Sounds like a really fun visit. I love staying at B&B's and shopping at cute little shops like these. Can't wait to see what you bought. Hopping over to Cindy's now. xo P.S. I know how hard it is to "explain" blogging. I have friends who haven't a clue, and don't even bother to read mine! lol
What a fantastic visit and town with the B&B (handsome building but no shower!) and cool you visit with a fellow blogger in person. The 3 look so cute with their arms folded, like 3 peas in a pod.
HI JANE!!!! SEE we have something in common....WE BOTH SHARE CINDY as a GREAT blogging friend!!!!She is a doll....I have met Dan once and he is a Great guy...I wish they would move to AZ in the winter...he is a wonderful handy man and I could use him to hang me some crown molding!!!! I have been to Galena once....my Sister lives in Chicago and we went......we had dinner there and walked around and peeked in some stores....I really wanted to visit the Ullyses S. Grant Presidential Museum......but it closed by the time we got around there.....The River is a another fascinating feature of Galena....being from DRY AZ...Rivers fascinate me!!!!! I loved the B & B...but no shower would make my hubby sad too!!!! I agree about Blogging...people have no clue...when I say that to people they have a weird stare on their face...like they get it but they don't!!!! Blogging is Wonderful and I hope the next time you two meet maybe I can plan to be at my Sisters at the same time!!! Big hugs, jamie
Hey Jane, I miss you already! Let's not wait a whole year again this time. I had a great time and I know Dan did too. Even the beer mishap will be something to laugh about down the road! But where are the pics of you and I? You and Al are the best! Love ya, Cindy
Sounds like you & Cindy had a GAND time! That one picture was so funny when they all had their arms crossed...
I bet tablescape explaining was difficult. And some folks just don't get it... But, I'll say I've met some of the nicest people through my blog. Have a great week. Charlene
Hi Jane, looks like you had a great time catching up with your blog friend! It's nice that your hubs have similar personalities too!
Don't you find the prices on little bags and wreaths like the one you were looking at have gone sky high! Sometimes I feel like my fingers are going to burn when I look at the prices!
The B & B looks beautiful, and it sounds like you had a really nice time at dinner!
That sounds like such fun Jane. I have a Vera Bradley travel set I got about six years ago half off and I use it weekly traveling from our houses and it has held up so well. I buy and resell the purses in one of the consignment shops I sell at.
Amazing how small the world of blog is at times. And to think - I have only been here a short time myself and there are others who never even HEARD of it!! Aren't we lucky we are here!!
I think that it is so awesome that you guys meet up once a year. I still talk to my very first blogger friend ( then AOL Journal) ~ She lives in Long Island ny and I in Baltimore.. I just know that when we do finally meet that it will be like we've known each other forever. We've been tossing around taking the trip up to see her.. I guess I am just a little nervous about the husbands ( although the seem very much alike)
The B&B looks cute. to bad about the lack of showers. : )
I love meeting up with friends and doing a little shopping and a lotta laughing. Sounds like you two have a good time together and what a charming little place.
Glad you had such a good time in Galena! We haven't stayed at that particular B&B, but we've stayed at other places. Have been to both those restaurants you've mentioned! I plan on going to Galena in late August with my mom and aunt to celebrate my birthday. :-)
Sounds like you had a wonderful visit, despite the tiny room and dinner mishap. Blogging is difficult to explain to people, they look at you like you're a little bit crazy...and maybe we are! ;-)
How fun that you and Cindy get to meet regularly, Janie. Galena sounds like a neat place, something I would really enjoy hiking and shopping. I can't wait to see all that you bought....Christine
Hi Jane, sounds like you all had a wonderful time, how fun!... all of the restaurants and shops sound so delightful, love those Vera Bradley bags!... the B&B is gorgeous!... I would love to visit there one day... sigh... glad you had such a nice time, xoxo Julie Marie
June 26, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Anonymous said...
Hi Jane! Oh, what a fun time you must have had with Cindy! I've only met Jeanne from Backyard Neighbor last week and how fun it was. Sounds like a wonderful place y'all were in too. Be a sweetie, Shelia ;)
So glad you had a great time, and I love that your husbands have bonded too. That is just so cool! Love Galena, but it has been ages since we were there. It surely doesn't look like most of Illinois!
