Ordinary Angels

Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.

Q tips say: WOW! Yes we enjoyed Ordinary Angels. A heartbreaking story everyone else thinks is hopeless, and Sharon (Hillary Swank) somehow manages to triumph over the most daunting of obstacles. Hilary Swank brings incredible energy and humanity to her role, while Alan Ritchson delivers a surprisingly restrained and vulnerable performance as a struggling father.

Mrs. Q says:  This movie reminds me that ordinary people can sometimes make an extraordinary and positive difference in our lives. We need more of this in our present society.

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Send Help

Two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Q-tips say: Thought we would like “Send Help” but the ending is a bit awkward & disappointing. This was humorous and intense. Quickly paced and the 2 characters were great. Got a little dumb at the end.

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L Woods Tap & Pine Lodge – in Lincolnwood, IL

5/20/26

Photo of L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge - Lincolnwood, IL, United States

It has been awhile since we went to L Woods. So after running errands, & Dr. appts., decided to go here.

Food, service & libations were good. Yes, you can eat indoors or outdoors in a covered area with heat lamps.

Some of the entrees are large, so feel free to share one.

FYI SURCHARGE As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. You may request to have this taken off your check should you choose.

Mrs. Q says: She likes the inside décor. It reminds her of supper clubs in Wisc.

Began our meals with a Happy ( 3 till 5) Hour Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan.

Mrs. Q had: cup of French Onion Soup & Weds. Special – Chicken Pot Pie – carrots, celery, sweet corn, English peas, flaky pastry crust.

Mr. Q had: Bowl of Tomato Soup & Fish & Chips house-made salt and vinegar chips.

Inside Décor

Photo of L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge - Lincolnwood, IL, United States
Photo of L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge - Lincolnwood, IL, United States
Delicious bread
French Onion Soup - Lunch Menu - Samuel Slater's Restaurant - American  Restaurant in Webster, MA
cup of French onion soup
Fish & Chips
Baby Back Ribs
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge Restaurant in Chicago | diningchicago.com
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LINCOLN PARK Z00 5/19/2026 – IT IS FREE !

LINCOLN PARK ZOO – 2200 N Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614, (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org

The exterior of Lincoln Park Zoo in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.  This zoo is free to everyone year round and features 1,100 animals Stock  Photo - Alamy

Mrs. Q-SAYS: YES, GO AND ENJOY! IT IS FREE! – FREE IS GOOD.

Decided to thru the zoo instead of around the hood.  Had a great walk & beautiful weather.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO is a wonderful place to visit – old and young alike enjoy the wonderful zoo & lakefront.  Found free parking on the street but there is a parking lot & pay the fee just in case you can’t find free street parking. Many animals to see and they were active due to the sunny beautiful weather.  The Zoo offers little people train & all restaurants were open.  Restaurants and sidewalk vendors are available as well as areas to picnic either under shelter or on the grassy areas. The small working farm was not open along with a few other venues but most are open. The day we went the animals were very active, which adds to your enjoyment.

Mrs. Q says:  The Zoo was busy with School children & families enjoying the Zoo. The four legged animals were out  playing & enjoying the day also. Go and enjoy, it may not be the largest Zoo due to lack of some animals but a great way to spend the day.  I miss the Elephants.
PS Lincoln Park Zoo has a great Ape House. So go and enjoysay HI your distant relatives! 

Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States
Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States
Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States
Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States. Love the Zebras!
Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States. Gorilla
Hi to my very very distant relative.
Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States
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Indie Cafe – Sushi

5/11/2026 – 5951 N Broadway St Chicago – (773) 561-5577 – indiecafe.us

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Chicago's best casual neighborhood sushi spot

  Indie has indoor/outdoor seating. BYOB with corkage fee for Beer & Wine only. No BYOB outside.

Today was “Maid Day,” – Cleaning Day, which means NO COOKING DAY. This visit was a take home & we ate and drank our favorite libations at home.

We shared & always enjoy one of the best Crab Rangoon around.

