It's a Wonderful Life!!

My Friend, James

Don't you just love old friends?  Not age, but the length of time you have known someone. James grew up down the street on 15th Avenue with me. He is actually closer to my youngest brother, Lee's age. But at this point, who is counting. When you achieve my age, 10 years or so isn't really important. I run with chicks 10 years my junior and I just think I am young!

James called last week to say he was in town with his parents, and wanted to come by for a visit before the USM ballgame. He came by and never made it to the game. We were just chatting and catching up. We threw the football for Mr. Man and he dressed up in his Ninja Halloween costume. The the giant spider attacked! Of course, we had to ask about our families and this and such.....yadda yadda. We laughed alot and it was a lovely evening.

James is a cool cat! I admire his LOVE for life. James does what James wants to do. He works for a while and saves his money, then he travels to whatever country that suits his fancy. His sabbatical is life! It is woven so neatly in his psyche and manifests itself in a whimsical sort of way.

He calls New York City his home now. He just visits here. I don't think for all the love or money in the world could Swan City swoon James for a permanent residence here. Now I love Swan City - it is where I was born and bred. I tried to leave one time and contracted West Nile Virus - so I don't mess with divine intervention any more. I am just contented within my present confines and station in life.

I visited New York several years ago and phoned James to see if we could hook up. We had a fabulous time. He escorted me all over New York. We went to Canal Street and bargain shopped. We went to China Town and had lunch. We would pop in some dive and have a cocktail. It was fun and I felt safe with a New Yorker at my side. I have been to New York un-escorted and that was like country come to town. I couldn't get my coin in the subway, I would hold up the flow of traffic just trying figure out what street I was on. I had to ask the bus driver which direction he was going and where I would end up. New York is NOT the friendliest city in America, but with a New Yorker at your side - all is well.......

And so, this is to you, my dear friend James! May your heart stay warm and your beer stay cool!

And a tadaaa to old friends......:)

Happy Trails to You!

Peace!

Summer Fun Days at The Water Park

This was a very cool day! There are not many things I love in this world better than a water park. And sports fans, this was a day that will go down in my memory bank as the Big Kahuna! And yes, there are some tales to tell.

Many of my SISTERS were present and in their finest regalia. One aspect of my church I love so much is over a 15 year period, I have come to know and love many fine folks. My SISTERS are my heart, but it is always fun when I go outside my core group. Over the years I have seen kids from the 6th grade mature in faith and knowledge to go forward on their life journey to adulthood. Most went to college, some to the ministry, and others to further their professional careers. My hope is Mr. Man will follow in some mighty fine footsteps from those that went before him. What a witness that is for the body of Christ.

The day started out quite nice, we planned to leave at 8:30 - but pulled out of the parking lot with 2 vans at 8:45'ish. Thought that was remarkable considering it is summer and it involved getting kids up and dressed for a day of fun in the sun. This takes some preparation. There were a few clouds in the sky, however, it turned out to be the picture perfect day. Speaking of pictures:

If you like slides, then you are close to heaven. For me, I am more of a lazy river kind of girl.

The rumors are still milling around about the fact that some long-standing friendships are on high alert status. So, I just want to put everyone on notice that I not only post your pic's, but I post my own. I may even ask you when you least expect it to take a quick shot at me. I don't particularly have any photography skills, I just enjoy the documenting the day kind of thing. The M.U. has concerns that one unpleasant side effect of WNV for me is memory loss. I enjoy carrying my camera in my purse, unless I have "forgotten" where I put my camera the last time. It makes me feel like a good Girl Scout. I wonder if the motto for G.S. is still "Be Prepared"?????  We got to the water park, claimed our Cabana, listened attentively to the Dynamic Duo's (Debra and Kaylee) and then split up in 15 different directions. I headed straight for the lazy river, did I mention that I love a lazy river?? I must have gone around 3 times right by myself before I even saw anyone in our group. And oh, by the way, Debra and Kaylee, well, they are top shelf in my book! This trip was planned perfectly. We didn't lose but one child - MINE! Imagine that......

