Trick or Treat

Started my morning by going for a walk at the lake front with Mum, Dad, and Tammy. It was a beautiful day and I'm going to try walking with them every Thursday and Friday now. Took a couple of pictures while I was waiting for them to arrive.


The sunrise, hadn't realized how long it has been since I walked at the lake at this time of day and then I saw where the sun was actually rising. Quite different from the last time.



Then I made Tammy, ok I just said "Let's walk up to see the lion." and she came with me. Again the first time in a while I've seen the lion all decorated up for the season.



Then we went to Sonic and back to Tammy's, had some stuff to do. Helped move some furniture and edited a picture for Tammy's blog header. We all left at the same time, they were going to my Publix and I went to their Publix.

Once I got home started working on getting stuff ready for tomorrow so I could just throw everything in the crockpot.

Later in the evening we had to two cutest Trick or Treater's come to the door. Riley was pretty excited about the whole thing and even said "Trick or Treat".


Here are the Little Devil and Sweet Angel with Grampa.

Out and About

Another cool morning of 44 degrees but it got warmer today and is suppose to continue getting warmer. We have gotten real close to records that were set in the 70's, so it has been along time since Florida has gotten this kind of weather this early in the year. Wonder what it means for the rest of the year, if it means anything at all.

Went out shopping with Tammy, Mum, and Dad. Had a good day and went all over the place. Ended up having lunch at Olive Garden and it was very good.

Spent the afternoon doing chores, nothing very exciting.

Dan knew he was going to have a long day but it got even longer when he had to tack another job on after his 1700 job, so I really don't know when he will be home. He is hoping for a short day tomorrow, he could certainly use one.

Another Wednesday

Well it was colder this morning, 42 degrees at our house, but I was better prepared for it. Out early to go to Weight Watchers, I leave the house at 0530 for the 0600 weigh-in. This week I stayed exactly the same, I never understand how that happens. I was even wearing different clothes, usually I wear the same thing but I was cold and didn't want to stay that way.

On the way home went to the bank, got gas (it was $2.41), and went to Wal-Mart. I was home before 0900 which when I went to WW on Friday was the time the weigh-in started so I always feel like I have so much morning left when I do get home.

I watched the kids today. Started just playing and I decided to give Riley a bath, he hasn't liked his bath for a few months now and I have to make a real game of it. Usually that means I'm just about as wet as he is when we are all done. Did some more playing and it was time for his nap. Took a really good one today.

Kaleigh and I had some play time on the floor before she went down for her nap. Pretty soon she will be crawling.


When Andy got home he went to the old apartment and got the rest of the stuff there. As he brought it all up to the new place I was putting it away. So most of the stuff went right into cupboards. Now they are all done moving.

Got home just after 1800 and Dan was mowing the lawn, been so busy it has been a while since he did it so now it looks really nice.

Lists

I'm a list maker so I figured I would recap my day in list form today.

1. It was 46 degrees when we got up this morning, suppose to be colder tomorrow.

2. Scanned more slides, loosing interest in this task.

3. All caught up on my recorded shows.

4. Helped Nikki hang pictures at the apartment, it is looking good.

5. Both Dan and I have new names. Riley calls us Baappa and Maapa, it is very cute.

6. Dan installed the latch on the door at the apartment so Riley can't make a break for it.

7. With no teeth coming in Kaleigh is smiley and happy all the time.

8. Found some cookie recipes for the cookie party, it is creeping up fast.

9. The fast food place by our new Publix is a McDonald's, don't know when it will be opening.

That about sums it up.

I'll leave you with a picture from Santa Barbara at the beginning of 1980, you can see the oil rigs off in the distance.

Unpacking

I went to bed early last night and slept until about 0530 and got over being tired, felt pretty good.

Spent the morning with Nikki helping her unpack and put things away, the apartment is shaping up very nicely. We are going to hang pictures tomorrow and that always makes a place feel like home or at least it does for me.

Riley started the day wanting to touch everything he could get his little fingers on but that got old real quick. So then I started letting him help me unpack, he would hand me things and I would put them away. Then he decided it was much more fun playing in his room.