I really look forward to seeing your yearly trip post. Every year I swear we are going to have to travel to Galena one of these days. Food and shops...perfect! I am not at all sure how I'd survive without a shower-they should have warned you on that one.
I love hearing about your time with Cindy and husband. This sounds like such fun. We haven't been anywhere this summer so we are both ready to "get outa town" for some fun. Going to the lake with daughter and family over the 4th....lookin' forward to it.
My hubby is not at all comfortable with the thought of a B&B so these accommodations will never happen for us, but the rest of your trip sounds wonderful.
Sounds like a great time was had by all. I had to chuckle at what you said about what other people think about blogging. So true. The main reaction I get from people in real life is "why do all these strangers want to see your house????" They are shocked when I tell them how many people can look at a blog and "a stranger's house" every day. As much as I try to explain, I don't think anyone outside of blogging ever really gets it.
I think a lot of bloggers share common interests, if nothing else, blogging. And yes, it is a bit hard to explain to others. It's nice you've developed this yearly tradition! I used to go to Galena, but years ago it wasn't quite the tourist spot. Nice to see you pictures and hear about it!
That sounds like so much fun, Jane! I think it is such a credit to this fascinating bloggy world we all enjoy, that such a nice friendship would come from it in the real world. And the hubbies, too -- that's pretty amazing! Glad you all had so much fun! CAS
Hello Blondie,great name,I`ve also shared the same name. Found your blog on Applestone`s blog,and must say very interesting. Looks like you all had a great time, Blessings Francine.
It's amazing how friendships can be made via a computer over many many miles. And when you meet face to face, it's like you knew each other since day 1! How fun, Jane! Sounds like you had a great weekend!! We love staying in B&B's too. More cozy and friendly, aren't they? Have a great week, Jane - and keep cool, girl!!! lol!
How wonderful to be able to spend time with a blogging buddy! I love how the internet bonds us girls. Sounds like a totally fun trip!!! Yes, the VB bags are a bit high!
xo Becky
July 2, 2012 at 9:11 PM
[Image]Our visit to Galena, Illinois has come and gone. This is the 4th time we have met up with Cindy and Dan from Applestone Cottage. Once a year for 4 years! Galena is a nice place to meet because it's a halfway point between our homes. And it's a great little town with tons of little shops and restaurants set against a backdrop of rolling hills and valleys. We met up on Saturday afternoon at this restaurant.
[Image]Wonderful Italian decor and food! The Husband and I actually arrived the night before. After a 5 hour drive and getting stuck in traffic, we checked into our B & B and then went out for a nice dinner. Afterward we stopped at a little place and listened to some great jazz music. Then it was back to the inn. I was a little disappointed in our room. It was very small but had a large bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Alas, no shower. It is really difficult to wash your hair in a tub under a faucet! The Husband was really not happy with this at all!
[Image]Here's Cindy at the restaurant. After a year of only blogging and emailing, we picked up the conversation where we left off! The Husband and Dan are very much alike and get along great.
[Image]After lunch it was time for some serious shopping. The streets were full of people and even some street musicians.
[Image]We stopped off and on to just soak up the atmosphere and listen to the music. Why do the Cindy, The Husband and Dan all have their arms folded?!
[Image]I fell in love with this wreath but it was a little over priced. I did find a lot of cool stuff that I will share with you in another post. Since all we had to do was throw our bags in the car, I didn't hold back shopping!
[Image]I have been borrowing my daughter's Vera Bradley overnite bag lately and looked at a few in this shop. Wow, the prices were steep. I guess I'll just keep using Abby's!
[Image]The shops had a little of everything. And it was nice to step into them and out of the heat. Actually, it wasn't that bad...in the mid 80's, I would say.
[Image]This is where all of us stayed, The Queen Anne Guest House. I am lacking pictures although I had every opportunity to take some. We were rarely there. We did join in with the owners and other guests for refreshments late Saturday afternoon. Anita made the most delicious carrot cake and iced tea. The guests wanted to know how our little foursome met and we started talking about blogging. Amazing how in the dark people are about what blogging is, and sometimes it's very hard to explain. They were laughing over our description of what a "Party" is and tablescaping really blew their minds!
[Image]This is the resident kitty and it was as friendly as could be! Isn't he/she pretty?