 

Rookie Mama and I were circling the park looking for him. She found him. Generally, RM is a little like E.F. Hutton, when E.F.Hutton speaks, we listen. But no, not Mr. Man, my son. He was still playing (in the kiddie pool section, none the less!). He is oblivious to all that goes on around him when he is "playing". The loud speaker that announced "EVERYONE WITH P.H., PLEASE MEET AT YOUR CABANA" - do ya think he heard that?? Bless his heart, he may have had water in his ears. Leave it to Mama to take up for her little one. He is looking down-trodden and sad. Well, he should be. That might have something to do with the fact that Mr. Man has history with RM. Once I was in a bind (ya think?) and asked RM if she would get Mr. Man dressed in his baseball uniform when he was at EE daycare. She said he did exactly as she said. To the "T". That made me a proud Mama. I have to tell him 10 times to get dressed, but RM does it once and he obeys so dutifully. Authors side note - see my memory ain't so bad after all....... Well, he wasn't so obedient today for RM. She pointed her finger at him and said get out, we are leaving. He looked at her and said "NO, I AM STILL PLAYING". So after recanting the tale to his horrified mom - she continues - and yes there is more. So, she tells the lifeguard "GET THAT BOY OUT, WE ARE LEAVING" He may be cute, but he is a bit head strong. He gets that from the Absent Father, not me!!!!! Some more pics of all the precious little girls on the trip. Do you think God was playing a joke on me when he blessed me with a boy???

And then the gnarly, smelly, boys....

Mr. Bus Driver Benson, you aren't really gnarly or smelly, but you are one of the boys. So, I had been around the lazy river (did I mention I love a lazy river??) about 35 times, and I was tired, so I decided to go rest under our cabana. Well, about that time, Mr. Man comes dragging up, sad looking, and a bit upset. Wild Walker is in tow talking in his usual upper volume voice, that Mr. Man had to be "saved" by the lifeguard. Evidently, he had gotten cross ways under some blue floats during the wave action. Which, by the way I hate after a horrible experience on another church trip many years ago. He whimpered for about 2 minutes, then he was off "to play". I said be careful and kissed him on the head and waved bye bye. Mr. Man is a great swimmer and I not even for one minute would allow my child to wander off if he didn't know how to swim. He has been swimming since he was 18 months old. So, Mr. Man and I had been on the big pink slide once. He wanted Sweet Sydney to come along with us for the second time. See, I didn't stay on the lazy river all day! We were standing in the humongous line when I overheard Sweet Sydney and Mr. Man talking, it went something like this: S.S.: Sam, What is that on your side? Authors note: it is a brown quarter size birthmark. Mr. Man: It is where the Angel kissed me when I was born. S.S.: "OH"  Authors note: she starts looking all over her body.

I interject and said that maybe the angel kissed you on your head, and now it is under your hair. S.S.:  I don't think I have one of those. Mr. Man: The Angel kissed me and that means I'm Christian. Authors note: not I'm A Christian, but I'm Christian.

I wonder if S.S. will discuss this with her father, our Metro Minister?

Dad gum, she doesn't need to be kissed by any angel. She is Angelic enough - now isn't that the sweetest little face in the universe. I could only hope that Mr. Man may one day be lucky enough to call Metro Minister father in law!! Last but not least are my SISTERS:

Now, quiz for the day - which one of us is with child??? No, it is not the one in the green paisley dress suit, it is the one with the pickle!!! If it were the one in the green paisley dress suit, it would be the second immaculate conception!! One final good-night: Life is very, very good! Peace!

P.S. Typepad is making my post look terrible - the spacing is all wrong - sorry. They have been having technical problems for a couple of days......

Twenty Things I Have Enjoyed Lately

 

This would be a Top Shelf Margarita.

I liked it all right.

It tasted good.

But one is not enough.....

So, without much fanfare - I had another version, it was much tastier.

It was a Mango Margarita.

I haven't paid much attention to my feet lately in light of the fact that I fell about 6 weeks ago and lost a toenail.

Guess which one it is??

I like to pick my toenails - it's one of my bad habits.

I'm trying to ax this bad habit.

Compliments of my favorite nail shop in Dallas and my Target Visa Card.

Good movie for kids.

Adults: If you can get past talking rats taking over in the kitchen, then it is OK.

This was rain day fun in Dallas.

Dead Woman and Boy Float holding hands, ear to ear.

