Christmas 2011

As always it was a great Christmas for our family. The stress of getting to the day, Christmas Day is always a bit rough, but as I say, each year by the time we arrive at my parents house, we are ready. This year we had a new addition, daughter #2's boyfriend spent his Christmas Day with us. That was a nice treat. We had to fun of watching my 2 1/2 yr old niece experience the fun of opening the gifts and the surprise each time she found out the contents inside. We watched my sister in law tear up, as she does each year. And I watched my hubby open his gift and there was true excitement..I finally got something he didn't expect and wanted. (an IPad!)
All my family was around me and as I watched each one open their gift I realized how blessed I am. It's always stressful getting there, but I am so happy I do it each and every year!

It's Beginning to Look alot like Christmas...Stress..

Christmas is just 8 days away and the stress is upon us. Tomorrow I will venture out for what I hope is the last shopping trip I will make for this gift giving season. I really do not like to shop and again this year I did much of my shopping on-line. What a great way to shop! I get to sit in my pj's or birthday suit or whatever and with a click of a button and a credit card I can purchase it all. Well I wish all. But I can purchase most of my gifts. I have a few more things to get for this year and I hope to be done. A couple basket weaving projects to complete, cards to send, pictures to print, baking to do and I will be done. This year, as I say every year, it seems to have snuck up on us again and poof it's here...Christmas is here....oh my, I must get off this computer and finish my list, and check it twice, because Santa Clause is coming to town!!! Very soon!!!

Christmas Party Weekend

Last night was our 11th annual Christmas Bunko Babes party. Each year I have the honor to host the Christmas dinner and game. It really is a treat for me and I love it. I love to entertain and this is such fun. We have dinner and drinks, then clean up and start a good game of throwing dice. The ladies I play with are the best. The are funny, they are sweet, they are kind, they are just wonderful. What great friends I have in my life! So once again, it was a great night, we ate, we drank, we laughed and we played a fun game of Bunko. Thanks Bunko Babes.

Today the fun continued...I attended my annual Basket Guild Christmas Party. Again, much fun was had by all. Twenty seven crazy basket cases all got together to eat, laugh and participate in the crazy gift exchange. I have to say basket weavers are the best cooks ever! If you leave hungry from a basket event, it is your own fault! Thanks again all my basket friends for another great party.

My weekend of partying if finally over, whew...it was great, and now I need to go back to work to rest..... :)

Not Good Bye..It's See You Later...

Being in the military for so many years good byes have become a part of our life. We are saying good bye to ships, spouses, friends, family and co-workers. This week we said good bye to a co-worker. I have worked with this gentleman for about 7 years, the last 3 I have worked with him directly. He has been my co-worker, my supervisor and my friend. So today he flys off to another land to offer his support and skills. It will be different around the office without this gentleman, but I'm sure we will survive. And he will survive. It will be a change for everyone. I pray for his family during this time apart...it is not easy on family members. Keep busy is all I can say. And for my friend...take care, stay safe, no good byes, it's see you later!

Are there any Ghost out there?

Last night hubby and I went with friends to Williamsburg to do a Ghost walking tour. It was 39 degrees and we about froze out pootooties off, but we had fun. You walk around Colonial Williamsburg and a guide talks about ghost sightings, facts and history of the area. Virginia is so cool! We have so much neat history in this area that it's a shame we all don't take the time to visit the sites. My New Year's resolution this year (and you know every year I make one) is to visit more of the Virginia history. Well back to the tour, it was fun, we froze, we did enjoy ourselves and unfortunately we didn't see any ghosts...dern. Maybe next time we will.

Happy Birthday Son

This is a picture from the wedding, isn't he the cutest!

Yesterday we celebrated our son-in-law's birthday. It's so much fun for the family to get together, cook out and have fun. My son-in-law has become the son we never had, so I like to refer to him as my son. I hope that puts a smile on his face, it does mine. Actually he did post on facebook that he had a fun birthday dinner with his family. And you know if it's on facebook, it must be true! This young man came into our daughters life and totally loves her for her. Daughter #1 is one of the sweetest people I know, but she does have her father's attitude and she has a mind of her own. Well son has taken this challenge on and they are great together. I am so grateful he has come into all our lives.
Happy Birthday Son!! We love you!!!

