Granelda's Adventures

I Did It

2012-02-05T00:37:00.003-07:00

Today we mostly hung out. But we went to the Space Needle. An item on my bucket list was to go to the top of the Space Needle. Holy smokes it is a long way up. Heights and I are not friends. To say I was scared spitless is an understatement. But I made it up and we had a fabulous lunch in the restaurant there. I kept telling myself I was in an airplane and that really helped. I had a ice cream on steroids for dessert. It was really fun. Afterward Art and Barb wanted to go out on the observation deck. YIKES! They went out and I worked on getting the courage to go out. I knew I wanted say I did it and this was more than likely the only time I could so.........I did it, I did it, I did it, yeah.. I did it.
I thought I would have a heart attack or stroke before we got back down but I survived. I even bought a jacket to reward myself.

We stopped by the house for the end of the sale. Folks were carrying all their booty out. It was hard to watch so we decided to go to the marina. We popped in and chatted with the boat broker. Not much activity on the boat sale..........hopefully soon. We did happy hour at the marina then back to the hotel and visited a while. We had dinner at the restaurant next door then back to the hotel to visit a little more. It was fun visiting as Barb shared a lot of family history. Overall it was a grand day.

Off to the estate sale

2012-02-03T23:08:00.006-07:00

We arrived last night. The flight was good. Barb, Arts sister from another mother (really his cousin) was at the hotel and had set up snacks and drinks. We visited for a while and then off to bed.

Today Art, Barb and I had a continental breakfast at the hotel and visited. We eventually made our way to the estate sale. There were a lot of people there. I think I was surprised how many people were there......and buying. I think the sale is a huge success. The folks Art hired to do the sale are doing a fabulous job. When we walked into the office, there was a picture of Patty on the shelf. Then her wedding outfit was draped across her bed. It choked me up so I can only imagine how Art felt. The realtor stopped by with good news. Looks like the house will be sold by the end of the month. What a relief for Art. He has spent a lot of time and energy on it.

Art, Barb and I went to lunch and shoe shopping. We all bought some new shoes. Then off to Pikes. The weather was just perfect. We had a great afternoon.

Had dinner with friends of Harry and Patty. Then we all went back to Barbs room and visited. We had a great visit. Now off to bed.

Year of Nativity

2011-12-10T15:39:00.007-07:00

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 ........

2011-11-20T07:44:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-18T20:08:00.002-07:00

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

2011-11-17T19:18:00.004-07:00

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

2011-11-16T19:30:00.004-07:00

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

2011-11-15T19:44:00.005-07:00

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

2011-11-14T16:22:00.004-07:00

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

2011-11-14T15:53:00.007-07:00

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

2011-11-13T21:05:00.002-07:00

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

2011-11-12T19:30:00.007-07:00

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

2011-10-27T09:47:00.000-06:00

Good Quote

2011-10-27T09:42:00.002-06:00

I loved this.

New Bedroom

2011-10-23T21:44:00.009-06:00

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

2011-09-09T14:59:00.004-06:00

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

2011-09-09T13:11:00.003-06:00

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

2011-09-07T09:54:00.002-06:00

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

2011-09-05T13:36:00.003-06:00

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

2011-09-05T13:31:00.002-06:00

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

2011-08-09T19:35:00.008-06:00

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

Mailboxes for each girl

Family Photos

2011-08-09T15:31:00.010-06:00

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

2011-08-09T15:18:00.002-06:00

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..........

2011-07-06T12:19:00.001-06:00

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

Home or Bust

2011-06-22T11:58:00.002-06:00

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.

2011-06-20T18:13:00.003-06:00

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

2011-06-19T19:02:00.004-06:00

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?

2011-06-19T05:43:00.002-06:00

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

2011-06-18T17:45:00.002-06:00

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

2011-06-17T18:42:00.002-06:00

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

2011-06-16T14:50:00.005-06:00

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

2011-06-15T17:20:00.003-06:00

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....

2011-06-15T05:26:00.006-06:00

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

2011-04-29T11:46:00.004-06:00

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

2011-02-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Pictures from our trip

2010-11-24T14:16:00.010-07:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Cancun.

View from our deck

gift from the chef made out of food scraps

Art's view from his lounger

Our deck

Art at wet'nwild

the water slide...yikes

waterfall we saw on our boat tour

Birds at XCARET

Art at the romantic dinner on the beach

The show at XCARET

My fancy hairdo

Limo Home

Home

2010-11-16T07:56:00.003-07:00

Whenever my parents and my Aunt Betty get together my aunt always requests my parents to play the song I wanna go home. That song has replayed in my head over and over. After our power nap, Art went to the hotel lobby to get us some breakfast while I got ready. It was a typical hotel breakfast. The orange juice was orange but it tasted like water. It was just weird. My darling Art went and got me a Dr Pepper. We headed to the airport. It took us just under ten minutes to get there. The night before it took the taxi over thirty minutes. Hmmmmmmm. Anyway, we checked in and we will fly to Los Angeles and then switch airlines. Because we are switching airlines we couldn't get seats on the new plane until we got to LA. Our hope was that we would be able to get seats on the first flight to Boise. The good thing is we didn't have to claim our luggage, it was booked all the way through.

On the plane to LA a young man (Nick) sat next to me and heard Art and I talking about going home and hoping we would be able to get on the flight to Boise. He asked if we were going to Boise and we said yes. He said that was what he was doing as well. So I asked him what flight screwed him up that he needed to do what we were doing and as it turned out he was on the same flight we were from Cancun. His brother got married on Saturday in Cancun. He is attending BSU. When we landed in LA we told him he could stay with us and we would get everything figured out together. He was relieved and thanked us a few times. The airport in LA is huge. We landed in building one and had to take the bus to building seven. We didn't have much time so we had no time to dawdle. We checked in a got a boarding pass but not a seat assignment. Nick had a seat assignment, so you know me, I was worried we might be standby. We hurried to the security point which was a little hike and oh my the line was really long. Art and I were hoping we could get through in time. After a few minutes in line one of the airline employees walked up to us and said come with me so we walked all the way back to the check in and went to another security check point and got right through. Whew. Once we got to the gate, we went to the airline agent and she asked what our last name was and when we told her she got a funny smile and told us we had seats (yeah) but they weren't together. I asked if it was on the same plane and she laughed and said yes so we said as long as we were on the same plane we didn't care. She said she wish all couples were like us. We said of course we would like to sit together but if it wasn't possible so be it. When we got on the plane we were just across the isle from each other and Art asked the guy sitting next to me if he would trade seats and he was more than happy to. We made it home and the Buddy and Miss R were there to greet us with loving arms. We arrived home safe and sound. AHHHH. You know if everything went smooth what would we have to talk about? This is what makes memories...............right?

Click Your Heels ThreeTimes..........

2010-11-15T09:51:00.002-07:00

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..............nope I'm still not home.

This post is going to be a long one so stop right here and go get something to drink and make your self comfy.

Ready? Here we go.........We were so excited for the trip home for a couple reasons. Yes it is good to be home but Art used our sky miles and got us tickets home in first class. Plus we had some of our palace dollars left so we reserved a limo back to the airport. We were going to go home in style. That helped lessen the sting of leaving paradise. We got up early and had our last breakfast and sat by the pool and said our goodbyes until it was time to grab a very quick lunch and head to the airport. The airport there requires you to be two to three hours early and we have been there that long and barely made it through the lines and security so we knew being there early was important. Our flight was scheduled for 4:00 so we headed to the airport at 1:00. A Lincoln stretch limo pulled up for us. (I will post pictures later). Wow it was fun. I felt so important. We got the airport and when we check in (here is where the fun begins)the ticket agent told us do to mechanical problems with the plane it was still in Phoenix and our flight would be delayed 2 1/2 hours. Oh dear!! We have a connecting flight we told her. She looked up to see what else would be available to us if we missed our connection and that meant spending the night in Phoenix so we really hoped to make the connection. We spent all afternoon in the airport. Sitting in the boarding area I felt something hit my arm really hard and when I looked down whatever hit me cracked the crystal of my watch. Woo dang! We went to Bubba Gumps for a salad and cold drink and watched the Cowboys beat the Giants in football. While there Art got an email from the airline telling us our flight to Tucson would also be delayed. We laughed and said we aren't going to Tucson we are going to Phoenix. A little later one of the men sitting down from us said did you hear customs in Phoenix is closed so we are going to Tuscon. WHAT?! We can't enter the US until we have been thorough customs so at least they found a customs office open. When we got on the plane they told us yes we were going to Tuscon to go through customs and then we would go back to Phoenix. For those unfamiliar with the customs procedure let me take a minute to explain. You get off the plane and go to baggage and collect your luggage drag it through customs, pray you don't get selected for them to search through yours, claim you items, have your passport scanned and send your luggage through a security point to be reloaded on the plane, walk what seems a couple miles back to the real airport, go back through security and reboard. Due to the late hour (after midnight at this point), the folks on our plane were the only ones in the airport. Plus everything was closed. Not even the escalators worked. We even had to use stairs to get off the plane as the jet way was also closed. As you can imagine getting a couple hundred people through this process took a couple of hours. We got back on the plane for a 25 minute plane ride and arrived safely in Phoenix. No the adventure doesn't stop there. They rebooked everyone and gave us a hotel voucher. You can imagine that many folks all wanting the hotel shuttle takes a while. So after picking up our luggage, we went out to join the masses waiting for the shuttle. Standing there Art suggested we just take a taxi. That way we could get there and check in before the big crowd. Thinking what a madhouse that would be all of us trying to check in at the same time I agreed a taxi would be the better plan. So we walked down to where the taxis where and told them we were staying at the Clarion. Our taxi driver Achmed was a foreigner and told us this was his second day on the job. We took off and he said he wasn't sure of where the hotel was. WHAT?!?! Art said you need a GPS and he replied he had one and asked what the address was. We said we didn't have a clue. He then pulled over and looked though some papers then said let me call my boss. His boss didn't answer so he put the taxi in reverse and backed back up to where we started. Got out and got directions from the other taxi drivers. After about 25 minutes of driving Art asked if he knew where he was going. He assured us he did and 5 minutes later we arrived. Some other folks decided to take a taxi after we did and they were already there. After checking in we got to bed a little after 4:00 this morning. Once we got in bed I was so tired and as I reflected on the day all I could do was laugh and laugh I did. We are rebooked to fly to Los Angeles this afternoon and then home tonight. We hope. I may be posting how I spent my vacation in Phoenix. Never a dull moment. Oh!!!!! I forgot to mention we are no longer booked in first class. We went from first class to the back of the plane. I think we may go shoe shopping. I am in need of ruby slippers. My black slip ons are working. Stay tuned we may make it home yet.

