Chapter 3 is coming, but first...

I know I have to add some photos and share some more details of mom's visit with us in Chicago, and I've even downloaded the photos already. So there's nothing really stopping me except a nice big chunk of time.
But right now, I've folded 2 large hampers worth of laundry, emptied the dishwasher, created a new client contract, cleared the dining room table from miscellaneous receipts and mail, recycled the junk mail, and flopped down on the couch with a glass of Pinot Noir. We had a wonderful time with mom, but after seeing her off at the airport on Thursday I immediately went back into work mode, doing some PR work that afternoon, two long full days of organizing on Friday and Saturday, various social activities on Sunday, and more organizing today. And it's going to be another busy week. Phew, life has been really full and looks to continue on that same trajectory. I need to remember that if as an organizer I'm encouraging people to declutter their lives on a number of levels and gain some balance, I should be setting an example. And I think I do - I try to create buffer zones in my life and for the most part I'm good at that. But it's been a busy summer, with lots of (awesome!) guests which I wouldn't trade for anything, and now it's time to settle into a routine and figure out how well I'm juggling all these balls.

Mom's Visit - Chapter 2

The second week Mom was here she flew out to Detroit for 3 days to visit with Al and Patti - Eric's parents. I think the in-laws all had a good time together, and Mom's visit included a trip apple-picking, checking out the Canterbury Village, and having dinner with the Davids! Lovely to see familiar faces...

I worked while Mom was gone and was pretty busy. But for the most part I've tried to keep it lowkey and only work one or two days a week.

Last weekend, with all of us in town we took advantage of the crisp sunny Fall weather to go to Chicago's Green City Market - an outdoor fresh produce, cheese, meat, eggs, flowers, pastries (etcetera!) market. We dug into yummy crepes prepared on the spot, munched on freshly baked apple danishes, sampled yummy award-winning cheeses, and bought a few ingredients for my home-made salsa verde, such as jalapenos and white onions.

I am STILL having trouble with some of my photos deciding to rotate themselves. I don't know what to do about this. Apologies!

Mom's Visit - Chapter 1

We've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog about mom's visit much! But right now, after a Starbucks breakfast and walk along the lake, we're waiting for Eric to finish up some work (at the dining table!) and then we're going to go out and about together.

In the couple of weeks that Mom has been here so far we've had lots of fun, and just some good quality time together.

See pics above for an evening stroll for a coffee at Starbucks and along the lake; a visit to a fun little bakery in Lincoln Park (Sweet Mandy B's); and mom has done LOTS of reading while she's here too!