Life's Journey According to Cindy

Loss

2012-02-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I found out a friend's baby was born at 21 weeks and passed away. The little 14.2oz beautiful baby boy was born and lived for 2 hours. As elegant as his mother wrote, "he was born and we held him until the Lord took him home." How precious is that. She is a truly, remarkable woman. She has two children at home, a husband and a full time job. I have seen my friend light up a the mention of her children. She was so looking forward to welcoming this child in the world with her new husband. We wonder some times why life is so difficult. We just do not know. Events in our life make up who we become, how we act, who we love and how we live. I pray that my friend and her family will be able to grieve for their loss and then celebrate the new chapter for him, an Angel with God. My friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Organizing....

2012-01-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a rainy, cool day here in Virginia and I decided after a great workout that I needed to use the inside day wisely. After going into my basket room I realized it needed a HUGE makeover. And that is just what it is in the process of getting. I have spent about 5 hours in there cleaning, throwing away, organizing, moving and more throwing away. I came out with three big bags of trash, and lots more space. With all that I saw today, I realized I really have a ton of projects waiting for me. I'm really happy about the way it turned out. Tomorrow I have about another hour or so and I should be totally finished. Then I can get on the ball and make all those gifts for this year. I'm still trying to make my New Year's Resolutions and I think organizing my house has to be on the top of the list. As I look in each room, closet, drawer and all around, there is something that needs a few minutes of my time to tidy up. With all that said, I will start again tomorrow and clean, straighten, move, throw away and make it pretty...that's my new plan.
Hope you have a plan, what's your New Years Resolution? I am interested to hear.
Good night...

January Blah's

2012-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of those blah days...do you ever get that feeling? Am I tried, am I blue, am I stressed, am I? I just don't know. I am feeling like I'm coming down with a cold or something. The last few days I have felt tired and today I noticed two cold sores appearing on my lower lip...dang them. Now I'm feeling sluggish and my lip will look crazy...oh well I know it's temporary. And oh tomorrow I am meeting with one of the big bosses at work...crap, I wonder if I have enough lipstick to cover this thing...do I have the right clothes? No jeans Friday for me, oh, I forgot to dye my hair...oh man, I better get off here and figure out everything for tomorrow...good night for now.....

Welcome 2012!!!!

2012-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone! Another year has come and gone and we welcome 2012. So what's coming in 2012..I always wonder what the new year has in store. We can never predict the future. New Years Eve we had friend and our kids over for a nice seafood dinner (except for the Chicken nuggets for my son in law, who doens't eat seafood, have you ever heard of such nonsense? no seafood!) It was a fun night. The kids stayed til about 10 and then they all left to do their own thing and our friends stayed until 1230, just long enough to ring in the new year. I have high hopes for this year. This is the year I hit the big 50, and I'm going to make it my year all year long! I've been thinking a lot about that, turning 50 I mean, so this year is my year! And what do I want to do today? Hmmm...not really sure, see I get to pick and can't even figure out what to do. So while I decide, you all have a wonderful 2012!!!! Love and happiness to all.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

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..

2011-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

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?

2011-07-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-07-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2011-05-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-20T16:43:00.001-07:00

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

2011-01-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2010-12-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus! Today was a wonderful day spent with my family. The morning started off with a delicious breakfast cooked by my Mom and myself. I tried a new recipe for Cinnamon Rolls, out of the cookbook from the Pioneer Woman. They turned out to be a HUGE hit. Yeah, me!!! After dinner, our daughters' arrived to spend the day with us. They both are not feeling well today, I hope they are feeling better soon. About the time they arrived all the family started to parade into the home (my childhood home) of my parents. Once the entire crew arrives the chaos begins. Children running around, everyone talking at the same time and the smell of food!!! That's the best part.. hehe. We all gathered to eat the food we all prepared and then it was time to open gifts. The kids wait so patiently and then the time has finally arrived...the opening of the gifts. That lasted about 10 minutes, a whole year of planning, making, buying and wrapping and the whole thing is over so fast. But the look on the children's faces, it was perfect. Everyone loved their gifts and fun was had by all. That was about the time we all looked outside and the snow was falling heavily. This is the first snow on Christmas we have had since the early 90's I think. It was beautiful, but we (and the daughters) could not be snowed in there, so the hubby hustled us all in our cars and we headed for our two hour drive home. It was a snowy, long, cold ride, but we made it without any problems. So now I sit here, thinking about our day and also watching for our snow. Thank you Lord for a great day and Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve 2010 to everyone. It's been a great holiday season so far. All the gifts are bought, wrapped and ready for delivery. The food gifts are cooked and delivered and now at my Parents home enjoying time with family and friends. My holiday weekend started with a visit with two longtime friends from high school. You know the wonderful Facebook social network, it allowed me to hook back up with two special ladies and we were able to spend a few hours together talking about the past and present. What a great gift they are and what a great gift I was given. Today I had lunch with my best friend in the whole world. It is our tradition that my BFF and I have lunch on Christmas Eve every year. We went out, sat, ate, talked and just enjoyed each others company. My second wonderful gift of the season! The rest of today will be spent cooking, and attending Church tonight with my Mother-in-law. Then in the wee hours of the night Santa will appear with his sleigh full of gifts and I sure hope he unloads here. :) Tomorrow will be a wild frenzy of family, gifts and food. I cannot wait! My hubby and children will all be here along with parents, grand parents, brothers, sisters and children. Children, it's what Christmas is all about! My wish this Christmas season is for all my family and friends to enjoy this Christmas season and remember those not with us. Have a blessed season everyone!

Christmas Shopping Frenzie.....

2010-12-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas shopping for me is the worst...I love the giving, I love the holiday, I love the cooking, I love my family, I just hate the shopping. I make my list, check it twice (hehe), then head out to the stores. I walk around aimlessly not knowing what to get. Some of my family members are really easy to buy a gift for, then I have the others that I just cannot find anything...like the hubby! So today I treated myself to a massage, a walk on the beach and then was going to tackle the rest of my shopping. Getting out to the store, walking around and then nothing. I bought a couple little things and then just could not get into it. When it started to rain, that was my cue to come home. Sitting around the house I finally decided to get online and see what I could find and whooohoooo I found many things and purchased many things...now just hope they all arrive on my door step. As the hubby arrived home I explained to him my wonderful hours of shopping :) and told him many packages will be arriving and he is not to open a one! Each and every year we all know when Christmas is going to arrive, the date never changes. Each and every year I try to find items through out the year for gifts, but I'm never ahead of the game. Once in my lifetime I hope to be able to make each gift for my family members. If I would get my act together early in the year, then maybe I could...hmmm...well there is always next year. And everyone don't worry your gift this year will be purchased and wrapped by Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to everyone! Happy Shopping!!!

Thanksgiving, What are you thankful for?

2010-11-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

Every year Thanksgiving comes and I reflect on all that I am thankful for...my family, my friends, my wonderful life. This year is no exception. I have the best family that God has granted anyone. They are there whenever I need them and when I don't! :) My friends are put in that same category, the best God has granted. I have a great job, great place to live and I have perfect Grand dogs! I know that life has it's ups and downs. Marriage has it's ups and downs. Family and friends have their ups and downs. And I am thankful for it all. Thank you God for giving me all that I have and all that I love. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, take a moment out of your day to thank your family and friends...and don't forget our Veterans...they deserve our thanks.

Basketweaving Week

2010-10-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

This past week I attended a week of weaving baskets in NC. We had a fabulous couple that taught the Nantucket style weaving. There were 8 of us, 5 from VA, 1 from PA and 2 from FL. We made 52 baskets and repaired 3. What a great time it was. The week started out with a nice 4 1/2 hour drive. The weather was perfect! We arrived to see our beautiful condo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean...now that's what I call a view! Laying down each night and rising each morning to the sound and sight of the Atlantic is my kinda vacation! For the next 6 days we arrived at our teachers home with smiles, sore fingers and ready for more weaving. Lunches were eaten at a wonderful little country cooking hometown feel restaurant on the water. We watched shrimp boats coming and going. Evenings were a mish-mash of dinners at our teachers home and dinners are our condo. All my roommates and myself brought something, which made the dinners extra special. We ate wayyyy tooo well! :) We had a few little mishaps. My nickname became the murderer, I hit a possum headed back to the condo one night. He ran in front of the van, I hit the brakes and thought he would dart back across the road and well he went to possum heaven. I'm sorry Mr. Possum hope you are in possum heaven running around...but stay out of the road! Another little mishap was our windshield wiper came off as we were driving down the road. We "twist tied" it back on until we could buy a new one and now all is fixed. My roommates were great fun and very easy to be around. We drank many bottles of wine, one of our ladies brought many bottles of her homemade wine...delish! I did get to do some walking and running on the beach, my favorite thing to do! And as the week was winding down, I developed a sinus infection...but was still able to take part in the final days of weaving. We are officially home and officially getting back to reality. Why can't I be independently wealthy? Oh well, life is great and I am enjoying every minute of it!
Thanks again to my roomies for a great week and thanks you Mr. and Mrs. K for a wonderful week. Cannot wait til next year!!!!

2010-10-17T17:27:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted, lots has been going on. This weekend my Mom and best friend, Vicki were in town to walk the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Walk. We had a great time. They arrived on Friday night, we just chatted until bedtime. Saturday morning we awoke early to be on time for the race. The day was chilly and very windy but the walk was very heart warming! All those people there to support a cause that has hit many families and friends. When my Mom told us 20 years ago that she had cancer and she was going to fight it and win...well she did just that! We are so proud of her and her fight! Seeing people there at the walk in various stages of their fight brings tears to your eyes. I pray that each and every one of them fight and win! After the walk on Saturday we enjoyed each other's company. Saturday night lots of fun was had by all at our monthly Bunko. I play Bunko with a super great group of ladies and the night was complete having Mom and Vicki there. This morning, Sunday, my daughter's came home, had breakfast with us all and then Mom and Vicki left. I was sad to see them leave and then just walked around not knowing what to do next. Of course I found many things to keep me busy. With it being football season, well that's all I have on during Sunday. Happy October to you all and remember cancer is a terrible disease and let's all keep up the fight. Love you Mom and Vicki!!