Last Day in Paradise

2010-11-13T21:38:00.003-07:00

This was our last full day here in paradise.....dang! It was pretty overcast when we got up and it spit a little rain but fortunately the weather cleared and it turned out to be a nice day until about 5:00 and then it rained some more. We spent a good share of the day at the pool. With me in the pool. I even got talked into doing the aerobics class which is another story for an other time. Art held the lounger down. We did manage to take a little walk along the beach. One of the Mexican soap opera's cast came to the hotel for a big photo shoot and to film one of the story lines and then one of the Mexican talk shows came and the soap opera cast was on the talk show. The beach was full full full of people. They brought in extras as well to be in the soap opera scene. I didn't get to watch the talk show though because I went for a massage, manicure, and pedicure at the time they were doing the show. I would much rather do that. We played Texas Holdem and then went to dinner. Art loves the lamb chops here so we went for one last time. He said he has eaten a herd of sheep this week. And it is true. We even went late (10:15 pm) one night so he good have some He really loved them. We were tired after a day in the sun so after dinner we came back to our room and rested and watched some college football. I can't believe the week has gone by so fast. Back to the real world tomorrow. (heavy sigh) But you know what Arnold says...."I'll be back".

Ahhh what a relaxing day.

2010-11-12T22:54:00.003-07:00

Today was very relaxing. We ate, relaxed at the pool for awhile then we headed to the beach. We hung out at the beach til lunch then took a very quick dip in the pool and relaxed on the lounger on our deck. I went to the beauty parlor to get some beauty. I had my hair done in a fancy do. It was fun. The folks at the parlor stood around discussing my hair. They all thought is was pretty and were surprised at all the colors. They all wanted to know if I had it colored that way or if it was natural. They were also amazed it was so thick. It was a pretty fancy do. I got a ton of compliments. Then Art and I had a romantic candle light steak and lobster dinner on the beach. It was great. We had planned to go to the casino night but we started watching the game and missed it. Go Broncos!!!! Now to bed. Ahhh what a relaxing day.

Today we went to...............

2010-11-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today after breakfast we got on a bus and headed to XCARET. We spent the entire day there. It is a fun place and has a lot to see. Personally, I think they are expensive but it is fun and I had a good time. We walked our little legs off though as there is a lot of ground to cover. We played on the beach. We got in the water but didn’t swim…it was a little dirty for me. When Art asked me if I thought the yuk in the water was fish poop…..yeah I was done and so was he. But we enjoyed the beach. We took a boat ride down the river. It just so happened we were the only ones on the boat. Our own little tour if you will. The boat was powered by the guide’s legs. He had no oars and would kick the rocks to propel the boat. It was kinda crazy. We saw lot of animals, watched the dolphins play, saw a huge butterfly refuge. I couldn’t believe all the butterflies. They were really pretty. They also had bats down in a cave but I wasn’t interested in doing that. They also have an underground river that you can swim but it looked worse than the water at the beach. Yikes. At the end of the day, they put on a big show. It is of the Mexican history. I thought the show and music was awesome. My darn camera wasn’t working so I didn’t get a lot of pictures but I did manage to get a few. We got back to the hotel about 9:45 pm and had a little dinner and now we are tired and ready for bed. In fact Art is already in bed and almost asleep. Overall great day.

Disastrous Day Diverted

2010-11-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Last night it started to rain. It rained all night with thunder and lightning. Now let me tell you the thunder has to be extremely loud to be heard over the sound of the ocean. It even woke me up a couple of times. The rain was literally torrential. It was a little reminiscent of when we were here in February. We got up and it was still raining. Dang! We thought maybe we would have to cancel our plans for the day. We had breakfast and went to see our rep about cancelling. She told us she got up at 5: oo this morning and did a rain dance and the rain would stop by 12:00. We told her we were scheduled at 11:00 for our excursion and she assured us it would be fine so we kept our plans and……………..she was so right. Her dance worked. The rains stopped and it warmed up. So we were able to keep our plans.
We went to Wet and Wild and swam with the dolphins. Wet and Wild is a water park. When we got there the first thing Art said was “wow our grandkids would love this.” And he was right. We walked all around and then we went to swim with the dolphins. The dolphin we swam with was a male named Echo. He was a thing of beauty. Art wasn’t going to do it but the lady booking our tours told him he would like it and signed him up. He was a good sport and went. We had a good time. Dolphins are absolutely amazing. After the dolphins we went and played in the park. We rented some tubes and floated the Lazy River three times. We went down one of the water slides. We had to climb A LOT of stairs to get to the top. I got more scared with each step. I repeatedly asked Art if he was sure about it and he kept saying yes it would be fun and I kept saying I wasn’t sure. I thought I was going to have a coronary before we reached the top. We made it to the top and got in a boat and the worker pushed us off. Yes I screamed. We made it to the bottom…whew. When we got out I said wow that was fun do you want to do it again? Art replied No it wasn’t that much fun. HA HA HA we could have guessed we would switch. We spent the day there. The wave pool was fun as well. We gave our tubes away to a young couple when we left. That way they wouldn’t have to rent them. It was our act of kindness today. Art ordered chips and guacamole and shrimp from room service for us to munch on after we got cleaned up. Before dinner we played Texas Holdem. We had a late dinner and are going to watch the show from our deck. That is if we can stay awake. I think I reached my food max today. I am so full I can hardly move. We need to get our rest tonight because we will be doing a lot of walking tomorrow.

Such a Relaxing Day

2010-11-09T19:38:00.003-07:00

Today was a very relaxing day. We got up and had breakfast and then went right to the pool. I lounged in the pool and Art lounged in the shade. About mid morning I went and played Texas Holdem until lunch. After lunch I went for the much anticipated hot stone massage. It was so heavenly!!! Then I showered and got cleaned up and went for a manicure and pedicure. Art sat on the deck and read his book while I was gone. We relaxed a little in the lobby bar area and then we played Texas Holdem until dinner. We had a late dinner and now back to the room to relax. The weather was so nice this morning but by noon it was getting pretty chilly. Hope it is better weather tomorrow as we will be out with a really fun activity. Some more folks arrived today but it is still pretty empty. I am just amazed. It didn't seem this bad in February but I can see why they are suffering. I guess the only constant is things change. I am looking forward to tomorrow's activity... should be lots of fun. Stay tuned to find out where we are going and what we are doing.

Monday

2010-11-08T21:09:00.003-07:00

The weather today was mucho better. Yesterday it was chilly and rainy but today was sunny and warmer. We had a great breakfast and then went to the Cancun Palace for our presentation. After we finished with the presentation we took a taxi to the Beach Palace. We had lunch on the roof top. They have really good lunches there and normally they give you a lot. Today I ordered a ham and cheese burger with fries. It was delicious but I hated to eat the fries after I named them. Art got a lot and I got a few. I think the cook liked him. Then we hopped on the bus and went to Walmart for sunscreen, vanilla and sunglasses for Art. Then back to our hotel to sit on the beach. There isn’t much sun left after 3:30 so we headed in about 4:00. We have met some nice couples. One of the couples we met..just let me say I think the guy could be a stand up comedian. He was really fun to visit with. Before dinner I played Texas holdem and Art watched and drank a couple bumblebees. It is a new drink he discovered. We had a great dinner. There is a man that sings with his two daughters in one of the restaurants and we just love them. A few years ago we bought one of their CDs. They go from table to table and sing for you. Art always asks them to sing his favorite. I am not sure what the name of it is but it is the same tune as “Aye Aye, Aye, Aye I am the frito bandito”. They are very talented and we so enjoy listening to them. It is pretty obvious that business is way down. We were told that tourism here is down so low that the government has given hotels a stimulus to help them out. At dinner I counted 10 tables that were occupied. Normally the restaurant is packed with a lot of waiters and staff but even the staff has been cut way back. Even with all the cut backs the service and people are so attentive and nice. Some of the staff even remembered us from February. That is fun.
Now let me just say …yes I have green eyes and I am from America.

