Year of Nativity

I don't know what it is about a nativity scene but I love it. I can remember as a child probably 4 or 5 I was given paper nativity scene in primary and I still have it. I didn't put it out this year as it is getting pretty worn. But I still have it and love it.

A few years ago my mother got a beautiful nativity set. It is one of the most beautiful sets I have ever seen. I told Art that I wanted to get a nice set like that someday. I had a few special ones though. My sister made me one and my daughter in law made me a glass block nativity. Art kept his good eye out at the auctions and voila he brought some home. They needed a few minor repairs but that is ok. I now have a nice collection.......8 to be exact.

This year I decorated with them. Here are pictures of all 8 of them.

Click Your Heels Three Times ........

Click your heels three times and repeat there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home.

We got up, ate breakfast, and hurried to the beach. Soaked in the beautiful ocean for a few hours then we went in and got cleaned up and packed. We ate lunch and sat on the beach until we had to go to the airport. It was sad to leave but we will return and we have such a nice home to return to.

The airport was a breeze to get through. We timed it just right. Our flight from Puerto Vallarta to Phoenix wasn't very full. Art and I sat by ourselves. I was worried going through customs as a huge plane had landed just a head of us. But luckily it went pretty quick. About 30 minutes later we were on our way. On the flight from Phoenix, I sat by a cute gal going home for Thanksgiving and we just visited the whole time and we were home in no time. We arrived at 11:15 pm. MK and Miss R were so sweet to come and get us. It was so late and we so appreciated it.

Now it is time to get ready for the holidays.

Day 7 Last Full Day

I can't believe this was our last full day. The week went by way too fast. We know the time to go is near because they took our name sign off the wall. (heavy sigh). Today we swam in the pool and sat on the beach. I had a full body massage this morning on the beach. It was fabulous.

The hotel has a special dinner on the beach for returning guests so we went to that tonight. Art's dinner was better than mine but overall it was ok. It was a buffet with steak as the main meat. Art's was very tender mine was tough. Luck of the draw I guess. The shrimp was good. We met some really fun folks at our table and we had a fun waiter. There were three other couples at our table. We enjoyed visiting and we had a lot of laughs. Our table was the last to leave.

After dinner we headed back to the room to relax on the deck. Now I need to start packing. Not ready.............nope still not ready.

Day 6 Relax

Relax Relax Relax. That is what we did today. Sat on the beach, swam in the pool, had a massage, sat on the beach, got in the ocean, sat on the beach..........oh my what a relaxing day. I don't know if it is all the sun, laying around or what but I think I hit a wall. I am so tired, I am ready for bed right now. I was ready for bed at 5:00 this afternoon. I know I am tired not only because I feel it but everything is funny to me.

We had our massages today but not a couples massage. They don't have a room big enough for two beds, In fact, the rooms are so small I am not sure how the masseuse moves around. Anyway Art was a trooper and did it. I don't think he will ever have another massage but I am proud of him that he did it. I think the gal that did his massage found him fetching as she did a lot more to him than I got. It was relaxing though. He even let her rub his feet without screaming. He must have been thinking of the words to a hymn.

The clouds cleared today and it was another beautiful day and a gorgeous sunset. We had dinner at the Japanese restaurant tonight. Oh my gosh it was soooooo delicious. Best meal since we got here.

The sound of the waves, cool breeze.......yep I 'm done for. Adios for now

Day 5

Another great day in Paradise. We spent the morning on the beach and the afternoon at the pool. I forgot to mention that yesterday morning I was reading my book and Art said wow look at the porpoises. I looked up and there must of been about 12 dolphins jumping in the air. It was fun to watch and we all know how much I love dolphins. A few showed up again today. What a treat.

My darling Art has turned into a musical. It started the day we left. While we were waiting for the taxi he started singing the verse about the taxi coming in the song "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Cracked me up. Every day since, when I say something for a response he breaks out in song. I am living in a musical. It has been pretty funny and he has quite an array of songs.

A couple here is always commenting on how great our drink cups are. Yesterday, Art told them we got them at Walmart. The man said that didn't do them any good here. We told him he could go to Walmart here and it was in walking distance. He was stunned. We ran into them tonight and here is the conversation:

the man: hey I want to tell you we walked to Walmart. My wife bought all kinds of fun stuff. She just kept loading up the cart with stuff.

the woman: but we forgot to look for the drink mugs

the man: we didn't realize until we got back

Art: should have made a list

the woman: but the only thing we went for was the drink mugs

Me: that is just like you to forget the eggs

We all laughed.....don't know if they know that joke or not but it made Art and I laugh.