Summer Vacation 2010

2010-09-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

This year we did it again, our Annual Summer Vacation with the entire family at our local beach. We've been taking a family vacation of this sort for over 25 years and this year was no different. For hubby and I it's only a 45 minute ride, for the rest of my family it's about 2 1/2 hours. We all arrive with big smiles and tons of food! If nothing else, we eat very well that week! Loads and loads of bags of food, luggage, beach chairs, floats, toys and anything else we could fit in the truck was hauled up the stairs, one by one. This year in attendance were my parents, brother, his wife and two children, sister, her hubby and two children, my youngest brother, my hubby and two daughters. So we had quite the crowd! I am so very proud that I have a family that enjoys being together, there is no fighting, no arguing and no drama. What a fun time we have. We do enjoy just hanging out on the beach or by the pool and just relaxing. Isn't that what a vacation is all about, relaxing? We did our share of it. Long walks on the beach, long runs along the beach, great seafood and long sleepful nights. This year there was even time for some basket weaving. My Mom and two Sisters did a great job! Oh and a couple highlights...got to spend time with my daughters, time with my niece and three nephews and my bro-in-law and I were the first day's Cornhole Winners! So yes it was a great vacation and I cannot wait for the next one!

Mini Working Vacation

2010-08-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I had to go to Charleston for meetings and decided to take the hubby. The meeting was attended by three of us from my office and we brought our spouses. Charleston is such a beautiful city that I was very excited. The hubby and I left on Monday morning and drove the red Mustang. Hubby had washed, cleaned, buffed and shined the Mustang for the trip. We packed, left and drove about 7 hours to our hotel in Charleston. One of my co-workers had arrived and he, his wife and hubby and I all went to dinner at a little quaint place. The next day we were picked up by the boss man and headed to the first of three days of meetings. Our meetings went great, I met many people that I needed to meet. The evenings were met with great dinners. What a nice time that was...other than the heat, it was really cool. I was worried that the hubby would be bored, but not him, he exercised and toured the city each day. The last night there was really cool..we took a carriage ride through downtown historic Charleston, after the carriage ride, we (four of us) went to dinner at a really neat little pub. Dinner and drinks all night long, we had way too much fun! On this trip I learned a lot about my co-workers. He and his wife were so much fun. On Friday we left Charleston, my work was complete. Hubby and I drove to Myrtle Beach for a few hours then headed north. As I was looking at the map I decided we should drop by Wrightsville Beach. What a neat little area. After three hotel stops, we finally found a room. After checking in to the beautiful Holiday Inn, we changed clothes and walked to dinner. It was about a mile walk until we found this very busy seafood restaurant, after being told it would be a 45 min to 1 hour wait, we went to this great little Mexican restaurant, Tower 7. It was so busy we sat at the bar, which was really nice. We had dinner and drinks and it was delish! After dinner, a little souvenir shopping and then the hike back to the hotel. We had a really nice night. The next morning we left and headed to Swansboro to visit my favorite Marine. This retired Marine has been a good friend of ours for many years. We don't get to see him and his wife often, this was a great treat. After hanging out with them we decided to stay the night. Sunday morning it was time to come home. Our trip home was uneventful. It is always good to take a trip and it is always good to come home. Had a really nice time exploring the east coast from South Carolina to Virginia and cannot wait to do it again!

My First 5K and Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

Today was the day, I did it, I ran my first 5K run. It was soooo incredibly exciting! Crossing the finish line...I did it!!!! Let me back up a bit, you know I have been training for a 5K and just have not been able to actually sign up. I have searched the local races, thought I would sign up for this race or that race and just never made the commitment. Friday I was watching our local morning news channel and one of the anchors mentioned an Independence Day race benefiting the YMCA and the best part was you could sign up the day of the race. I thought a moment, OK maybe I will, maybe I won't. I still could not commit. Then I told my sister I was going to do it, well after you tell someone you have to go through with it! I would have looked like silly had I not. I told hubby and he was all for it. The hard part was going to be waking up so early, we needed to by there around 6:30am to register. Then Saturday night we attended the Tidewater Tides Baseball Game. Fun game and the Tides won, well the game didn't get over until around 10:30-11:00 pm, then a nice fireworks show, then the drive home and then trying to sleep. The anticipation was getting to me, I saw the clock hit 1:00am! My alarm went off at 5:00am and I was awake and nervous. After showering, makeup, hair, light breakfast and a few trips to the ladies room, I was ready to go. Hubby asked, "why are you doing your makeup and hair?" My reply, "Two reasons, pictures and you never know who you might see!" We drove over to the YMCA, I registered and then waited, and that was getting to me. Finally it was time to line up and get ready for the start. The gun was fired and the bunch of us started running. I remember that everything I read was to not pace yourself with everyone, you can burn your energy really quick. I kept playing that in my head, so I was the slow girl in the back for about the first mile. Then the second and third mile I was moving up the line, I kept my continued pace and kept saying, "I just want to cross the finish line!" And in 36.25 minutes I did it! I really did it! Hubby was waiting there so proud and taking pictures for me. I really am proud of myself. I have never been a runner and then a friend motivated me to start training. I put my mind to it and I did it! I told hubby on the way home, "Now I want to sign up for another one!" On my goodness, we have created a monster! And I'm loving it!!! Happy 4th of July Everyone...I am proud to be an American!

Weaving Mini-Vacation

2010-06-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted...my apologies...life has been a bit crazy!! Today I am getting ready to go on a mini-vacation in the in the mountains of Virginia. I love the mountains!! I 'm taking my camera and hope to get some really good shots of the beautiful scenery. The real reason I'm headed there is to weave. Three basket cases and I are headed that way to meet up with a few other basket cases to weave for a few days. I really enjoy the company of my basket friends, they truly are the best people I know! I'll be sure to post a picture or two of my travel and creations. Have a happy, wonderful day and weekend to all!

And to my Father, my Husband and all the Fathers out there, Happy Father's Day...I love you all!

Running.....and Happy Birthday to Me!!

2010-05-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

This morning I completed my first 5K....3.2 miles...in my neighborhood, not an official run, but official for me! Yesterday was my birthday...I turned.... (shhh, 48) can you believe it? 48...how did I get this age? It seems like yesterday that I was 18, 28 and even 38...OK so maybe the older I get the less I remember, is that it? No not really...I think age is a state of mind. I don't feel 48, but then again what does 48 feel like? I am in better shape than I have been in many years, I am running and exercising and enjoying life a bit more these days. Not worrying about the things I cannot control. Life is truly wonderful these days. One great hubby, two great daughters, a great son-in-law to be, family that I love, great friends, a great job and great boss. What more could I ask for? So I don't ask. As the new year came in this year I made a goal for myself to run a 5K...today that happened...now I'm going to sign up for an official race and do it...or should I say run it! I'm so excited....I have never been the athletic one, oh I cheered, but back when I cheered, we were the pretty ones, not the athletic ones like the young ladies today. I have taken exercise classes over the years and worked out here and there...but never committed to something...finally it sunk in...not sure why...is it that I'm more mature now and accept the challenge? Hmmmm...not sure...but I do love it and enjoy the time out there on the pavement. A friend at work is running and he and I compare stories about our aches, pains, our runs, our times...it's nice to have someone to discuss this with. He's training for a marathon, me just a 5K...but to me a 5K will be a marathon....and can't wait...gonna research it now and sign myself up. So get out there, make a goal for yourself and do it...just do it.
And Happy Birthday to Me!!! I am loving this life!!!

Flower Gardens.....

2010-05-02T06:16:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a wonderful weather day and I took complete advantage of it. Stayed out in the yard, cleaning out the flower beds. The winter has been very tough on my flowers this year. With a couple floods and the snowy weather, they were a complete mess. So yesterday was the day. I was on my hands and knees pulling weeds for most of the morning. By noon my flower gardens were look quite pretty. A trip to Lowe's for dirt, mulch and a few more flowers (which I couldn't resist)will complete the package. OH and by the way, don't tell hubby how much I spent at Lowe's, please. :) Today is our monthly basket guild meeting, I really thought about skipping it and spending the day in the dirt, but.......the Pres called and said she might need to leave early, so as your Vice Pres, I must take on that duty....I think I still have an hour or two to play in the dirt and then just enough time to "make it to the church on time" haha. Have a great Sunday all and I'll post a few pics of my flower gardens when they are finally done.

Fridays.....