We’re Baaaaaack.

2010-11-07T19:53:00.002-07:00

We’re baaaaaack. Wow we sure had to get up early….4:00 a.m. But it was worth it. MK and Miss R picked us up and we were on the way to the airport by 5:30 a.m. Thanks so much for doing that for us MK. The flights were good. We flew to Phoenix and from there to Cancun. On the flight to Phoenix two soldiers who were traveling together got on the plane. One was seated across and up one from us and the other in the back of the plane. A man who was in first class went up to the one soldier by us and told him he would like to trade seats. He wanted him to have his seat in first class. The soldier looked at him kinda funny and then asked the man if it was OK to give it to the soldier who worked for him. The man agreed. The soldier who went from sitting in the back to sitting in first class just grinned from ear to ear and was thrilled. I was so impressed by the events of kindness.
We were late taking off from Cancun. They had to rearrange the luggage to distribute the weight. Art said someone packed too much and we looked out the window to see our suitcase on the cart to be redistributed. Opps….must have been the extra shoes I packed. Anyway we were about 40 minutes late. I told Art they could make the time up in the air and I am not sure he believed me but we did. We got in on time. I was dreading customs as it took forever when we were here in February but we got through and had our luggage in about 30 minutes. Woohooo!!! We got to the hotel and met with our rep and planned out the week. Our plan to sit on the beach and veg out……….well ………that was a good thought but we managed to fill the week. We have a lot of fun things planned for the week. I am really excited. And the best part is I get to pal around with Art all week. Ahhhh life is so sweet.
We had a nice steak dinner and now we are in our room listening to the ocean eating chips and guacamole and shrimp cocktail. The feeding frenzy has begun. It will be early to bed for us.

I Love Halloween

2010-10-23T20:39:00.004-06:00

I love Halloween!!! It has to be my most favorite holidays. As far back as I can remember I loved it. When I was little, I knew two ladies Charlotte Brace and Margaret Wood. They were best friends and crazy fun. On Halloween, they would dress up as witches. They made the best looking witches ever! They looked the part perfectly. They were awesome ladies. On the outside they looked witchy but on the inside they where the most beautiful women. I can't think of one primary Halloween activity they missed. Charlotte taught me how to bob for apples and not gag thinking how my face was dunked in water everyone had basically spit in while they were trying to get an apple for themselves. It was always best to volunteer to go first.

I loved trick or treating. I always had homemade costumes. One year (I think I was 10 years old) I went as a movie star. I wore a formal that my sister gave me and because it was snowy and cold I wore my moms really nice fur (yes real fur) coat. (What was my mom thinking?) I was toasty warm. My mom has since given me that treasured coat and I never look at that coat without thinking how my mom let me wear it dragging through the snow getting candy and all she said when I got home was she was worried I would get cold.

Another year my best friend and I went as Siamese twins. Her sister made the costume for us and we were basically sewn in and stuck in it. We had four arms, three legs and two heads. The worst part is half way through my friend had to go to the bathroom and we couldn't fit through the bathroom door much less be detached for her to go so we had to run all the way back to her house with our three legs. We were laughing so hard that we fell down and rolled half way down the street and lost most of our loot. We were laughing too hard to care about the loot.

As a mom, my favorite was taking my kids trick or treating. I looked foward to it every year. I was so sad when they were too old for me to go with them. Art and I have spent many Halloweens together but I will always remember our first. He went trick or treating with us and then back to the house for hot cider and eating candy. We had such a great time. I remember every moment of that evening.

I just love Halloween.

Thinking Back

2010-10-23T20:13:00.003-06:00

For some crazy reason for the past few days I have been thinking about being a little kid. Maybe it is because I recently spent sometime with my grandkids and they always asked me to tell them stories when I was a kid and that caused me to reflect back or because my dear friend that I have known since I was 2 is turning 50 this week and I have been thinking about times we spent together. For whatever the reason, I am really grateful for MOST of the memories. I have laughed and cried (sometimes laughing til I cried) during my stroll down memory lane. While thinking about one instance, it would remind my of another. It has reminded me that one thing is certain, I had fun, crazy, and wonderful friends. I hope when they reminisce, they think as fondly of me as I do them. I think maybe just maybe I will start posting some of the memories..........not that anyone would care but me.............and maybe the grandkids but it would fun for me.

Felt My Pain

2010-10-21T20:51:00.002-06:00

Today Miss R was here and she noticed one of my necklaces was broken. I am keeping it to make into a different necklace. Anyway here is the conversation.

Miss R: Grandma is your necklace broken?
Me: Yes it is
Miss R: (with a sad face) Bummer!

It just cracked me up.

Fun Weekend

2010-08-15T17:11:00.005-06:00

I had a fun weekend. It started Friday morning when I went to see Miss R's dance recital. It was so cute and Miss R did a great job. Then in the afternoon Art and I drove to Idaho Falls to see my parents. We arrived to find all well. Art had the trunk loaded with goodies. We took flowers, remote controlled boats and a snow blower. The folks were most gracious to accept the goodies.

We had a great visit. Art and I slept out on the patio. I say patio because technically it IS the patio but it is set up like a bedroom.....carpeted and all. It is so cozy and nice and the bed is extra comfortable. Definitely not your average patio. On Saturday I dragged my mom shopping but she was a good sport to humor me. I wanted to get a new pair of pajamas. We went all over. I found the perfect pair. They were exactly what I wanted the only thing wrong with them was the price. I just didn't want to pay what they were asking. I finally decided to go back and get them. I have looked at all the stores at home and couldn't find anything close and these were exactly what I wanted. After shopping, we had a little snack to hold us over until the delicious roast beef dinner was ready. After stuffing myself to the gills Art and my dad went fishing and my mom and I went to the movie theater. Art and my dad caught a lot of chubs (no trout) so I am sure the birds had quite the feast this morning.

I ate way to much this weekend (my mom is a fabulous cook)and had a great visit. Now Art and I are back home reminiscing about the great time and fabulous hospitality. We can't wait to go back. I always enjoy being with my mom and dad. They are so much fun to be around and I don't get to see them nearly as often as I wish.

Today I Was A Goner

2010-08-08T10:16:00.004-06:00

Today I had the blessing of attending church service at the nursing home. I have gone many many many times in the past and have watched the residents come and go. There are always a few that really tug at your heart and you can't help but just love. I always reflect on the lives that they had. Everyone of them had contributing productive lives. And now most are in wheelchairs and because of strokes and other aliments they suffer very few can even talk. It makes me sad to see them like this.

BUT TODAY.........today I was so touched. One of the residents is a lady who can't speak and is completely strapped in her chair. I don't know her circumstance but she appears to be paralyzed. The rest hymn was "There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today". It is an upbeat hymn and one of my most favorites. As we started to sing, this sweet lady lifted her eyes up, smiled and in the deepest voice I think I have ever heard from a female tried to sing. It was so sweet!! When we got to the second verse I was goner. I could no longer hold back the tears. To add to it, it totally reminded me of another story I had heard about this hymn.

For those not familiar with the second verse. It is:

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King;
And Jesus, listening, can hear
The song I cannot sing.

I knew at that moment Jesus was listening to her and could hear her sing and what sunshine it brought to my soul.

I am so thankful I was able to see that little glimpse of heaven today. What strength it was to my testimony.

Everyone Has a Job

2010-08-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

Signs

2010-08-01T20:59:00.003-06:00

In a Podiatrist's office:
"Time wounds all heels."

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On a Septic Tank Truck:
Yesterday's Meals on Wheels

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At a Proctologist's door:
"To expedite your visit, please back in. "

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On a Plumber's truck:
"We repair what your husband fixed."

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On another Plumber's truck:
"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."

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On a Church's billboard:
"7 days without God makes one weak."

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At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :
"Invite us to your next blowout."

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At a Towing company:
"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."

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On an Electrician's truck:
"Let us remove your shorts."

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In a Non-smoking Area:
"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."

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On a Maternity Room door:
"Push. Push. Push."

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At an Optometrist's Office:
"If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."

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On a Taxidermist's window:
"We really know our stuff."

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On a Fence:
"Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!"

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At a Car Dealership:
"The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."

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Outside a Muffler Shop:
"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."

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In a Veterinarian's waiting room:
"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"

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At the Electric Company
"We would be delighted if you send in your payment.
However, if you don't, you will be."

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In a Restaurant window:
"Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up."

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In the front yard of a Funeral Home:
"Drive carefully. We'll wait."

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At a Propane Filling Station:
"Thank heaven for little grills."

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And don't forget the sign at a
CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:
"Best place in town to take a leak."