It takes little to make me happy.

Knowing that my brother, Lee, is 10 years my junior and is balding.

I Love balding men.

Does that make me ancient??

Making a Flag Cake with Mr. Man.

It called for 6 sticks of butter, I cut it to 5 sticks to save on calories.

I got the recipe from The Pioneer Woman, she got it from The Barefoot Contessa.

Everyone said it was divine. I thought it needed more butter.

From left to right:

Brandon, Bill a/k/a Duce, Pat (Remi's mom), Remi, the Motherly Unit, Mr. Man, and my brother, Lee - the one going bald.

We stand on ceremony. Notice the Plate Chargers, Silver Wine Goblets - an Heirloom from my Maternal Grandmother, Candles, Fresh purple/pink Lily, Wine (2 kinds - of white), Ice mugs, Plastic Tea Pitcher, Water Bottles, White Linen Napkins (notice Mr. Man with his in the lap). This was first course salad. Then we had the deliciousness of frozen Lasagna. Like I said, we stand on ceremony!

Nothing warms a mothers heart more than witnessing her son's first shot.

He said it went down smooth...

Uncle Lee's up next for the chopping block. And I hold the hammer.

Mamaw is not amused, but Pat is elated (or maybe she can't wait to put that shot to her lips!) We love you Pat!

At long last, I found a game I can win against Mr. Man. Amazing. Backgammon. I played sometimes all night in college with my friend Cynthia. We liked to drink all night also.

He'll never be a better player than me.

I let him win sometimes. Like this play, he just bumped me - I am black.

He's scared now.

I can think of only a couple other things I would rather be doing early morning by the pool than this:

1) Finishing a not so good book. But sometimes in life, I like to prove to myself I can finish SOMETHING.

2) Drinking a strong mimosa.

I don't like to have a cocktail alone. I never have one actually. But this particular morning, I just thought it would be good.

No one wanted one with me.

I know it is blurry, I am a horrible photographer with a not so great camera. But it works.

The Absent Father (NOT) has an ad in the Dallas Voice.

I have the newspaper in my hot little hands if anyone is interested in checking it out. You know for further details.

A.F. will just absolutely flip out when I show it to him.

"THE LAST SUPPER"

I prepared a culinary delight for our last meal. It was:

Grilled to perfection Pork Loin marinated in Pineapple and Soy Sauce, then peppered with Celery Salt, Grilled crookneck Squash, brushed with butter and cracked black pepper and kosher salt, Grilled Eggplant served with Goat cheese spread atop, Fresh Baked Bread, and Boiled New Potatoes.

They raved. But left the Eggplant.

Daphne (the queen of the house) is waiting for Mr. Man to drop something. Wonder if he did???

Mr. Man - 30 minutes after the shot his Uncle Lee gave him.

I'm looking for a bigger, heavier hammer.

Some of my SISTERS at La Fiesta Brava last night.

Sallie, Julie, the A/R guru AJ, Tina, and somebody I don't know.

the A/R guru AJ and Tina are supposed to be at Girl Scout Camp (what kind of beverage is that in front of them??), and Julie was supposed to be at a Tennis Match - she said it was canceled. Sallie is ALWAYS so happy and full of life, next time I will announce I am making a pic so she can get ready (like the others!)

Now Dearie - that Corona must have been fabulous.

Sallie is totally and completely amazed! AS WE ALL SHOULD BE!

I LOVE YOU MY DEAR FRIEND PAIGE.

Quite possibly the cutest and happiest woman with child that I have ever seen.

My Precious Sam, you are getting ready to go on the ride of your life, so put on your seat belt honey.

Our beloved SISTER Linda, she can solve all your problems in one fell swoop.

I'm putting her on my payroll, pronto.

I think I can re-build this into a chopping block.

Maybe I can quit looking for a big mean hammer and just find a noose.

Don't ya think this would work just fine??

The Canna's Lee and Remi just planted in their yard.

These are my favorite colors in the whole wide world.

The Canna's that are about to bloom.

My other very favorite colors.

These things I have enjoyed lately. Hope you enjoy them also.

Peace Out!