Kaleigh spent most of the time rolling around on the floor or sitting in the exer-saucer talking to anyone that would listen. Thought for a bit she would go down for a nap but she was having none of that and got her second wind.

I left at about 1240 or so and Riley had gone down for his nap (hope he did take one) and I'm sure Kaleigh went down for one too.

Did some of my chores around the house and watched some of my Tivo'ed shows, I'm way behind on them when I got home.

Tired People

We started moving at 0800 and called it quits at about 1645 because the truck had to be back by 1700. Most everything is moved. Still have refrigerator stuff and some bathroom stuff. Andy and Nikki are going to do another trip tonight with the car and then get the big stuff arranged in the new apartment.

We got a lot of stuff put away today. Riley's room is all set for him and Kaleigh just needs her crib put together.

We are very tired.

What a Good Day!

Started with taking some pictures of Riley and Kaleigh in their Halloween costumes. They were wearing them to Sea World for the Spooktacular.

They were both so cute. Riley as the devil and Kaleigh as an angel.




We arrived at Sea World at just the right time except they had us parking out in the way back. Don't think I have ever parked that far away.

Of course we got our picture taken and then it was off to the Spooktacular. Riley really enjoyed the Trick or Treating.



One of the many stops to get some treats.


Stopped at the cookie decorating and Riley really got in it.




Kaleigh will be so glad when she is bigger and can participate in all the activities.



Giving the cookie the taste test and it passed with flying colors.


Not sure what kind of bird this was but it sure had beautiful markings on it's wings. We were outside the Shark Encounter when we saw it.


While we were at Sea World we also went up in the tower, visited the horses, went to Pacific Point (the seals), Penguin Encounter, the Manta Rays and then we were ready to head out. It was almost 1500 by this time.

Dan and I headed to Universal City Walk for dinner and then the Blue Man Group show. This was our anniversary celebration. Ate at the NASCAR Sports Grille and it was very good. Then we walked around for a while waiting for the Blue Man Group Venue to open.



We both really enjoyed the show, this was my first time but Dan, Tom, Chris, Andy, and John had seen them in 2002 when we were in Las Vegas. Now I can see why they enjoyed the show so much.

Can never pass up night time shots especially when there is lots of light.


Here I was shootting through the piped in mist.

Friday

Pretty quiet day and I needed that. The kids woke up pretty early this morning but Riley got up first and I was able to get him fed and happy. Then Kaleigh got up at about 0645 and had her bottle. Riley played with his toys and just kept himself busy while I took care of Kaleigh.

We were all ready to head over to the apartment at about 0815. It was still raining, it started sometime last night and continued through most of the morning. Just a nice steady rain, that is suppose to be all we get for the next few days.

After dropping off the kids just headed back home and took it easy. Dan got home at about 1500 and we had some dinner a little later.

Andy and Nikki got the key to their new apartment so they came over to get the boxes and bins we had for them to start packing up the apartment. We also put some in the van and went over to look at the new apartment. It is very nice, new carpet and new tile in the kitchen. It will be nice for them to have the three bedroom and everyone will have their own room. Now can't wait for all the moving to be done.

I Have Got to Get Away From Busy Days

Started today by driving with Dan up to Apopka so he could get his work van. So glad we went when we did because when I was heading back home the turnpike heading north was a madhouse. The exit for OBT was backed up for 3 miles and both lanes were barely moving.

Then I decided to go to the new Publix to pick up some stuff for dinner. I wasn't expecting it to be so crowded. I found out that most of the people were just there for the free samples because when I got to the checkout there was no line and I was on my way in no time.

Didn't do much at home today, just getting ready for the kids to spend the night with us.

It was such a nice day here I opened all the doors and windows to enjoy the fresh air going through the house and the cats got to go out into the pool area. Something they really enjoy.

The kids arrived at about 1800 and we all had dinner and played for a while. Riley didn't want to go to bed at all so right now he is down with Dan watching tv, hopefully falling asleep. I just put Kaleigh down for what might or might not be the night, we will have to see.