2010-04-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

Friday...don't you just love them? The anticipation of the weekend, a day off, the jam packed day of errands and just hanging around. Fridays is one of my favorite days. When you are working on Friday that feeling of ok, it's the last day at work and when I get to go home...awww two days off. Now when you take Friday off...wow the weekend just gets better and better. I work for a company that has an alternate work schedule, every other Friday we have off. And you would be amazed how wonderful it has turned out to be! I schedule so many things on that day. Then on Saturday and Sunday I can play! Right now my flower beds are in need of major attention, so my plan is to tackle them this weekend. I am getting all my running around and cleaning done today and then tomorrow and Sunday play in the yard. We will see if my plan can be executed correctly. But you know I must be flexible, because something will come up and then plans will be changed! Have a great day all my friends and hope to see you outside this weekend! Oh and call me if plans change! :)

Jackson...Good Bye

2010-04-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

On April 19, 2010, we said good bye to our beloved, faithful Jackson. It has been a very tough week for us all. I have cried more this week than in years. Let me give you the details....on Thursday of last week we noticed that Jackson was not eating well and it was getting harder and harder for him to walk. On Saturday I went to Richmond and the hubby said Jackson did not much eat that day. Sunday was my Grandfather's 90th birthday party, my hubby drove up for the day. Our neighbor checked in on Jackson and Jackson was not doing well. When we arrived home I could look at him and tell it was very serious. He would not get up and was not eating at all. Hubby and I knew what Monday would bring and we made sure our girls said their good byes that night. It was a very sad night with many tears. We slept in the living room, on the floor with Jackson. He wanted to go outside a few times, and then was so weak that he would lay down in the yard,unable to get up. Hubby had to carry him back into the house. It was so hard to see him like that. I spoke with the vet and he asked that we come into the office on Monday morning and he was so comforting and offered help during the night, if needed. We knew what Monday would bring and we were so upset over it. Monday morning we picked up our sweet dog and put him in the hubby's truck and as I rode in the back with him I continued to pet him and just talk to him. His eyes were so tired and I could tell he was in pain. As we sat in the room the vet had prepared for us I could not help but think of all the fun times I have had with the "found" puppy. He has brought so much joy to our lives over the 13 years. As I sat on the floor and he took his last breath all I could do was hold him and cry. And I was crying for me, not him....he was not scared, and I knew he was in a better place.
Yesterday I went to the vets office and picked up Jackson's ashes. And to my surprise the vet had made a paw print in plaster. I couldn't contain my tears, it was so good to see something that was him...that I could touch and know he had touched it. Does that sound silly? Crazy? I don't know, but it has given me comfort. Jackson is back home with us, where he belongs. We will miss you my sweet dog, I love you and know that you are chasing the squirrels in heaven! Oh and be sure to say "woof" to Sandy, she was our first dog and she is missed too.

Running-who knew????

2010-04-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

All my life I have always wanted to be a runner. I would drive or walk down the road and see the runners pass me and wish that was me. As I have gotten more "mature" I have decided to set some goals and running has been on the top of that list. So about 6 months ago I decided it was time to start my journey with running. I have been pretty slow at it, but am still out there hitting the pavement, as they say. Did you ever wonder why someone runs? I've asked that question to friends and I have gotten a number of answers...keep in shape, help to loss weight, to get away from the family (ha ha)and many more. Everyone has a different reason. I now understand the "need" to run...the "want" to run...and just the "enjoy" of the run. Never thought it would happen to me, who knew? When I arrive home each day I want to go for a run, but am trying not to do too much too fast. I have decided to run a 5K and need to find one to sign up. My youngest daughter has agreed to be my partner. Hubby runs with me occasionally but with his terrible knees he cannot keep up the pace very long and then he suffers later. So wish me luck on my running journey and my goal of running a 5K. Wave to me when you see me on the street!!!!

Anniversary -My Gift

2010-04-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

April 3rd was my 28th wedding anniversary. 28 years!!!!I cannot believe that it's been that long since I said "I do"...wow so much has happened in 28 years and some days it seems like yesterday! My husband is a great guy...now he, like myself, have our faults, but who doesn't? But on Friday he racked up many bonus points! I arrived home from work and as I pulled in the driveway there was a car parked in front of the house I didn't recognize. It had plates and stickers on it, so I thought it was one of hubby's friends. I called hubby and asked "Who's car is this?" And he responded "It's your car!" I was stunned! I could not believe it. I kept saying to him, "You are lying, it's not mine, what have you done?" After I picked myself up off the floor and looked it's a 2008 Red Ford Mustang. We have been looking at cars for the last few months, it's about time for a new car around here. All our current cars are over 100K miles. So in this process I have driven a few cars, nothing special...until Friday when I pulled in my driveway. Do I deserve it? Probably not, do I love it? Of course I do!!!! Hubby now has earned many bonus points..he went out and did all the work for a new car by himself. Hubby I love you and thanks for 28 great years...

GW 2010 Basket Weaving

2010-04-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I updated...wanted to catch you up on a few events this year.....In January I attended our annual Basket Weaving convention in our local area. 150 weavers set out on a three day weekend to weave until our fingers were sore. We did just that! It is such a great time to reconnect with friends old and new. My basket friends are some of my best friends. I made four beautiful baskets and had four great teachers. The weekend is a time of little sleep and lots of laughter...what fun we have....and it's always a great weekend. Thank you to all the volunteers that put the event on...you ladies ROCK!!!!

The loss of life....

2010-03-09T18:40:00.001-08:00

Sunday morning at 12am two neighborhood families lives were changed forever. While driving home from a party one 16 yr old lost his life and one 16 yr old will live with the regret that he caused the death of his friend. There was drinking involved and then it is rumored that they fell asleep, as there are no indications that they were braking before hitting a tree. The tree has a huge memorial that continues to grow. Cars are driving and stopping by at all hours. I pray for these two families, both of their lives are changed forever. I cannot imagine the pain they are experiencing. Everyday I have either ran or driven by and have looked at the memorial and each time my heart hurts. These two young men had their whole life in front of them and now....Everyone please tell your children you love them and please tell them not to drink and drive. Our children think they are invincible and we know that this is a myth...this week has shown that not to be true. Love to you all.

Admirals Hockey Game

2010-03-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

Last night was my first ice hockey game. I was way too excited about this game. Started out my friend Jody is raising money for Relay for Life and was selling tickets. Purchased tickets for hubby and I, I've never been so thought it would be exciting. Years ago hubby would take our girls to the games when I worked on Friday nights, but I was never able to go. Anyway, tickets were purchased, Jody and I made plans for dinner and we were off. Dinner with friends, then the game. The game was not very exciting...the Admirals lost, and there were no fights! What's up with that? All I have ever heard was there are so many fights at ice hockey games, blood flying. teeth flying and lots of penalties. No blood, no teeth and only 2 penalties. The night was not a total loss, had a great dinner, with great drinks and great friends. As we left I told Jody, "I must come back to see a "real" exciting game". And I do plan on it. Happy Sunday everyone!!!

Empty Nest...

2010-03-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today we moved my youngest daughter Amanda out of our house to an apartment. What an excited young lady she is....what a sad Mom and Dad that have been left behind. The day started out with a flurry of things to do....get our new ID cards, pack the truck and the two cars, get Amanda to the apartment complex by 11:00am, get the new dryer fixed and keep myself calm! ID cards done, truck and cars packed, Amanda made her appointment on time and then hubby waited for dryer guy. I took a load and when I arrived at the new apartment Amanda and her best friend Ashley were beaming with excitement! They had the keys and were just waiting to show me their newly painted two bedroom apartment 5 blocks from the oceanfront. Do you remember when you were young and had that dream to move out with your best friend and have tons of fun? Well these two girls have had this dream as long as I can remember. They had been best friends since elementary school and have always wanted to live together. Ashley has lived here at our home so much that I wanted to claim her as a dependant! And Amanda was at her home just as much! I do consider Ashley my 3rd daughter and love her as much!! So today when I saw these two with as much excitement as they had I realized that their dream has come true! How many of us can say that? We moved all their "stuff" into the apartment and of course they are on the second floor, so I did get my workout today up and down those stairs! After all the moving in, hubby and I took the girls to dinner at one of our favorite little oceanfront restaurants. Then had one more dresser to bring to the apartment. Once that was delivered and we were ready to go, I was about to lose it...but instead, gave both girls a huge hug, kissed them and told them I loved them both. As I walked out the door, the last thing I did say was, "Be sure to lock your door". The Mom in me just doesn't stop! :) The ride home was terrible...I wanted to cry, I wanted to turn around and go back, I wanted to rent the apartment next to them...but all I did was get into the truck and hubby drove me home. On the way down the interstate I said to hubby "20 yrs ago we came down this road to get our baby, and now we are going back down this road to drop her off and I don't like it one bit!" I can hardly believe it's been almost 20 years since I delivered that round faced sweet girl and now she's all grown up. It was difficult when my oldest moved out, she was the first and now with the youngest moving, well she's the last, the baby...my mini-mi... (she will laugh at that). Empty nesters we are now...what will I do with all this free time? I'm sure I'll figure out something but until then.......Good night my sweet girls, sleep tight and I love you!!!!!

Friday Night....

2010-02-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight has turned out to be a nice relaxing night. I made spaghetti tonight for the first time in over two years. Because of food allergies, the hubby has not been able to eat many foods, but tonight we tried spaghetti and it was delish!!! As of right now two hours later, he is fine. So we are watching a movie, eating popcorn and enjoying our evening. Why am I on the computer, well not sure. Ok, so I'm done here...hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy a night with your significant other.....

My Happy Place....

2010-02-25T19:23:00.001-08:00

"My Happy Place"

I told a friend at work today that I was going to my "Happy Place". That place you visit in your mind when things just get a bit too much. We all have those places, whether it's a beach, mountain, forest, ocean or hot tub...it's all the same for us. Some would call these moments, meditation, some would call it vegging out, some would just call it dumb. Me, well...for me it's a moment to get away from whatever is in front of me at that time. Examples of when I need a minute away....nerve plucking co-workers, screaming children or a busy day when I just need a moment to unwind. This "mini' vacation can happen anywhere...just not when you are driving down the road! So my "Happy Place"...it's on the beach, walking either at sunset or moon light, waves crashing around, a warm night....and I could be alone, walking with hubby, family or friends...but remember it's quiet...so no talking!!! Hope you too have a happy place and visit there often!

The Dress

2010-02-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

Remember when you were a little girl and thinking about your wedding, do you remember the thought of the dress? I remember wanting the big Cinderella dress, the beautiful long white, huge gown. And when I married 28 years ago, it was totally different than I had imagined. Well daughter #1 is getting married April 2, 2011 and we are in the planning stages. She has everything planned out so far. Saturday was dress shopping day. She has tried dresses on a couple of times, but yesterday she found "The Dress". About 2 weeks ago we attended a fashion show at our local bridal shop to see new designs from a designer she has been following. As she tried dresses on, there was one that was perfect. She put the beautiful dress on, walked out and wow she was absolutely beautiful. I know that I am biased and yes I should be. :) As my daughter narrowed down her choices, she continued to go back to the one white dress that she felt like a Princess wearing. The dress was put on a second time and she wore it about 20-30 minutes around, walked, admired herself in the mirror, tried on veils, shoes, discussed hair dos, up dos, down dos and jewelry. She was so comfortable in the dress that we knew it was the one! So after our discussion ...."Are you sure this is the one?" discussion it was decided that we purchase the dress. And I did. Of course I did! My daughter was beaming with this purchase, she is so excited and so happy. The hubby and I are so excited for her. So as I walked out of the bridal shop we decided to check out other dresses and guess what? I found my dress. Yes, I did. As I put the dress on, my daughter immediately said, "Mom that is you!" And yes, it is me. I really like everything about the dress. I, too, will be purchasing my dress, soon. Now two dresses down, one more to go, (daughter#2's dress). This is such an exciting time, we are all enjoying it so much. Oh and as I told hubby about our purchase, his comment was "Don't tell me, I don't want to know!" He is too funny. He would buy the girls anything they wanted so it's a good thing I carry the checkbook!

