Dick is almost totally finished with the deck now - all that remains to be done is a couple of steps. It's a real place now - I think we'll enjoy having it.
I prepared 8 letters for mailing to cousins for the family tree. Information trickles in - a little bit more each week. We have records of 715 individuals, 255 marriages, and 244 surnames. And I know there are lot more to come. It's really quite fascinating.
I'm inserting a letter that Dick wrote to Barb and Sharon, because I couldn't say it any better. We went to Memorial Gardens, and the flowers are simply beautiful. The flags are breath taking - so many - we took special note of Rookie's and Frank's. This is what Dick wrote:
We took a break from Kanitz family genealogy and deck building to drive into town for a check on the bay. TC is really kicking out! We think it's a soccer tournament but the downtown was packed and traffic on both Front and State was at a crawl. After picking up our coffee and iced tea at Mickey D's we drove up to the cemetery. You girls outdid your selves this year, the roses are beautiful. We certainly appreciate the time and effort you put in to providing them. Although Lue and Rookie, Mom and Don, and yes even Harold, all are in our thoughts the year round, this is definitely a time to recall and reflect. Thank you both, we truly value your efforts. Dick and Nancy
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Drivin' Around
It rained most of the morning. Dick worked on the new deck - I did some scrapbooking - much more fun for me than for him.
Despite the rain, we set out on an expedition to check out some of our caches, and to re-try one we couldn't find before, and to find a new one. It's always fun driving around with Dick - I was loving it. Checked the F&M park cache, exchanged the Clancy Park cache, and then headed for Yuba.
There were some muggles there at the Saylor Park in Yuba, so we went to Elk Rapids for lunch at T.J. Charlie's. At some restaurants, it doesn't matter how good the food is, what really matters is how friendly, solicitous, and helpful the waitress is. We were very happy there.
Back to the park to find the cache - we were the First to Find! That doesn't happen very often.
Off to Weed Island to find the elusive one - we've been there twice before. This time we had success! I found it lurking in a cedar tree on a hillside that was quite treacherous.
All of a sudden the sun came out, the dark clouds rolled away, and it has been a primo day ever since. I think heaven must have days like this every day. Perfection.
Despite the rain, we set out on an expedition to check out some of our caches, and to re-try one we couldn't find before, and to find a new one. It's always fun driving around with Dick - I was loving it. Checked the F&M park cache, exchanged the Clancy Park cache, and then headed for Yuba.
There were some muggles there at the Saylor Park in Yuba, so we went to Elk Rapids for lunch at T.J. Charlie's. At some restaurants, it doesn't matter how good the food is, what really matters is how friendly, solicitous, and helpful the waitress is. We were very happy there.
Back to the park to find the cache - we were the First to Find! That doesn't happen very often.
Off to Weed Island to find the elusive one - we've been there twice before. This time we had success! I found it lurking in a cedar tree on a hillside that was quite treacherous.
All of a sudden the sun came out, the dark clouds rolled away, and it has been a primo day ever since. I think heaven must have days like this every day. Perfection.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Sumer Is Icumen In
Summer is a-coming in
Loudly sing cuckoo
Groweth seed and bloweth mead
And springs the wood anew.
The rose-breasted grosbeak is back. The hummingbirds are back. I've seen 4 different types of woodpeckers alongside blue jays and cardinals. The orioles seem more brightly orange this May than I can remember. We've missed them. We are bird happy in this neighborhood. They are the true harbingers of summer, and even though it's still coolish temperature-wise, the sun is warm.
Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and there's hope for warmer weather. It's time to start working in the yard and sprucing things up a bit. We need some color in the garden. It's hard to know when to plant the colorful annuals here in the river valley. We get frost overnight way after other areas. We have a really short growing season.
Still working on the family tree - it's encouraging to get responses from people - yesterday I got 5 or 6 really helpful emails, and I was hoping for more today, but so far nothing. I sent out 2 more letters today, and it will be exciting to get a response from them. So far, we're up to 708 individuals on our tree, spanning 8 generations.
