St. Peter's, Volo, IL

August 29th
St. Peter's Catholic Church
Volo, IL

I love this church and look forward to going to mass there when I visit.
St. Peter's is in a very small village and it is everything I love in a church.
It is old, simple, and charming.
There is such reverence by its priests, altar boys, and parishioners.  The masses are always packed.
Churches are all special, but when a church can give you an extra-special feeling about just being there, what could be better than that?

Quilt Shops

August 28th

Barrington, IL

I finally visited this quilt shop on this trip - along with another one (not pictured).
Both are very nice shops, both are in vintage, former homes.  My sister and I were able to watch as a quilt was being quilted on a long arm.  What an impressive machine.  What quilter would not want one?
As you can see from my pictures, there are totally awesome quilts on display.
Wonderful fabrics, wonderful colors.
The 'homey'ness of both shops certainly inspires.
Of course, I couldn't leave without a few purchases.  ♥

Marshall, MI

Friday, August 27th

Marshall, MI

Lindy and I made a quick stop on our way to Chicago

I love this town.  Old, beautiful, lots of history.

It is pleasurable to go there and I have been fortunate to spend lots of time there.

Because of the poor economy, Marshall has suffered like so many other places in Michigan.

But it is holding its own and it will survive.  There are favorite haunts that have closed, but there is so much more to this quaint town, and those that love it have their own favorites. 

There are many places to shop:  antiques, art, clothing, crafts.

The Green Scene - which has everything natural is totally cool.  I get my face soaps from there.

To eat (Schuler's Restaurant and Pub for one - yummy), ice cream parlor

I recommend spending at least one night at The National House Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Museums.  And always goings-on in this and nearby towns.  For instance, in the fall - the Scarecrow Festival (this is one of my favorites).  Each season has its own specialness. 

If you are ever in the area of I-94 and Battle Creek or Albion, you should stop in.

Ok, this is by far one of my favorite stops.  This store has so much fun stuff.  It is hard not to walk out with at least one bag.  But for me........it's their coffee (see coffee jars below).  The best.

I fell in love with this picture.  I planned on stopping on the way back from Chicago,

but the weather was really bad and we were anxious to get home.

These baby items were so adorable, I wanted all of them.

 my favorite coffees @ Serendipity - and the reason I had to stop
my favorite is Butter Rum Cream             Yum

Canadian Lakes, Michigan

our girls' weekend was so much fun

I think it did us all some good to get away for a couple days

we drank a little

ate (more than) a little

gambled a little

went to mass together

watched movies

told stories

and laughed oh so much