2011 Live Strong Dolphin Run

On Saturday daughter #2 and I ran in the 2011 Live Strong Dolphin Run 5k. As you know, I've been running for a couple years now and have completed a few 5k's each year, this year was no different. A co-worker told me about this run and I was up for the challenge. While talking to my daughter, she decided she would like to run with me. She works out with her boyfriend all the time but they never really run. I signed us up and we were ready, or at least I was ready. The morning of the race, I could see that she was a bit nervous, but all went well. We got there, we watched the kids run the 1 mile run, then it was our turn. I told her not to wait for me as I'm a slow runner. The gun went off and we were running! I could see my daughter a bit in front of me, I just kept my pace and watched her. There is a point in all my runs that I start to hurt and therefore go somewhere in my head and start to think. I think about my day, my yesterday, my dreams, my hopes, my family, my work and I solve all the worlds problems. Well, maybe not all that, but I think about everything. This gets me thru my run. Back to Saturday, we are about 1 mile from the finish and daughter starts walking, as I run up next to her I ask, "What's wrong?" "My side hurts" she says. So I start the coaching, "Come on you can do it" "Let's run a little slower" "We are almost there" all those encouraging words. Along the end of this run there are quotes by Lance Armstrong, as I come up to a quote I read it to her. As we approach the finish line I say to her "Let's sprint, you are not going to let your Momma beat you are you?" Well she picked it up and ran across the finish line about 2-3 seconds ahead of me. It was wonderful to come across the line with my daughter. I was so proud of her and proud of myself and proud that we could come out and support a great cause. Cancer is a terrible disease and we all have to do what we can to fight it. Thanks Daughter #2 for running with me, I love you!

Weekend with Hurricane Irene

My Front Yard

We survived and the power is back on...Whoohooo!!! Hurricane Irene came in on Saturday night, she brought 20 inches of water into my attached garage, 4 inches from entering my house. She blew 30 inches into my shed and back garage and she brought me much stress! Saturday our power went out at about 11:00 am and returned today, Monday, at 1:00pm. You forget how much you "Love" electricity. Cold showers, one TV (yes, one TV), a lamp and no AC. My house had extention cords running everywhere from here and there and out to the generator on the back deck. And sleeping to the hum of generators in the night. I am thankful that we had only minor damage and that no one was hurt. My heart goes out to those with damage and that have lost loved ones.
Tonight I will sleep in the cool AC and get up in the morning to a nice warm shower. Life is good!!!


My Baby taking cover under the wing of a B-17




Even a Hurricane could not stop the Postman..thank you Postman

Hurricane Irene

Sunday morning (2:00am) we are expecting with be hit with Hurricane Irene. Right now it's a Cat. 2 that is predicted to hit us. They have closed the bases, stores, schools, roads and started the evacuation process for low lying areas. The ships have left, the roads are busy and well we all are preparing for her arrival. Here at my house, we have started the preparations. The lawn stuff is all cleaned up, we will be picking everything in the garages up and moving cars, motorcyles and trailers out of harms way. This is an every year occassion. It seems, that when we get the alert and we go into "Hurricane" mode. The hubby will do his part and I do mine and we will be ready..I guess. As ready as we can be. The work email went out to prepare for Irene and we did. Everything is wrapped in plastic or unplugged or closed or shut off. Looks like Irene is going to give us a big punch...that brings me to mention that my Grandmother was named Irene. Nannie Irene as we all called her. She was quite the lady. She would stand up for us to anyone! She had a tough life, she lost her husband in the war when my mother was 4 yrs old and then raised and supported my mother all alone for all those years. She never remarried. I remember her saying that she married for love the first time and would marry for money the next. And she never found anyone with enough money, so she never remarried. She was probably the strongest willed woman I ever met! She and I had a special bond, I am the first grandchild and since being the oldest I was able to do lots of things with her. So with Hurricane Irene coming, I feel like it's a little piece of my Nannie saying, "Ok ya'll, you better straighten up and fly right!" (She loved tha expression). Thanks Nannie we will...love and miss you!!! Everyone take care and be safe. I'll keep you updated.

Day After Vacation

Yesterday I got home from 11 days away on vacation...(I'll post more about my wonderful vacation later) and went back to work today. Now I need another vacation!!!! Waking up at 5:45am, driving that 25 minute drive, going into the office and sitting in my desk chair...well, I just wanted to go home. Then of all things, I forgot my password...yup..I sure did. So had to wait about an hour to get the IT guru to "unlock" me. After that, getting the week long updates, I was finally able to get into my emails. And as we like to say, I was in email jail! Had so many emails that I was locked out. After 2 1/2 hours of reading, filing, deleting emails I was able to send and email....finally! Thankfully it was lunch time by then and I got outta there for about 45 minutes. The afternoon flew by. And then ended on a great note. So I decided that coming back to work after a long vacation is almost as stressful as leaving for vacation. Tomorrow will be better...I promise. Now tonight, what to do? I'm not motivated at all to do anything!!!!