Went geocaching with Tim and Susie today just here in T.C. We had lunch at Scott's out on the deck, and we actually got pink from the sun. It was lovely. We had a nice find to start the day off, but then our luck went downhill and even with 4 of us looking, we couldn't find the Weed Island cache. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
This was a beautiful day.
Loudly sing cuckoo
Groweth seed and bloweth mead
And springs the wood anew.
The rose-breasted grosbeak is back. The hummingbirds are back. I've seen 4 different types of woodpeckers alongside blue jays and cardinals. The orioles seem more brightly orange this May than I can remember. We've missed them. We are bird happy in this neighborhood. They are the true harbingers of summer, and even though it's still coolish temperature-wise, the sun is warm.
Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and there's hope for warmer weather. It's time to start working in the yard and sprucing things up a bit. We need some color in the garden. It's hard to know when to plant the colorful annuals here in the river valley. We get frost overnight way after other areas. We have a really short growing season.
Still working on the family tree - it's encouraging to get responses from people - yesterday I got 5 or 6 really helpful emails, and I was hoping for more today, but so far nothing. I sent out 2 more letters today, and it will be exciting to get a response from them. So far, we're up to 708 individuals on our tree, spanning 8 generations.
Went geocaching with Tim and Susie today just here in T.C. We had lunch at Scott's out on the deck, and we actually got pink from the sun. It was lovely. We had a nice find to start the day off, but then our luck went downhill and even with 4 of us looking, we couldn't find the Weed Island cache. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
This was a beautiful day.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Pictures
I have pictures from the fifties, sixties, seventies...well you get the idea. I'm swimming in pictures.
It's my ambition to get all of these pictures put into scrapbooks. I'm not very good at scrapbooking, and it takes me a long time, but I really do want to do it.
Now I have more pictures from Mother's house, from earlier decades, and I want to preserve those too. I want to make books and books of pictures.
I want to save my Grandmother's collection of articles about my Dad playing basketball. I want to make sure I do it right, and I feel inadequate to the task. Sometimes I wonder for whom I am preserving these things, since we don't have a lot of progeny. But Dick says it's OK if I just do it for myself.
I'm swimming in pictures. Or did I already say that..
Visited Mother today - she seems better than ever - well almost ever. She was wearing a new blouse and it was good. I took her a milk shake - she likes that.
Dick is working hard on the new deck. He has the ability to keep working and working - such stamina is hard for me to understand. He totally exhausts himself voluntarily. I need a stamina transplant.
It's my ambition to get all of these pictures put into scrapbooks. I'm not very good at scrapbooking, and it takes me a long time, but I really do want to do it.
Now I have more pictures from Mother's house, from earlier decades, and I want to preserve those too. I want to make books and books of pictures.
I want to save my Grandmother's collection of articles about my Dad playing basketball. I want to make sure I do it right, and I feel inadequate to the task. Sometimes I wonder for whom I am preserving these things, since we don't have a lot of progeny. But Dick says it's OK if I just do it for myself.
I'm swimming in pictures. Or did I already say that..
Visited Mother today - she seems better than ever - well almost ever. She was wearing a new blouse and it was good. I took her a milk shake - she likes that.
Dick is working hard on the new deck. He has the ability to keep working and working - such stamina is hard for me to understand. He totally exhausts himself voluntarily. I need a stamina transplant.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Meet and Greet
This morning the Northern Michigan Geocachers had a Meet and Greet at the Flap Jack Shack. It was a smaller group, but we had a great time - met some new people, and had good conversation. It was especially fun meeting Petoskey Stones from San Jose(Scott), and Omena Couple(Stuart). We got some good ideas, and lots of new stories to tell.
It rained hard all morning, but as we left the meet and greet, it began to clear up - so after driving around town (we did the basic Subaru Cruise), we headed home because Dick wanted to get back to work on the deck. It's really coming along. He's doing a great job. We're learning new things about Trex building material - it warps more than we expected, and it's not square on the ends. Live and learn.
I worked on organizing pictures and doing some scrapbooking. I feel like I'm buried in pictures - I love doing it, but it is a bit overwhelming. Slow and steady - isn't that what the tortoise said?