Cancelled Flight, Rain and Games People Play

We arrived at the airport in N.O. with too much time to spare. The Motherly Unit stresses over getting to the airport, so I obliged her and left early. It took us 2 1/2 hours, there was a wreck! We arrived at the gate with an hour to spare. So we all read and people watched. It was raining. I glanced up at the board and it said the flight had been delayed to leave at 7:30. About 30 minutes later, the board said "FLIGHT CANCELED". After confirming this with the agent manning the desk, Mr. Man and I raced to the American ticket counter. We learned that Continental had a flight leaving just 6 minutes after our original flight was to leave and we could catch that (with a layover in Houston), provided we could claim our bags at American and get checked in with Continental. So the race was on - Mr. Man was the big boy and helped me lug 3 suitcases and 2 backpacks to Continental for check in. I was glistening (remember Southern women do not sweat) by the time we arrived.

Another security check because we changed concourses - The M.U. and I got a thorough pat down (and if it were a man, I would have been aroused). Literally felt all over my body. And Mr. Man had a pat down. He got tickled! We raced to the gate and just made it in time. All was well and we were off on the big iron bird.

In Houston we went straight to our gate. We noticed an Indian couple off in the corner. Not the Native Indian, but from across the big ocean. I phoned Lee to let him know the change. I saw the Indian couple pointing at me and chatting amongst themselves. The the man got up and headed my way. In very broken English, he proceeded to tell me his story of the past 2 days. They had a terrible experience with missing planes and what not. One of his sons was a doctor in Amarillo and another son was a software technician in Dallas and neither son knew where they were. He asked if he could trouble me to use my phone to let them know where they were. So I dialed the number and smiled. He headed off to his wife and they chatted and smiled for about 10 minutes. He thanked me and gave me back my phone. When we landed in Dallas, we met the whole Indian couples family - the grandkids, daughter in law and son. They all smiled and thanked us.

July 4 was sunny off and on. We got some sun time in. Lee and Remi's friends, Bill and Brandon came over and we grilled the obligatory hamburgers. We loved Bill and Brandon. Mr. Man finally found someone to play chess with him, Bill. Mr. Man beat Bill. I refuse to learn chess, because I would be tied to the chess game - and that ain't my gig, sports fans. After I confided in Bill about all the illegal things I smuggled on the airplane in my luggage (you know there are many things you can't take on an airplane!!), I learned that his line of work is Homeland Security! I could have dropped my jaw - we got a huge laugh out of that.

It rained all day yesterday. Not just off and on, but all day. We did the mall. I found several things - and the prices are so cheap. $4.99 shirts and shorts! And we made the stop to Origins for refills. Bill and Brandon came over again last night for lasagna and salad. Mr. Man and I took a night-time swim, and played a couple hands of "Go Fishing" with the M.U.. Everyone went to bed and Mr. Man and I played a couple games of Backgammon. All is well if Mr. Man is playing cards or board games.

Lee has the gout and is having trouble getting around. He went to the doctor and got good medication! It is cloudy today and it looks like those clouds are about to burst!! What is up with all this rain???

But all is well with us and we are relaxing and having a marvelous time.

Love and Peace!

Rain, Rain - Go Away - Come Again Another Day.

Mr. Man, The Motherly Unit and I will be leaving for N.O. tomorrow to catch a flight for Dallas. I choose this particular flight which leaves at 7'ish in hopes we could catch a glimpse of the sunset.

The Absent Father UPS'ed Mr. Man's Nintendo DS, which we received today. He was so excited. Plus his $30 which he earned working with A.F.  2 weeks ago. He is so excited when cash is involved! He is like me - he loves to save, but on a whim he is liable to spend every red cent!

Upon checking Dallas Weather, my heart is sinking!! I wish anyone who reads this will check it to make sure I am not going crazy. I see NO SUN! I will be "undone" (no pun intended, because my main objective is to get some sun time in) if the sun doesn't shine. PLEEEZE someone tell me I am seeing things......I NEED SUN IN DALLAS!

I mean good grief, Lee and Remi have a wonderful home, a newly remodeled kitchen and a mall 5 minutes from their abode. But the best part is relaxing by the pool and wearing Mr. Man out with our long swims! Summertime is awesome there! But SUN is required. Please pray!