Bike Crash

I've been running for over a year now and was getting bored, so I asked the hubby to put my bike back together. A few years ago my bike had been borrowed by a friend. So hubby ordered new brakes, gears and tires. He was so proud of all his new creation. I decided after dinner one night I would ride it. The hubby explained all the new gears and brakes to me and off I go...and then CRASH. I was on the bike a total of 30 seconds, there I was riding, then all I remember was a mail box, the 3 ft. ditch and I was on the ground! Skinned up my knee and leg. Once I realized what I had done, I got up, checked on my bike, cleaned up my leg and got back on the bike. I had to show the hubby that I really could ride a bike. :) And yes I did. The second time was a charm. I rode around my neighborhood, about 3 miles, got home with blood running down my leg and my knee throbbing terribly. Cleaned myself up by taking a shower, WOW did that hurt. I picked asphalt and gravel out of my knee for a half hour. The next day was fun, going to work with the big bandage on my leg, well needless to say my new name is "Grace" at work. Oh well, don't worry it's not going to deter me from riding again. It's almost 2 weeks later and I am almost healed completely. But the next time I ride, I will be very careful and will use pads and a helmet! Happy Riding...

How Hot is it?

The heat in the south has gotten just terrible this week. Yesterday, 101 and the heat index was at 117...What? Really? Wow...I could not believe it. Today it is to be just as bad. Getting out of bed at 7:30 am this morning and the temperature was already 85, I knew we were in trouble. At 9 the hubby and I went on a 4.1 mile walk, and we sweat out butts off. I doubt he will ever say yes again to going with me on a walk. :) Tonight is the Toby Keith concert, outside...am I crazy or what? The weather channel says it will be 99 at 5 pm and it will feel like 109, 109...and I will be out in it. Oh well, it is what it is and I can't complain, because in January when it's 10 degrees out, I will be complaining then. Am I ever happy? Stay cool everyone....

Cruise

My family and I will be going on a cruise. Eleven family members will be going. We are all so excited, well except for my hubby. He was in the Navy and for 22 years he cruised...well hubby it will not be like that. I went in and preregistered today. That just means it's getting closer and closer. Did I tell you we are driving to Miami? What are we thinking? Eleven of us in the same van going down the road to having a fun time. I know the trip will be fun, I know the food will be great and I know myself and my family will have a great time. It's a celebration for my parents who have been married for 50 years...and my hubby turned 50 this year, so we have much to celebrate. I'll keep you posted on our adventure and when we return I'll have pictures to post. Happy Summer!

5 K Run

Here I am coming across the finish line of my anniversary 5K run. What a great feeling coming across the line...Yeah for me. Can't wait to do it again.

Happy Anniversary to Me...

Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of my first 5K run. I'm so excited and going to run the 4th of July 5K again tomorrow. Last year I trained from February to July to run this event, during this last year I have run at least once a week and tried to run more. When I started the journey it was to lose a few pounds, get in better shape, do something I have never done. Once I started running I found out that it clears my mind, makes all the racing, running, unorganized thoughts go away. I focus on my breathing, my music and where I am planting my feet. Running has really helped me sort out details, sort out problems and work my way though whatever is on my plate for the day. So tomorrow when you all wake up, remember that I will be running at 7:30am. Happy 4th of July and Happy 1st Year Running Anniversary to Me!!!

Flower Beds

Today I worked on my front flower beds between rain storms. When we moved in our house the front flower beds had azaleas that were 50 years old and very overgrown. For years we just trimmed them back. Then about 5 or 6 years ago I had the hubby pull most of them out and I started over. For a couple years things looked really nice. Well now we are at the point where things have grown up and the weeds (chickweed) have taken over. I keep trying to get a handle on it, but I think I'm losing the battle! I'm about ready to dig everything up concrete it, paint it green and call it quits! No not really. I've decided to give it another shot. I'm weeding, and putting down more mulch, while trying to get it all looking pretty again. Once it's fixed, I'll post a picture. Well all...back to my dirt!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today is my birthday, another day, another year, I'm just so glad that I get to spend another year here with my family! As we increase in age people always say "Oh, I don't want to get older" well I don't like the alternative. So I choose to increase in age and mature! You notice I don't use the "o" word! Each year is a gift and I accept them gladly. This year I was a little miffed that my husband was not going to be here for my birthday, he was out of town. Well last night at 12:30am, he came home. That was a nice surprise. Today I spent it shopping with my daughter. We had a wonderful time, talking, shopping and eating. Oh did I mention talking! We did lots of that. When we got home we all went to have sushi and our favorite place. The five of us had a wonderful time. We ate, we laughed, we drank and we had just a fun time. Thank you Amanda, Mallori, Anthony and Jim for a wonderful dinner, I love you all very much and I must say "Happy Birthday to me"!! I'm so excited about what's to come with this new year!!!!