The weather today was a little cloudy. It was still a nice day though. It is the most clouds we have seen since we got here. I am excited for tomorrow as we are scheduled for a couple's 30 minute back massage. That's right, Art has somehow lost his mind (maybe it's the musical in his mind) and agreed to a couples massage. Should be an interesting event - stay tuned.

Day 4 Is it only Tuesday

What a great relaxing day today was. We slept in, had breakfast and went directly to the beach. I met a nice couple on the beach. They are both in their late eighties, were born in Germany and live in Canada. They were so cute, I just loved them. They were really interesting to visit with. After lunch, we went swimming. Then back to the room late afternoon to get cleaned up. We did walk to the grocery store before dinner and get some Dr Pepper. We just relaxed all day. It was so nice. The weather was perfect. The sunsets are all so beautiful, but tonight it was just spectacular. I wish I would have had my camera.

Art kept asking "Is it only Tuesday? Really? Humm it seems like it should be Thursday or Friday."

So far the agenda for tomorrow is the same as today. AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Day 3 to town.... a bust

Today we didn't get up too early. Kinda lazy morning. We had breakfast and then we took a taxi to town to the flea market. Can you believe that I didn't buy anything? I can't believe it myself and I was there. I thought about buying a nice pair of dress shoes (which I need) but I decided to wait until we went to Walmart. It was cheaper last time we were here so I decided to wait. Not a good idea. After the flea market, we took a taxi back to Walmart. What a bust. They didn't have anything that I wanted and waited for. I should have spent my money at the flea market. Oh well live and learn. They did have some cute shoes......just not my size. We looked everywhere for vanilla for Doctors mom but we couldn't find the brand she wanted. Doctor wanted socks but they didn't have those either. We did find some similar though so we will see if they work. Art said we could go back to the flea market but is not easy and the taxi rides are a little frightening so I think we will forget it and just enjoy being here. We did pick up some Dr Pepper which was sweet. Back for a fun afternoon sitting at the beach and swimming in the pool.

I keep forgetting to mention, when we got here, there was a knock on the door and we received a nice welcome back note and chocolate covered strawberries. What a fun treat.

Poor Art is spent so it is early to bed tonight. Just another good day.

Photos

our CASA BERG sign

view from our room

another view from our room

our new shirts

our drink cups

the bed in our room

Day 2 Shirt Off Your Back

Today was a fun day. We got up early and went to the hotel presentation. I could probably do a whole blog about that experience but I won't. It was a bad presentation and the room they showed us as their best.....well I will just say, I wouldn't stay there even if it was free. Anyway I think the first salesman we had was fired. He was really bad and when the manager came over to see what he had told us or didn't tell us he was so mad, he told the guy to go directly to the mangers office and wait for him. Yikes!!! The breakfast they served us was too hard to gag down but we did our best.

The rest of the day was awesome. We sat on the beach and as my mom would say it was a good day for the parade. We could not have asked for better weather. While we were lounging and watching folks swim in the ocean, I saw a man with a blue and orange swim suit on. I said to Art hey that guys has on a BSU suit. Not realizing it really WAS a BSU swim suit. A little later he walked past our loungers and I could see the BSU logo on his suit and he was wearing a BSU ball cap. Soooooo I hollered "GO BRONCOS". He turned around and said thanks. Then he came up to us and we all commiserated on the sad game. He said he was from Eagle. He said his daughter worked for a store and made some BSU shirts and lanyards with Puerto Vallarta on them. We thought that was cool. He said he would contact us back home and get Art one. Pretty cool!! Then he came back and handed Art a shirt and said his wife insisted he give Art his. Very nice!!! A little while later we went to fill our drinks and we ran into him and his wife. We thanked her as well and she gave me her shirt. Sweet! She gave me the shirt off her back. (Well it was really sitting on her chair but she had worn it to the pool. Yes over her swimming suit.) It was so thoughtful of them and we love the shirts.

When I went to camp, I bought an insulated water bottle. I love it. Before coming here, we got one for Art. We brought them with us, Today we kept them full. I have virgin strawberry margaritas and Art had pina coladas. The bottles worked fabulously. I think we will take them on all our trips.