It rained hard all morning, but as we left the meet and greet, it began to clear up - so after driving around town (we did the basic Subaru Cruise), we headed home because Dick wanted to get back to work on the deck. It's really coming along. He's doing a great job. We're learning new things about Trex building material - it warps more than we expected, and it's not square on the ends. Live and learn.
I worked on organizing pictures and doing some scrapbooking. I feel like I'm buried in pictures - I love doing it, but it is a bit overwhelming. Slow and steady - isn't that what the tortoise said?
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Monster-in-law
Mary, Shirley and I went out to lunch and to the movies today because, well you know, it's cheap popcorn day! We had our usual chicken oriental salad at Applebee's, and then off to the mall to see Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez in Monster-in-law.
It was funny, cute, and enjoyable - just the way I like them. Jane Fonda did a great job - it was really kind of a slapstick role - but she was funny. She obviously has made up her mind to play her age. I still don't quite get Jennifer Lopez. She's good enough, but I don't think that she's anything outstanding. Elaine Stritch had a bit part, but she was excellent - just the best. I think it would have been a better movie if her role had been expanded.
It was funny, cute, and enjoyable - just the way I like them. Jane Fonda did a great job - it was really kind of a slapstick role - but she was funny. She obviously has made up her mind to play her age. I still don't quite get Jennifer Lopez. She's good enough, but I don't think that she's anything outstanding. Elaine Stritch had a bit part, but she was excellent - just the best. I think it would have been a better movie if her role had been expanded.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Lumber
Dick worked at the agency this morning, and I visited Mother.
In the afternoon the truck from UBC came with the lumber and materials for the new deck. It was all unceremoniously dumped alongside the garage. It's hard to believe that the small pile of goods cost that much money. So now Dick has a big project in front of him - he's building the whole thing by himself.
In the afternoon the truck from UBC came with the lumber and materials for the new deck. It was all unceremoniously dumped alongside the garage. It's hard to believe that the small pile of goods cost that much money. So now Dick has a big project in front of him - he's building the whole thing by himself.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Dam Thursday
Today Dick went geocaching with Tim and Susie - to make a long, long, long story very, very short, he was gone from 7:15 a.m. until 11 p.m. Their primary goal was to complete the "Dams of the AuSable" series by James and Sheryl. See link above. They did most of it.
I stayed home, worked on my genealogy, the pictures, the ever present laundry, and went to town for errands.
When he got home, he just had a sandwich, so there's an entire pot roast with carrots already cooked sitting in the fridge - no worries about dinner tomorrow.
I stayed home, worked on my genealogy, the pictures, the ever present laundry, and went to town for errands.
When he got home, he just had a sandwich, so there's an entire pot roast with carrots already cooked sitting in the fridge - no worries about dinner tomorrow.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Win Some, Lose Some
The day started out with household chores - mostly laundry. I also wrote more letters to cousins and got some mailings ready related to the Family Tree I'm trying to assemble.
Mailed my stuff, bought repair kits for sling shots so we can discourage the geese from nesting and pooping in our yard, tried to drop off some shirts at Progress, but they close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and we got there at 2:16.
Then we went to do some local geo-caching. PeppermintPatti has put out some new caches recently out along M-22. It was a gorgeous spring day - maybe a little on the nippy side (52F) but sunny and enjoyable. One of the caches was hidden in Boughey Park, and I'll bet that all of you Traverse City natives didn't even know of its existence! We sure didn't. It's just a little way off M-22, and there's no sign for it, but it's actually quite a nice park with a shelter, picnic tables, and a beach. (See the link above.) We found 3 out of 5, so we were happy.
Went to Mother's house to see what the Estate Sale people had done there. The furniture has been rearranged and things have been moved from room to room to make quite a nice appearance. The dresser drawers and bookcases have all been emptied (except all of the living room books are in the little room upstairs), the closets are empty, and they brought in a different couch which looks great in the living room. Dick says that they have set up tables in the basement to display dishes and such - I'll have to go down there and check it out. Joan told me that they probably won't be working at the house again for another month.
Mailed my stuff, bought repair kits for sling shots so we can discourage the geese from nesting and pooping in our yard, tried to drop off some shirts at Progress, but they close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and we got there at 2:16.
