 25 year old telling me that he was going to be on TV on the internet.  I immediately jumped up, danced around the apartment with the dog, and then zoomed in directly to the web address he gave me.  He plays volleyball with a men's team (just a bunch of great guys who played in high school, college and club teams - who still have a love for the game) and they were at NATIONALS in good 'ole Kentucky!  I was glued to the laptop for the next two hours, only taking one or two pee/coffee/doggie pee breaks!  I LOVE watching him play, and it brought back so many fond memories.  I don't have a picture of him playing this past week, but here's one of him in college. (Sorry it's not an action shot...those are all back at the house in St. Louis! He wasn't the tallest on the team, but he was lethal!) The team came in 26 out of 68 and first in their Flight!

Am thinking of getting into the Pet Insurance industry....had a Vet visit yesterday...I am happy that they are so thorough, and spend lots of time trying to figure out Tootsie's ailments, but...come on!  She's got a little bug going on in her not-so-small tummy.  I hope the Michael Kors bag I spent at the office yesterday brings her some relief...quick!!

I walked right out of my comfort zone and registered for BlogHer 2013!  It's only taken me five years to get up the nerve, but I felt that it's so close, and I won't have hotel expenses...why not?  I hope to meet a bunch of wonderful bloggies I've come to know over the years!  So please come up and say hi to me if you are there!  I'll be the silver-haired one with the "I'm lost!" look on her face!  I can't wait!

Please click on the logo below and visit Friday Fragments.  I know you will enjoy reading the bits and pieces of my fellow fraggers! Thanks for stopping by today! Hope your weekend is a blast!

SIMC - Chicago Botanicals

Dark Angels Dracula Dahlia

This week I had the ultimate pleasure of reconnecting with an old friend, and, at the same time, experience a new place in my new town!  My friend was visiting her family and asked if we could meet at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  I was familiar with the Gardens in St. Louis (my former City) and jumped at the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of nature's many gifts in a local setting.  Wow!  The pictures my friend took captured just a small sampling of the expansive and incredible landscape of the place.  I will return at a later date, and submit a "Part Deux" as I like to do so often!

Blue Star

Spanish Bluebell

Willows have such a special place in my heart...

Japanese Gardens and Good Friends...

Thanks for stopping by today!  Please take a tour of other Sundays in My City, hosted by Unknown Mami, by clicking on the logo below.  Have a spectacular Sunday!

Frag Attack!

Welcome to Friday Fragments...a wonderful place to be at the end of the week where you can analyze, criticize, ponder, contemplate, adjudicate and atone for the week! Thanks to Mrs4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time!

I must admit that I'm sort of a klutz.  If there is a hole, or raised concrete, my feet will find them.  If something heavy needs lifting, no amount of forethought or planning will keep me away from the inevitable!  It happened this week!  I was cleaning a towel rack/glass shelf combination when the glass shelf became dislodged (how, I will never figure out) and dropped to the floor.  On its way down, it hit the tank to the toilet, breaking the lid, splitting the side so as to begin an ever-so-slow leak and then landing square on my foot.  The glass never shattered, nor chipped (why, I will never figure out), nor was my foot injured in any way!  Go figure!  Being the handy dandy man that my hubs is, everything was repaired with no leaks, and just a slight tell-tale crack on the lid.  The next day when I arrived home from work, I accidentally knocked a travel coffee mug off the table while checking to make sure the coffee had been set for the morning.  This travel mug landed square on one of the weakest of my toes, and felt like someone had just blown it off with a gun!  I yelped a few choice words and hobbled to the nearest chair where I moaned, cried, and showered myself with pity.  By the next morning, the toe was a few shades darker and a few centimeters thicker than it's counterpart, but miraculously, I could stand up, and walk without making a sound!  The first accident was a miracle; the second, a miracle with a message....slow down, woman!

On Wednesday, I met with a friend whom I had not seen for about two years!  We met at the Chicago Botanical Gardens and had a lovely time, which went by so fast that we promised to meet again soon!  I will be sharing this wonderful day on Sundays in My City in two days.  Just spending the time with this good friend, walking, talking and loving the beauty of everything the Gardens had to offer, made my entire week a joy and I will be thinking of the day for weeks to come!  We all have friends whom we can just "pick up where we left off," don't we?  My friend is just one of these wonderful friends!

Hope your week was as eventful as mine!  Enjoy the weekend...now that I can walk...I will, too!

Please click on the Friday Fragment logo below to be enlightened and entertained from others who join in each week.  Thanks for stopping by!