When we came back to the room this morning we found a sign beside the door that read "Casa Berg" So cool. We took pictures of it.

Dinner was excellent and now it is about time to call it a day, Best part of today.......palling around with Art. The rest was just gravy. Tomorrow we are going to venture out. It will be a long day for Art. Yes we are going shoe shopping. Best get my rest. As soon as I can figure out how to load the photos I will. Sorry this new laptop and iPad , tablet thing is not behaving. Anyway stay tuned for photos.

PV Day 1

Oh my goodness we got up very very early. 4am to be exact. But it was worth it. We took a taxi to the airport. I guess they can't go on the freeway or maybe they just like the meter to run because we drove down the side streets. Art thought it took about the same amount of time but I am not convinced. I of coarse got picked to do the body scanner. And really that was the only bad part of it. And that wasn't bad so you can see we had a grand day.

We made it through customs really fast. It took all of 5 minutes. It took longer to get our luggage then it did to go through customs. It was sweet. The taxi ride to the hotel was a true Mexican taxi ride. I decided to put my seatbelt on. The hotel has a few changes but for the most part it is the same. We a got a great room on the 5th floor. It has a cute balcony overlooking the ocean. We are very pleased with the room.

After getting settled in, we watched a very disappointing BSU game. To say the least, Sid was distraught. (For those not knowing who Sid is, he is my last good nerve). After the game we went to dinner. Dinner was interesting. I am not sure what we had. I ordered beef and Art ordered lamb. I don't know what we got. The waiter said mine was bull......hmmmm. Anyway it was three huge bones and some grizzly fatty meat. They brought it for both Art and I. They also brought an extra plate of meat and said it was lamb. I am not sure. I am looking forward to what other meals this restaurant serves. I am excited for the adventure.

We are going to FaceTime the kids and then off to bed. We are pooped and we want to be fresh for our day tomorrow. Can't wait.

Halloween Humor

Good Quote

I loved this.

New Bedroom

I just realized I hadn't posted the new bedroom. It was crazy. Art's sister passed away and he went to spend the last few days of her life with her. The night before he left the store called and said the furniture was in. We decided we would get it when Art got back to town.

The next night I went to the Buddy's to watch football with him, MK and Miss R. I told him about the furniture and he volunteered helping me get the furniture. I told him I needed to empty the truck (Art went to the auction before he left town) and I didn't know where to put the stuff so I better wait but the Buddy suggested we take the trailer. I told him I couldn't drive the trailer with all the furniture in it. He said he could and he was an expert......he was right. Anyway we went the next day. The Buddy hooked the trailer up to the jeep and away we went.

All the furniture was in boxes so we loaded them in the trailer and drove home. I thought we would just put the furniture in the garage and wait for Art to come home and together we would set it up. But no the Buddy said n0 way. He told me he does "new" better than that. The Buddy worked his tail off. He got the furniture unpacked, carried in the house and all put together. What a sweet son. It looked great. An extra chair was in one of the boxes so the Buddy even returned it for me. Everything was in place when Art got home and it looked good. I could have never done it by myself. Art and I are so lucky to have such a great son. Thanks Buddy for all the help. Here are pictures.

Pictures of House Changes

Here are some pictures of the changes. I didn't take any of Art's office but when his new furniture comes in I will post pics.

I Did It

About 4 years ago the Buddy and I made an agreement and my end of the agreement was to grow my hair out. So I thought if I was going to grow it, I may as well do it for a good cause. So the past 4 years I have been growing my hair out for locks of love. I have received a ton of compliments on my hair and I even started a few trends with my braids. But now the time has come for me to cut it. I didn't tell anyone I was cutting it, I just did it. It was really long!!!! I don't have a picture of it just prior to cutting it as I didn't want to tip anyone off of what I was about to do. I thought I would be sad but I am not and I really hope locks of love gets good use of it. It was super healthy and very soft. And another plus is I won't be needing as much shampoo or conditioner.

Excited

This is an exciting day!! We are getting our new carpet. Can't wait to see what it looks like. The carpet we picked was so new there were no samples. Given our luck lately I am not sure what it will look like but I am super excited. The guys are here right now. Pictures coming. Pssst. we bought a new entertainment cabinet.....it is beautiful.