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Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck:
"Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"

Great Weekend

2010-08-01T11:21:00.003-06:00

What a blast of a weekend. The thunderstorms weren't very fun but the rest was a blast. On Saturday the weather wasn't all that great. It was overcast and chilly. Art had pulled the boat out and had it all ready to go boating. The battery was a little questionable but we decided if we didn't turn it off at all we would be OK. But then with it being so chilly and the clouds looking so threatening, we decided to put the boat away and go to the hot springs instead. We went to Gold Fork. And wouldn't you know it by the time we got there and all settled the clouds left and it warmed right up. It was a warm cloudless day. I guess we just weren't suppose to go boating, But we spent the afternoon there and it was very relaxing and it felt like we were on a mini vacation. Back for a steak BBQ and a movie.

In our spare time we have been enjoying the deck, doing crossword puzzles, and Art has been shooting up the screen with an xbox game. What a weekend!!!

Happy Anniversary ART

2010-07-30T18:25:00.008-06:00

Wow 22 years ago today Art and I became a family. In some ways I think my goodness it has only been 22 years but then when I think about all we have done in that 22 years I think my goodness we have been together 22 years. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering a time without him. It seems like we have always been together.

It has been our tradition the past 5 or more years to spend our anniversary just the two of us in Cascade. We take the boat out and just enjoy spending time together. Here we are again this year only this year has the potential to be our last as we have the cabin for sale. NO NO not last anniversary.

We are going to the movies tonight and boating tomorrow. I am very excited. The weather is perfect.

In the words of a song................."Happy Anniversary Baby got you on my mind"

Happy Anniversary Art………………..I am so lucky to have been your wife for the past 22 years. Here’s to another 22.

(Trivia Question: Can you name the band and song)

My Latest Read

2010-07-22T15:06:00.003-06:00

As most of you know I am not much of a reader. I think that gene missed me. My sister is an avid reader and so is my daughter. Me I have never been much of a pleasure reader. My sister loved reading so much, I can recall when I was young and we shared a bed, she would read under the covers as she just couldn't put the book down to go to sleep. This desire was so foreign to me. Now TV that is an other story. I love my TV. I am not a very fast reader and when I was employed I read a lot of law and technical material so the idea of coming home a reading a book when I could turn on the TV.............well it doesn't take a genesis to figure out what I did.

I joined a bookclub to broaden my horizon.......OK and to encourage me to read more. On occasion my mom has given me books to read and I will say that I enjoyed everyone that she has given me. I don't remember my mom reading much when I was growing up. She was very busy with raising a family, working, and her church work. Perhaps she felt the same way I do about reading. She reads a lot more now. I do know my son never enjoyed reading and he always thought reading was torture. He reads more now though as he regularly reads to his daughter. I will say that I really did enjoy reading the Twilight series.

That brings me to now. Well.....my daughter told me about a book series I should read. She said she stayed up until 4:00 in the morning reading the first one. She assured me I would enjoy it. I wasn't so sure. She is an avid reader and enjoys reading and I just told you that isn't me. She said she would bring them when she visited but with all the things she needed to bring the books got left at home. I wasn't that disappointed. Well, she knew I would enjoy them so she borrowed them from her sister-in-law for me. I promised I would read them. I read the story line inside the front cover of the first book and wasn't sure I really wanted to read the books. First off it reminded me of a recurring nightmare I used to have growing up but she really thought I would enjoy the series so I started reading. The verdict: I loved them. I read the first one in two days. I found myself thinking about the story when I wasn't reading. I can clearly understand why my daughter stayed up until 4:00 in the am reading. I finished both books and the next book in the series comes out in August. I can say I am looking forward to it. The series is the Hunger Games. I am glad my daughter encouraged me to read the series. I even got my daughter-in-law to read them. Once she is finished we (me, daughter and daughter-in-law) are going to have a phone bookclub discussion. I can't wait. Anyone who wants to join our discussion is welcome.

We're Back

2010-07-14T18:01:00.009-06:00

Oh my goodness we had an early morning. We left Tampa this morning before the chickens got up. And believe it or not it was 86 degrees at 5:30 this morning. It will be a scorcher day there today. Our flights were absolutely flawless. The Buddy and Miss R picked us up at the airport about 1:15p.m. Thanks to them! We came home went to the grocery store and are now catching up. Yes, I have laundry going. It will be an early night for us. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Art just loaded sacks of clothes in the rental car

Uncle Red's House

The auction we went to

Art at Homosassa Park

Homosassa Park

This is the boat we were on in the movie we made

This is the awesome stunt car attraction we watched

Me with Budda at the Chinese restaurant where we had dinner

The fun anniversary buttons we wore at Hollywood Studios

Last Day

2010-07-13T18:46:00.000-06:00

Today was our last day in Orlando. We spent most of the day at Hollywood Studios. It still has a lot of the same attractions that they had when we were here 18 years ago. One of the first attractions was a tour of the back lot but first they showed the audience how a movie is made. The attendant asked us to volunteer to be in the movie so I said sure. As we were putting on rain gear, Art told me I was no longer allowed to say yes to anything. As it turned out we were on a boat in a WWII movie. We didn’t get too wet and it was actually fun. Whew!!! We had lunch in the Sci-Fi theater and we ate in cars. It was dark and freezing cold but the food was good. Even Art got cold there. Since it is our anniversary, we got buttons that said Happy Anniversary and everywhere we went we were told “Happy Anniversary”. It was fun. My favorite attraction was the stunt cars show. That was really awesome. We headed back to Tampa about 4:30 pm.

We are on hold now with Uncle Red’s estate. Art needs to be appointed by a judge and after he gets the appointment, he can’t do anything for 90 days. Then he will be busy again.

It is early to bed as we have to get up at 5.00 a.m. and that is 3:00 am at home. It will be good to be home again but I will miss hanging out with Art all day. Just 2 more years.

Fun at the Park

2010-07-12T20:27:00.003-06:00

Today we went to Epcot. We took the shuttle and got there about 8:30 a.m. It was really fun. Although we walked so much I ended up with a blister on my foot. There were lot of families there. It reminded both Art and I of when came to Disneyworld with our kids. I got sentimental that is for sure. Anyway, we saw everything there was to offer however one of the events got canceled due to technical errors. While we were in one of the shows, it poured down rain. We dodged that bullet. We went to the US venue three times. They had a group that sang 6 part harmony. They were so good we went back just to hear them. Art said they were worth the price of admission and I would have to agree. When they sang “Old Susannah” the guy singing the solo came and held my hand and sang to me. What a way to warm this old ladies heart. We visited with him for just a second after that show. We had dinner at the China venue. We stayed for the fireworks display. It was awesome. I have never seen anything like it. I am so glad we stayed for it. My feet are tired just like the rest of me so to bed for me. Thanks to Art for such a fun filled day.

To Orlando

2010-07-11T18:28:00.003-06:00

We experienced thunderstorms all night. That made the humidity very high. We decided that since we were done with things at Uncle Red’s we would head to Orlando. We stopped by Uncle Red's to make a final check and bid our adieus. We got to Orlando about noon. We couldn’t check in our hotel until 4:00 pm so we went to the outlet mall. It was huge!!!!! We walked our legs off. After dinner we sat down by the pool until it started to sprinkle. We are very tired from all the walking we did so to bed early for us. Tomorrow we are going to go to Epcot.

Let me just pause to mention Art and my assessment of the hotels. The hotel in Crystal River needed maintenance/repair. It had patches that needed painted, holes in the walls, holes in the towels to mention some things but......it had the best bed ever. It was so very comfortable and the bedding was clean. It also offered a free continental breakfast, and free parking. The hotel in Orlando is not in need of repair or maintenance but the bed isn't as comfortable and doesn't offer free parking or breakfast. Guess you can't have it all. But we are together and having a blast so how can we complain.

Saturday Auction ?????

2010-07-11T07:31:00.003-06:00

Today was a beautiful day. Today is Saturday so after breakfast we went to……the auction. It was just the usual thing to do. This is the farthest distance we have traveled for an auction road trip. Art will do anything to get a fix. Actually, we went to check out the auction company that we want to hire to auction off Uncle Red’s things. It was an estate auction and they auctioned off the property as well. The auction company did a great job and we are convinced they would be right for us. I know the burning question is …what did we buy. Well we did get a bidders number but we didn’t buy anything. I know it is unheard of but we really didn’t. Not that we didn’t want to, we just didn’t want the hassle of shipping it home. Art twitched a few times but he was able to contain himself. At least he got his fix and when we left he had a smile on his face and a hop in his step. Art says the rules of the auction are come early, bring a truck, get a number and stay to the bitter end. Well………………half aint bad. You can figure out which two we did.

We had a lovely lunch and visit with Jay and Marcie. Jay is Uncle Red’s stepson. We took them a small box of Jay’s mother’s things. They took us to a restaurant in Homosassa that is across from Monkey Island. Monkey Island is a small island that inhabits about 5 monkeys. They were fun to watch. The rest of the afternoon was spent at the pool. Don sat in a cabana and read and I worked my crossword puzzles and swam in the pool. It was very relaxing. After dinner Art and I went to a chick flick movie. That was fun as well. Oh that Art is such a sweetheart. Not everyone will understand this but Art is now a Jacob team fan. We really are opposites.

Thunderstorms are a brewing and the humidity is high.