Trip out West part 2

2010-02-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

As our plane left Chicago it was snowing...yes more snow. Was I ever going to get out of the snow? Three hours (or so) later we arrived in San Diego. I was so glad to get off a plane and be somewhere! As I de-planed with my co-workers we were making bets that our luggage was making it's own trip...somewhere and we were right. We waited at the baggage carousel and the our bags never appeared. So to another counter we go. We all put in the paperwork and filed the claims and off to the rental car place we go. That part went uneventful, thankfully, we were so tired I don't think we could have taken much more. Next we checked into a great hotel on the beach. I opened up the door and looked right out to the waves crashing on the sand...heaven...my whole day just suddenly disappeared. What a great evening it was turning out to be. After a quick dinner and a trip to the drug store to pick up a few toiletries, sleep was calling my name. By the time I went to bed I had been up for 22 hours. No luggage, no clothes, no toiletries, but a beautiful view and no snow. The night was turning out to be great. Luckily, the next day was filled with meeting, we only had our airport clothes, which those at the meetings understood. Very productive day and when we returned to our hotel that evening, our luggage was waiting. Yes, it was there...I finally had my clothes and my hair products. That morning I had styled my hair with a blow dryer and my fingers! I did remember to carry on my makeup...if not, I would have been in a world of trouble! Over the next two days, I ate at great places, had great meetings and walks on the boardwalk...wonderful. We left to come back to the cold late on Thursday on the red-eye flight home. Uneventful on the flight home, we made all our connections, and our luggage came off the baggage carousel! The hubby was waiting at the end of the walkway as I came down and it was very good to see him. After being awake for so many hours, you just don't think straight and he was there to think for me. Thanks honey! It's always fun to go on a trip and it's always good to home back to home sweet home! Thanks to my co-workers for a great trip. Can't wait to see San Diego again!

Trip out West

2010-02-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

This week was a very interesting week. Took a trip to San Diego for work. We, myself and two co-workers, took off at 6:15 am from Norfolk headed to Cincinnati then on to San Diego. Our drama started in Norfolk. It was very cold that day and we had to be "de-iced" before our plane could leave. We boarded the plane, the de-icing truck came by and was not working, so truck number two came by, and it wasn't working either. So now we are about 2 hours delayed and missing all our connecting flights. By this time passengers on the plane were getting very vocal and about 8-10 passengers got off the plane. I sat and watched and listened, what more could I do. At this point my stomach was starting to hurt, nerves, probably or maybe it was the fact that I had gotten up at 3:30am and had not eaten anything, I had planned breakfast in Cincinnati. The weather warmed up and we finally took off. The pilot and crew apologized numerous times. It wasn't their fault, it was the weather, truck mechanical and just ...well "stuff" happens. We arrived in a blowing, blizzard storm in Cincinnati with 3-5 inches of snow on the ground and ice. Our pilot was wonderful...he very carefully landed, no sliding, no shaking, no skidding. I just knew we would be sliding off the runway. As we walked into the terminal there were many people there and many upset people. Flights were being cancelled all over, tempers were high, and the airport workers were doing their best. We went up to the counter and proceeded to try to find a new flight. ......The drama continues....we were booked on a new airline, at a new terminal, in just 25 minutes....so we all booked down the airport hall and headed to our gate as fast as our legs could carry. One of the gentlemen that traveled with me has a difficult time moving quickly, so I walked fast to make sure to hold the plane if needed. Well as we arrived, the plane had not even boarded, they too were running behind. We finally left, in the blowing blizzard snow and we were on our way to Chicago. I made the statement...maybe I'll see Oprah while in Chicago. :) My journey to San Diego will continue in my next post.....

Dinner....

2010-01-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

The last two days of being couped up here in the house because of the snow... we have eaten our weight in food. Tonight I am planning a nice dinner....ham, mashed potatoes and Grandma's green beans. Should be a nice dinner for the hubby, daughter #2 and I. It seems that when it snows and when you are locked in the house...food is all you think about. Why can't I get motivated to do something else other than food??? Watching movies and food...see I can't stop talking about it...food ...food...food... OK, I'm done...gotta run and finish dinner...so I can eat some more. Hopefully I can go to the gym tomorrow!!! :)

SNOW.......

2010-01-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to snow...snow...snow....Here in our area we get very little snow, so waking up to a winter wonderland! Our weathermen called for 6-12 inches of snow...and when they call for it, we don't listen. Unfortunately the weathermen have trouble around here with the ocean and they are incorrect many times. But this week they hit the jackpot with their prediction. At this minute we have about 6 inches and the snow is still falling. I have been receiving facebook posts, text messages and phone calls asking "How much snow did you get?" Snow it's the talk of the town and out of town! Remember when you were a small child and it snowed? How wonderful it felt to wake up to snow...I felt that same way this morning. I know I won't go out and play in it, but it is beautiful to look at and so exciting to see. I am very grateful that I do not have to drive in it. All those out there that must drive, take care and watch out for the other drivers. Me, I'm going to spend the rest of the day, watching movie, researching a trip to Key West and sitting around on my bum. Happy Snow Day!!!! (It will be gone soon!)

Basket Weaving Convention

2010-01-18T12:21:00.001-08:00

This weekend was my annual basket weaving convention. This is a local event with 150 weavers and 20 teachers. Each year we have more fun than the last and this year was no exception. The chairman did an exceptional job. Old friends and new friends...that's what it's all about! I had three great teachers and made four beautiful baskets. When I returned home yesterday I was exhausted and last night slept very well. Thankfully I did not have to work today so I could sleep in and relax most of the day and that is just what I have done! I leave tomorrow morning for a trip to San Antonio for work and hopefully it will be a great time and great weather.
Hope you all have a great week and I'll post as I can.

After the holidays.....

2010-01-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

It was the first day back to work after the two weeks of holidays. Wow what a day!! Everyone wanted everything immediately. I work with many co-workers that take the two weeks of the holidays off, they have that use or lose vacation. That is great for them and one day I hope to be in that spot. But my use or lose will be taken during the summer months. My vacation is on a warm beach somewhere...not stuck home in the cold weather...yuck! Don't get me wrong I had a great time with my family but once I was home, I was glad to get back to work. You know I need that routine in my life. So today was back to routine. Once the initial shock of everyone invading my desk, I got back into the routine and it felt good. So I hope you had a great day and hope you were able to get back to your routine.

Basket Guild Meeting

2010-01-03T15:58:00.001-08:00

Today was our monthly meeting of our Basket Guild. What a nice time I had there. This year I was appointed as Vice President and am now just starting my term. My President is a very excited and hard working woman, she can probably run circles around me. Normally we weave some type of project but today was a bit different, we had Movie Day. We watched a series of short tapes on basket weaving. I just love my basket friends, many years ago they all greeted me when I didn't know a sole and they have all welcomed me with open arms. When I leave a meeting I always feel the love. There are a number of members that are "huggers", they just love to give hugs and I always appreciate it! And to tell you the truth, as I get older I am becoming a hugger. It is so nice to greet someone you really want to see with a hug!
My basket friends are really the best. Back to my meeting, it was a great meeting and a great time to spend on this cold January day with good friends. Hope you all had a great day and hope you were able to stay warm!!!

Happy New Year....2010

2010-01-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!! Last night we had our annual New Year's Eve party. Hubby and I started hosting a party about 3 years ago or so. A bunch of our Remote Control Airplane friends were sitting around at a Christmas Party and started talking about New Years...everyone said we are not doing anything, so Hubby and I said, come on over to our house and lets hang out together. So that started the annual party. This year was another fun time. I love to entertain. So yesterday I hit the grocery store with my list of goodies, hit the ABC store for my special beverages and then came home to get ready. Daughter #1 came over and helped clean, thank you Daughter! I made a bunch of goodies and printed off the recipe for my new drink. I was all ready by 7:00pm and the guests started arriving. It is so much fun to just hang out with people that you enjoy. We talk, laugh, eat and drink. And this year we played Wii....what fun that was.
New Years night is a night to reflect on what good has happened to us in the last year and be thankful for all that we have been given. Last night after everyone left and I went to bed, I was laying there thinking that I am sooooo thankful for my family and friends. I have a great life and love every minute of it!!! So to all my family and friends....Happy 2010!!! I love you all!!!

Children...

2009-12-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

My beautiful daughters (am me in the middle)

When our children are born we promise to give them all that we can and love them no matter what. And from the day my first daughter was born I have done this and continued with daughter number two. No matter what the situation becomes no matter how good or bad, we love them. It's just how I was raised and how I feel. My daughters are my greatest blessing that has been given to me. When they need hugs, I give them out, when they money, I give it out, when they need a shoulder to cry on, I have two...when they need a ride, a key to a locked door, a pony tail fixed, I'm there.

Remember that cute little baby powder smelling head to that all grown up adult. I can hardly believe that it has been 25 years since my first was born...25 years, where did all those years go? Mom, I do understand now when you said that time would pass quicker when you get older.

So my beautiful daughters, your Dad and I are here now and will be here forever....just try and get rid of us! We love you!!!

Holidays.....