I'm ready to fall asleep right here so I'm sure I will be heading down the hall in no time. It doesn't look like things are going to slow down until about Monday and think I'm going to sleep it away.

Another Busy Day

Dan has got to go back to work, he is just tiring me out. But the good news is, the deck is done. Finished up the last of it today. The step right outside the backdoor. It only required one more trip to Home Depot for the last of the wood. It's amazing how light the 8 foot lengths are compared to the 16 foot ones. I know you will be thinking the 16 foot are twice as heavy but I think there is something exponential about the increase in weight for each foot over 8. You probably don't believe me but you try carrying them. Anyways the deck looks great.

Then I was off to watch the kids. We were doing pictures of them in matching Halloween jammies and I got over there and had no card in the camera. So Riley and I ran back home to get the card and still got back in plenty of time to do pictures and Nikki to leave at her normal time. This is just a preview, more will be coming with the weekly pictures on Sunday.


Had a pretty uneventful afternoon with the kids, Riley didn't want to go for a nap so we just rested in the living room. He sat with me for quite a bit and we read.

Got home and had some steak on the grill and sauteed vegetables for dinner and now I'm going to take it easy for the rest of the night.

31 Years

Can you believe it, Dan and I have been married for 31 years. Seems like just yesterday but then again it seems like a lifetime ago. Certainly wouldn't have done it any differently.

Had a pretty exciting day. Dan was off because the work van was in the shop. So we decided to work on the step leading up to the deck and vote. Not the usual things people do on their anniversary.

First we had to go to Home Depot to get the 2 x 4's to make the frame for the step, that was the easiest part of our day. The rest of the day would have been easy but I can't read a sample ballot to get the time right for the polling places opening time. I thought it was 0700 but it was really 1000.

So we went home and cut the pieces off the end of the deck and Dan rounded over that edge so it looks really nice.

Then we headed out to try voting again, we were getting it done today even if it killed us. We went to the Saint Cloud Library and had about a 20 - 25 minute wait. Didn't take us long to vote because we both had our cheat sheets so all we had to do was fill in the circles and we were done. Didn't really have to read anything, can't imagine going in cold and having to read and figure out all the amendments.

Stopped by the bank and Dan got lunch at Sonic. Then it was home to work. Finished up the step that leads to the deck. Still have to put the top on the step coming out the back door, but that requires a trip to Home Depot for the last of the lumber. We also took a small detour on the frame outside the back door because of the slope of the concrete. But we are almost done with what we are going to do right now.

We are actually celebrating our anniversary on Saturday with a dinner out. Not sure where we are going yet but we'll have no problems picking a place.

Travel Pictures

Not much going on today, just getting caught up with housework. We have been so busy the last couple of weeks I haven't done much in that department.

Still scanning pictures and figured it was time to share a few more. When we were stationed in Spain we took a trip to Paris in April of 2000. Two of my favorite things we did were Versailles and Mont-St-Michel.

For Versailles we just caught the train out there and walked from the station. Very easy trip. We spent most of the day there. Took a tour of the Palace and then walked around the grounds. There was a lot going on in the gardens because they had some terrible wind storms (hurricane strength winds) that winter and so much was destroyed. They were makes progress getting everything back to normal.


For Mont-St-Michel we took a bus tour that last from very early to very late. It was a great trip and something I had always wanted to do ever since my French teacher in high school talked about it. It was pretty impressive. We are still pretty far away in this shot but you can see the whole thing. The day we went the tide was out for most of the time we were there so it wasn't much of an island.


This is from where we parked and you can see the little town that surrounds it. You walk around and up to get to the church. Most of the stores are just tourist places now and we went through them on our way back to the bus.


We really enjoyed Paris and would really like to go again someday but there are so many other places to go don't know how we would squeeze it in.

This Is Going To Be Short and Sweet

The top of the deck is on!



Still have to cut the excess off on the pool side and build the step to get up on it.