Lee told the M.U. about a new theater-type joint that serves a meal while you watch a movie. What a novel idea! (I'm being a horse's a_ _). My LORD, folks do that all the time, I thought it was a crazy idea at first - so I will let you know later how this place rates.

We may even catch a baseball game. On second thought, who wants to sit thru a baseball game in the rain?

Goodness Gracious, what is up with the rain thing?? Oh, please, don't rain us out!

This was my to to list:

1.  Complete all laundry (the M.U. helped!)  CHECK

2.  Catch up on work and complete all orders and BOL. CHECK

3.  Fold and iron clothes. CHECK

4.  Pack CHECK

5. Check Mr. Man's packing (he actually did pretty good!) CHECK

6.  Write Bills and balance checkbook. CHECK

7.  Print out e-tickets and boarding passes. CHECK

8.  Line out dog sitters and feeders. CHECK

We are on target to leave. We just need sun.

On a side note: Russ (director of Day Camp) called me today to report that Mr. Man had a bit of trouble. Evidently Walker threw a lunch bag at him. Well, this Mr. Man won't tolerate. We all know his preponderance for anger. You know that knee-jerk reaction. He and Walker "tussled" as Russ put things. Their punishment was to clean up the playground and pick up trash. Personally, if Walker threw ANYTHING at me, I would want to "tussle" with him as well. The Ping Pong Paddle and the Timer are already packed.

I will try and post even on vacation, in the rain, indoors.

Peace and Love!

The Beach - The Fell Swoop

Friday morning was rather uneventful. We did the usual beach tour, plus pool. Sassy got buried in the sand and given breasts. Leisa and Walker left in the afternoon. Mr. Man had been begging me since we arrived to take him to Goofy Golf. We just could not fit it in until now. So we drove to Ft. Walton to play. It was a rather nice course - with pretty flowers and man-made waterfalls. The course was not in the best of shape and needed a facelift. I think Mr. Man solidified his position as being not only the only male species playing but also by far the most competitive. I would say about 80% of the shots made, he wanted to know the score. Well, if the truth were to be told, I would be the Goofy Golf Champion with 1 hole in 1 shot and usually making par on every hole (which was only 2). Wonder where he gets his competitiveness from?? AJ was 2nd and Mr. Man was 3rd. But the hysterical thing was watching Sassy play. First off, she had her shoes on backwards, and we all know that is her preference anyway. She just manipulated that putter in anyway possible to make her ball fall into the hole. It was quite amusing.

We saw that it was good. There was evening, and there was morning, the 4th Day.

Saturday was our last full day of vacation. We played, laughed and had a great relaxing time. We went to the playground, which was a fabulous free spot for kids. We went there to tour the Butterfly Museum, next to the playground, but it closed at 3 and we were there at 3:30. Also went to buy some fresh fish and shrimp. Met this Coon Ass, from deep down yonder way about 2 hours south of N.O. I thought he owned the place. He called me "mama" and he called AJ "sister". Wonder what that meant?? He is writing a cookbook. We asked him for some tips on cooking the fish - he went into this long and drawn out receipe that had pineapple plus juice poured on top and then baked. It really sounded nasty to me. He said the juices brought out the flavor in fish. He was a cock-eyed looking fella, full of spirit and information. We went home and cooked dinner (We did not use a receipe and I bet ours was better), the shrimp were already steamed. We decided it was happy hour somewhere, so we partook of a small cocktail. Somehow cocktails go down so deliciously smooth on a balcony overlooking a beach and the ocean.  Went to catch sand crabs after dark. Boy was that entertainment! Sassy was not at all too happy about this. Crabbing is not her thing. Plus something bit her and she was pretty upset about that for a few minutes. Mr. Man was quite concerned about her drama, maybe he will be empathetic! Mr. Man and the Blue Eyed Beauty were all about the sand crabs, and as for myself and AJ, I just bet we looked like a couple of birds chasing crabs in the dark with a shovel in one hand and flashlight and camera in the other. But we did manage to catch one larger than life crab. Mr. Man just insisted that he was taking it home with him to be a pet. It died Monday after we got home.

So, all is well, and this is the end of the fifth day, the last day!

I am blessed to have such wonderful friends that can share this with us!