We had dinner Saturday evening at One Eleven Main and the food and atmosphere was wonderful. There was however, a mishap that involved Cindy and a clumsy waitress, but I will let Cindy tell you all about that. The next morning we met for breakfast downstairs (our rooms were right across from one another) and we were served a fruit parfait, and egg casserole, some kind of streudel cake and juice and coffee. Then we set off for more shopping! At about 1:00 we had to say our goodbyes. We have a whole year to plan on where and when we will meet up next!
[Image]Galena is really a pretty town, very close to the Iowa border. I wish I could have gotten better pictures of the rolling farm fields. Considering how flat Illinois is, it's like being in another part of the country. The Husband and I made several stops on the way home; lunch at a little diner, an antique shop where I found some really neat things, a garden nursery where I bought another hanging flower basket, and two stops for more iced tea. The temps had crept up to the 90's. We finally made it home by 5:00.
It was a fantastic weekend, never a dull moment. I know Cindy and Dan had a much fun as we did. Now I have a lot of laundry to catch up on and a lot of flowers to water so I have to run. Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend. Visit Cindy to read her post on our trip! See you soon! :-)
posted by Blondie's Journal at 12:40 PM on Jun 25, 2012
"APPLESTONE COTTAGE & BLONDIE'S JOURNAL MEET!"
53 Comments -
Sounds like a really fun visit. I love staying at B&B's and shopping at cute little shops like these. Can't wait to see what you bought. Hopping over to Cindy's now. xo P.S. I know how hard it is to "explain" blogging. I have friends who haven't a clue, and don't even bother to read mine! lol
June 25, 2012 at 1:11 PM
It sounds like you had a great time, Jane! How wonderful that you've been able to meet up with Cindy every year.
June 25, 2012 at 1:12 PM
What a fantastic visit and town with the B&B (handsome building but no shower!) and cool you visit with a fellow blogger in person. The 3 look so cute with their arms folded, like 3 peas in a pod.
June 25, 2012 at 1:18 PM
sounds like a great trip.. its always nice to see good friends.
June 25, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Love that Victorian beauty, Jane. Cute little town. There is nothing nicer than meeting with real true friends in bloggyville, I have been so blessed.
TTFN ~
Have a beautiful day ~
Marydon
June 25, 2012 at 1:43 PM
HI JANE!!!!
SEE we have something in common....WE BOTH SHARE CINDY as a GREAT blogging friend!!!!She is a doll....I have met Dan once and he is a Great guy...I wish they would move to AZ in the winter...he is a wonderful handy man and I could use him to hang me some crown molding!!!!
I have been to Galena once....my Sister lives in Chicago and we went......we had dinner there and walked around and peeked in some stores....I really wanted to visit the Ullyses S. Grant Presidential Museum......but it closed by the time we got around there.....The River is a another fascinating feature of Galena....being from DRY AZ...Rivers fascinate me!!!!!
I loved the B & B...but no shower would make my hubby sad too!!!!
I agree about Blogging...people have no clue...when I say that to people they have a weird stare on their face...like they get it but they don't!!!!
Blogging is Wonderful and I hope the next time you two meet maybe I can plan to be at my Sisters at the same time!!!
Big hugs,
jamie
June 25, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Sounds like a wonderful time Jane. I would be a little upset without a shower too....and Mr. Comforts would have left-lol.
June 25, 2012 at 2:31 PM
Dave and I spent a few days in Galena a few years back ... it was so lovely.
June 25, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Oh your week-end sounded like fun. So nice to meet the same people every year.
Why do non-bloggers not understand about blogging.
Have a good week.
June 25, 2012 at 3:07 PM
I think it must be wonderful to have a blogging visit friendship turn into a real live visiting friendship.What a lovely place to visit as well,
June 25, 2012 at 3:10 PM
What a fun weekend and how great to meet a fellow blogger!
June 25, 2012 at 3:34 PM
Hey Jane,
I miss you already! Let's not wait a whole year again this time.
I had a great time and I know Dan did too.
Even the beer mishap will be something to laugh about down the road!
But where are the pics of you and I?
You and Al are the best!
Love ya,
Cindy
June 25, 2012 at 3:47 PM
HOW wonderful Jane -- I enjoy Cindy's blog and know you had a lovely time with all the visiting, shopping and dining :)
Blessings!
