“I’m in fine fettle. I’ve never felt fettler.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “The Bus,” season four, episode six
Sartorial Saturday–A Romp in the Sun
Today I’m taking a look at a Miss Candyfloss piece that I didn’t expect to order…the Lalie-Violette romper!
This romper wasn’t pictured in the “Legendary Liz” lookbook, and was a surprise release. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it…I love the idea of a sunsuit for summer, the color palette is stunning, and there’s a coordinating overskirt, which is my favorite clothing combination at this time of year. But the largest size it was available in was a 3X, and I usually (but not always) purchase my pieces in 4X. After looking at the size chart, I decided to take a chance, realizing that it might not work out, but it actually fits perfectly!
I accessorized with hair flowers, an Erstwilder brooch, a Meteor Jewelry Co. necklace, a stack of Splendette Duchess Bangles, and wind…it gets pretty breezy on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which, as a part of the old Route 66, was the perfect place to photograph this mid-century marvelous look!
I love how easy a playsuit is to wear!
This is the perfect outfit for a warm summer day!
And here’s a look at the previously-mentioned coordinating Krila-Wisteria overskirt…I love the way it looks with the romper, but I’m also looking forward to pairing it with tops from my wardrobe!
I love a surprise Miss Candyfloss release, especially when it works out so well!
M*A*S*H Quote of the Day–6/5/26
“You know, you’re beautiful when he’s angry.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “Hey Doc,” season four, episode five
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
On Wednesday, we took a walk across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that connects Madison, IL with St. Louis, MO over the Mississippi River.
The bridge was built in 1929 and was part of old Route 66. It was open to vehicular traffic for about 40 years, and in 1999 became a pedestrian bridge. At about a mile long, it looks like it goes on forever! I guess you don’t usually think about how long bridges are when you’re zipping across them in a car!
But if you look closely, you’ll notice the most remarkable feature of the bridge…a 30-degree turn that was added to the design to make the waters below easier for boats to navigate.
It’s a truly impressive bend…I can’t really imagine actually driving across it!
One of the reasons the waters of the Mississippi are tough to navigate at this point, besides the eponymous “chain of rocks” under the water, are the two “castles” (originally water intake towers) adjacent to the bridge.
There are a few references to Route 66 along the way:
It is an outstanding example of engineering!
There are gates at each end of the bridge that are presumably closed from sunset to sunrise:
We walked from one state to another…and back!
This was our first Route 66-themed field trip for this year’s summer school…I have a few more planned that I’m also really excited about!
M*A*S*H Quote of the Day–6/4/26
“It doesn’t cure you, but you wind up with the best-groomed tuchus in town.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “Hey Doc,” season four, episode five
Chickadee Thursday
One last look at our trip to Chicagoland…this time, at the Umbrella Sky Project in Elmhurst.
And a first glimpse at this year’s Route 66 Centennial-themed summer school, with a field trip to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge:
M*A*S*H Quote of the Day–6/3/26
“No no. I’m the woman trying to get in pretending I’m a guy.” Corporal Maxwell Klinger, “The Late Captain Pierce,” season four, episode four
Graduation Gallery
Now that all five of the children have had one form of a graduation or another, I updated the photo gallery on the wall going up our stairs to reflect their achievements. Here’s a look at the pictures I chose:
- Turkey–BS in Mathematics, UMSL, 2026
- Bunny–BA in History, WKU, 2025
- Moose–Belleville West High School Class of 2024
- Ladybug–Veritas Academy High School Class of 2025
- Chickadee–Veritas Academy Junior High Class of 2026
M*A*S*H Quote of the Day–6/2/26
“I’m tired of death. I’m tired to death.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “The Late Captain Pierce,” season four, episode four
10 Years of Combo Breaker Family Photos
I didn’t know what a huge part of our lives Combo Breaker would become back when we went for the first time in 2016, but we still took a family photo while we were there, and we’ve taken a similar photo every year since. There are two less images than there should be, since the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, but we took four pictures at the old Pheasant Run, and this year broke the tie, with five at the Renaissance in Schaumburg.
These pictures rival our Christmas and Easter photos for the ones that mean the most to me every year…Combo Breaker has become a huge part of all of our lives, and one of the top events on our yearly calendar!