Change Change Change

In the words of Aretha Franklin.......change change change. This is a long post so you might want to get a drink....go ahead I'll wait....really. Ready? Here we go. Art and I decided to get new carpet. Our carpet was looking so ratty and cleaning it did no good. So we picked out some nice carpet. Art didn't care what the carpet was as long as it was darker than what we currently have. I agree. Also I wanted to put wood laminate down the hall. I really wanted to match the laminate in the kitchen/dining area but the company we got he kitchen from stopped making the floor so we had to try and match it. We couldn't match it so we got something similar. So that started the ball rolling.

Our recliners in the family room were old and showing wear and the base on one was broke so we decided with the new carpet we would get new recliners. We picked some nice green ones to match the current couch. They didn't have any in stock so we ordered them. They came in.......we brought them home.......and we we got them out of the truck I said they look brown not green. Yep they are brown. After spending the evening looking at them (intently I might add) I said we need to return these. I told Art they would look better in the basement with the leather couch. Then I said maybe we should bring the leather couch up. No that wouldn't work because the couch upstairs wouldn't match the basement. The chairs had to go back. Art however liked that idea of bringing the leather couch up and keeping the chairs. So when the the Buddy, MK and Miss R came they agreed. Grandpa didn't offer to put a dog in the fight. Well the Buddy helped me bring a piece of the couch up and everyone liked it......well except for me. But it will be a good thing. I guess I just hate to lose my green. Oh well. Now what to do with the current couch. Well I suggested (and Art was thrilled) to put the current couch on the deck and the hide-a-bed (currently on the deck) back in the basement. So that is what we are going to do after the new carpet is installed.

A few nights ago Art said he hated to say anything but maybe we should paint the spare bedroom. I said no I would just wash the walls and they would be fine. But after washing them, I decided maybe they should be painted. Then after looking at the curtains I thought a very pale yellow would be pretty in there. I know what you are thinking and you are right ....I hate yellow. Art was stunned but said whatever I wanted. After looking at pale yellows at the store, Art found one he thought would look good so we got that. It isn't pale it is bright. It looks good and I like it but I don't like the curtains with it. Now I will have to find new curtains. Art thought his office would be fine with out painting it but upon further examination, he agreed it should be painted. So I painted it. It is a nice white.

With all the furniture out for carpet.........we decided that would be a good time to downsize our bedroom furniture. We are going to sell what we currently have. It is beautiful and we like it but it is just too big for the small room. We went and bought new furniture. It will be interesting as we ordered it from a catalog and have not actually seen it. After the chair experience I am a little nervous but very excited.

Because we are getting new carpet, we got new bedroom furniture, new recliners, wood floors down the hall and freshly painted bedrooms. This has been a case of one thing leads to another. Poor Art has had to endure my indecisiveness and desires. He has been such a good sport and I love him for it. I will be posting pictures so stay tuned.

Trip to IF

Art and I went to Idaho Falls to see my parents and can you believe I didn't take any pictures? I can't believe it myself. But I did shoot some more video so that is something to look forward to. Art and my Dad went night fishing and caught a lot of chubs but nothing to bring home and cook. They had a good time though. I drug my mom around to several furniture stores. She was a good sport to go with me. No!! I didn't get anything. We had a fun weekend with a lot of laughs and great food. It is always fun to go home.

2011 Girls YW Camp

I got asked to attend Girls Camp this year. I was very excited. I was one of four in charge of the 4th years. We were assigned two 5th years and three SYLS. We went to a place in Oregon. It was a beautiful campsite and we stayed in tents. The theme was a moment in time. Our group was the "Stone Age". We decorated with dinosaurs and cave women. Our girls were absolutely lovely. Because the 4th years do adventure camp, they didn't go on the day hike. We were in charge of a spa experience for the rest of the girls. We did pedicures for everyone. Our girls did an excellent job and we all had a good time. We had several visitors ie Alma, Lucy Mack Smith, Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene. The stake leaders planned several moments in time experiences and games that were absolutely amazing. It was a very spiritual week and I was so buoyed up. Our girls had a great skit. Here are some pictures I took during the week.

Everyone doing the Thriller dance

5th year (Sheighla), SYL (Elise), and 4th yr, (Merecia) girls

Girls getting ready for our skit (Schuyler, Jordan, & Megan)
(Princesses and Mrs DR. made one of the cars)

I was in charge of this value during the game of life. Yes the r is missing.