The Wedding...our Royal Wedding

April 2, 2011 my lovely daughter was married to her Prince. What a great day and evening it turned out to be.
The day started off with all our family showing up from out of town to dress and follow us to the Mansion. Daughter was married in an old Mansion, now turned in to a Bed and Breakfast/rental venue. It was perfect! The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, the Dad was calm and the Mom was happy...no tears! Yeah Me!!
I could not have been happier when the hubby walked me down the isle, then went back to bring the bride down next. Daughter #2 looked beautiful in her hot pink dress. She is a cutie too! I was determined not to cry and I did not...only a tear or two during the Father -Daughter dance. They danced to Smile by Uncle Kracker. What an appropriate song, he wrote it for his young daughter. After the ceremony, the pictures, the dinner, the dancing started. We danced until they stopped playing the music. My family all had happy feet and we didn't stop! It was a perfect day and a perfect night. I am so happy for my daughter and son...now I can say that, I have a son! Congrats my kids..your wonderful life is just ahead of you! Love you Mom.

Mallori

Today I picked up Mallori's wedding portriat, wow she looks so beautiful and so very happy. As a Mom that is all I want for her, to be happy. I can still remember the day that little 6 pounder was born. She took her time getting here and from that day forward she has done things her way, and only her way. This is the child that would try my patience, only because she wanted to do things her way. Mallori is very head strong, she gets that after her Dad, :) When she decides something, she does not quit until she does it her way. I admire that about her. She has grown up to be quite the beautiful young woman! When she decided to be a nurse, she did it!
Well 11 days to go and we will have a son. We are all so excited about this day, I just hope I can hold it together and now cry like a crazy Mom! :) I'm sure I'll be good. I hope. Mallori we are so proud of you! Love you bunches!

Mallori's Bridal Shower

Me, Mallori and Amanda

In two weeks my oldest daughter Mallori will be married...Wow...married...does she know what she is doing? Probably not, but did any of us know what we were doing when we married? We are all so very excited about the wedding and marriage and just it all. My Mom and Sister threw Mallori a Bridal Shower a week ago. They did such a wonderful job. We had games, gifts, food, friends and family, what more could we ask for? She received a ton of really nice gifts and was excited with them all.
The next few weeks will be crazy and I'll be sure to post a wedding photo or 10! It's hard to believe it's almost here and I'm trying to enjoy it all. Happy Wedding Mallori and Anthony, we love you!

NCBA 2011

I just returned from my annual North Carolina Basket Convention. What a great time was had by all. I rode with my good friend Billie. She and I have been riding together for a few years now and I really do enjoy it. Our guild made a great showing with over 50 members attending, 8 members receiving awards and 10 members receiving door prizes. My roommate Jamie was a really enjoyable roommate, thank you Jamie!I had two great teachers and made three beautiful baskets. I am finally home, a little less jingle in my pocketbook, but I'm home and will sleep great tonight in my own bed. Thanks all for a great time. Already looking forward to next year!!

San Diego in January

Last week I took a business trip to San Diego. What a great city! Our plane ride this year was without issues. Thank you Delta for a great ride. Leaving early on a Monday morning is stressful....but we were all there and on time. San Diego weather was wonderful. The Virginia weather has been so cold and bleak these past few weeks, that San Diego was a welcome change. Mid 60's during the day and mid 50's at night. Our first day there we needed to work for a couple hours by inspecting the training rooms that we would be using for the rest of the week. After that we checked in to our hotel and had dinner. Shrimp taco's, chips, salsa and an ice tea...what more could I ask? That first day I saw the sun rise on the east coast and watched the sun set on the west coast. Wow they both were beautiful sites! I'm a real sucker for a sunrise/sunset. Finally going to bed was easy, I was exhausted. Day two we started our training and what a good day it turned out to be. The rest of the week, I was able to take a few walks on the beach and a few runs on the boardwalk. It was beautiful. This trip really helped my mental state too. It was so nice to be in weather where I did not need to wear a coat and was able to get out onto the beach. One day I hope to live on the beach and my dream is to be able to walk on the beach daily. Back to the trip...the four days passed quickly and I was back on a plane. Coming home is always nice. The plane ride was good, although we did run thru a little turbulence, and of course the man next to me got the death grip! As I arrived in town and walked down the airport terminal there stood the hubby. He is always there waiting for me at the airport, just like all the years I was on the other side, the waiting side. Well, good bye San Diego, I hope to see you again soon.