Shopping and Nice Visit

We left at around 10:30 AM to go to Josie's shop to pick up her paycheck and to begin a round of shopping that consumed almost the entire day. Our visit to Costco was almost like the Christmas season there as the holiday merchandise has hit the shelves and there was a crowd that rivaled the Christmas rush. We spent an abnormal amount of time walking around the entire store making sure that we saw all of the new stuff along with getting our list of items. Of course, we got much ,more than what was on our list and spent our customary couple hundred dollars to contribute to their profits.

We went to Sam's Club to pick up a couple more items that are not available at Costco, and then went on to Michael's to get some yarn for a new project that Josie will begin soon. It was close to 4 PM by the time we wrapped up all the shopping activity.

On the way home from our shopping trip, Josie caught this shot of a hot air balloon that was just lifting off from the side of the road in Peoria:

They are usually all over the desert out here and it was a surprise to see one so close to the highway.

We had a very pleasant dinner with George and Cheryl when we met at Haymaker's in Peoria. We had a terrific meal and enjoyed catching up on everything we all have done since our last get together in the Spring. They both look good as George is preparing to have his back surgery when he hears from the Doctor's office. He expects to have his surgery sometime soon after Thanksgiving. Here is a good shot of them from last night:

We then went back to their house for dessert and more conversation. It's good to see them again and we hope to see them next at Thanksgiving dinner at Brian and Amy's house.

Josie was asked to come in for work today to fill-in for one of the other employees. She expects to work the whole day up to 5 PM, so I guess our day today is pretty much taken up with normal "work day" activities...