Another Busy Day

2010-07-09T19:04:00.005-06:00

Today was busy and fun. We got up early and went to Uncle Red’s. With the air conditioning out, we decided to go early before it got unbearably hot. Not only did we work hard we worked the little shredder to death. We shredded documents that were really really old. The appraiser came at 9:00. He was a nice guy. It didn’t take him long. With the market the way it is here, he wasn’t real optimistic on the value. We got everything ready to be auctioned and that was a good feeling. We were supposed to meet a realtor at 10:00 but she postponed until this afternoon and she was still late. We also went to the store, the post office, Goodwill to take clothes, and had the tires checked.

Later when it got too hot to be at the house, we went and played. We drove to Homosassa (about 15 miles) and we went to the Yulee sugar mill, toured the wildlife rescue park, had ice cream, then went for an airboat ride. It was awesome. The boat ride took 1 ½ hours. We went out to the Gulf of Mexico and back. Neither Art not I had ever done it and as luck would have it, we were the only two on the boat. It was a fabulous time. It was noisy though. We had to wear ear protection. I could write an entire entry about the ride. For those who don’t know what an airboat is, it is a flat-bottomed boat propelled in a forward direction by an aircraft-type propeller and powered by either an aircraft or automotive engine. It was a blast. We went to a restaurant in Ozello for dinner. Dinner was good but not as good as last night’s.

Ahh…… what a great day.

This is Art by the boat we took.

WOW

2010-07-08T19:33:00.004-06:00

Wow what a great day. Not only did I get to spend the day with my darling Art but we got a lot settled. We got up early and after the continental breakfast the hotel offered, we went to Uncle Red’s. We sorted through a few things and then went to the bank when they opened. We were able to get a couple of the documents needed and cancel the safety deposit box. The contact at the bank has been so helpful and it was nice to finally meet her. Then back to the house to meet with a man from the auction house. The housing market is really depressed and in the hole here so having the auction company auction the property may be the best option. They will do the contents of the house on site so that is also a plus. The air conditioner stopped working so the house was WOW hot. Tonight after dinner the temp in the house was 99 degrees. Even I was melting. We met with the attorneys this afternoon and got the ball rolling for all the legal stuff. We need to have an appraisal for the house so we asked if it would possible to be done while we are here and as luck would have it worked out. The appraiser is coming tomorrow. Sorting through stuff today we were able to locate the other documents needed. Wow what a relief that was.

We had a fabulous dinner. We went to Cody’s Roadhouse. It was sooooo good. Art said his was WOW!!! His tenderloin was so tender….wow….the salad was…. wow with crack rolls….wow…the lobster was wow…..and mine was wow too. I had bacon wrapped shrimp….wow and prime rib…wow

As I said, the house was too hot to do much tonight so we headed back to the hotel and went to the pool. We met some nice folks from South Carolina. Now back in the room munching on popcorn and reflecting on a great day……wow.

Planes (NoTrains) and Automobiles

2010-07-07T21:44:00.001-06:00

It was an early start this morning. Brent picked us up and we were headed to the airport by 5:30 am. Yes that is right 5:30 a.m. We are so appreciative of Brent getting up so early for us. The trip to Phoenix was uneventful. In Phoenix we loaded the plane at 9:00 a.m . The pilot informed us maintenance was changing one of the tires so we would be delayed a few minutes. It really didn’t take long and we were in the air. After about 15 minutes in the air, it was obvious there was something wrong. The pilot then informed us that the landing gear was stuck and they were trying to fix it but if not, we would have to return to Phoenix for a repair. After another ten minutes were we told we would have to go back to Phoenix. The pilot dumped a bunch of fuel and I was concerned it might be a rough landing but really it was a very smooth landing. In fact, one of the better ones I have experienced. I knew Art was concerned as well because as when we came down for landing, we were holding hands and although he didn’t say a word, his grip on my hand got tighter and tighter. We were then delayed for 2 1/2 hours. When they changed the tire, they left a pin in and that is why it wouldn’t retract. For those wondering….yes we sat on the plane that whole time. Let me divert here for just a minute to express the irony of this. We are headed to Florida to settle the estate of Art’s Uncle Red. Uncle Red’s profession was airline mechanic. Here we were sitting on the plane waiting for a mechanic so we could fly to Florida to settle the estate of an airline mechanic. Ok maybe it is just me but I thought it was ironic. Now back to the day……… Our seat mate and the lady sitting across from us expressed concern over being delayed as Tampa was expected to have severe thunderstorms and now with the delays we would be arriving the same time they were expecting the storms. The pilot told us after our second take off that we would be taking a different route as the scheduled route was experiencing severe thunderstorms. My first thoughts were great this is going to be a rough flight but it wasn’t. The flight was good and when we landed in Tampa the weather was clear and nice.
We got our rental car and I was a little concerned. Yes I am a worry wart. The rental place was not at the airport and was…well…. a dive place. The car we got was a Nissan Altima. They are nice cars but this one to put it bluntly is beat to crap. Needless to say Art was not impressed. It made a funny sound. I thought it was the muffler but Art said he thought it was a tire. Art wins. Tonight the tire warning light came on. We will have to take care of it tomorrow. We got to Crystal River about 9:30 pm. We went to Uncle Red’s and checked things out then to the grocery store for a few items. Now we are tucked in our hotel room and ready for a fun filled week.
I must say even with the delay, I had a great day with Art.

You know your hair is long when....

2010-05-20T21:08:00.003-06:00

The other night Art and snuggled up to go to sleep and this was our conversation.

me: you're on my hair

art: oh

me: you're on my hair
art: sorry

me: you're on my hair
art: I know I am sorry

me: well get off of it
art: I am trying but I am not sure what to do
me: oh....I am on my hair

It is bad when you realize YOU are the one in the wrong. Sorry for blaming you Art. But..............it was good for a laugh.

New Chapter

2010-05-17T20:04:00.004-06:00

Life is full of changes. We are starting a new chapter in our lives. We went to Cascade this past weekend. Oh my gosh...I have never seen so many bugs. When we closed the cabin Art put a bug bomb in the basement and it worked well. But we both grabbed a vacuum and in no time we had it all cleaned. I scrubbed the rest of the house down and boy if I do say so myself, it looked good and even better it felt so clean.

We even planted artificial flowers in the front yard. Art commented that we were Wavie gardeners. For those who don't understand Art supplies my mom (Wavie) with artificial flowers and they are planted in her gardens at her house. She has a knack for making them look real and her gardens are beautiful. You can see from the photos, I didn't inherit the knack but it looked cute none the less. I am sure the deer will have it destroyed by the time we get back up there but it was fun.

So what is the new chapter I mentioned you ask. We met with a Realtor and we are selling the cabin. It has been a bitter sweet decision but after much prayer we are moving on with a new chapter in our lives. We look forward with much anticipation to the beginning of this chapter. But until the time it actually sells we are going to keep going up and enjoying it.

In Honor of Stupid People

2010-05-01T10:37:00.002-06:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought it was to good to not share.

In Honor of Stupid People . . . . In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping.

(That's the only time I have to work on my hair.)

On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

(the shoplifter special?)

On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap."

(and that would be???....)

On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost."

(but, it's just a suggestion.)

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."

(well...duh, a bit late, huh!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating."

(...and you thought????...)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."

(but wouldn't this save me time?)

On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."

(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction and auto accidents if we could just get those 5 & 6 year-olds with head-colds out of the cars and off those bulldozers.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."

(...I'm taking this because???....)

On most brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."
(as opposed to what?)

On a Japanese food processor -- "Not to be used for the other use."
(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)

On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts."
(talk about a news flash- What did you expect?? )

On an American Airlines packet of nuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
(Step 3: say what?)

On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

Fabulous Washer/Dryer

2010-04-30T16:37:00.007-06:00

The last posts were pretty long so just let me say the new appliances are in and the delivery guys thanked me profusely for being so prepared. I have done three loads of wash. How do I like them you ask.... well........... I LOVE THEM...............and most especially I love our kids for their tender generosity. THANKS KIDS!!!!!!saying thanks just doesn't even come close to how we feel. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Getting Ready for the New Appliances

2010-04-30T16:18:00.003-06:00

New washer and dryer coming.......oh dear I need to get ready. Being auction night I prepared for the new washer and dryer. I asked Art if there was a trick or anything I needed to know in removing the old appliances to which he said no. First let me say he can say that as he is so familiar with it, there is no trick or anything to know for him.
I found two handcarts, one completely full of stuff and one that wasn't too full. I opted for the less full. This proved to be a bad choice as it had a flat tire. Well.....I used it anyway. I got the dryer to the door way only to discover it wouldn't fit with the door on. OK now I had take the door off. Of coarse the pins were stuck so after several trips to the garage trying various tools I finally got the door removed. Whew! the dryer was out. Now for the washer. Let me just pause here and say it is probably a good thing the washer is so heavy because I think if I could lift it, I would have pitched it out the window. Anyway after struggling to get the hose connections to the water supply loose I thought I had it whipped. But as I stated the handcart I was using had a flat tire and the washer was so heavy that it tipped and more water came spilling out..............yes all over my drying carpet. In the words of Miss R..."dang it". So I had to clean up that mess. But I got the room ready for the new appliances with much excitement and anticipation. When Art got home from the auction he found me struggling with the handrail so he took it down for me. We are all set.