Some of our Priesthood leaders

Part of our campsite

Part of our campsite
Yes I put up most of the tents
Part of our campsite

Doing pedicures at our spa experience

Doing pedicures at our spa experience

Mailboxes for each girl

Family Photos

We had family photos taken. Candace Hawkley (Dr.'s sister) is a professional photographer. We were lucky enough to have her take our photos. Here are some of the photos.

Crazy July

July was a pretty crazy month. First we were lucky enough to have our daughter and her family come. It was great. We were lucky to have sleepovers with all 5 grandkids. Art and I had a ball. We were able to get family pictures taken. I am so blessed to have such a great family. I will post pictures later. I had the pleasure to go to girls camp. Before I left for camp we got word that Art's sister had colon and liver cancer. My thoughts and prayers were with her. I had reservations before I left as Art's mom was not doing very well and I had a feeling she would pass while I was gone. She did. I was very saddened I was not there to support my Art and I was unable to pay my last respects to her. We ended the month celebrating our 23rd anniversary.

Sometimes you have to wait your turn..........

Sometimes you have to wait your turn..........

Home or Bust

Well the trip home I am happy to say was uneventful. The flights were all good and we made all our connections with no problems. The Buddy picked us up at the airport and delivered us safely home. We landed at 9:00 pm and were home before 10:00 pm. It seems like a dream now it went by so fast. Now back to the real world.

Oh goodness it is already our last day in DC. After breakfast we checked out of the hotel, left the car in the hotel parking lot and took a cab to Capitol Hill. We started at the Library of Congress. Wow was the library ever awesome. I am so glad we decided to go back to see it. It was so worth it. We spent several hours there and we didn't even see it all. But it really was amazing. We were really lucky because there was hardly anyone there when we got there and it got really full by the time we left. Then we headed over to the Capitol. We wandered around there a little and then we walked(a long walk) down to the original Smithsonian, the castle. I was surprised how small it was....well in comparison to everything else. But it was cool. After that we caught a cab back to the area of our hotel and had a late lunch.

The Buddy told us about a sandwich shop so we went there. It was really yummy. I would definitely go there again. We tried the milkshakes and they were good too but when will I learn.....no matter how good the shake is, it makes my stomach hurt. Thank heavens I packed pro-actazymes.

After lunch we headed back to Newport News. It was a pleasant drive. We took a little side road and it was really pretty. After getting checked in to the motel, we took a dip in the pool. It was so refreshing. Then we just rested by the pool.
We walked next door to a store and then went to a Japanese Hibachi Steak House. It was really good but they gave us way too much food. I couldn't even eat half of it. It was yummy. We waddled back to the motel.

Tonight it is like a barnyard.....our calves are mooing and our dogs are howling.(our legs and feet hurt from so much walking). It is hard to believe we go home tomorrow. The time has just flown by. I need to say, every hotel we stayed at was really nice. I usually take pictures of the rooms that we stay in and for some reason I didn't do it this time. I wish I would have because they were all nice. And the bed at the last hotel was awesomely comfortable. One of the best ones we have ever slept in. Not only was it comfortable, Art's feet didn't hang over the end.

One small sad note. I lost one of my favorite earrings and I never did find it. Dang.....oh well.

Best Laid Plans

Well we actually had a plan of what we wanted to do today.........it just didn't work out that way. It all worked out fine just different. All the streets downtown were blocked for a triathlon. They were blocked until 1:00. We were detoured on the way to town. It took longer but we were able to see areas not on any tour. We even got to see some of the slum areas. Since the streets to the places we had planned to go were blocked we went back to Georgetown. It is really hard to get back on the trolley after you get off so we decided not to get off anywhere. When we got back to the transfer station, we decided to walk around the area. We thought about going to the Spy Museum but I thought the entrance fee was too high so we ended up going to the wax museum. It had all the Presidents past and present and several celebrities. It was fun. By then the streets opened up. We decided to go to the capitol and Library of Congress, Unfortunately they were closed, We walked down to the Air and Space Museum. It was pretty cool. Then the afternoon was almost gone and it was getting late so we got back on the very full trolley. To get on Art had to sit up in the window area that isn't really a seat but we were grateful to be on. We just stayed on and looked at the sites from the window of the trolley. It was ok as we saw most of if up front and personal yesterday.We did the manager's reception split a sandwich and back to the room to put our tired feet up and make some calls. It was suppose to rain today and although it lightly sprinkled a couple times the weather was good......not too hot. We still managed to do a lot of walking. We didn't get to see the things we planned but we still had a grand time. Maybe tomorrow we can see a few things before we leave. And if not that is OK. The best part is we saw the things on our bucket list. AND we were together.

