After Africa - Illinois, Iceland, DGz, home.

 After we finally adjusted back to our time zone, we enjoyed getting back into the routine of Longmont friends and things to do.  We like it at home too!

I made a short flight to Illinois in October to pick sheepshead mushrooms with Vicki and to see family.  It was a great spur-of-the-moment visit!

Cousins got together at Suzie's newly built river house!

Sheepshead (cooding) mushroom hunting was VERY successful!  First time I've seen a giant puffbal and we ate it too! 

Scott and I had plans to spend 5 days in Iceland with Terri & Kent before Thanksgiving.  The flight on Iceland Air was easy and we liked Iceland a lot, except for how cold, wet, and dark it was.  The waterfalls, geothermal features, coastlines, easy walking in Reykjavik, "wild" horses, were all amazing.  But if we go back it will be in sumer.  Good experience.

Solheimajokull Glacier walk was wonderful.

Black sand beach at Reynisfjara.

Quilting retreat!  Our first retreat in a few years - at YMCA of the Rockies.  What a great place and a great time!

We drove to Illinois for Thanksgiving and the weather cooperated.

First stop - Rock Island.  Scott's mom has been at Heritage Woods for one year and she has friends, a cozy apartment, and is happy there.  His niece Megan and her huband and 3 girls were visiting from Virginia so it was a treat to see the kids. The occasion was his mom, Marilyn's 90th birthday.  A good time was had by all at her party with great food.

Megan, Rich, Finley, Maggie, baby Nora, and Grandma Marilyn

Next stop, Manhattan.  We spent Thanksgiving with Vicki and family and she arranged a euchre tournament night with her friends, which was a hit with us.  So good to see the kids and grandkids and my sister.

Thanksgiving day!  Girls rule.

Next stop, Mausten, Wisconsin.  We decided to drive north and spend a few days with our camping cousins and Kenya traveling buddies, Joe & Nancy.  We had a great time with them even if the weather was lousy.

Christmas Lights with Joe & Nancy

Surprise!  Kirin and Matt (our long time travel pals from Washington state) were driving from Green Bay & going past Mausten while we were there.  That visit was unexpected and such a treat! 

A surprise meet up with Kirin and Matt!

We had a rough drive toward home on day 1 with snow and wind,  but the visit to the Spam Factory made it interesting.   Day 2 was easy and home was all fine like when we left.  

Run with the DGz whenever I'm home. Those lovely ladies keep me motivated.  Nanci is not coming very often but sometimes someone picks her up and she enjoys the coffee visit.

December birthday celebration for me and Steph.