On Saturday, Mike and I went to a shower (yes, men were invited) for our good friend Virginia's grandson. The baby is due in December. I gave a monkey-themed package with a car mirror, sleeper, a monkey candle (in baby blue) and swaddling blankets. I hope to have something homemade done for the baby's birth!

Then on Sunday, we drove down to Atlantic City, New Jersey. We stayed at Bally's, courtesy of Mike's brother John and his wife, Noreen. They go often and get some nice perks, including free rooms and food.  We stayed just one night but would like to go back again some time. It was very enjoyable! The weather could not have been more perfect for a walk on the Boardwalk, and it was fun looking in the stores. We took our nephew, John Joseph, to Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, which was pretty cool!

The sun was pretty bright, which is why we're squinting!

We had a little fun at the slot machines. Figuring the room and food were both free, we could afford to lose a bit. Actually, I broke just about even and Mike came out ahead a hundred dollars! Now that I know which machines are better, I might have better luck next time around.

Lunch with Katherine

My daughter and I went out to lunch at TGI Friday's yesterday to celebrate her birthday--which comes up on Saturday, November 9th. We always have such a good time together! We both had reubens and Diet Cokes.

After that, we went to a beauty supply store and I bought her some hair extensions. We crossed over the highway (by car, of course) and went shopping, first at Ulta (a makeup store) and then at Michael's Crafts Store. I treated Katherine to whatever she wanted, which included a special frame to hold a patch a friend gave her. It has the name of Billy Joel's bike shop on it, and Billy signed the back! She has always been a huge fan of him.

We talked about many things, as much as friends as mother-and-daughter. I'm glad I've got this kid!

Here is a picture taken on a recent trip she made to Connecticut:

Oh, and here's a picture of a clematis flower that bloomed in October in front of my house. Katherine says it is about 4 months past it's due date!