2009-12-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Just returned from four days at my parents home for the Christmas holidays...what fun we had!
Thursday evening started off with Christmas Church service at my Mother-in-law's church. It was and is always a very nice service. Really gets you in the holiday spirit with all the singing and fellowship there. I was a bit sad on Christmas eve, this is the first year since 1984 (when my oldest was born) that I have not spent Christmas eve with my girls. Now that they are adults, they have adult responsibilities and they had to work Christmas eve, so they drove up to my parents on Christmas day. I was so excited to see them! Christmas day started off with my girls and future son in law arriving and we opening our Santa gifts. After that all the family started showing up. We had another round of gift opening and then lots of picture taking, food consuming and lots of laughter! Christmas day two was spent with my best friend and her family. We exchanged gifts, ate lunch and just sat and enjoyed each other's company. Christmas day three was spent at my Aunt's home. The extended family came, more gifts, more food, more pictures and more laughter. I'm finally home and exhausted! I plan to get to bed soon....sleep well...and tomorrow is a Cindy day....not sure what I'm doing, but the household will be working...I may just sleep all day!!! Hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday!!!

Holiday Season

2009-12-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well all, it's that time of year we all love and we all hate!!! Love the time we spend with our family, the time spent with friends, the look of excitement on our children's face, all the party's and the beautiful decorations. We hate the hustle, the stress and the expense of Christmas. We all know that Christmas comes every year on the same day and every year I say, "How did this creep up on me?" It just seems to do it every year. This year I swore it would be different and no it is not! My decorations are finally up. My shopping is almost complete. My cards are not even started. Tomorrow night is my annual Bunko Christmas party. All my friends come over for dinner, drinks and dice! It always proves to be a fun night. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and hope all your dreams come true...think about me for the next 13 days....I'll still be shopping!!!

Jackson....

2009-11-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

This week we found out our beloved 12 yr old Jackson had cancer. The Dr. called me at work to tell me the sad news. As the Dr. discussed Jackson's cancer, the treatment and whatever else he told me all I could think of was, I'll be losing our beloved friend, family member. Our Dr. is great! He was very kind, compassionate and extremely gentle while breaking the sad news. After much discussion, we have decided to make him comfortable and love him for the rest of his time with us. He is on medication and is now eating and drinking like crazy..which is great, we have not seen that in a year. I know it's the medicine and I know this is temporary, but I'll take it for now.
So for tonight and the remaining nights, "Sleep good my puppy, I love you".

Jackson....

2009-11-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Over the last year our 12 year old black lab, Jackson, has been losing weight...we haven't been able to figure out why he wasn't eating. He has lost 24 lbs in about 15 months. Last week I made a Vet appointment for him and today was the day. We had an appointment with the Dr. that we started with 25 years ago when we first moved in this area. Within the first 5 minutes of the Dr. examining Jackson he found a mass in his abdominal area. After blood work, urine test and x-rays it was determined that the mass was in or around the spleen area. Four hours later he was in surgery. And about two hours after that I finally received the call that he was doing well and resting comfortable. The spleen was removed and in about 5 days we will know the results of the biopsy.

Our animals become part of our family. We bring them in our homes in various ways...they are picked, found, rescued or just show up. Jackson was a found puppy. About 14 years ago our beloved first four-legged child, Sandy, passed on to the next life and I thought we would never love another pet. A year later, our sweet Jackson was found by one of hubby's Navy friends. The friend was unable to keep him and offered him to us. Our daughters were at their grandparents for the week, so we took the 5 pound ball of fun, bathed him, he was full of fleas, fed him, took him to the vet and fell in love with him. After the okay from the Dr. we introduced him to our girls. They loved him! But, immediately he was hubby's dog, would follow hubby everywhere. Jackson grew to be 85 lbs, would eat anything the girls could slip to him and loved to run around in our yard. Open a car or truck door and he would jump in, never to get out without his ride around the neighborhood! He gives unconditional love, asking nothing in return but a rub under the chin. Today sitting there in the waiting room before the Dr. took him back to surgery I was thinking about all the fun and love he has brought to us. I am so grateful for him today and grateful that he made it through surgery and is resting comfortably tonight. Tonight, I pray he will not be scared that we are not there with him and I pray he knows we will be there tomorrow to pick him up and love him for the rest of his life, whether that is a short time or a long, long time. If you have pets, give them a big hug tonight and remember they are only here for a short time...make it the best. I love you Jackson...sleep well and pain free tonight..see you tomorrow!!

Observations....

2009-11-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post, things have been wild and crazy in my life. So thought I would fill you in on an observation I made today...I have started working out at our local recreation center, and hopefully will continue for a long time...I recently told my mother "my a@@ was spreading and everything jiggles!" She laughed as did I, but knew I need to get it together. So back to my story, I was walking on the treadmill today at the rec center, (it overlooks the gym) while watching everyone file in and out of the gym looking at all the beautiful goods for our annual Christmas Stocking Craft Show. As I watched the patrons and the crafters I was drawn to one gentleman. He sat behind a table filled with beautiful handmade blankets. As patrons approached his table he greeted them, answered questions and was very pleasant. I watched as he carefully unfolded blankets to display to curious patrons and then meticulously folded the blankets back up and put them back in their original spot. I was really drawn to the careful attention he gave each patron as well as each blanket. As I continued to walk and watch, I kept thinking about this gentleman, did he make these blankets? Did his wife? Mother? What was his career? What a great guy he must be to come to a craft show, sit for two days, sell blankets to patrons and keep these blankets so organized.
Do you ever sit and wonder about people, your co-workers, your boss, your grocery clerk...what do they do on their off time? You just never know...are they athletes, are they artist, are they craftsman? Or are they blankets salesman? We never know...so we must never judge a book by it's cover as the old saying goes.

Frustration

2009-10-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

I just finished helping my hubby send an email with 5 pictures, WOW...I think I need a drink. Frustration is the only sane word I can say right now! My hubby has a limited knowledge of computers. He is very good at research on a search engine, or sending a simple email, but when it comes to more complicated issues, well he is not there yet. Hubby is an Aircraft and Automobile mechanic and is great at his job. He uses the computer very little at work. Tonight he needed to write an article, resize 5 pictures and send an email. But when things do not work his way the first time on the computer, he gets very frustrated and I am the one that has to help him through the teaching stage. So after tonight, I may start drinking! Just kidding. I love hubby and over the years he has gotten better with the computer and I know he continues to improve. Honey when you read this I love you!!! And I'll continue to teach you the computer and you can teach me to re-build an aircraft engine...yeah right!!!!

Lazy Saturday

2009-10-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very lazy Saturday for me, I felt blahhhh all day. The morning started out late, I didn't get out of bed until about 9am, I must have been tired! Most of Saturday I sat in my hubby's recliner and watched my DVR'd shows. About 2pm I decided that I must get up and do something on this day. I was able to get hubby to go to the mall with me, yes the mall. I have been looking for a new black shirt, I went from place to place trying on skirts, finally success. I found a skirt and shirt, my lucky day. Hubby was very good, he kinda hung around and let me check things out. Now that our girls are off and doing their own thing, he is the one that gets to shop with me. After our trip to the mall we then went to the local grocery store for a few things, and fifty dollars later, we were out of there. We did find a few minutes to have dinner. I was so hungry that I needed to eat immediately, I guess that while I was sitting in the recliner all day, that I forgot to eat...wow, wish I could forget more often. :) I keep saying that I need to exercise, but just haven't gotten there yet. I really need to get motivated and start. I have the motivation of a Wedding in September, that should be a huge motivation. Sunday is starting out to be the same, sitting around for a while, reading the paper and now I'm just updating this site and doing nothing more. Hope you all have a great Sunday and now I'll wait for some football.....

Dinner with Friends

2009-10-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had dinner with our great friends, Russ, Rhonda and son, Daniel. We met Russ about 16 years ago. We lived in a townhouse, when the neighbors moved out and up drove a moving truck from California. We didn't know then, but this new neighbor would become one of our closest friends. Over the years we have seen Russ through ups, downs, out to sea, on shore duty and everything in between. Russ has been there for me when hubby has been at sea. Anytime I needed him he was there. You see Russ is a big guy, he's 6'5" about 250 lbs and all muscle...he looks like "the Rock". Many times I would call him to come somewhere with me to just "be there" and that was always just for that support. We were so happy years ago when Russ met Rhonda, then they decided to marry. They married on Valentine's Day. I remember their wedding was just family and close friends in a small church. I remember watching them say their vows and thought, this is so great!!! I am so happy for them!!! A few years passed and they became pregnant. I knew that Russ has always wanted a child and October 2001 out popped this cute, little round faced, precious baby. Daniel is too cute and he has loved my hubby and our family from day one. And we have always loved the entire family! We do not see them as much as we would like, everyone is running in seperate directions these days but I know and they know that if needed we all would come running. Thank you God for bringing this wonderful person and his family into our lives, we are blessed!!!

The Wedding Plans....

2009-10-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my engaged daughter and I went wedding dress shopping. What a great time we had and what a beautiful bride she will be! We spent the day trying on dresses, planning and trying on more dressed. Mallori is her own person with her own ideas and her own fashion statement. And all the dresses she tried on were all different. At our last appointment my youngest daughter came by to offer her opinion. The day ended with Mallori deciding between two dresses. Now the choice, what do I do?? She is the only one that can figure that out. I am really proud of her, she is very organized and researching everything! She is working to keep the expenses down and to have the wedding of her dreams. I am so happy about this next year, it will be an exciting one!

Today...

2009-10-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Wow...this has been an incredible week...it was the end of our fiscal year on Sep. 30, I worked until 9pm that night. What a long day that was. As I said it has been a very busy week and I am so glad the weekend is here. My engaged daughter wants to try on wedding dresses tomorrow so that's what we are going to do. Had dinner with her this week, and she is so excited and so organized! So tomorrow we shop for dresses....I'll keep you posted on our finds.
Tonight was spent with hubby, he has been great this week. I have been very late every day and he has held down the home front. So thank you Hubby, I love you .