Gail
P.S. I'd also say you both have husband's that are very good sports :)
June 25, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Sounds like you & Cindy had a GAND time! That one picture was so funny when they all had their arms crossed...
I bet tablescape explaining was difficult. And some folks just don't get it... But, I'll say I've met some of the nicest people through my blog. Have a great week.
Charlene
June 25, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Hi Jane, looks like you had a great time catching up with your blog friend! It's nice that your hubs have similar personalities too!
Don't you find the prices on little bags and wreaths like the one you were looking at have gone sky high! Sometimes I feel like my fingers are going to burn when I look at the prices!
The B & B looks beautiful, and it sounds like you had a really nice time at dinner!
Have a great week!
Mary
June 25, 2012 at 4:21 PM
What a wonderful trip. Shopping, meeting a blogging friend and your hubby, sounds like a perfect getaway!
Have a great week.
Jody
June 25, 2012 at 4:22 PM
That sounds like such fun Jane. I have a Vera Bradley travel set I got about six years ago half off and I use it weekly traveling from our houses and it has held up so well. I buy and resell the purses in one of the consignment shops I sell at.
June 25, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Sounds like SO much fun! I wish I had been right there with you guys!!! Have a blessed week, HUGS!
June 25, 2012 at 5:04 PM
Amazing how small the world of blog is at times. And to think - I have only been here a short time myself and there are others who never even HEARD of it!!
Aren't we lucky we are here!!
June 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM
Come join our cause for Zoe, I deeply appreciate this.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
June 25, 2012 at 5:32 PM
It sounds like such a wonderful time Jane! I am glad you could get away for this trip with Cindy and Dan. How fun!!!
hugs from here...
June 25, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Sounds like another fun trip Jane! Good weather for this time of year too. Looking forward to seeing what you brought home:@)
June 25, 2012 at 5:51 PM
Fun times with blogging friends ~ how nice! I think it's wonderful that you and Cindy have arranged to meet once a year for the past 4 years.
June 25, 2012 at 6:05 PM
I think that it is so awesome that you guys meet up once a year. I still talk to my very first blogger friend ( then AOL Journal) ~ She lives in Long Island ny and I in Baltimore.. I just know that when we do finally meet that it will be like we've known each other forever. We've been tossing around taking the trip up to see her.. I guess I am just a little nervous about the husbands ( although the seem very much alike)
The B&B looks cute. to bad about the lack of showers. : )
June 25, 2012 at 6:26 PM
I love meeting up with friends and doing a little shopping and a lotta laughing. Sounds like you two have a good time together and what a charming little place.
June 25, 2012 at 7:07 PM
Glad you had such a good time in Galena! We haven't stayed at that particular B&B, but we've stayed at other places. Have been to both those restaurants you've mentioned! I plan on going to Galena in late August with my mom and aunt to celebrate my birthday. :-)
June 25, 2012 at 8:53 PM
I remember your meeting from last year, so I am feeling like a bona fide old friend!
June 25, 2012 at 10:25 PM
How exciting! I have met one fellow blogger......I should meet up with her again soon. Looks like you ALL had a great time.
June 25, 2012 at 11:51 PM
What a fun time for the four of you!
June 25, 2012 at 11:56 PM
How wonderful you met up again! I recall reading a few of your past posts about when you met up. Did you stay in that same B&B last time?
I am sure you both probably had lots of things to catch up on. How fabulous that your friendship starting via blogging!
Best wishes for a lovely week,
Natasha.
June 26, 2012 at 1:33 AM
How neat that you and Cindy meet every year! Blogging is so much more than people realize.
Glad you all had a good time.
Enjoy your week, Jane!
xxoo
June 26, 2012 at 8:54 AM
Janie, glad you had another fun trip to put in the memory book! It's always more fun when the husbands get along too. :-) XO Sue
June 26, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Sounds like you had a wonderful visit, despite the tiny room and dinner mishap. Blogging is difficult to explain to people, they look at you like you're a little bit crazy...and maybe we are! ;-)
Enjoy your week!