Really? Again?

Are you kidding me? Really? Seriously? Again? At 5:15 am there was a loud beeping......no it wasn't the alarm clock.......it was the freaking FIRE ALARM. Fortunately, it turned off before we evacuated but after it turned off, every 15-20 minutes it would chirp.

More later........breakfast is calling my name.

BTW....Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there.

Red Letter Day

What a great day. We got up and had a quick breakfast and got on the shuttle to head to town. We did the trolley tour. I don't think I would recommend it but it worked out ok. We saw A LOT. I thought I walked my tail off but when we got back to the hotel I felt something nipping at my feet. It was my tail. I didn't walk it off, it was just dragging. It was hot and humid. I was sweating like crazy. I was and Art wasn't. What on earth is the deal with that?


We saw the White House, White House Visitor Center, National Archives, the original Magna Cata, original Constitution, original Bill of Rights, original Declaration of Independence, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Ford Theater, The Natural History Museum, The Hope Diamond and other precious gems, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Georgetown. We saw a a lot of buildings that we didn't stop to go into. Some we will go to tomorrow. It was all a bit overwhelming. I love my government and Country. How proud I am to be an American. I must admit, I thought I knew a lot about the Country's history but I felt a little stupid a couple of times today. I am motivated to study and learn more. Today also confirmed my conviction that the forefathers were foreordained. It was fun seeing and experiencing it all with my darling Art. We were tired when we got back to our hotel. We did the manger's reception, ate some dinner and back to the room to put our tired feet up. AHHHH what a great day.

Moving On

Today was the last day of the conference. I had breakfast with Art this morning and he went to the conference and I went back down to the colonial area with one of the other spouses. She is a lovely lady from Utah. We had a lot in common and really hit off. We had a great morning together. We went back to the hotel about 11: 15 and Art showed up about 11: 30. Art and I packed up before breakfast so we were ready to head to DC. The traffic was crazy and there was a wreck so we decided to stop and have some lunch to give them time to clear the wreckage away.

After checking into our hotel we decided to head to Arlington Cemetery. And let me just say I was very humbled. We hiked up to see the Kennedy graves. I was surprised how plain some were. But is was still humbling none the less. As luck would have it, we were able to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It choked me up. It was amazing!!! I was so surprised how big the cemetery was. It was a little overwhelming. I am so grateful that I was able to go. It started to sprinkle a little but we got back before it started to rain hard.

We went to the managers happy hour at the hotel and then we walked to a shopping mall area to have dinner. On the way it started to rain. We ate at a rib place. The ribs were delicious. While we were in the restaurant it rained pretty hard but when we got back outside it had stopped raining. Whew. Back to the room to relax. I am so excited to be here and I am so looking forward to hanging out with Art and seeing all the sites.

Last Full Day Here

More walking for today. I have walked so much I got a blister. The back of my ankle started to hurt and when I looked at it, I could see where my shoe rubbed it so much I had a blister that popped. Ouch! Anyway I didn't let it deter me any.

I met a nice man from Oregon on the bus this morning. He and his wife are part of a tour group and his wife decided she would rather shop than see any of the sites so we went to some of the places together. After the first stop, we also hooked up with another lady that was part of his tour group. They were a lot of fun. Then this afternoon at one of the sites, a couple of ladies were having trouble with the map and came up to me and asked me to help them. We started talking and they asked if they could go around with me. Why not! So I really didn't spend a lot of time alone. Oh and yesterday I hooked up with some brothers and today I ran into them again so I hooked them up with the ladies and then left. They were a perfect match.

One of the sites I went to was an 1800s mental hospital. It was c-r-e-e-p-y. If you weren't insane when you arrived, you certainly would be when you left. But the cool thing was in the basement there was a huge museum with furniture, silver, pottery, portraits, and quilts just to name few things. It was huge.

Poor Art had to sit in meetings all day. To honor him I attended an 1800s legislative session at the Capitol. I think I had the better deal for the day.

After a stop at the conference reception, Art and I went to the colonial district for dinner. We had a good dinner. At one of the stops the man from Oregon and his wife got on so Art was able to meet him.

