It’s time to meet the loves of my life!
Simon, Sadie and Nelly…my Spaniels.
If you were to meet me for the first time you would find out quickly that I am a pet lover and that I have three babies…. more precisely, I have three pups that are like my children: Simon, Sadie, and Nelly. Sadly, I lost my precious Pharis in 2018, but happily and added Nelly to the family in 2019.
To say my pups are spoiled would probably be an understatement, but I believe that if you are going to have dogs that they should be part of your family.
Having three dogs has taken me over the edge in my daily life since I added Nelly. Nelly is 4 years old. Her owners gave her up because they did not have enough time to give to her. My dog sitter alerted me that she was available and asked if I wanted to be her new mommy. Needless to say, I said yes, and I am so glad I did! She is a howling con artist and loves to sit on my lap & a wonderful addition to my family.
Sadie came to me in 2018. She was a breeder dog and lived a poor life in a cage and was in rough shape when I got her. She did not know how to go up and downstairs and was not housebroken, so that was a bit of an adventure to start. She is my barker and so excited to be part of the family. So that gives me one howler and one barker so far.
Then there is my sweet and shy Simon. When I lost my precious Pharis I tried to get another senior Cavalier. I lost out on several and was feeling a bit discouraged. So, I decided after looking at about 600 puppy photos, on beautiful Simon when he was 9 months old. He is my baby and such a happy dog and the anchor of our clan.
I suppose after three dogs it just doesn’t matter much. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. We are a happy family that’s full of love (and a bit of dog hair).
Things I enjoy doing around Champaign.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Champaign area is a wonderful place to call home. When I’m not working (when is that- haha), I have some favorite things I love to do and places I love to go.
Golfing is one of my favorite pastimes! Check out my favorite golf courses.
U of I/ Atkins Golf Club at Stone Creek in Urbana- Hands down this is my favorite course! This is going to be even more exciting this spring with all the course updates being completed. Can’t wait to get on the greens again.
Urbana Country Club- This is a great course with lots of trees, with a wonderful place to eat & the best swimming pool in the area.
Some of my favorite places to visit.
Illini Football Games- Watching a game at Memorial Stadium and tailgating with all the fans is such a treat. Big 10 football is a thrill for anyone but being here with our fans is second to none! Win or lose, you’ll love being part of the blue and orange.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center- A gorgeous park and retreat center! Year-round activities, conference center, wedding venue, and more. Have visitors in town? You’ll want to take them here.
Curtis Orchards- A hometown favorite from July through December. Great apple picking and pumpkin patch with family fun activities. Delicious home-baked goodies and a wonderful café.
Krannert Center for Performing Arts- Part of the University of Illinois that brings a wide array of the arts to the Champaign area. I’ve seen incredible events here that rival large city venues. You won’t be disappointed.
Virginia Theater- Champaign’s historic theater and host to many amazing theatrical performances, festivals, and musical groups.
Eat at some of my favorite places! You won’t regret it!
Silver Creek in Urbana- Upscale dining, good fine and love the inside & outside seating and atmosphere. Great place.
Big Grove- Great food and people, easy downtown location. You’ll love their menu. The brunch menu & Bloody Mary’s are the best.
Bunny’s Tavern in Urbana- This is my Friday place, can’t be the Cod sandwiches and cold beer. Always packed and a great time.
Esquire Tavern in Champaign- Saturday- You’ll love to catch the local sports games with the regular crowd. Great pizza and burgers with a fun atmosphere.
Huber’s- This is the #1 favorite as it is in my neighborhood. Great people, LOVE their burgers and love my shot of butterscotch and crown with a beer chaser.
Hamilton Walkers- Excellent management & staff, jumbo shrimp cocktails, free bread & great drinks.
Interesting things to know about me:
Ballroom dancing is a love of mine and I’ve been putting on my dancing shoes at David Lin’s Regent Ballroom Studio in Savoy for years. If you’ve never tried it, it’s the best and this is the place to start!
I love to boat and just bought a new pontoon boat for the 2022 boating season. Sullivan Lake is home for boating season.
Annually I put on a garage sale in which I dress up in costume and play the part… like Sister Rose. It has become a hit that regulars attend yearly. All proceeds from the sale support my travel fund.
Yes, I LOVE to travel. I’ve been to many countries with my friends for dive and ski trips. We enjoy the culture, food and learning about all the customs.