Monday, July 12, 2010

good times

feast at bucca di peppo

We have been trying to get together with Aunt Diane and Uncle Bill for a few weeks and finally made it happen by celebrating her birthday on Sunday at Bucca di Peppo in Orland.  Aunt Aletha and her daughter, Carissa, as well as Wayne-O are also celebrating their July birthdays, so it turned into a bash.  Happiness to you all.  If you have never frequented this restaurant, or any of its chains, bring your appetite and leave room in your fridge for plenty of leftovers.  There was so much pasta and we all ate until our bellies were beyond full.  We brought back most of the leftovers and I must say, the Winds devoured it: two packs for Mike and Margarita; two for Dan and Darcy; two for Steve and Karen.  Thanks~now I don't have to cook tomorrow.  These gatherings are precious as we don't do them often and the company is incomparable.  Thanks for more memories, and pictures!  We still have to visit Bourbonnais as I must see the Girtman garden in full bloom; their photos are teasing me too much :)
delightful day with dino and dana

I wrote about passions in my recent posting and realize gardens are my passion.  Not only flowers, but viewing all the creations people I know and love create.  Tending gardens takes love, care, patience and time and it shows when I see them.  We befriended a darling couple last month thanks to Margarita and her family.  Sometimes you just click with someone and the energies are in high gear.  This is how it is with Dino and Dana.  They invited Wayne and me to enjoy a lovely afternoon where we indulged in fresh garden salads, stupendous garden soup and beef dish.  Dana popped open her bottle of Lithuanian liquor and we toasted way too many times and three hours later we left our friends after non-stop conversing and sharing stories.  I learned so much about garden tips and their travels around the world. We look forward to being with them again and continuing our bond. 
fancy schmancy at dao

The weekend began with an impromptu visit to see Dan at Dao, his new bartending gig.  If you are a sushi aficionado, please take time to visit this new restaurant in Burr Ridge.  They have an extensive menu and the best bartenter (my prerogative to brag here) We so enjoy watching our son do his thing.  He makes excellent mai tai's, our favorite summer cocktail.  We have yet to sample the menu and look forward to that soon.  And it was an excuse to cruise in Wayne's car.

Thanks for inviting us to be part of your lives and letting us make more memories together.  We love you all and look forward to being with you again.  Until then, have fun and be happy. xo