Life is a BEACH!!! 

PEACE!

The Beach - Third Day

Thursday: We stayed close to the condo. We went by the beach again. Still red flags which meant NO SWIMMING. The waves were high, surf was up, which was just dandy for Mr. Man. He tested my patience several times by drifting too far out. So, I positioned myself on the wet sand and stood guard. He had that perpetual smile on his face. He and Walker hooked up with a girl and they built small single family dwellings on the beach. No castles. Just a bucket of sand emptied with a flag on top in a row, some cul de sacs, no method to their maddness.

Mr. Man came up to me on the beach and was ready to go back to the condo or pool. I say "why, it is so pretty out here, don't you like it?" He says: "MY PENIS HURTS!" well, I was pretty stunned at that pronouncement. So, like a watchful shepherd, caring for her flock - I looked down Mr. Man's pants, and sure enough, it was red as fire. Now mind you, he hasn't one ounce of modesty in his body - so I was quite proud he did not pull his pants down in front of God and everybody. But he sure wanted me to look RIGHT THEN! Guess sand and salt does that to some......I don't know, I don't have one of those. So I carefully poured my now lukewarm bottled water down his swimsuit and we stayed a bit longer.

Leisa and I were casually laying in our rented lounge chairs with umbrella, having a small talk about this and that. One eye always on the two young ones, when all of a sudden - Mr. Man and Walker were swinging and spitting and kicking each other like a bunch of rednecks. We both yelled stop, they kept fighting (it must have been bad!). The crowd was starting to gather, so we jump up and had to pull them apart. OMG, I was horrified. Leisa whisked Walker off the beach and Mr. Man took her spot in the lounge chair. And we had a talk about getting along with each other, about anger management. He came to the conclusion that he and Walker just couldn't get along. Ya' Think???

So we gather our belongings and droppings, head toward the red flag, and over the long crossover bridge to the condo. We had a hot dog kind of lunch and the boys head off to the bedroom to play the game cube. All was going well until the phone rings. I thought, who in the world is this?? So, this is how it goes:

Debi: "Hello"

Voice on phone: "This is 911, what is the nature of your emergency?"

Debi: "We don't have one, why?"

Voice on phone: "Someone just called 911 from this number"

Debi: "I'm sure it is one of my boys, hold on a minute and let me go check"

Voice on phone: "OK, I'll hold"

I proceed to the bedroom and with big glaring eyes and stern voice ask Mr. Man and Walker who called 911. Mr. Man immediately pointed to Walker, and he sheepishly looks up at me and confessed. So I head back to the phone with Walker on tow.

Debi: "It was one of my boys, here let me let you talk to him" (I turn to Walker and said "you tell her what you did")

Walker: "I called 911, I was just playing around with the numbers, and I didn't mean to"

Walker then hands the phone to his mother, who apologized profusely and said it won't happen again.

Voice on phone to Leisa: "Well ma'am, it is our policy to send out an officer to make sure everything is OK, so the Sherriff will be at your door in just a minute"

Leisa: "OK, sorry again"

Well, I was pretty upset about all this. Knowing that you don't just play around on the phone and accidentally dial 911. Plus I am not one that likes to be involved with the man in BLUE with an annoying light and loud noises coming from his car (not to mention the handcuffs). I told Mr. Man if he ever did that, he was getting a big spanking with the Ping Pong Paddle, which he is intimidated by. We all know in every drama there are 2 parties involved, so Mr. Man was not absolved from this crime!!

Well, the sweet little officer came a knocking. We all meet and greet him at the door. He explains the rules about 911 and it is to be used only in case of a real emergency, that it is not something to play around with. Walker nods as if he is listening. We tell the officer goodby and he leaves. Well then, that is that.

AJ, and company arrive in the afternoon. The girls just couldn't wait to get to the pool or beach. Leisa wasn't feeling well, so we took Walker, Mr. Man and the girls for a dip.

This is one of my fav pics of that afternoon:

That is one beautiful girl, that Blue Eyed Beauty! Plus the absolute sweetest natured child. She will grow up to be thoughtful, beautiful, with a huge heart, enough to love everyone.