The Engagement

2009-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Engagement My Beautiful Daughter

This has been the most amazing weekend. My oldest daughter graduated from RN Nursing School, we had the family over for a graduation party that turned into a graduation/engagement party. My daughter's dreams are coming true! It's so wonderful as a parent to see the child, that you brought into this world, making their dreams come true. Last week my daughter's boyfriend called and asked to come over to talk with my husband and I. I texted (of course this is how we communicate now) when we were home. A hour or so later in he walks and he was so nervous. My husband is very scary to the men in both my daughters lives, it's only because he's a big guy and is so very quiet. The boyfriend finally showed us the ring, asked for my daughters hand in marriage and my husband and I both gave our blessing. We were so excited. That was Wednesday, on Thursday was the graduation ceremony, which by the way was so very sweet. My parents and in-laws all came in for the ceremony. What a beautiful day. Saturday was the big party. That morning the son-in-law to be proposed. My daughter was ecstatic! When they arrived for the party, the family was here waiting, as she came in to the house she had her hand out stretched showing off her ring...my sister, Mom and BFF all started to cry. By the time the hugs and congrats were finished, we were all crying! Now we are finally going to have the son we never had. Congrats Mallori and Anthony, we are so proud of you and love you both!!!

My Daughter The Nurse!!!

2009-09-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today was one of my most proudest, happiest days of my life. I was able to watch my beautiful first born walk across the stage to receive her Registered Nursing pin. This day has been a long time coming. When she graduated from high school she knew that she wanted to be a nurse. Then, she took the long road to decide to go to school and get her degree. Two years ago she made the commitment and she followed through. Lots of studying, lots of tears, lots of tests, lots of sweat and lots of index cards! Two weeks ago while she was leaving her first day of her preceptor ship, she called me and said "Mom, this is exactly what I want to do!" How wonderful it is to be trained and to be able to work in the field you want to work. How many of us get to do that? I am so happy that she can make her dreams come true. Congratulations my beautiful daughter, your father and I are so very proud! We love you!!! You did it!!!!!

Relaxing with Friends....

2009-09-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Beautiful River Sunset

Since the last post worked, here I go with this one again....My BFF's parents have a river house and I have been there a number of times. My BFF invited me for a week to just relax, of course I accepted the invitation. All week I was looking forward to a weekend of relaxing, beautiful views and lots of girl talk. Saturday morning I packed a few clothes, my makeup (of course, cannot forget that!) my beach towel and I was ready. Oh, don't forget my directions...you know I am directionally challenged, and I admit it! :) I set off on my adventure, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there and I was off. The ride over was uneventful, thankfully. I arrived to find my BFF sitting on the glassed in back porch watching the view of the river and her husband and son fishing. What a beautiful view! We sat for a while and it was so nice. We at lunch and then decided to go sit out on the pier and collect a few sun rays. It was a warm day. I took my camera and was able to get a few shots of beautiful views. You know I take pictures of everything now! Sprinkles ran us inside and the boys too. As we were watching the rain start up we saw a very interesting site, a sheet of rain coming across the river, it was so cool to see, I ran out in the sprinkles to get pictures. The rain sheet finally reached us with huge downpours. After a few hours of rain it stopped and then came the most amazing sunset. I ran out and took more pictures...just beautiful. We ate dinner, watched a movie and then sleep came. It was so nice. I awoke to a quiet, peaceful day. After visiting with my BFF for a few hours ,had to get in more girl talk, it was time for me to head back home. What a nice weekend it was, spending time with my BFF, just relaxing and forgetting anything stressful. Thank you BFF...Love you and had a great time!!! Can't wait to so it again.

Me and My BFF at the river

The rain coming across the river...isn't this cool?

Another beautiful sunset...I love it, wish I was there right now!!

Test Post

2009-09-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Having trouble posting, last night I wrote up this really nice post and all I received was errors when I posted and and then nothing! I about screamed! So this is just a test. Do you love the picture? It's of the sunset at my BFF's river house. Beautiful!!! I w as playing with the settings on my camera...that's the reason for the yellow/orange look.

Relaxing with Friends....

2009-08-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

This week has been so incredibility busy. Work has been crazy, home have been busy and life has just spun out of control....so my BFF invited me to her parents house on the river. I am so excited to go...it will be a nice relaxing time. I leave in the morning...just me...no one but me..and only me! My BFF, he husband and son will be there...the hubby and son will fish and be gone most of the time, they usually scatter when we are there. :) Too much girl talk! I am so looking forward to about 28 hours of just us girls. Hope your weekend is starting off to be a good one and hope you have a relaxing time too! I'll report on the fun I had when I return!

Vacation

2009-08-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

Sunrise August 7, 2009

Well vacation is over...yes it's over...hard to believe after a week at the beach, waking up when you want, eating when you want, sitting on the beach all day doing nothing...it's now over. We had a great time with the family, with the new niece and the nephews. My mom and I walked everyday, that was nice. I really enjoy that time with her, but I tell you she is a little firecracker...she can walk me in the ground! She keeps those little short legs just a moving. We had the pleasure of spending time with my new niece, "Daddy's Little Girl" (this is what my brother calls her all the time!) she is just as beautiful as she was when she was born, and just as little! Had a great week spending time with my daughter Princess #2. She stayed at the beach all week with us, which really surprised me. I had assumed that she would leave about half way through the week and be tired of us, the old family, but she hung on until Friday night and left then. I was really glad I could spend time with her and the rest of the family. I taught my mom and sister how to make a basket...they really seemed to have fun and I, too, enjoyed it. I love to share my craft.

This has been a great vacation...thank you family for a great time!! Love you all!!! Now back to reality!

My crazy family...I love you!!!! August 2009

Vacation

2009-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

We wait all year long and then it is here...Our VACATION! Can you believe it has been a year? Wow. So next week my whole family will all arrive at the beach house we have rented and unload the hundreds of bags of food and stuff. Food, now that's something we have a good supply of! We do eat well! I have spent this week getting ready for our trip. Washing clothes, packing bags, visit to the Commissary for food and cleaning up the house. My great friend Adina will be here visiting and she will be staying at my house, keeping the dog and visiting all her local friends. She will come out and hang out with us on the beach too. I've been on vacation for about 20 hours now and am very excited!!! As much as I love my job, I just need time to rest and rejuvenate myself! Lounging around the pool and on the beach will make that happen. Can't wait to see my family and spend time with them. I have a great family and enjoy our time together. My new niece Reagan will be there for a couple of days, Yeah...I get to play Auntie! I'll update more later...take care and if you get to have a few days vacation, enjoy every minute of it, I plan too!!!

Happy Birthday Mallori

2009-07-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Twenty five years ago today a beautiful little angel was born. My oldest daughter. I remember it well...I was so young and so scared, hubby was right there by my side the entire time. We were stationed in Beeville, TX with the Navy. We went to the hospital, two scared young 20ish year olds. And we came home with this little bundle of joy. We didn't know what to do! Our families were in Virginia and we were in Texas, what to do??? We were so innocent! It wasn't long before we had the daily duties of raising a child down pat, or so we thought. Then the days, months and years go by and that little bundle of joy is now 25! Where did the time go? My Momma always told me that as you age time flies by and she is right. (Momma I say that often now, "You are right")My beautiful daughter, her boyfriend and my Grand dog Leo all came for dinner tonight. We had a really nice dinner with brownie split pizza for dessert, topped with candles, presents and the Happy Birthday song. We are so blessed to have two beautiful daughters in our lives. They are both growing up to be such great young women. Happy Birthday Mal....We love you!!!

Charleston, SC

2009-07-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I went to Charleston SC for training for my job. It was a really fun and learning trip. The two ladies that I hung out with were lots of fun. We went to some great restaurants...Coast, Hyman Seafood, Mustard Seed and a sushi place. I ate way too much! We stayed at an Embassy Suites that was very nice and accommodating to us. They had a fitness room that I visited often! :) Me and the treadmill were very good friends! My last night there I had dinner with 3 guys I work with and we went for Sushi. It was really good. Then as we left the weather was starting to look bad, so we ducked into a nice restaurant/bar. We all ordered a drink, next thing we know the rain let loose...and it rained so bad the entire downtown was flooded! The owner of the establishment put sandbags at the front door and told us all if at all possible do not leave and walk in that contaminated water. So we had nothing to do but order more drinks and sit and talk. I found out a lot of good info about my co-workers. They are great guys. I really am blessed to work with such good people. After about 3 hours the flooding had receded and we were able to leave. They guys walked me back to my car and off I went. Got back to my hotel about midnight, packed and was up at 5:15am to get ready, leave and be at the airport in time to catch my flight. I was back home by 1:00pm with the hubby waiting at the terminal as I arrived. It is always so nice to see his smiling face when I arrive! Training was good, travel was good, food was good, fellowship was good, what more could I have asked for?

Happy Birthday Reagan Elizabeth!!!

2009-07-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Little Girl!!!

Today a miracle happened....our family was blessed with another member...Reagan Elizabeth. She arrived at 12:04pm, 7 lbs 2 oz, 18 1/2 in long. And she is absolutely beautiful!! We all arrived at the hospital early this morning to find a nervous Mommy and Daddy in waiting. Mommy progressed quickly. Three pushes and out popped this sweet little bundle. As her Grandma delivered the news to all of us in the waiting room, we cried those happy tears. We had the whole room crying...even the volunteer behind the counter! After about 15 minutes or so we were all invited back to meet the new family member and the crying continued. To see my brother holding the most important person in his life at that moment was too much for us all to handle. He has waited for this moment for many years and the love in his eyes was everything! My sister in law looked beautiful and just as happy as she could be. We passed Reagan around to individually meet each of us. We took tons of pictures...the paparazzi had arrived! Then she had to go to the nursery. We must have stood there for an hour or more watching her. The nurses were wonderful and kept showing her to us and telling us what a calm, content baby we had. After an hour or so she was brought back to her Mommy. Again the paparazzi arrived! And she was quickly passed from one family member to the other. After another hour or so of watching her and watching my brother fuss over her, it was time to leave. The new family needed their time together. We all hugged and said our good byes. As I drove my two hours home I thought of what a wonderful day this was for our family. Each and every child and grandchild has been and continues to be such a joy to this family and they are all loved! Reagan Elizabeth...welcome to the family, we love you!!!!

