I swear I meant to continue this story last week, but I got busy. So here’s part two of my Galena series (Here’s part one if you missed it)!

After we ate a wonderful lunch at Cannovas,  we got to go and check out the Galena History Museum.  This is one of those places I knew my husband would love.  One of the most interesting parts of this museum was that there was an actual mine shaft that you can look down into!  There was just so much really cool things to look at!  They did lead mining in Galena many years ago, and we all got to lift a lead filled rock.  Holy cow!  It was heavy.  Seriously, more than both my kids together and it wasn’t that big of a rock!  We also got to have a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Grant.  It was pretty cool.

As part of our tour, we were invited to visit The Galena Museum’s archives. This isn’t something just anyone gets to do, so I’m so glad we got invited. Museum’s can only display so many items, and the rest goes into their archives.  This was called the “white glove” tour.  We were able to see soooo many cool things.  The picture to the right is me holding a musket!  Let me tell you, that is super heavy!  I don’t know how people hunted or even went to war with these guns!  They had swords, guns, pictures, clothes, etc. up there.  I hope one day they can get into a bigger building, so they can put more of this cool stuff on display!  They are fundraising right now, so they’ll happily take your donation if you are looking for a great cause!

From The Galena Museum, we went over to the Seal House.  Built in 1871 by Judge Richard Seal, the home was constructed in just 6 weeks for $4,000!  Only five families have lived in and loved this home.  The home definitely has retained its original charm and character.  The current owners are Roth Weaver and Brad Davis, and they are some of the nicest people I know!  Seriously.  Who else would allow 8 ladies to come through their home on a Saturday afternoon with little to no notice?  Their decorating sense was awesome, and you can tell they are super proud of their home.  Recent projects they have done are installation of interior plantation shutters, replacement of the roof, putting in new sidewalks and front steps, restoration of the porch (which we took this picture on.  It was gorgeous.), and redesigning the front porch.  Their love of Galena, its history, and their house definitely showed through.

From The Seal House, we went to Galena Cellars.  I’m not personally a huge fan of wine.  That being said — I went home with 2 bottles I liked!  That’s saying how good and awesome their wine was.  Plus, this was my second wine tasting ever (my first was when I was pregnant with Madison so needless to say, I didn’t try much).  I felt really comfortable and got even more comfortable the more wine we had.  LOL  That being said, they picked a great selection of wines and I think everybody found something they liked!

From Galena Cellars, we went to our rooms to freshen up (for about 10 minutes).  I’m trying to locate who has a picture of where we stayed at Eagle Ridge.  Our rooms were awesome!  They each had their own bathroom and I wished we got to spend more time here.  I loved when my accommodations are nicer than my house!  I got the master suite and had a hot tub in my bathroom.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get any time to use it.  (thanks for your pic Kris!)

After our short break, we went to Fried Green Tomatoes.  Yes, that picture is what fried green tomatoes look like!  This place had awesome food!  I was stuffed beyond belief when we left here!  Their prices were very good, the servings were huge, and I recommend the tiramusi.

This is the end of what we did on our first day!  I’ll continue with a part three so you can see what we did on Sunday!  It was super exciting!

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As a blogger, I sometimes get invited to really cool events. I recently attended a tour of Mrs. Prindables.  I’ve got one word for the place:  YUM!

Ok, seriously.  They’ve never done a tour before, and I have to admit that it was one of the coolest tours I’ve been on.  It’s really cool to see all of the hard work and time that gets put into these apples.  An apple isn’t just an apple here.  One of the first things that I learned was Mrs. Prindables has their own line of apples (and no there was never a Mrs. Prindable).  They also are the ones that do Affy Tapple apples.  Now, Affy Tapple apples are big here in Chicago.  I’m not sure if they go outside the immediate area here or not.  We actually did some fundraising for Madison’s school with Affy Tapple this year.  We got to watch them make both.  The main difference between the two is that Mrs. Prindables is hand made.  Yes, hand made which is why they cost more.  Affy Tapple apples are automatically made.  (See story below).  They also use a lot larger apples for the Mrs. Prindables apples.

It was truly an eye opening experience:

We were sent home with some caramel and a triple dipped chocolate apple to try.  To die for.  Seriously.  You wouldn’t believe how rich it was.  And how yummy.  I can say that this is a great unique gift to send a loved one or even buy for yourself!

Go check out Mrs. Prindable’s.  You won’t be disappointed!

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About a month ago, I was invited to go to 1-800-Baskets. Now, I had heard of 1-800-Flowers before, but never 1-800-Baskets. I was in for an eye opening experience.

Now, when you look at a gift basket or tower, do you ever think about how much work goes into it? I’ll be honest, I never did. It was just something I looked at on their website and ordered. What I never knew was how much time and effort goes into making just one of these baskets. I have to say I was impressed. All of the employees that we met with had such enthusiasm for their jobs. The CEO actually went with us all day. We got to taste test the chocolate and the cheese that they use in their baskets.

This is their design center.  It was huge and impressive:

One of the coolest things we got to do (besides all the learning) was to make our own gift baskets:

I can honestly say that I will be ordering from 1-800-Baskets in the future (I’ve actually got an ordered placed for a Christmas present!). After seeing the quality and workmanship that happens at 1-800-Baskets, I’ll be using them for years to come.

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My son’s teacher heads up this great cause and I wanted to make you all aware of it. This is the letter she sends home at the beginning of her classes:

My name is Jacky and I am an early education instructor with the Oak Lawn Park District.  I started mailing boxes when one of my student’s only parent was sent to Iraq.  Now, boxes go out weekly to each soldier on my list who shares the boxes with their units.  I know first hand from the soldiers who return stateside that these boxes mean so much more than their contents;  they mean people care.  The families back home also appreciate the moral booster their loved ons are receiving each time a box arrives.  These boxes may be small, but they are mighty with support and positive thinking to bring our soldiers safely home.  All my soldiers have relatives, friends who live in Oak Lawn, or are residents of Oak Lawn.  It is a local support of our community.  Below are item lists of some of the things that have been sent out since March 2003:

Shampoo

Baby Wipes

Soap

Toothpaste

Hard Candy

Juice boxes

Snack food

Lip Balm

Combs

Sunscreen

Gum

Tylenol

Food Bars

Toilet Paper

Foot Powder

Small botthle of hand “no water” soap sanitizier

Band Aides

Canisters of presweetened Kool-Aid, Tea, and Lemonade

Mouthwash

User Paperback books

Toothpaste samples or floss

Sunday Comics

Extra condiment packets (sugar, ketchup)

Toothbrushes

Children’s drawings

Extra item in a pack (example:  6th gum free in a 5 pack)

Encouraging letters

Hotel shoe shine kits

Hotel small shampoo

Hotel small soap

Hotel small lotion

Hotel sewing kits

Hotel small conditioner

Hotel small mouth wash

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to help the soldiers out.  We donate things every week and it doesn’t cost me a cent extra from what we already do.  Also, she will take ANY leftover Halloween candy you have!!!

They will also take any donated stamps or funds for stamps.  Items and postage can be dropped off at (or mailed to) Oak View Center, 4625 West 110th St., Oak Lawn IL 60453.  I’d just put a little note on there that it’s for the soldiers.

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I can definitely stand behind this commercial to drink milk. It’s awesome!

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