In a condo with one shower, that was a difficult task for everyone to shower and get ready for dinner. We managed, but were late eating. The four were very well behaved at the restaurant, Cocodriles, which I now can highly recommend. I asked the waiter what was his favorite, just kind of flirting and stuff. But I took his advice and ordered the seafood pasta. Plus a few cocktails. AJ got catfish with a wonderful crab and shrimp spicy alfredo type sauce, or some variation. We went back to the condo and the kids crashed. We stayed up a little late, sipping and gabbing, and solving the problems of the world. Leisa was still feeling bad, which is so unusual for her. We felt bad for her, because it ain't no fun being sick on vacation.

Now how sweet is this - BITTERSWEET:

We saw that is was good. There was evening, and there was morning, the Third Day.

TO BE CONTINUED: PEACE OUT.

The Beach - The First & Second Day

Leisa and Walker met us on Tuesday. Mr. Man and Walker had lots of fun swimming, beaching, building sand castles, throwing balls and other various and sundry boy stuff.

We saw that is was good. There was evening, and there was morning, the first day!

Wednesday we all got up and drove to Pensacola. First things first, we ate at McGuire's Irish Pub, a must see touristy place that serves a mean Reuben Sandwich. Mr. Man says the Chicken was pretty delicious also. Then on to the Naval Aviation Museum and saw and IMAX movie about the Blue Angels. The best fun was sitting in the cock-pits of old aircraft. That is really boy stuff, but we joined in on the fun. Leisa hopped in several while I slid carefully into a helicopter. Helicopters have larger cockpits, so it fit me better, plus I am not a good hopper, especially after a Reuben.

Then we beached it for a while. The water was a serene clear green and the beaches were soft like silk. The smell of salt was in the air and we breathed it as a pleasant aroma!

I do have a favorite pic of that day:

And we saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the second day!

Peace will not last long........

The Prequel.....

The time away was time well spent. On most days, I feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities at hand. Vacation is always too short. This was not a lay around and do nothing trip. We jammed everything (well almost) in possible. Thanks to our beloved St. Michael, I found my camera, so I will post some memories. Part of the fun of enjoying family and friends is capturing the moment, and savoring it later. My memory for some reason is not what it has been in the past. I feel like a dull no. 2 pencil. I regress and blame some of this on WNV, cause things have not been the same for me since.

The trip started out wonderfully with a visit to my cousins, Karen and Charlie in Pensacola. Their daughter Kristen was home from college. What a happy treat for Mr. Man and I to have the opportunity for a visit. They have built a beautiful new home, very wooded and natural and a floor plan that is simply marvelous. Their other home was damaged by Hurricane Ivan and they are re-doing it for renters or maybe selling. As Karen put it, "it is hard to go over there and work when we have our new home that we hate to leave". They have done tons of yard work, we walked the yard, talking about plants and how things will look in 5 or so years when the trees and plantings are matured. She has a vision, and a well thought out plan. All that has to happen now is hard work and time! They are very dear to me and I loved spending time with them. Mr. Man had a blast with Charlie playing Chess and strumming the bass guitar. Charlie grilled and we had a wonderful meal. We talked about old days in New Orleans, and the family "get-togethers". It was fun sharing all this with Kristen, cause she is lots of fun herself and we knew at her age, she could now appreciate all that "stuff".  We talked about our families, extended families, our aches and pains and our hopes and dreams. I feel connected to these folks and although we live miles apart and do not keep in close contact, we have a familiar bond of love between us. A love that miles and time do not separate! It felt like coming home!!

The prequel to the beach is something we will have to do again soon. They have not had a 6 year old in their home in a long time, but were gracious enough to ask us to come again soon. It is only a 2 1/2 hour trip from H'burg, so what fun would that be to do this again soon. I will have to admit, being in a new home, makes me WANT!

I am so far behind posting, and I have missed writing. Work has been consuming and getting back into the swing of things - well I 'm not there yet. My suitcases are unpacked, but still laying on the floor. The laundry is done. My beach bag is still packed, I'm just not ready to part with the idea that vacation is over yet.