We worked from 0800 until 1630 with two short breaks, one was a visit from Tammy and Tom. Then we had to make a final trip to Home Depot because we were two boards short. But we combined dinner at Dairy Queen with that trip.

Must say it looks pretty good.

Food & Wine Festival 2008

We all met up just as planned and got into the park with no problems, then we couldn't find a photographer to take our picture. Finally one appeared and we got this shot of everyone.


This is what we looked like waiting for the photographer, would be nice if Chris looked like he enjoyed being with the family but at least he was looking at the camera. This picture was courtesy of Tammy.


Mum, Dad, and Tammy left after the picture, wonder where they went. Well, Chris, Andy, and Nikki headed over to Soaring and Dan, Riley, Kaleigh, and I went to Test Track and Mission Space to get fast passes. Then it was back to The Land to wait for the kids and have breakfast.

We got a table and got Riley going on his breakfast, started with a banana and it was gone in no time. Poor Kaleigh just got to sit there and watch him eat, but she was a very good girl.


Then Riley started drinking his milk. At first he was just using a straw and drinking from the carton when he saw someone at another table had a cup so he wanted a cup. Every time he would take a sip he would let out this cute little chuckle and make us all laugh.


After breakfast we headed to Innoventions and looked at all the exhibits.


Then we headed over to Test Track for the kids to ride that and Dan and I and the little kids went for a walk. You can see what Kaleigh does when she gets in a moving stroller.


Walked to the Festival Center and stopped to look at the flowers. The grounds always look so nice at Disney.


Then we headed out into the World Showcase to try the different offerings. We tried quite a few things.

Started with the Cheese Trio that included: Dorothea, a goat cheese from the Netherlands, Asiago, cow's milk cheese from Italy, and Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain, all were very good and Dorothea was the only one we weren't familiar with.

Went on the Quesadilla con Chorizo from Mexico City, Pork Pot Stickers and Tsing Tao Beer from China, Baked Ziti and a Cream Puff with Mascarpone from Italy. Got the Bay Scallops from New Zealand, but we really didn't care for something in the preparation so that didn't go over very well. Then it was the Pistachio Baklava and Efes Pilsener Beer from Turkey and finished up with the Plantain and Beef Casserole and Frozen Pina Colada from Puerto Rico.

All in all everything was very good but my favorites were the cheese sampler and pot stickers. Can't wait until next year.

During our walk around the World stopped to watch the guy in France build the tower of chairs and climb up them. Riley found this to be very interesting.


On our way out stopped at MouseGears, the Coke Cool Station (or whatever it is called now) and the Photo Shop to get our picture.

By this time we were ready to call it a day but one little boy was still having a good time with his Uncle.


Got home at about 1530 and rested for a bit, then Dan headed out to do some work on the deck so we will be ready to put the floor on tomorrow.

We Have Another Teenager in the Family!

How can that be, look at this toothless little girl and tell me she is turning 13 today.


Happy, Happy Birthday to Sami.

Have a piece of cake for me.

I Was Just 22...

...when Dan took this picture. It was during my blond period and we were visiting Kim in New Hampshire just a couple of months before we moved to Winter Harbor for the first time. Figured if I was going to scan in pictures you might as well see some.

Today I got to watch the kids in the morning, that is a nice change for me because they were awake the whole time (except for the walk) and not cranky because it was getting close to nap time.

Got to the apartment at about 0800 after going to Wal-Mart, the Bank, and Sonic. Riley was just finishing up his breakfast but stayed in his seat for a while playing. During this time I got Kaleigh ready. Changed her diaper and put her on the floor in the living room on her back and went to get an outfit for her. Come back about two minutes later and she had rolled to her belly. This was the first time for this direction and no one got to see it. She wouldn't repeat it for me either. So I got her dressed and moved on to Riley.