Kat
June 26, 2012 at 12:13 PM
How fun that you and Cindy get to meet regularly, Janie. Galena sounds like a neat place, something I would really enjoy hiking and shopping. I can't wait to see all that you bought....Christine
June 26, 2012 at 3:14 PM
Hi Jane, sounds like you all had a wonderful time, how fun!... all of the restaurants and shops sound so delightful, love those Vera Bradley bags!... the B&B is gorgeous!... I would love to visit there one day... sigh... glad you had such a nice time, xoxo Julie Marie
June 26, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Hi Jane! Oh, what a fun time you must have had with Cindy! I've only met Jeanne from Backyard Neighbor last week and how fun it was. Sounds like a wonderful place y'all were in too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
June 26, 2012 at 4:12 PM
So glad you had a great time, and I love that your husbands have bonded too. That is just so cool! Love Galena, but it has been ages since we were there. It surely doesn't look like most of Illinois!
June 26, 2012 at 4:53 PM
I really look forward to seeing your yearly trip post. Every year I swear we are going to have to travel to Galena one of these days. Food and shops...perfect! I am not at all sure how I'd survive without a shower-they should have warned you on that one.
June 26, 2012 at 5:16 PM
Sounds like a great place to visit. Aren't blogger meetups fun?
That B and B looks so gorgeous from the outside.
June 26, 2012 at 7:59 PM
Sounds like a great place to visit. Aren't blogger meetups fun?
That B and B looks so gorgeous from the outside.
June 26, 2012 at 7:59 PM
I love hearing about your time with Cindy and husband. This sounds like such fun.
We haven't been anywhere this summer so we are both ready to "get outa town" for some fun. Going to the lake with daughter and family over the 4th....lookin' forward to it.
I love your new profile pic...:))
June 27, 2012 at 6:26 AM
My hubby is not at all comfortable with the thought of a B&B so these accommodations will never happen for us, but the rest of your trip sounds wonderful.
June 27, 2012 at 7:56 AM
Hi Janie,
Sounds like a wonderful time. So glad you were able to met up again.
The B&B and the kitty are so adorable.
Friendships are the best, aren't they?
xoBarb
June 27, 2012 at 9:12 AM
Sounds like a really fun visit?!?! Can't wait to see the wonderful goodies you foud :o)
Happy Wednesday!
~Des
June 27, 2012 at 6:43 PM
Sounds like a great time was had by all. I had to chuckle at what you said about what other people think about blogging. So true. The main reaction I get from people in real life is "why do all these strangers want to see your house????" They are shocked when I tell them how many people can look at a blog and "a stranger's house" every day. As much as I try to explain, I don't think anyone outside of blogging ever really gets it.
June 27, 2012 at 9:17 PM
I think a lot of bloggers share common interests, if nothing else, blogging. And yes, it is a bit hard to explain to others. It's nice you've developed this yearly tradition! I used to go to Galena, but years ago it wasn't quite the tourist spot. Nice to see you pictures and hear about it!
June 28, 2012 at 4:45 AM
That sounds like so much fun, Jane! I think it is such a credit to this fascinating bloggy world we all enjoy, that such a nice friendship would come from it in the real world. And the hubbies, too -- that's pretty amazing! Glad you all had so much fun!
CAS
June 28, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Hello Blondie,great name,I`ve also shared the same name. Found your blog on Applestone`s blog,and must say very interesting. Looks like you all had a great time, Blessings Francine.
June 28, 2012 at 3:54 PM
i finally got my post up! Miss ya guys, we had such fun...I am typing while trying to hold Addi on my lap. Talk to you soon,
Hugs!!
Cindy
June 29, 2012 at 4:49 PM
:D How much fun!!! I would love to meet some of my bloggy friends..I have only met one (Bonnie) and I *heart* her!
Thanks for sharing your adventures with Cindy with us! Enjoy your 4th of July holiday!
xo,
Ricki Jill
June 29, 2012 at 7:54 PM
hi Jane! How fun to meet up with another blogger!
happy weekend,
joan
June 29, 2012 at 11:55 PM
It's amazing how friendships can be made via a computer over many many miles. And when you meet face to face, it's like you knew each other since day 1! How fun, Jane! Sounds like you had a great weekend!! We love staying in B&B's too. More cozy and friendly, aren't they? Have a great week, Jane - and keep cool, girl!!! lol!
xoxo laurie
July 1, 2012 at 10:06 PM
How wonderful to be able to spend time with a blogging buddy! I love how the internet bonds us girls. Sounds like a totally fun trip!!! Yes, the VB bags are a bit high!
xo
Becky
July 2, 2012 at 9:11 PM