New Washer/Dryer

2010-04-30T15:54:00.002-06:00

So Thursday I knew I needed to get the washer repaired as I do laundry almost everyday and I had rugs and towels that were soaked from the flood and I need to get them washed and I didn't want to get behind on my laundry. I know I am weird like that. Anyway,I called my trusty repairman early but his office wasn't open yet so I left a message. While I was waiting for him to call I researched washers so I could replace the flood causing washer. Then MK called and very stealthy she asked about what my plans for the day were and what I was going to do about the washer. I never tumbled. I told her I was waiting for the repair guy to call and I was just going to get the washer fixed and that was my plan for the day. When the repair guy called and I made arrangements for him to come late morning. Then a very short time later a man from Lowes called to tell me had a delivery for me and it was a new washer and dryer. He said my daughter wanted it delivered right away...................hmmmmmm. I called her to tell her not to do that to which she tried to claim her innocence. Hello!!!!...... I am the master at avoiding a direct answer when I am trying to be sneaky like that so I saw right through her attempts. While listening to her avoidance and denial a call came through from the repair guys office. I was told my daughter in law canceled the repair as I was getting a new one. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I called MK, she didn't deny it and when I tried to get her to cancel she refused and said it was coming and get over it. Our kids (and when I say our kids I include our in-law kids as I consider them my kids and not in-law.)bought us a new fabulous steam washer and dryer to be delivered on Friday morning. What sweet kids!!! Art and I so lucky to have such wonderful thoughtful kids in our lives. We are so blessed and love them so much.

Oh No It is a FLOOD

2010-04-30T15:46:00.002-06:00

Wednesday started off as a normal day. On this Wednesday, my Miss R was coming to spend the day. I decided to get the wash started early so before she came I started a load of wash. Even though she was very much awake when she arrived, she wanted to lay in my bed and watch cartoons. This is a favorite treat of hers. So we climbed in bed and watched 2 episodes of Dora the Explorer. Then we had breakfast and played a little. I forgot about the wash.

I told her I need to get Megamans birthday package ready to mail, so down the stairs we went. As I stepped off the stairs my foot was immediately covered in water. I yelled “Oh NO, Oh NO, Oh No”. Miss R asked what was wrong. I told her not to step off the stairs but she did and her feet were covered. I said “on no it is a flood to which she put her hand up to her forehead and in a disgusted voice simply stated “OH DANG IT”. She took the words right out of my mouth. She repeated this several times throughout the day. I ran to the washer and water was pouring out. As you know the washer is suppose to shut the water off after the tub is full. Well it didn’t. Oh horrors!!! It had done that a couple of times before but I caught it before it got bad but not this time and it was bad.

I hurried and picked up things off the floor and tried to assess the damage. Fortunately it only soaked the game room, the bathroom, the storage close,t furnace closet, and the closet in the spare bedroom. But soaked it did.

Art was attending an important conference so I knew I couldn’t call him so I fired off an email asking him to call me first chance he got. He thought someone had died or was in the hospital so he immediately called. I asked where fans could be located as I didn’t want to take Miss R out to the garage maze to look and I can’t even make it to the third bay without having to clear a path first so I was hoping he could tell me where to find fans without having to do that. Success. He said there were two fans in the storage shed in the backyard. Well yes there were two fans but only one worked so I had to keep moving it around the room. I got my carpet shampooer and it sucked the water up out of the carpet. The bad part of that was I could only go a short distance and it was completely full and had to be emptied so it took me about 6 hours. I was praying the whole time I would be able to save the carpet. I also knew some of the sheet rock was wet and I only had one fan so I got the hair dryer out and used it on the sheet rock. Whew it worked, it was just time consuming

Just as I thought it couldn’t get any worse…………..it did. Art said to open the windows so the moisture would have an escape. This was a great idea in theory. When I opened the window in the game room the thought came to me this is a bad idea as there is no screen on the window. But I don’t always follow my instincts when I am stressed. Well as I was sucking water out of the carpet I heard a familiar sound and out of the corner of my eye saw a flutter……………………….on dang it, it was a bird. I grabbed a pillow and started to chase it. I needed it to fly back out of the window and not fly up the stairs. Well when I started to chase the bird, it got scared……………….yes it pooped. I couldn’t believe it. Now not only did I have a flood, I had a poopy flood. Talk about a crappy deal.

Anyway I got it cleaned up and Miss R was so great and made me laugh all day.

2010-03-30T15:11:00.002-06:00

Oh my I can't believe it has been 8 years since Dude was born. I remember his birth like it was yesterday (not that 8 years is all that long). I was blessed to be in the room and witness his entry into this world. He is such a special boy and I am so lucky to have the honor of being his grandma. I am amazed how smart he is and he is so quick witted and makes me laugh.

He was able to be baptized on his birthday. It was a very special day. He asked his grandma Tabbut to give a talk on baptism and me to speak on the Holy Ghost. He, Princess, and Honey Bunch sang a song. It was so sweet. Art and I were there with Dudes other grandparents and lots of friends. One of his best friends from school even came. I am so proud of him and just love and adore him.

Wrong Number???

2010-03-21T14:08:00.002-06:00

I have a little cold and have lost my voice. Art says my voice is so husky I could pull a dog sled…..and he is right. When he left for the auction on Saturday, I told him I was too sick to join him for lunch. He said he would bring lunch to me. He said he would call me around noon. True to his word at noon he called. Let me share our conversation:

Me: Hello
Art: Oh I am sorry I dialed the wrong number
Me: Ha! Ha! ……..hello? hello?
Dial tone.

Yes my voice is so deep he didn’t recognize me and really thought he had dialed the wrong number and a man had answered. Ha Ha Ha Ha. We both got a good laugh. I guess I better get that dog sled.

Water Head

2010-03-17T19:02:00.004-06:00

Have you ever had something super cold or drank something so cold that it gave you a headache. I have heard several words to describe this ie brain freeze, ice cream headache. Well, I now have a new one. Miss R was here on Sunday and she took a drink of her water and put her hand up to her head and said she had water head. Upon questioning her the water was too cold and it gave her a headache. I loved the term "Water Head". It's my new way to describe a brain freeze.

I Wish Money Grew On Trees

2010-03-12T16:06:00.003-07:00

My grandson Dude is almost 8 years old. He has learned the value of money and he has been saving up for some fun things that he wanted. A few months back he shared with me some of the items on his list. I was impressed that he knew what each item cost and just how much he needed to get these fun things. We all know how tragic the the earthquake was in Haiti. My grandkids' school took up a collection to send to the Haitians. Dude has a very compassionate heart and he was so happy to give all the money he had saved. His mom told him he didn't need to give it all but he knew it was needed and would help. Dude knew they had needs verses his wants so I think it was a pretty easy decision for him. Now he is back to square one in saving. He called me yesterday and while we were chatting, he told me of a Lego kit he wanted but it was expensive and on top of that his mom informed him he would also have to pay sales tax and shipping. I told him I would search the internet and see if I could find one cheaper. (By the way the only ones I found where more expensive than the one in his catalog.) While I was looking this was our conversation.

Me: Dude I sure wish I was a millionaire
Dude: What?
Me: I sure wish I was a millionaire
Dude: What is a millionaire?
Me: Someone who has a least one million dollars
Dude: Oh... you want to be rich?
Me: Yeah
Dude: Why?
Me: So I could buy you this Lego set and anything else you wanted
Dude: Oh....that is nice of you.......You know what I wish?
Me: what?
Dude: That money grew on trees (how many times have we heard or said "money doesn't grow on trees")
Me (trying not to laugh) Oh me too.
Dude: I wish they were like cherry trees because cherry trees are FULL. Just think how much money you would have. If you had a money tree, you wouldn't need to be a millionaire.
Me: yeah until it died
Dude: If I took care of it, it wouldn't die and I would take care of mine.
Me: If you had a money tree would you help people who needed it?
Dude: Yes but I think I should just give them a money tree then they would have as much as they needed.

Oh Dude I wish money grew on trees too.

We went to a fight and a hockey game broke out

2010-03-06T23:13:00.004-07:00

We went to a fight and a hockey game broke out..........nah Iz just kiddin. We really did go to a hockey game. Our friends Dan and Shawna treated us to a Steelheads game. For those unfamiliar with the Steelheads, they are a local hockey team. Shawna got tickets through her work. We got in the game and got hotdogs, can of pop, and a small bag of chips. It was great.

I have to admit, I have been to hockey games before and I have watched them on TV but I really don't much understand the rules. I did figure this out. If the players take off their helmet and gloves they can duke it out with no interference from the refs and the crowd cheers. If they leave their helmet and gloves on the refs stop the fight but the crowd still cheers. I think I need to study up on the game.

The Army had solders there handing out gift bags. We got some cool stuff.......beanies, water bottle, insulated mugs to mention a few items. Then some soldiers dropped from the ceiling and one soldier had a flag. As they were dropping another soldier sang the National Anthem. Way cool!!!

It was a fun evening!!! The Steelheads won the game. Thanks to Shawna and Dan for inviting us.