The weather was a little cooler and overcast. It finally rained a little tonight. Hope tomorrow has better weather. Tomorrow after lunch we head to DC. Yeah!! Art and I can see the sites together.

After the Power Nap

Morning seemed to come earlier than usual. Must be because we just has a power nap last night. Art attended his conference all day. I went and played. I wanted to do a witch trial but it was completely booked.....dang. Oh well win some and lose some. I went to the colonial section of town. I did a lot did I mention a lot of walking. I saw a couple of plays and a lot of performances broke out in the streets. All the workers wear period clothes and talk as if it were the 1800s. It was pretty fun. I finally got the buses figured out and then realized I could walk it. According to the GPS it is only 2 miles to that section of town. The weather was stellar and I did meet some nice folks. Hope tomorrow is as good and hopefully no fire alarms tonight.

Tidbits of the Day....

The day started out usual enough but I did have few moment to share. MK and Miss R took us to the airport at a decent hour. They picked us up at 10:00. A big thanks to them for taking us. Here is my first funny moment. At the Boise airport, a couple was sitting behind us getting ready to get on the plane. They were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. How did I know? You couldn't help overhear their conversations and yes I was paying attention......don't judge. Anyway, this was the first time they flew and they were a bit nervous. They called someone they knew to check if they were doing everything right. (pretty cute). Then they had this converstation.

Man: Would you like to sit by the window?
Lady: Oh, the plane has windows?
Man: Sure they do.....well .......I think they do........no I am pretty sure they do.
Lady: Ok but so you know I am not rolling it down. That is too much wind for me.

The Buddy loaded some movies on to my new ipad. Yes I said new ipad. Art gave me a new ipad for my birthday. Oh I just love it. Art does too. Thanks to the Buddy I was able to watch a funny movie and I laughed right out loud a couple of times. It was great. The flights were all good. The flight from SLC to Atlanta was a little bumpy a couple of times but nothing bad. And I even thought landing was fairly calm but the lady sitting directly behind Art threw up all over herself. No not in a bag but all over herself. The good news is Art didn't receive any of it. Thank Heavens!!!

We had two GPSs and they both had trouble finding the satellite. But eventually they worked and we arrived at our hotel safe and sound. It was about midnight. We were both tired and ready for bed. About 1:30 am I woke to a familiar yet unfamiliar sound. I thought Art's alarm was awfully loud.....then it hit me what it was. I sat up and turned the light on. Art stood up and this is our conversation.
Art: What is that?
Me: the fire alarm
Art: Yeah I know that.

I then hurried to the hall to see if I could see smoke. The gentleman in the next room came out as well. This is our conversation.
Man: What is that?
Me: the fire alarm
Man: OK ..... That is what I thought

I guess they were just asking to confirm...............

The hotel emptied out into the parking lot. Fortunately, it was just a false alarm. It took the fire department almost a 1/2 hour to show up. Had it been a real fire, they should have brought marshmallows and wienies because by the time they got here, the fire would have been a good blaze. Back to bed for a quick power nap as Art has to get up early for the conference.

The Count Down Is On

Well I am officially counting the days. Last February, Miss R came over and said Hey grandma guess what, you're going to be 50 this year. I asked her who told her that and she said her dad and mom. Hmmmmm. Then 50 days prior to the official day, I got a phone call. After saying hello the cute little voice on the other end (honey bunch) gleefully announced "50 days to 50....love you". Then later in the same day Dude, Princess, Honey Bunch, and Megaman called. After I said hello there was a cheer of "50 days to 50" and then a bunch of giggles. I asked them how they knew and they said their mom told them. Hmmmmm. Everyday since, I have received either a call, email or text with the amount of remaining days. When it was 36 days Megaman called me and said "36 days" I asked what was 36 days and with a big "duh sigh" he said til you're 50. Then yesterday in the mail, I received this count down chain. It begins with 30 days left. It is really special and I love it. It has little sayings on the chains (this month is such a special one, Happy Birthday, almost here and so on). I won't have to wonder when the 30 days starts as I am sure I will get a call. I do hate to take it apart but you know I will keep the pieces. When I am long gone from this world, and they look through my prized possessions, they will find the pieces of this chain. It takes the sting of 50 out of it.

GOOD FOR A GROAN

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes
was on shaky ground.

The batteries were given out free of charge.

A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

A will is a dead giveaway.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Acupuncture: a jab well done.