Thanks to Marie Ward for taking some last minute photos. I will work on posting them. Also thanks to Carmin Awadzi from Magnolia homes for introducing me to Michelle Trotter. I never underestimate the power of woman working together. I enjoyed the music at the Chicago Haitian American of Illinois Holiday Ball Saturday night. Thanks to Sterlins for the invite. Also my sincere sympathy to Reynald and family on the loss of your mother. I hope your trip to Haiti is safe and gives comfort. On a happier note congrats to Meg & Chris Bostrom on the birth of a new daughter. Bjorn-how cool to be a big brother!

Great Deal On Custom Draperies

These cornices and draperies are in like new condition and would look great on a beige, teal or navy colored wall. They were made for my previous home in Winding Creek Subdivision in Naperville and will fit a window 36"- 42" wide and standard 80"-82" height. They have a pagoda style cornice which does require some space between windows but if you give me the measurements I can tell you if they will fit. I also have a professional installer that I can refer you to if you need them installed. Traverse rods are also included. They have a unique boucle style brush fringe trim on the cornices and the shape is a detail only available in a totally custom window treatment. I am offering them for sale for $ 100.00 a pair. have two pair and will include a similar smaller cornice that fits a narrower bathroom window. That cornice is 31 3/4" wide inside measurement with straight ends-no pagoda profile. The cost of the trim alone would equal the the price I am asking for these. I will also give you paint colors to complete the room if you are interested. Pull together a whole new look for only $200.00. Call me if you are interested. 630-717-5668

Congratulations Waubonsie Valley High School on a truely awesome presentation of Les Miserables. Saturday's performance was equal to any profesional show I have ever seen in all aspects; set, performances, musial pit. You have raised the bar to a level that will be hard to beat.

Once again I enjoyed a fabulous springtime visit to Charleston. Along the way I discovered some money saving tips. Consider flying into Myrtle Beach. You can get a direct flight for a good price on Spirit Airlines and the 1 1/2 hour drive can be fast or you can make some interesting stops and discoveries along the way such as these: boiled peanuts, the backwater low country, Brook haven gardens(this is worth a good half day at least), the beach, Georgetown (too bad they have a steel plant),Hog Heaven-a great soul food buffet for $6.95 definitely NOT low fat, and low country baskets. We also rented our car 7 minutes from the airport for less than 1/2 the price with the$10.00 taxi fare to Enterprise. I also discovered a great bed and breakfast on Broad Street for a great price. The Broad Street B &B claims to be the only Kosher B&B in Charleston but you don't have to be Jewish-just respectful of their customs. It was quiet and the none sabbath breakfast was great. The Sabbath breakfast with fresh fruit and Chaullah( sp?) bread sufficient for someone like myself who doesn't need a heavy breakfast. Haddassah was a great host and we had a small kitchen, sitting area, bedroom and bath all to ourselves. I still love the King George Inn but now I have another favorite place to stay in Charleston. More later.
Doreen

Quote of the day:
"Negative thinking empowers the problem. It takes us out of harmony. Negative energy sabotages and destroys. It has a powerful life of his own.
So does positive energy. Each day, we can ask what's right, what's good-
Positive energy heals, conducts love, and transforms. Choose positive energy."
Melodie Beattie