ILLINOIS AND INDIANA FAMILIES!

Myself, Jodie, Andrew, Inessa, Chris, Ty!

Emily and Nana sewing! Project Runway

 

 

ILLINOIS: This part of the journey took us to visit family in Illinois and Indiana!  Our daughter, Jodie, husband Drew, and their two daughters Megan and Emily live in Vernon Hills. We landed in the middle of a school week and observed homework and school activities... brought back memories! Nana Janet and Emily ended up starting a sewing project, which began with purchasing the fabric and cutting it out. They had some laughs, but worked hard and Emily learned more about pattern pieces and layout. We wished that we had more time! Megan was extra busy with cheer- leading and homework, since she is now a freshman. We spent one evening with son Chris, his wife Inessa, and our nephew Andrew at a restaurant! Quality time! It was a fun three days!!!

John & Sharon with us!

nice campsite in friends barn lot near 

                                    bean field

good ole Illinois beans  (tofu)

Cousin Julie, Aunt Marie, Jennifer

                                                                                                      Ed in the back and me!

Jr. Vice Commander and Chaplain

                                                                                                     Ed..... American Legion Member

did someone say patriotic parade? I'm on my way!

21st century farm

newest great niece, Berlyn Rae Rewerts!

 

 

A proud member!

We then proceeded onto Wyoming, IL. to see brother Ed and friends and more family. The first night we saw Janet's former high school friend Sharon O'Neil and went out to eat with her and her husband and Sharon's sister Linda and her husband. We had lots of laughs! The next day we parked at Janet's cousin's Barb and Dick's home. Spent most of the day with Ed and ended up cleaning up Mom and Dad's grave sites. We spent most of the day sitting on the town bench with Ed watching everyone go by. We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the local cafe owned by Janet's cousin's wife, Susie. Monday we attended the Labor Day Parade where Ed marched in the parade with the American Legion. He recently took his oaths for Junior Vice Commander and also for Chaplain again this year! Ed looked so proud and carried the 40&8 flag and wore the hat designating the 40&8! It was special to see him marching! We knew he was in pain with his knee, but wanted to march for us! We also were able to catch Carolyn, a very good friend, and visit at her home!

Stearman fly in, Galesburg, IL

 

Tom, Mom, Ty

Aunt Roberta, Aunt Gwen, Mom

                                                                                                       90 yrs. old!

Coney Island  Galesburg

 

 

 

 damn, when did they raise this to 15 cents...anyone have a nickel?

Galesburg: We left Wyoming for Galesburg to visit with Ty's Mother and her sister Roberta and also Tom, Bec, Ron, and Mary. We also were able to see Cherri, Ty's cousin and Aunt Gwen and Uncle Glenn! So fortunate to have the time together and laugh some and catch up on family news. It is always difficult to leave Mom Peck, who is 88 years old. She still gets around just as much as ever though and exercises too!

We apologize for not getting every one's pictures while home! We never caught up with our cheerleader Granddaughter Megan for one!

Ginger Lowe, Janet's relation

                                                                                                  Veteran of W.W.II   Navy

Ginger, myself, cousin Matt,

                                            Ginger is 92 yrs. young!

INDIANA: Janet has relation in Charlestown; her Mother's family! Anne was her Mother's cousin but is deceased. We visited with her husband, Ginger and her son, Matt who lives with him. We had a wonderful and interesting visit. Matt told us that people in Indiana still plant by the Farmer's Almanac. I remember Uncle Irv, who was their relation, would read the Farmer's Almanac and very much believed its knowledge about the stars, moon, and earth; when to plant and not to plant. Ginger showed us several walnut trees on his property and said if he buried a walnut in the ground that no walnut tree would come up, but if a squirrel plants a walnut..... a tree would grow !!! They are very interested in the geology of the area and have collected several rocks and artifacts and fossils. We read an article in this area about how the glaciers had carved the Great Lakes and had ended in this area which left the rocks and fossils prevalent! They collect rocks and any fossils they find! Ginger makes envelope openers from wood and puts a gem on them for decoration.

We learned that Ginger spent 6 years in the Navy during the 40s, W.W.II.  He served as a chief electrician on several ships in the North and South Pacific, including the USS Colorado. Thanks Ginger for your part in serving our country and we do appreciate our freedom!

Covered Bridges! Silver won't cross, maybe we should get blinders!

note the top fin

???????????

The Covered Bridges of Indiana were beautiful and fascinating!  They are a great place to get out of a rain storm and they keep horses from being spooked crossing a stream they can see.  Not a bad place to sneak a kiss with one's girlfriend either!!   Most were built in the late 1800's and early 1900's and are still used by the local farmers. Pure Americana!!



Poem by Janet after a visit to the cemetery where Charles Peck rests (Dad and Grandad)

We stand in the hot, moist heat of the August sun,
 basking in the memories of you at your final resting place.
The feelings, oh such deep emotions flow through each
 one of us as we remember... you who we loved!

We know you're not really there in the ground, but
  we know you walk beside your Lord.
We also know that your life, your smile, your warmth
 lies within each of our hearts, our souls.....
 in each layer of our years.


 wrapped in your love and a
 glowing warmth overcomes us.
We remember the joy in your heart
 for your family.
We remember your pride and love shown
 in your smile, your demeanor.

Your life to all was quite the example....
 your love for God, your respect for others,
 your unselfish, devoted heart for us all...
 your unconditional love.....
 your stance for what was right and what was wrong.

The sun rays bring you to us
 brighter than ever....
 as we stand in the reflection of your life.
The gentle, warm breeze blows you closer.
We feel wrapped in a blanket of your love.

Your Great Grandchildren and all who grow
 from this circle of love.....
 will know you from the love that burns in our
 souls and in each beat of our hearts.
Come with us now on just another day....
 hold our hand in the garden of life
 and do what you always did best,
 silently lead.

Lead us to the truth of our lives and
 one day we will, hopefully, stand
 by your side.
We just can't say enough about our
 Dad, Granddad, and friend!


Sign    Talk is cheap cause the supply is greater than the demand!

Funny:   We have a net laundry bag with holes in it the size of a toe.  Well it got both of us within 24 hours of each other.  Janet caught her toe in it and about went to the floor then I did the same thing, to think the little toe could bring a person down!