Of course, I could take on my nephew's line of thought about life, and that is LIFE IS A VACATION! Speaking of which - my sweet Andrew graduated - HHS Class of 07. Things are much different there than in '79. He announced that he has been talking to a Marine Recruiter - now that is scary. My sweet AJ wants to steer him to the Air Force - her brother has a great gig going on - sounds like it would be a good gig for my sweet Andrew. He started a new job on Monday.....this is after he quit another job before graduation when he just "wanted to take some time off". My line of thinking was that you don't quit one job until you have another. But he is a free spirit and knows that his needs will be met, much like those birds in the BIBLE! I pray for that boy everyday and am so proud of him for graduating. It could have easily played out another way.

More about the beach later......

Peace to Family!

It's confirmed official, I'm going to the Beach!!

I spent the greater part of Tuesday searching for a condo on the Beach - found just what I was looking for in Navarre Beach. Sha told me when she drove thru there a couple of weeks ago that the beaches there were beautiful and whole shells were there for the picking. We are going May 29 (Tue) thru June 3 (Sun). Wish I could share this with all my SISTERS - now wouldn't that be too much fun. But, space is limited and management is firm! Leisa and Walker will be following us down there and staying til Thursday, or perhaps Friday. I figure I can stand Mr. Man and Walker for a couple of days at the most. Then calmness will prevail and AJ and those 2 sweet girls are coming Thursday til Sunday. It will be a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of H'burg.

Sometimes I wonder why God blessed me with a boy. Now don't get any of this wrong - I love my Mr. Man more than life itself, but little girls are so much easier to manage. Every little girl I know has a temperment much UNLIKE my Mr. Man. Yes, I know they have their days, and they also have temper fits and drama. BUT YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN TEMPER TIL YOU WITNESS MR. MAN AND HIS TEMPER. I know the apple doesn't fall too far from the apple tree - but I am here to tell you he DOESN'T get this from me. I am fairly calm and relaxed and a basically fun loving person. My moods usually do not swing and I am agreeable to almost anything. But when my Mr. Man gets his mind made up - it is his way or else. I try my best to squash (not the vegetable) that behavior, but it comes down to a battle of the wills. Usually I win, but sometimes I just give up. I have to pick my battles with him. It is a daily barometer that I watch with a keen eye. I can predict his mood from the moment I wake him up in the morning.  And more specifically from the time he gets in the car after school. Sometimes he is agreeable and sometimes it is a hurricane on the horizon. Will this subside?? Sometimes. And then there are times when I have to threaten (and sometimes even follow thru) calling the Absent Father. And this just burns my butt!! How dare the A.F. have more sway with him than I??? 

It has been a busy week. I have gotten alot done. I am in this bible study of Romans at church and I have been faithfully sticking to my daily readings, but not this week. I just couldn't muster up the energy to read Paul. That fellow just goes on and on about a topic. Sometimes I feel much like a kindergartner when reading Paul's writings. Then there are other times I think you need a doctoratal degree to interpret that stuff. But none the less, I enjoy being in the Word of God every day. It keeps me balanced and gives me a sense of calm about life. And boy, do I need calm!!

My painter is finally finished. Now all that is left is putting my house back together. I like organization. It is something that I lack in life. It is a constant struggle to keep organized. I love the notion that everything has a place. But I am running out of space. Why can't I be like Elizabeth Montgomery in Bewitched and just twiggle my nose and it all be done?? My main challenge is energy. I run out!! I am pretty good in the morning, but after I have lunch, I really like a little rest period - sometimes that little rest turns into all afternoon. I don't have the time to rest all afternoon. I want to blame all this on remnents of West Nile Virus. The specialists I saw in Jackson in February said I would be symptomatic for another 6 months to a year - YIKES. The fatigue is really debilitating sometimes. But these days I have a tendancy to blame it on LAZY!! I feel good just about every day. I had one of those fatigued days yesterday. I had no energy to work, clean, do laundry - and I had to drag myself to church. I asked Mr. Man if he wanted to go to church - his reply "Yes Mama, I love church!" So being the ever diligent mother that I am, I reluctantly said "OK". But I just couldn't go to class - I just couldn't bear listening and re-hashing Paul's stuff. I always learn something, but I just couldn't last night.

Well, my smart and funny bookeeper, Trish, will be here soon and we will burn the night oil late. Thursday's we always work late and yes I took my obligatory nap in preparation of this!!

Peace!