Mrs. Q ordered the BIBI SUSHI – 7 pcs. of Nigiri and one California Maki roll – no sesames please & Wonton Soup. A Cosmo with dirty ice (ice from the shaker) on the side.

The other half had: OMAKASE – 9 pcs of Sashimi, a few pieces of Unagi & Miso Soup. His Saki.

Women Owned Restaurant – Executive Chef Iggy Waranon and Co-Owner Gui Prasartkul came to Chicago in 1998 to study the arts of photography(Governor State University) and film making(the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States
Delicious Crab Rangoon
Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Omakase Nigiri
Omakase Nigiri
Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Unagi is so good:)
Delicious Unagi
Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Lunch special
Lunch Special

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McNamara’s Irish Pub

2740 Old Lebanon Rd Nashville, TN

mcnamarasirishpub.com

On our way to Chicago, our favorite Son, Sean, suggested to stop at this Irish Pub for dinner & an overnight stay at The Hampton Inn. The Inn was the cleanest place we have ever stayed in & the bed & pillows the best ever – Mrs. Q wishes she had that mattress & pillows at her house.

The Pub was awesome. The service/drinks/food & the ambiance was outstanding.

Sean had: A Guinness beer & soup & Steak & Guinness Pie -Guinness Marinated. Beef Tips with Button Mushrooms in A Rich Brown Sauce. Topped with Puff Pastry Served W/ Steak Fries.

The Q-tips shared: Irish Stew & the other half also had soup. Our usual drinks: Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan.

Irish Stew
Steak & Guinness

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STONEWOOD REST. 5/6/26

STONEWOOD – 5415 University Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34276, (941) 355-3315
stonewoodgrill.com

Q-tips say: Go & enjoy!  

Wonderful dinner with long time friend: Roger from the hood.

We shared the Pretzels.

Roger had: Sangria & Clam Chowder & Buffalo Shrimp.

Mr. Q had:  Perfect Manhattan & Clam Chowder & Buffalo Shrimp.

Mrs. Q had: An Old Fashion & Blast Stack.

Pretzels
Blast Stack
Beignets w/three different sauces.
Buffalo Shrimp

French onion soup

French Onion Soup 

                                                                                                                                                                    

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Anna Maria Oyster Bar – 5/5/26

Anna Maria Oyster Bar- 5405 University Pkwy Unit 110 University Park, Fl.  (941) 491-2662

oysterbar.net     

I had an Old Fashion.

The other half had:  Perfect Manhattan & Special of the day: Lobster & a side of onion straws.

Mrs. Q had: Scallops & a Ceasar Salad & house chips w/ a side of Ranch dressing for dipping the chips & we shard: a dozen Blue Point Oysters.

Drinks/food/service was good.

Salmon
Photo of Anna Maria Oyster Bar - Bradenton, FL, United States. Onion straws appetizer
Onion Straws
Dozen Oysters
Scallops
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Uncle Vanya

In the heat of summer, Sonya and her Uncle Vanya wile away their days on a crumbling estate deep in the countryside, until Sonya’s father suddenly returns with his new alluring wife, declaring his intention to sell the house.

Q-tips say: Was good. Mr. Q enjoyed it more than Mrs. Q.

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Season 52 – 5/4/26

7115 Florida 64 Bradenton, FL – (941) 201-11

www.seasons52.com/menu/all-day

“Maid Day” visit means no cooking – out to Season’s 52.

Enjoyed our dinner & a fun evening with neighbor, Nancy.

Nancy had: A Cosmo, Chicken Soup & a Fish special with potatoes & asparagus.

Mrs. Q had: Happy Hour Cosmo & CHICKEN SOUP & shared: Philly Cheesesteak Flatbread – Beef tenderloin, cipollini onions, wood-grilled red peppers, provolone cheese sauce and added Tuna.

The other half had: Margarita & a glass of Wine. Tuscan White Bean Soup & Shared: Philly Cheesesteak Flatbread– Beef tenderloin, cipollini onions, wood-grilled red peppers, provolone cheese sauce & Tuna.

Happy Hour Cosmo
Chicken Soup
Tuscan white bean soup
Philly Cheesesteak
Inside Bar side
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