Last Day

2010-02-22T08:26:00.002-07:00

Well yesterday was our last day.We are now home but let me fill you in on yesterday. We got up and packed our bags before going to breakfast. Part of my Texas Hold Em winnings was a bottle of tequila. A big bottle of tequila. We didn't want it but I knew just who would. We met a guy from Iowa. He was a great guy and we enjoyed him very much. He loved loved loved to drink. I knew he would enjoy the bottle. I took the bottle with us to breakfast with the hope that I would see him. Sure enough, as we were finishing eating, he came in and they just happened to sit him next to us. We was happy to take the bottle. After breakfast it started raining again so we spent some time on our deck and in the lobby bar. We had a very quick bite to eat for lunch then headed to the airport.

The airport was packed. Oh my goodness. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get to the check in counter to get our tickets. It was raining pretty hard and our luggage sat out on the tarmac for about 30 minutes waiting to be loaded. So yes our bag got soaked. Our flight was good just long. As we passed over Texas, there was a lightning storm. It was pretty awesome to watch to clouds light up the way they did. We faced a pretty strong head wind so we were late getting in to SLC. But customs was easy to get through and we got back to Boise safe and sound about 11:00 pm. The Buddy picked us up and delivered us home. Thanks to the Buddy for staying up late to get us.

Now back to the real world.

Last Full Day in Cancun

2010-02-20T21:51:00.002-07:00

Today was just awesome. The weather behaved and we had such a great day. It was a little cloudy but no wind or rain and it was finally warm. I started the morning off with a massage then a manicure and pedicure. We played a little in the ocean, lounged on the beach and the pool. At lunch, I won playing bingo. Woohoo. We played a little 21 before dinner and then tonight was casino night and we played texas hold em (poker). I won………. yes I did. Overall it was just a great day. We have had a great time and met some really nice folks. It is hard to believe we are heading home tomorrow. Boohoo. In the words of my mom…..”We’re off like dirty shirts”.

Day 6 Friday

2010-02-19T17:41:00.002-07:00

Today was wet and cold. It rained most of the day. We sat under a cover most of the morning. After lunch we went to the lobby bar and played bingo and then texas hold em. We played texas hold em (poker) for most of the afternoon. It was really fun. I did really well and didn't have to get extra chips from the dealer or other players. One of the other players gave Art some chips when he ran out. I mention this because Art seems to think I get chips whenever we go gambling. So for the record I didn' t receive any.

After a delicious dinner, we visited with folks in the lobby bar and then went to the show. The show's theme tonight was "Anything Goes". It was.....ummm...it was...yeah we'll leave it at that. In all fairness it might have gotten better. We left about half way through.

It is hard to believe time is winding down. I have enjoyed spending so much time with Art.

Day 5 Thursday - Zipity Do Dah

2010-02-18T20:14:00.001-07:00

It was an early morning for us today. It was so early we ordered room service for breakfast. Then off we went for our morning adventure. We went to a park to ride seaways and…….do the………. zipline. Yes we did the zipline. Zipity do dah! First we rode the segways in the jungle. There were only four of us in the group. It was really fun and Art was really good on his. Segways are all about balance and we all know I have poor balance. I fell a couple of times. One time I fell completely over landing on some rocks. I wasn’t hurt too bad but I lightly skinned my leg and hurt my shoulder and finger. I was able to shake it off and some advil a little later made it all better. It could have been worse. You can also ride horses there and so there is horse poop everywhere. You see I could have easily fallen in the poop instead of rocks. After the tour in the jungle, Art and the other guy in the group went on an extra trail with our guide. The other gal and I just rode around the area. It was so fun I would love to do it again.
After the segway we headed to the zipline. It had ten lines. They have you sign a release and list an emergency contact and then harness you up. Oh my gosh after I got harnessed up, I was ready to back out. I am not sure if it was heart or my stomach sitting in my throat. But I knew I had to stick it out. There were about twenty in our group. Art was the first in the group to go and I was second. Wow what a rush!!! The line was really fun and wasn’t scary at all. The scary part was climbing up each tower. That was scary! At one point I passed Art. He had to cross the monkey poles to get from one tower to another. ( It is giant poles lined across and you go from the top of the pole to the other until you cross. The reminded me of telephone poles) I told the guide no way I couldn’t walk on poles that high up so I did the swinging cat walk and it was scary enough. I was so proud of the two of us for doing it.
We spent the afternoon at the hotel out by the pool but it was pretty chilly so we were happy to go in. We took a taxi out to the Moon for dinner. Dinner was delicious but oh my gosh there was a sea of people. We couldn’t get over all the people. You can really tell the difference between season and off season. It is suppose to rain again tomorrow but I am hoping it will wait until late afternoon and by some stroke of luck it will warm up. We have worn our jackets every day. I am ready for the sun to come out so we can enjoy the pool.

Day 4 Wednesday

2010-02-17T19:26:00.001-07:00

Wow what a fun day. We had a leisurely breakfast and late morning we went across the street to the lagoon to go on the jungle tour. We took speed boats out to the ocean. That was really fun. The water was a little rough so I was concerned it would be a rough ride. But nope it was actually fine with only a couple of rough spots. Once out to the ocean, we tied the boats up and went snorkeling. Art didn’t want to snorkel so he stayed in the speed boat. A couple of others stayed behind as well. The snorkeling was probably the best I have ever done. We saw a ton of really cool fish as well as a couple barracudas, a sting ray, and a star fish. I got to hold the star fish. Our guide picked it up and handed it to me. It was really cool. We snorkeled for a long time and I was exhausted by the time we got back to the boats. The way we went back to the dock was through a jungle area and on the way we saw an alligator.
After the jungle tour, we had some lunch and then hopped the bus and went to Wal-Mart. Believe it or not I only brought one pair of shoes (yes Art was stunned as well). Anyway I needed a pair of shoes for our activity tomorrow so I got some new shoes at Wal-Mart.
It is still pretty chilly but we have tried to take advantage of our fabulous deck. Before dinner tonight we played 21. It was pretty fun. After we had a great dinner. I had filet mignon and Art had roasted duck. I just love the food here.
We may watch the show tonight from our deck (it is outside tonight). We are pretty tired and we have to get up early in the morning so we shall see.
I need to point out that yes the weather has been chilly but I have not been as cold as Art. Crazy!!! Plus I need to point out (Art told me I should) on the plane ride here I sat in the middle seat…. Yes folks you read it right…the middle seat.

Day 3 Tuesday

2010-02-17T06:06:00.002-07:00

Today was one of my spa days. After breakfast I went for a facial. It was really relaxing and boy did I need it. It was a chocolate facial. They wrapped my face in chocolate. I really like that. While I was being pampered in chocolate, Art sat on the balcony and read a book. Today was very chilly and Art caught a little chill so we went spent most of the morning on our balcony. The lounger was still a little wet from all the rain but I enjoyed it anyway. We ate lunch at the buffet and boy am I ever glad. They had chocolate cake. Yummy!!! I was sorry that Dan missed it. It was the kind that we both enjoy so much. It warmed up in the afternoon so Art and I read our books on the beach. We scored a couple of loungers right at the edge of the beach so we were right at the ocean. We thought we would play in the ocean as we both enjoy that but it was just too cold. Maybe tomorrow. Late afternoon, I went for a massage, manicure and pedicure. Oolala. Art came while I was having the pedicure and kept me company. Then we had a delicious dinner and I ate way too much. I was miserably full all evening. We hung out with some friends after dinner then to our room watched American Idol and to bed.
We met a nice couple the day we arrived. They were in the taxi with us from the airport. We have hung out a couple of times with them. They did the zip line today. After talking to them I really want to go. Even Art said he would go. I hope when he doesn’t have alcohol in him he will still want to go. It really does sound like fun. They said we need to do the segways as well. We are going to talk to our concierge tomorrow to arrange it. Yeehaw!!!

Day 2

2010-02-15T21:35:00.006-07:00

What was today about you ask? oh wait maybe that was me. We had a nice breakfast… I had a much anticipated omelet. And let me tell you it was really good. Then we went to one of the other hotels for a presentation regarding our membership. The hotel pays for a taxi there and back. We took a taxi there but for the return trip they sent a stretch limo to pick us up. We had planned to check out one of the other hotels so we asked if the limo could take us there instead of back to our hotel. Of course they said they could. So off we went in the limo. It was really fun Don stood up and popped his head through the sun roof while we were going.

We checked out one of the other hotels in the chain. It was great. This is season and there are a lot of folks here. Our hotel is busier that I have ever seen it (we usually come during the off season). Well the other hotel was pretty quiet and didn’t have a lot of folks there. We ate lunch by the pool on the roof. It was really good. Then we were off to Wal-Mart. We took the bus. I tested Art’s patience shopping. He was a good sport. I even got a much need swimsuit. We took the bus back to the hotel but while we were waiting for the bus I felt a few rain drops. I said to Art that I thought we would get wet and the instant he said no he didn’t think so the skies opened and poured rain. We hurried to get under some shelter along with about twenty other people. Thankfully the bus we needed came soon after that. Only trouble was the bus was completely full. We had to stand and hold the packages and the overhead bar. It was a long bus ride but by the time we got our hotel there was only about a half dozen folks left. We went from riding in high style to low public transit. What a contrast. It rained off and on the rest of the day.