Then we went to do some local geo-caching. PeppermintPatti has put out some new caches recently out along M-22. It was a gorgeous spring day - maybe a little on the nippy side (52F) but sunny and enjoyable. One of the caches was hidden in Boughey Park, and I'll bet that all of you Traverse City natives didn't even know of its existence! We sure didn't. It's just a little way off M-22, and there's no sign for it, but it's actually quite a nice park with a shelter, picnic tables, and a beach. (See the link above.) We found 3 out of 5, so we were happy.
Went to Mother's house to see what the Estate Sale people had done there. The furniture has been rearranged and things have been moved from room to room to make quite a nice appearance. The dresser drawers and bookcases have all been emptied (except all of the living room books are in the little room upstairs), the closets are empty, and they brought in a different couch which looks great in the living room. Dick says that they have set up tables in the basement to display dishes and such - I'll have to go down there and check it out. Joan told me that they probably won't be working at the house again for another month.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Home, James
We had planned on doing some geo-caching this morning before heading to Traverse. But we both agreed that what we really wanted to do was head for Traverse. We were home at 9:30 a.m.! Started some laundry and decided to stay put for a while before heading to town to pick up our mail and to see Mother.
It's a little depressing to be back in Michigan after the lushness of Florida. Our trees are still gray, stark and bare, compared to Florida's glorious trees, shrubs, flowers, and hedges. Oh well - it won't be much longer until our trees are green. I hope.
We had a mail mix-up - we both remembered picking it up at the main office last time, but I guess we were wrong - we picked it up at the Barlow office.
Mother is fine - she had 2 visitors yesterday before we got there - a lady from church, and Miriam from Integrity. Very nice. We showed her pictures of Dan and Pam's new son, and gave her some shells and a picture from Dylan.
Dick did burgers on the grill. Welcome home.
It's a little depressing to be back in Michigan after the lushness of Florida. Our trees are still gray, stark and bare, compared to Florida's glorious trees, shrubs, flowers, and hedges. Oh well - it won't be much longer until our trees are green. I hope.
We had a mail mix-up - we both remembered picking it up at the main office last time, but I guess we were wrong - we picked it up at the Barlow office.
Mother is fine - she had 2 visitors yesterday before we got there - a lady from church, and Miriam from Integrity. Very nice. We showed her pictures of Dan and Pam's new son, and gave her some shells and a picture from Dylan.
Dick did burgers on the grill. Welcome home.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Oh No - Not This Again! (Travel Day)
We were all packed up and ready to go at 7:15 a.m. We rode with Laurie to take Dylan to school and said good-bye to him. Loaded up the car, said good-bye to Chip, and headed to Fort Lauderdale.
Dick wanted to stop off at Butterfly World to take pictures of his Butterfly travelbug with the signs. Did that. Then he wanted to put the bug in a cache at a park 4 miles away. Tried, but failed to find the cache. So Laurie is now in charge of the Butterfly Travel Bug.
Arrived at the airport in a timely fashion, and headed for the gate. Love the new ticketless travel. We never have to check in anywhere. Our pilot's name was Mohammed Al-Habib, a name to instill confidence. The plane was quite full, but we did get to sit together, which is always a plus.
Then we had a 4 hour wait at O'Hare, which is always a minus. We met an interesting man from Boston who is still talking about what happened to him on 9/11. He kept his rental car and drove it home because nothing was flying that day - when he got home, Hertz didn't charge him for driving it over the limit and dropping it off.
O'Hare is a real yawner, except the people watching is good. We saw all shapes and sizes of human beings - quite an assortment. We saw a Saudi in full robes and some Asian "nuns" in full robes, some huge men, some huge women, and some adorable babies. Mostly we read books.
Flight to Grand Rapids was nice and uneventful. We thought we had lost a bag upon arrival, but it turned up after all, and the Comfort Inn shuttle came to pick us up.
We were very glad to arrive at a room with a bed. Didn't bother with dinner. Snore.
Dick wanted to stop off at Butterfly World to take pictures of his Butterfly travelbug with the signs. Did that. Then he wanted to put the bug in a cache at a park 4 miles away. Tried, but failed to find the cache. So Laurie is now in charge of the Butterfly Travel Bug.