Gave him a quick bath, he had yogurt hair and that isn't the best look for him. Got his diaper on him and I went into the laundry room to get his clothes. You have to understand that the laundry room is right there off the living room, you can see the whole apartment. I get his outfit and step out and no Riley, call his name, no answer. Check the front door and I forgot to do the top lock so of course I panic but I really know he couldn't have gone outside because the laundry room door is four inches from the front door and I would have heard it open and then I hear the giggle, he is in Andy and Nikki's room and had shut the door. This took all of about 30 seconds but the things that can go through your head in 30 seconds!

Then we were ready for our walk. Riley was pretty excited and Kaleigh really didn't care one way or the other and fell asleep about ten minutes in.


We don't take a walk for a couple of months and there is a duck population explosion. Couldn't believe how many there were and they were very noisy.


Then we got to see something new, Riley really likes to watch the dumpster man come and empty the dumpster. Today we saw him picking up the stuff that doesn't fit in the dumpster and he really enjoyed that.



Here he is watching and if he could have gotten out he would have been right over there helping out.


This is what Kaleigh thought of the whole thing.


Got back to the apartment at about 0945 and Kaleigh was still asleep, so I unloaded Riley and just pushed the stroller into the bedroom so she could sleep a bit more. Got Riley all set up with his snack and Kaleigh woke up about 15 minutes later ready for her bottle.

Nikki got home right after I finished feeding Kaleigh and I was on my way.

Spent the afternoon scanning in slides. Slow but sure I'm making a dent, a really small dent but a dent.

You Never Know What You Will Find!

Dad called and asked if I had some pictures from New Hampshire (he was looking for other things) and seeing as how I was scanning pictures in, I went looking and this is what I found:

Thanksgiving 1970 is the date I have on the photo. Brings back some memories. I always forget how many old pictures I have that I took. Must have almost always had my camera handy back then also.

In case you don't recognize the players they are: the head is Tammy, then to the left is Kim, behind her are Gary and Jeff and to the right is Lynn.

How Much Have You Paid?

Today I paid $2.96 for gas, that is $.38 less then one week ago. This was the lowest I saw in our area, Dan may have seen it lower on his travels around Orlando. They say it is going to go even lower.

Good day at Weight Watcher's, down again, now I just have to keep going that way. I'm liking the early meeting but when I'm done it feels like Friday instead of Wednesday but I'm sure I will get use to the Wednesday Meeting.

Went right home and started working on scanning in slides. I did about 40 slides and it took me the morning. I can do eight at a time and they take about 40 minutes to do the eight.

Today is Wiscassett, ME and the schooners that were shipwrecked there. This was one of our favorite places to visit if were were traveling on Route 1 when we were in Winter Harbor. This was our first tour there in 1979, a couple of years ago.


Here is a website that tells you all about the Schooners.

By this time I was really to head over to watch the kids. They were both in rare form, very loud and just wanted to play, so that is what we did.



Kaleigh is very close to rolling from her back to her tummy, just needs to get that leg over and before you know it she will be crawling. At least we hope she will be crawling and not like Riley who pretty much went straight to walking.


Both of the kids went down for their naps at about 1400 and Kaleigh got up and was ready to eat at 1530. Andy arrived shortly after that and I was on my way home.

Dan beat me home and had done the weed pulling where the deck is going, wanted to get them all up before we put the floor down this weekend.

Junk Drawers

How do junk drawers end up being junk drawers? I decided today to do some cleaning. Started in Chris's room, just putting magazines into boxes and throwing away pieces of paper. He certainly collected lots of paper. That didn't take me very long because I only had eight boxes and they weren't very big, didn't want them to get to heavy.

Then for some reason I decided it was time to clean out the drawers in the kitchen. I only really use two drawers, one for silverware and the other for potholders so the other seven are junk drawers. Emptied them all and really want to know why I need so many candles for birthday cakes, two huge boxes of toothpicks, three sets of measuring spoons, and four sets of cookies cutters that I have never used. Threw away most of the junk and now we have room to start over.

And now because I know that was so interesting I just had to include a picture with this post but it has nothing to do with junk drawers.

I just want you all to see this young girl holding the cute baby and if you read the sign I'm sure you will know who they are!



I don't know how she carried me because I'm almost as big as she is. Thank goodness mom's are tough.