Proud Papa!!!

Aunt Cindy meets her new niece.

Reagan....

2009-07-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow after work I head to Richmond for the birth of my niece Reagan. We are so very excited to meet her, we can hardly contain ourselves! My brother has waited a very long time to have a daughter of his own and when he married a year ago to a sweet, sweet lady, we were thrilled and when they announced they were pregnant, we could not have been happier! He is just over the top about this child and she hasn't even made an appearance yet. What will he do when that little slimy, bloody, sweet thing appears...he will be like the rest of us in the waiting area...he will be crying his eyes out. So say happy prayers for an easy birth for mother and child. Reagan we can't wait to meet you!!!!!! Yeah...I'll be an Aunt again!!!!!!!

Happy 4th of July...

2009-07-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today has been a great day. The kids came over with the Granddog and we had a little cookout. Sat out back on the deck, by the pool, under the umbrella and ate dinner. The Granddog , Leo, terrorized Jackson, our 12 yr. old black lab, and they both ran around in the back yard for a while. It was really nice to have both girls and the future son in law here for dinner. Everyone is so busy these days and it's difficult to have dinner all together, so tonight was a treat. I enjoyed every minute of it! Hubby cooked on the grill and did a great job...(sometimes he gets involved and forgets what's on the grill). After dinner everyone left...daughter one went home and daughter two went to watch the fireworks. I can hear them all around me now. So Happy Birthday America....hope you had a great birthday!!!

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the 233rd birthday of our great America, Happy Birthday America! Today is a day to celebrate, have a cook out, enjoy friends and family...a day to enjoy life! So get out there and eat a piece of birthday cake for our great lady America!!!

Wicked.....

2009-07-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

About a month ago the hubby and I took our daughters to see the Broadway production of "Wicked". This is the story of the wicked witch before Dorothy dropped in. This tells how she became "Wicked". When daughter #1 wanted to go, I hesitated to purchase the tickets, even the balcony seat were expensive. But after a month or so of talking about it, I finally did put out the money and go for it. This production was only here for about 2 weeks and it looks like I will never go to NY to see it, so what the heck. We went, the balcony seats were center stage, about 6 rows up. The production was AWESOME! We were all just in awe of the performers, the lighting, the set just the entire production. This really gave you a look into the life of someone that is different.

Daughter #1 has been a "Wizard of Oz" fan since she was very little. Daughter #2 was scare of it, the flying monkeys freaked her out! Daughter #1 would watch it every day if I let her. Over the years she has collected many Oz items, dolls, ornaments, movies, posters and such. So she was thrilled at the show. We took pictures on her camera, but I haven't been able to get them from her...when I do, I'll post them. Anyway....the show was great...we all loved it and we will be going back to see another show...oh the Wizard of Oz comes out in March....we will be there!!!

Veterans

2009-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Veterans...I know and love many Veterans and have a major special place in my heart for them all. This week we lost WWII Veteran. A dear friend of mine died this week. I met him about 18 years ago while working at a local bank. He and his wife came in and opened an account with us. He was the customer of another account rep and one day she wasn't there, he came to me, ever since that day we became fast friends. He was a retired Navy Chief, and he retired in the 1960's. When the hubby made Chief I was the proud wife and told my friend, the next day he came into the bank and gave me a little box. Enclosed were two Chief's pins for the hubby's pinning ceremony. The hubby and I could not have been happier to have the pins passed down from a Veteran. I eventually left the bank, but did not forget him and his wife. Through Christmas cards, a visit and an occasional card through out the year, we kept up with each other's lives. Last year he lost his beloved wife of 57 years. It was a devastating blow to my friend. This has been a tough year for him. A couple of months ago he became ill and last week he was reunited with his wife. I attended the viewing for him and was so very proud to have known him. As I talked with his daughter I understood him a little bit better. He was always giving back. Once a month he went to the commissary and would spend $150.00 and purchase can goods, then take them to the local food bank. He would buy items for those in need. He gave back where he could. What a great person I knew. I am thankful for knowing Mr. B. and thankful for his service in the Navy. Mr. B. I hope you are dancing with Mrs. B. right now!!! I'll miss you.

Sunday Morning

2009-06-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Sunday morning? I love to wake up slowly, get up, read the paper and watch the CBS Morning Show. This has been a very busy week at work and home for me and having Sunday to finally relax and enjoy life is wonderful. My plan today is to clean the house and do a little yard work but not much more than that. Hope you enjoy your Sunday and hope you are ready for Monday....it will be here whether we want it or not! :)

A blast from the past.....

2009-06-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Huey Lewis and the News

Last night the hubby and I went up to the Wolftrap Amphitheater and saw Huey Lewis and the News. It was a great get away for the hubby and I. Huey Lewis puts on a great show. This is the third time I have seen him, the second time here at Wolftrap. This band has been together for over 30 years, can you believe that? And I have been listening to them for 30 years! Wow, that makes me feel old. Wolftrap is a great venue, small and cozy. This trip we had second level box seats, front row. I got a great deal on the tickets and was very impressed with my selection! And hubby loved it too. Hubby enjoys the show, but he doesn't like to stand during the concert and I, of course, like to stand and dance the whole time. This year I contained myself in my seat until the encore, and then, heck with the rows behind me, I was up on my feet clapping and dancing to the music. Huey played new music and old. He has a great amount of energy on stage along with his band. The weather was beautiful and the company even better! What a great way to spend a couple of days.

Hubby and I before the concert.

Geroge Strait

2009-06-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Last night three friends and I went to the George Strait concert and what a great concert he puts on! We arrived at 5:30, stood in line until 6:30 and then high tailed it up on to the lawn of the Amphitheater for the best seat we could find. Julianne Hough started the show off. She is just as cute as they come, her in her little, tiny, yellow, strapless dress. All the young men were in heaven! After Julianne, Blake Shelton made the stage. Now that's a fine specimen of a man! He sang for about 30 minutes with an appearance from Miranda Lambert, was she just in the area? Who knew? After Blake left the stage, the stage hands made a dash to put together George's stage. Amazingly it only took them about 20 minutes and then the star of the show appeared and he was so humbled by the applause. What a nice man he seems to be. He sang for almost two hours, old songs and new. We sang along too. After each song he thanked the audience, have you ever been to a concert like that? Not me. Again I say he was so humbled by the audience. He wore his tight Wranglers and might I say he filled the out perfectly! My friends and I had a wonderful time, would go back to see George any time. Now I have to say, most of the party go-ers were pretty good, there were only a few in the crowd that were having way too much fun. I hate to go to a concert where you are annoyed by the loud drunk or the screaming child or the obnoxious woman that will not stop talking. Luckily that was not the case. After the concert we did pretty good with finding the car, I have a way of getting lost in parking lots and parking garages. Oh well, that's what I have the hubby for...he is great with directions! Between me and my good friend L we remembered where we parked. It was a great night, can't wait to go back....in two weeks we see Kenny Chesney...yeah more Country music!! Oh and hubby and I go to see Huey Lewis soon...yeah....I am just having way too much fun this summer.....can't wait to see what's next?

Granddog-Leo

2009-06-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Look at him putting his paws out to fly...Super Dog!!!!

Today I had a visit from my "Superdog" Granddog, Leo. He is the cutest, craziest little dog I have ever known. He comes over and just terrorizes Jackson and then proceeds to charm us all with his cute antics. Even Grandpa is in love with him. Here are a few pictures of him running around, lightening fast and his new trick-Superdog!

Doesnt' he look like he's getting ready to walk a tight rope? How cute is that???

Lightening fast...he runs like this all the time..could we bottle that energy?

Super Dog, Daughter #1 and Jackson...Could Jackson care any less? :)

My Garden

2009-06-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

About a month ago a basket friend gave me two banana trees. So I planted them, thought I would try growing them. Well they are doing great. Finally. When I first planted them the hubby said, "They look like dead sticks!" He really does have a way with words! :) I have been babying my garden and my banana trees and finally I am seeing some results. My tomatoes are growing, my squash is blooming and my banana tree is growing. What more could I want! Look at these pictures of my banana tree and garden. Maybe I have a green thumb after all! Look at these tomatoes...aren't they beautiful!!!

Good Bye My Friend

2009-05-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

In previous posts I mentioned a friend that has been battling cancer, on May 20th she lost her battle. This has been a very emotional week. Thirteen years ago we moved into our house and met our next door neighbors. As we drove up, there were people in their driveway and I recognized one of them as a previous co-worker. Hubby and I walked over and were introduced by my former co-worker to her brother and sister in law, (my neighbors). From that day forward we have been very good friends. We have vacationed together, had Thanksgiving dinners together, ridden motorcycles together, shopped, crafted, gardened, walked and talked together. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and she beat that. Then last June she received the news that the cancer was back in her lung and liver and that it was never going to be beaten this time. She and her husband made the brave decision to not take any treatments, to live life to the fullest and enjoy as much time as she had on this Earth. She fought a great fight with poise and dignity and with a huge faith in God. She knew that when she was finished with this life she would go on to the next one. She was a very quiet woman and told her husband, "Who will come to my funeral?" Well the funeral had over 250 people, more chairs had to be put down the aisle. What a beautiful day and it was choreographed just perfect. My friend planned it all out, even down to the speakers. Everyone spoke very highly of this beautiful woman and all that she meant to us all. I will never forget her and will always remember the times we shared. God has a new Angel! Good bye my friend, I will miss you!