Arrived at the airport in a timely fashion, and headed for the gate. Love the new ticketless travel. We never have to check in anywhere. Our pilot's name was Mohammed Al-Habib, a name to instill confidence. The plane was quite full, but we did get to sit together, which is always a plus.
Then we had a 4 hour wait at O'Hare, which is always a minus. We met an interesting man from Boston who is still talking about what happened to him on 9/11. He kept his rental car and drove it home because nothing was flying that day - when he got home, Hertz didn't charge him for driving it over the limit and dropping it off.
O'Hare is a real yawner, except the people watching is good. We saw all shapes and sizes of human beings - quite an assortment. We saw a Saudi in full robes and some Asian "nuns" in full robes, some huge men, some huge women, and some adorable babies. Mostly we read books.
Flight to Grand Rapids was nice and uneventful. We thought we had lost a bag upon arrival, but it turned up after all, and the Comfort Inn shuttle came to pick us up.
We were very glad to arrive at a room with a bed. Didn't bother with dinner. Snore.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Grandma, Grandpa, Laurie, and Dylan spent the day in the Park. Chip was left home to do chores before going to work tomorrow.
We left around 10 a.m., went to Publix to get sub sandwiches for lunch, and then went to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which Laurie calls Jonathan Stick-in-the-mud State Park for no apparent reason. We had planned to take the 11 a.m. boat tour on the Loxahatchie River, but the tide was out, so we opted to wait for the 1 p.m. tour when the tide would be in enough so that we could get to Trapper Nelson's Island.
So off we went on a tour of the Park roadways, aiming to see the Observation Tower. We drove around one campground which had been totally destroyed by the hurricanes last season - It's called Piney Grove Campground, and there is not a tree in sight. We couldn't believe that people were actually camping there because there are other, nicer, more intact campgrounds quite nearby.
On the way to the Tower, we stopped to see if there were any alligators at the alligator viewing spot - and we were lucky - there were a couple of really quite large alligators and some young ones - we enjoyed watching them swim back and forth. Dick got some good pictures.
We hiked up to the Observation Tower and were quite amused to see that at 86 feet above sea level, it's the highest spot south of Lake Okeechobee. 86 feet! Anyway, the view wasn't that exciting, but Dylan was interested in the big bumble bees that were flying around the lantana blossoms, and Dick found a bench mark to photograph.
On the way back to the River, there was a large snake lying in the road. He eventually slithered into the grass at the side of the road, curled up, and rattled at us. It was a diamondback rattlesnake - glad we were in the car. Dick got some good pictures of that, too.
On down the road, and next we saw a tortoise "running" across the road. We stopped, got out and inspected him, and helped him across. Dylan liked the tortoise better than the snake or the alligators. Wise choice.
We ate lunch, and caught the boat tour - it was quite a hot day (for us) - around 85F, and the breeze on the boat tour felt heavenly. We rode to the Island, where the volunteer gave us a great tour of Trapper Nelson's compound. It was very primitive, and we had a hard time understanding why anyone would want to live there. Dick bought a book about Trapper's life, so maybe that will help us understand.
On the river we saw ospreys, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, vultures, alligators, turtles, baby blue herons, and mullet. The mullet jump clear out of the water and do a flip before falling back down. We really enjoyed the Loxahatchie.
After we left the park, Laurie drove us to Jupiter Island, where we did some sight seeing of fantastic homes, and went to a public beach so Dylan could play near the water and collect shells.
It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. Best day of the trip, maybe - although it's all been great.
Pizza for supper.
Chip and Laurie's neighbors are putting in a pool, so they're thinking that this might be a good time to put in one for themselves, since the workers are right there anyway, and then things would have to be torn up only once. I think they'll do it, but they haven't finalized anything yet.
We leave tomorrow.
We left around 10 a.m., went to Publix to get sub sandwiches for lunch, and then went to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which Laurie calls Jonathan Stick-in-the-mud State Park for no apparent reason. We had planned to take the 11 a.m. boat tour on the Loxahatchie River, but the tide was out, so we opted to wait for the 1 p.m. tour when the tide would be in enough so that we could get to Trapper Nelson's Island.