We had a very nice dinner but I must say I really missed Dan. I had a chocolate mousse that I wish I could have given to him to eat for me. (he will understand). After dinner we went to the lobby lounge/bar and our waitress was the cutiest girl. We enjoyed our visit with her. Art inquired as to her name. It was spelled Yudith. She told us her parents told her her name was Judith but they spelled it wrong on her birth certificate. For those who don’t know the J in Spanish is silent so it made sense to me. The J in Judith was silent so she became Yudith.

Here are limo pictures.

Pictures of the Hotel

2010-02-15T14:52:00.004-07:00

Here are the pictures of the hotel.

This is the valentine plate we found in our room

This is a veiw from our deck

This our deck

Our room

Another one of our room

I thought we were on the top floor because no one is above us but we are on the 6th floor and there are 8 floors. I will post again tonight but just as a teaser......we had a ride (just the two of us) in a stretch limo an it didn't cost us a dime.

Day 1- We arrived

2010-02-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

We got up early and by early I mean 4:45 in the AM. The Buddy and Nerdles came and picked us up. (Thanks again Buddy). All the way to the airport I tried to figure out what I forgot. (So far I have everything) We had a good flight to SLC. We were late getting out of SLC do to a “Securtiy Check”. Apparently they had to do a complete security on the plane as it was making an International flight. Due to a change in aircraft Art and I were no longer assigned seats together. We were O.K. with it but being Valentines and a 4 hour flight I preferred to sit by Art. So I asked the attendant at the gate if the flight was full and explained that we were originally assigned seats together but after the change in planes were apart. She said not only was the flight full they were overbooked and were asking for volunteers to wait until tomorrow. We said no problem but she said she would put us on a “wish list”. I told her I didn’t want to be her problem of the day and it was O.K. the way it was. When we went to board, she said she gave us seats together. We were in the row behind my assigned seat. SWEETT!!! As we were getting on the pilot was behind me and when he went around me, we both did a little two step. I told the flight attendant I didn’t know I would be dancing so early, had I know I would have worn different shoes. The flight was good just long.
When we got to customs we about croaked. There must have been twenty planes worth of people. It was crazy. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes to get through. Good part was our luggage was waiting for us. I was so glad I didn’t have a black suitcase. There was an absolute sea of black suitcases. We grabbed ours and out the door we went. Before too long we were on our way to the hotel. Side note…… when we made the reservations Don had requested a room with a large balcony. We received an email from the hotel stating not only did we get the large balcony, they gave us the best room in the hotel. We were excited to see what that meant. Well ,when we got to the hotel, the bellman got our luggage and asked us our name. We told him and he looked up to see what room we were in so he could deliver our luggage. When he saw what room we had, he told us we had the best room in the hotel. Hmmmmm. We were beginning to think that we did. Then when we checked in, the clerk wanted us to sign our names but I didn’t hear him say that so Art told me that he wanted my autograph. Joking I said oh I didn’t think they would recognize me here. The Clerk laughed and said they knew it was me and that is why we got the best room in the hotel. Hmmmmm. Could it really be? YES!! We did get the best room. I will be posting pictures of it. It is on the top floor on the point. We have the best view. Talk about SWEET!!
After checking in we had a beverage and I had a strawberry daiquiri in honor of Mrs. Doctor. (she asked I have one for her). Then we went for a dining experience. It wasn’t just dinner, it was an experience. It was soooooo good. It started to rain so we didn’t walk around. When we got back to our room they left a plate of chocolate covered strawberries with our name written on it with chocolate wishing us a happy valentines. It was really fun. I will try and post pictures tomorrow. For now the bed is calling my name.

Heart Attack

2010-02-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

I am sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday. Don and I usually have lunch on Saturdays. It is our date time. I go to the auction and pick him up and we go to our favorite Chinese restaurant. Yesterday was no exception. I watched Miss R in the morning while the Buddy got his hair cut. After they left I went to get in my car. When I got to my car in the garage I could see two pillow hearts on the windshield. I thought it was so sweet that my valentine Art had thought of me. Little did I know……. My car was full of pillow hearts. Holy smokes Myrna!!! It gave new meaning to being heart attacked. He also left a little note for me. I just love love loved it. I took pictures with my cell phone but now I have to wait to send them to my email so I can post them. I should have posted yesterday. When I get home I will post the pictures. It was so sweet and fun!!! I just love and adore that Art. Thanks Art!!!!

Taken Our Act on the Road

2010-02-02T16:02:00.003-07:00

Today Miss R came to play. We had a grand time. I played the banjo and she sang along. When we finished she clapped her hands and said " Great job Grandma" She squinted one eye and said "we're good". HA HA HA. I asked her if we should take our act on the road she gave me the are you crazy look then shrugged and said "sure...we can do it in the car."

Comments Made in the Year 1955

2010-02-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Comments Made in the Year 1955! That's only 54 years ago!

'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20..00.'

'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.'

'If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.'

'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'

'If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.'

'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'

'Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'

'I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL or DAMN in it.'

'I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas ....'

'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'

'I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now..'

'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.'

'It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.'

'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.'

'I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.'

'Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress.'

'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.'

'There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.'

'No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood.'

'If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.'

The Zen of Sarcasm

2010-01-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Zen of Sarcasm

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day .

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving .

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

AND

22 . Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Crazy Signs

2010-01-18T11:52:00.001-07:00

These are actual signs or on a brochure.

TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:(I sure hope so)
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

Message I Received

2010-01-18T09:49:00.002-07:00

I received three emails this morning that contained this. I think they are trying to tell me something.

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle....
A sharp tongue can cut your own throat."

I guess I should be kinder and watch my tongue.

Purge Update

2009-12-31T09:47:00.002-07:00

I thought I would give an update on my progress of purging. Thanks to 12 pack of Diet Cherry Dr Pepper, and a box of tissues, I am about 1/2 way through. I currently have 4 rooms torn apart. It looks like a bomb exploded. All I can say about that is "good thing no one was injured in the blast" I told Art I will have a truck load for the auction by the time I am done.

We did rearrange my office in the mist of all the mess. Art got me a nice color laser printer. So in the process of hooking it up, we ended up rearranging the rest of the room. Art hates and I mean hates to rearrange furniture but he cheerfully moved things around a couple of times before we found the right fit. It wasn't something planned so Art dropped everything he was doing to do it. I really like it now. Thanks bunches Art.

I don't think I will get done this week but I am confident that by this time next week I will be purged. And yes it will be noticeable.

Change Change Change

2009-12-27T15:12:00.005-07:00

I love change when it doesn't require me to get rid of anything. You see I have discovered I am a horder at heart. A couple of weeks ago I watched a show about a horder. Now this horder was extreme. But waching it I realized oh my goodness I am a horder. I hate to get rid of stuff.

My darling Art purchased a recliner couch so that meant rearranging furniture. I thought I came up with a good plan but my darling Art had another plan. He wanted to move the exercise equipment upstairs so he could use it. Art's dr told him he needed thirty minutes of exercise at least three times a week. The equipment has been downstairs and I regularly use it but it doesn't matter where it is to me. We got rid of the bedroom furniture in the upstairs bedroom (yes the one I redid) and put the hide a bed and the exercise equipment in there. Thanks goes to Brent for coming and helping Art move the heavy stuff. Anyway, doing that meant cleaning out stuff and either getting rid of it or finding a new home for it. It has snowballed and I am having to get rid of a lot of stuff. Oh dear not good for a hoarder. My darling Art told me to just get over it.........not so easy but.... that was his way of letting me know it's ok. I really need the urge to purge so I can happily get rid of this stuff or at least get over it. Art is off this week so I hope I can get everything cleaned out this week................I may need therapy before the week is over. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!! This a good thing..............right?...........right??

12th Day - CHRISTMAS DAY

2009-12-25T13:14:00.002-07:00

...and this is why we celebrate Christmas. We hear stories about Christmas miracles all the time but to me........this is the miracle. Merry Christmas to all.
Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

2009-12-24T07:16:00.001-07:00

This is a true story per Wikipedia.

**True Story of Rudolph**

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.

Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.

Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.

Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created a character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.

Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas.."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

2009-12-23T11:03:00.003-07:00

THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out and slowed down when he thought he saw something.
As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister..please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..."
With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.
"Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:
"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen and he has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning.
Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!
How do you show your love for him?

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

2009-12-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

I am not sure who the author of this is but it is a great story.

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending..

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's Winter Pageant.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher, she assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row - center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message,
"Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, as she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

12 Days of Christmas - Day 8

2009-12-21T12:29:00.001-07:00

Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

"Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!"

12 Day od Christmas Day 7

2009-12-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

Christmas Gifts - Jesus Would Have Approved
Christmas Gift Suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

12 Days of Christmas Day 6

2009-12-19T11:06:00.002-07:00

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
A famous letter from Virgina O'Hanlon to the editorial of The New York Sun, first printed in 1897.

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor---

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

2009-12-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

What did the reindeer say before launching into his comedy routine?
This will sleigh you.

What do lions sing at Christmas?
Jungle bells!

When is a boat like a pile of snow?
When it's adrift.

What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney?
Santaclaustrophobia

How do snowmen get around?
On their icicles.