Rainy Sunday

2009-05-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

The rain started on Saturday, continued through Sunday. It rained and rained and rained. I was supposed to get up early and attend the second day of the annual WWII Airshow at the Virginia Beach Airport, well with all that rain, I decided to stay home. Hubby had to go, it's his job. I didn't do too much on Sunday. When it's rainy don't you just enjoy laying around in your PJ's, under a blanket doing nothing, just nothing? I sure do. And that's about all I did yesterday. Stayed home, sat around in my PJ's and did pretty much nothing most of the rainy, dreary day.
With life as crazy as it is, we all need a day like that to just veg out and do nothing.
Hope you all get to enjoy a day of doing nothing...it is refreshing!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-05-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

The 14th was my 47th birthday and I had a great day! My day started off with a call from my hubby wishing me a great day. Then my best friend called and sang to me. I arrived at work and had calls and emails from family and friends wishing me a Happy Birthday. Then lunch time arrived and the guys at work treated me to a really nice Mexican lunch. I arrived home to presents and more wishes. My birthday present was the Wii Fit game and another Wii game. I never imagined a day when I would be excited about video games....But I am! For our Anniversary I got the Wii video game system and love it! My favorite game is bowling. You really feel like you are at the bowling alley throwing the ball. Tennis, baseball, golf, racing and airplane flying are just some of the games we have. Now with the Wii Fit I can get myself in shape. I wish!!! It really has been a on of fun. Last night we did not go out to dinner, it was late when I arrived home, so we just had sandwiches. Tonight my lovely daughters took me to the Japanese Steak House for Sushi and Shrimp. It was great! Home hubby was supposed to go, but he got home late, was feeling terrible and had a bad day...so he said he wanted to go right to bed, and he did. But the girls made my night and we had a really nice time. Over the weekend we spent it with the family in Richmond and celebrated Mother's Day and all the May birthdays. What a great time we had celebrating and seeing everyone. So another birthday down and I don't really feel any older, guess that's good. I am so grateful for another year and look forward to the upcoming. Happy Birthday Me!!!

My Garden

2009-05-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

My garden is coming along so pretty. I planted it on May 1st and the rain has been so much lately that it's growing by leaps and bounds. I am so excited! This year I might really have a great crop. My tomatoes have blooms...can you believe it! These pictures are from last week, I'll update you soon on the growth!

My Friend....

2009-05-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I started writing this entry about my garden and how I planted it this weekend and my excitement with the adventure in growing and then my entry has made a drastic change.
I went to see a good friend tonight, she is dying of cancer. She doesn't have too many more days to live and all she could barely talk about was that she wanted everyone to be OK. We have lived next to her and her husband for 13 years now. They have been great neighbors and she and I have become good friends. We have gone yard saleing, spent the day at a many a craft show, had Thanksgiving dinners together, talked gardening and sat on the front porch to just enjoyed the sunny day. I am so grateful that I met her and husband. I have not seen her in a few weeks. I was out of town for a week, then last week feeling very poorly and afraid to go over. Last night I went by and talked to her beautiful daughter, who is helping to care for her in her last days of life, daughter told me that she hasn't eaten in about 4 days now. That is a sign of the end of life. I knew that I would need to get there today and made it a priority to go. Nothing was going to stand in my way. About 7 pm tonight her daughter called to say she was awake and I went right over. It was so very sad. She is laying there, having lost a ton of weight and barely able to move. We did talk and I did tell her what a good friend she is and that I am happy to know her and will miss her a lot! She has a deep faith and is not afraid of leaving this life. She is worried about all of us that are left here. I sat there with her for about an hour, just holding her hand. When it was time to go, we hugged and said I love you and as I left I wonder if I will see her alive again. I'm sorry for the sad post, but she's worth talking about. I will miss you Friend and never forget you! Peace be with you.

Baby Bird has returned to the nest.....

2009-05-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Friday night hubby and I went to a Bill Engvall concert, which was great, when I received this frantic phone call from daughter #2, she was trying to get home and with many airport delays and she couldn't get here and was told she would have to spend the night in an airport. She was a basket of nerves and very upset. After doing the Mom thing and calming her down, she was able to talk to the lady behind the counter into finally arranging a flight to one of the local airports. I was on pins and needles the rest of the night. Then at about 12:45am she walked down the airport gate...Yeah, she was back on American soil! Daughter had been flying for about 18 or so hours and was exhausted. We hugged and immediately went outside where hubby had the car waiting, after hugging her Dad, we left. What a great night (or morning) it turned out to be. The rest of the weekend was great. We shopped, watched the Nascar race with friends. Daughter went out with friends and then to the beach on Sunday. I have to say, what a great weekend we had. Welcome Home, Daughter!!!! We missed you and we love you!!!!

Coming down the from the gate.....Isn't she cute!!

"Mom don't take my picture, you're embarrassing me!"

Dad and Daughter, "Let's get out of here, take me home!"

Speech

2009-04-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

At work we are moving to a new system, our entire command will be changing over. I am one of the trainers to help train approximately 150 people. TodayI find out I must attend all these "Train the Trainer" classes. Which will entail traveling to Charleston two weeks in July...whhhhooooo it will be hot then! But the best part was they told me I must take a two day class next week and I have to give a 5 minute presentation! OH MY GOSH...five minutes in front of about 20-25 people! I am so nervous...already! Apparently the man, Dale, that teaches this class is great and everyone says you will feel more comfortable once you take his class. But standing up and talking...ouch...can I do it? Well yes I have too! Just that standing there and seeing all those eyes looking back at you....40 eyes...remember the old saying...imagine them in their underwear...well I will have to find the best looking man in the group and then imagine him in his underwear..:) then I really will get my thoughts all messed up! I don't have any trouble sitting at a table or in a room and telling people what to do. That's me, tell people what to do! But standing up in front of everyone...I am scared! So on my way home I started thinking about what I would talk about ...see I have been thinking about it all day! Many things came to mind, basket weaving, REACH (literacy program), PTA, Navy Wife, Breast Cancer and about 10 other things. I think at the moment REACH will be my topic. "I have been volunteering with REACH for over 10 years"...see that is how my presentation will start. OK, now take a deep breath and one more.....OK, I'm better now. I'll keep you posted on the speech and say a little prayer that I don't faint! :)

Oh by the way...how do you like my new hair cut???

Trip to California

2009-04-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

I promised pictures from California, so here you go......

Looking down the street on the way to the Anaheim Convention Center

This is a shot off the top of the Convention Center(above)
Bird of Paradise...isn't it beautiful!!! (below)

Granddog-Leo

2009-04-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

An update on the cutest Granddog ever! Leo...now weighing in at a whopping 4 lbs. He is a complete wild and crazy dog. He terrorizes Jackson, our 12 lb. black Lab. Leo runs around the house, the yard, Jackson and everywhere! Little dog high on something? Life? He is just the cutest. I (we, hubby and I) have fallen in love with this cute little ball of fur. I love being a Grandma to the four legged breed!

This is how most of my pictures turned out...Leo running away!

Our beautiful daughter #1 with her four legged baby! Aren't they beautiful?

Motorcycling

2009-04-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite things to do with the hubby is to ride on the motorcycle. Since we met hubby has owned a bike. Over our 30 years together, he's had many, many bikes. Right now we have two. Yes, two. We have a Harley that I will not ride on (it's old and has a very, very little seat, I think my behind is too big! ) and a BMW that has a wonderful back seat for me. And yes BMW does make motorcycles! We get that question at many a stop light. We love to take the bike anywhere for a weekend. It is so refreshing to ride with the wind in your face and the only thing you hear is the wind rushing by! On Saturday we went to the Outer Banks of NC, it was the annual Bike Week (or Weekend) not sure which. Anyway, we rode out on Saturday with our friends and had a great time. The weather was absolutely beautiful. We stopped at a few places here and there and checked out bikes and bikes and more bikes. Everyone from young to old was out riding and enjoying the day. We had such a nice time. After about 7 hours we returned home and I was tired, mainly from the sun, but it was a good tired. I know I should have been home working in the garden, yard or house, but you know those things will still be there...you just don't always have a great day like Saturday! Hope you had a great Saturday too!

My view from the back seat going over the bridge

Looking off the bridge

Look at all those bikes!

My Garden-Flowers

2009-04-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

The spring has brought out the most beautiful flowers...my azaleas. They are absolutely the most beautiful thing right now. I love this time of the year. Everything is blooming...although my allergies are kicking into high gear too. That's the price you pay for beauty! Thought you would enjoy a picture, I am playing with my camera again. :)

Trip to California

2009-04-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have been out of touch for the last week, was in California for a work conference. I flew out last Sunday. The flight was good, not too much drama, until I got to CA and went to pick up my bag...no bag...I waited to report it and guess what my bag went to Salt Lake City...without me! The Delta rep. assured me that my bag would be on the next flight to CA and would be delivered to my hotel. I prayed that she was right! I told my male co-workers that they would be taking me shopping for make up and conference clothes if not. You know you think about all the stuff that you take with you, make up, work clothes, heels, play clothes, contact cleanser and such. If I didn't get my bag, well I guess I would be spending a lot of money to replace everything. So in the mean time, we picked up our rental car, went to dinner, checked in the hotel, took a test drive to the conference and still no bag. I decided to go to my room and wait it out. About 9 pm on Sunday night the bellman arrived with my bag...I could have kissed him! If he was Toby Keith or Jon Bon Jovi or maybe Johnny from General Hospital, I might have! :) I was never so glad to see my beat up, black, zippered suitcase. The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. We worked during the day and went out a few of the nights. Ate at a couple of really great places...Villa Nova Italian, in Newport Beach...excellent! And Las Casa Garcia Mexican in Anaheim, also wonderful. Then it was time to come home....not too bad...other than a little turbulence and me grabbing the sleeping man next to me, scared him awake!! When I got off the plane and walked down the runway it was very nice to see my sweet hubby there waiting for me. After all these years, he still makes my heart jump when I see him!!! Love you hubby! For those 22 years of dropping him off and picking him up at Navy ships and airports, turn around is fair play!! Oh and yes my luggage made it home too!