So off we went on a tour of the Park roadways, aiming to see the Observation Tower. We drove around one campground which had been totally destroyed by the hurricanes last season - It's called Piney Grove Campground, and there is not a tree in sight. We couldn't believe that people were actually camping there because there are other, nicer, more intact campgrounds quite nearby.
On the way to the Tower, we stopped to see if there were any alligators at the alligator viewing spot - and we were lucky - there were a couple of really quite large alligators and some young ones - we enjoyed watching them swim back and forth. Dick got some good pictures.
We hiked up to the Observation Tower and were quite amused to see that at 86 feet above sea level, it's the highest spot south of Lake Okeechobee. 86 feet! Anyway, the view wasn't that exciting, but Dylan was interested in the big bumble bees that were flying around the lantana blossoms, and Dick found a bench mark to photograph.
On the way back to the River, there was a large snake lying in the road. He eventually slithered into the grass at the side of the road, curled up, and rattled at us. It was a diamondback rattlesnake - glad we were in the car. Dick got some good pictures of that, too.
On down the road, and next we saw a tortoise "running" across the road. We stopped, got out and inspected him, and helped him across. Dylan liked the tortoise better than the snake or the alligators. Wise choice.
We ate lunch, and caught the boat tour - it was quite a hot day (for us) - around 85F, and the breeze on the boat tour felt heavenly. We rode to the Island, where the volunteer gave us a great tour of Trapper Nelson's compound. It was very primitive, and we had a hard time understanding why anyone would want to live there. Dick bought a book about Trapper's life, so maybe that will help us understand.
On the river we saw ospreys, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, vultures, alligators, turtles, baby blue herons, and mullet. The mullet jump clear out of the water and do a flip before falling back down. We really enjoyed the Loxahatchie.
After we left the park, Laurie drove us to Jupiter Island, where we did some sight seeing of fantastic homes, and went to a public beach so Dylan could play near the water and collect shells.
It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. Best day of the trip, maybe - although it's all been great.
Pizza for supper.
Chip and Laurie's neighbors are putting in a pool, so they're thinking that this might be a good time to put in one for themselves, since the workers are right there anyway, and then things would have to be torn up only once. I think they'll do it, but they haven't finalized anything yet.
We leave tomorrow.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Carrabba's
Laurie called early in the morning to say that it was raining in Orlando, and they would be coming home early. We all just hung around playing Sly Cooper and such until they got here.
It was fun hearing about Cirque du Soleil and looking at the program. They also went on a lot of Disney World rides - Tower of Terror, etc - and just had a generally good time. The complaint was that the food prices are way too high once you're inside the park.
Dick, Laurie and Dylan went looking for a cache, Chip went for a ride on his motorcycle, and I took a nap. (I'm the smartest one.)
Mother reports that Dan and Pam have had their baby - a 6 lb. 14 oz boy, 20 inches long. Pam and the baby both came through just fine. They haven't quite decided what to name him yet - the opinion seems to be that he will be Jace Ryan. (Jace rhymes with Chase.) Anyway, congratulations to everybody!
We went out to eat at Carrabba's because Dylan likes their meatballs. Dylan and I played Tic Tac Toe while we were waiting to be served - he actually beat me once. The food is great, especially the bread, but it was very, very crowded. I had yummy lasagna.
It was fun hearing about Cirque du Soleil and looking at the program. They also went on a lot of Disney World rides - Tower of Terror, etc - and just had a generally good time. The complaint was that the food prices are way too high once you're inside the park.
Dick, Laurie and Dylan went looking for a cache, Chip went for a ride on his motorcycle, and I took a nap. (I'm the smartest one.)
Mother reports that Dan and Pam have had their baby - a 6 lb. 14 oz boy, 20 inches long. Pam and the baby both came through just fine. They haven't quite decided what to name him yet - the opinion seems to be that he will be Jace Ryan. (Jace rhymes with Chase.) Anyway, congratulations to everybody!
We went out to eat at Carrabba's because Dylan likes their meatballs. Dylan and I played Tic Tac Toe while we were waiting to be served - he actually beat me once. The food is great, especially the bread, but it was very, very crowded. I had yummy lasagna.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Saturday With Dylan
Dick made pancakes and bacon for breakfast - Dylan doesn't really eat much, but he loved the pancakes. Mine were banana pecan - I wouldn't have traded them for anything.
We played Sly Cooper for quite a while - found the 30th bottle on level 4 and moved ahead - he's really good at it, and I'm really good at watching him.
Went geocaching out across the Saint Lucie River. You have to go across huge bridges to get anywhere east from here. We found two caches in the Veterans Memorial Park, and met a sweet veteran of the Korean War who was sitting in the park meditating. Then we went across another huge bridge to Jensen Beach to Riverside Park - and found another cache.
About then, I was experiencing another low sugar event - the second one this week. I think my medication may be too strong. I'll have to check that out. Anyway, low sugar means it's time for lunch, so we started looking for a good restaurant.
We went back across the bridge to Stuart, found Shell's, which we know is good. But Dylan said he doesn't like their food. So on we went - winding up at a place called The Deck. You order your food at the bar, and if it's grillable, you grill it yourself on one of the three built in grills in the dining room. Unique, and a little down-at-heel. Any port in a storm, they say.
Got home with the help of a good map, and a good memory. We were all a little wind-blown and sun-parched, so we had kind of a quiet time. Dylan and I looked at the Everquest book that Mr. Joe gave him. Then we watched the movie "Brother Bear" - really cute, and right at Dylan's level. He had seen it before, but he enjoyed it immensely.
Now he's outside in his cape with his sword with Grandpa, and I can't imagine what they're playing. I can hear the action, but I can't see it.
We enjoy this so much - wish we could come here every weekend (except for the travel).
We played Sly Cooper for quite a while - found the 30th bottle on level 4 and moved ahead - he's really good at it, and I'm really good at watching him.
Went geocaching out across the Saint Lucie River. You have to go across huge bridges to get anywhere east from here. We found two caches in the Veterans Memorial Park, and met a sweet veteran of the Korean War who was sitting in the park meditating. Then we went across another huge bridge to Jensen Beach to Riverside Park - and found another cache.
About then, I was experiencing another low sugar event - the second one this week. I think my medication may be too strong. I'll have to check that out. Anyway, low sugar means it's time for lunch, so we started looking for a good restaurant.
We went back across the bridge to Stuart, found Shell's, which we know is good. But Dylan said he doesn't like their food. So on we went - winding up at a place called The Deck. You order your food at the bar, and if it's grillable, you grill it yourself on one of the three built in grills in the dining room. Unique, and a little down-at-heel. Any port in a storm, they say.
Got home with the help of a good map, and a good memory. We were all a little wind-blown and sun-parched, so we had kind of a quiet time. Dylan and I looked at the Everquest book that Mr. Joe gave him. Then we watched the movie "Brother Bear" - really cute, and right at Dylan's level. He had seen it before, but he enjoyed it immensely.
Now he's outside in his cape with his sword with Grandpa, and I can't imagine what they're playing. I can hear the action, but I can't see it.
We enjoy this so much - wish we could come here every weekend (except for the travel).
Friday, April 29, 2005
Happy Anniversary Laurie and Chip!
Today is Laurie and Chip's 10th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary!
We rode along with Laurie to drop Dylan off at school this morning. He has to get there around 7:50. We're responsible for picking him up after school today, so we had to see where to go.
Laurie and Chip left around 1:30 for Orlando - so we had time to "play" with them before they left. They had clothes to wash, and errands to run, and bikes to ride before they left. Laurie made great sandwiches for us for lunch.
We picked Dylan up around 2 p.m. Palm City Elementary has a great system for dropping off and picking up. It works very smoothly and safely. Each child is escorted by an upper grade student who walks them to the car and even opens the car door for them. I was impressed at the orderliness of it all.
When we got home, we spent some time just talking for a while, and Dylan wanted to color at the table. So Dick took a nap, and Dylan and I colored. Then we got out the Crayon Maker machine and made some crayons - a new experience. We had to spend some time playing Sly Cooper because it's just so much fun.
Dick did hamburgers on the grill, and we had a nice supper - even though Dylan really doesn't eat much.
Laurie and Chip were just starting to see Cirque du Soleil in Orlando while we were eating dinner in Palm City. The performance they were at started at 6 p.m.
When it was bath time, Dylan said he knew how to give himself a bath, so that's what he did - totally unassisted. Then it was time to read a story before bedtime. Right now, they're reading "Peter and the Star-Catchers". It's kind of a pre-quel to Peter Pan. Very much fun, and amusing for me as well as for Dylan.
We rode along with Laurie to drop Dylan off at school this morning. He has to get there around 7:50. We're responsible for picking him up after school today, so we had to see where to go.
Laurie and Chip left around 1:30 for Orlando - so we had time to "play" with them before they left. They had clothes to wash, and errands to run, and bikes to ride before they left. Laurie made great sandwiches for us for lunch.
We picked Dylan up around 2 p.m. Palm City Elementary has a great system for dropping off and picking up. It works very smoothly and safely. Each child is escorted by an upper grade student who walks them to the car and even opens the car door for them. I was impressed at the orderliness of it all.
When we got home, we spent some time just talking for a while, and Dylan wanted to color at the table. So Dick took a nap, and Dylan and I colored. Then we got out the Crayon Maker machine and made some crayons - a new experience. We had to spend some time playing Sly Cooper because it's just so much fun.
Dick did hamburgers on the grill, and we had a nice supper - even though Dylan really doesn't eat much.
Laurie and Chip were just starting to see Cirque du Soleil in Orlando while we were eating dinner in Palm City. The performance they were at started at 6 p.m.
When it was bath time, Dylan said he knew how to give himself a bath, so that's what he did - totally unassisted. Then it was time to read a story before bedtime. Right now, they're reading "Peter and the Star-Catchers". It's kind of a pre-quel to Peter Pan. Very much fun, and amusing for me as well as for Dylan.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Travel Day
Wake up call at 3:45 a.m., Continental breakfast in the lobby, shuttle to the airport at 5 a.m.
Is this the way to start the day? Ye Gods.
Used the e-ticket to check in, checked our bags, went through security. Jackets off, shoes off, all metal objects in bin, and then get dressed all over again. Flew to Chicago, where we had quite a wait until the flight to Fort Lauderdale. We were lucky enough to get to the food court before there was a big crowd - so we commandeered a table, and camped out for 2 hours, reading books and eventually eating sandwiches.
Flight to Fort Lauderdale was really full, so we felt lucky to get on. There weren't a lot of stand-by passengers. The flight seemed long to me - I dozed off and on and felt really groggy because of lack of sleep last night.
We waited and waited at the baggage carousel for our baggages, but they never showed up. A man came over and called our name - he had the bags back in a corner - they had come in on an earlier flight. Hallelujah!
Laurie picked us up, and we drove about an hour to get to Palm City. It's definitely worth the trip! We got there just in time to change clothes, play a little with Dylan, and go out to dinner at Flannigan's. Then Laurie was off to a Pampered Chef Party. We played with Dylan and talked to Chip and went to bed early.
Travel Day is my least favorite day of any trip. It's tiring.
Is this the way to start the day? Ye Gods.
Used the e-ticket to check in, checked our bags, went through security. Jackets off, shoes off, all metal objects in bin, and then get dressed all over again. Flew to Chicago, where we had quite a wait until the flight to Fort Lauderdale. We were lucky enough to get to the food court before there was a big crowd - so we commandeered a table, and camped out for 2 hours, reading books and eventually eating sandwiches.
Flight to Fort Lauderdale was really full, so we felt lucky to get on. There weren't a lot of stand-by passengers. The flight seemed long to me - I dozed off and on and felt really groggy because of lack of sleep last night.
We waited and waited at the baggage carousel for our baggages, but they never showed up. A man came over and called our name - he had the bags back in a corner - they had come in on an earlier flight. Hallelujah!
Laurie picked us up, and we drove about an hour to get to Palm City. It's definitely worth the trip! We got there just in time to change clothes, play a little with Dylan, and go out to dinner at Flannigan's. Then Laurie was off to a Pampered Chef Party. We played with Dylan and talked to Chip and went to bed early.
Travel Day is my least favorite day of any trip. It's tiring.
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