I leave for the U.S. tonight at 8:00pm - fly to Singapore, then Moscow then Houston - arrive Saturday at 2:35pm. I have had a wonderful time here but anxious to be home. I am looking forward to getting home but not going home! I can't let myself think about the journey - just need to get on the plane and do it! A lot of positive self talk and remembering that Roger will be at the other end helps! Knowing the kids will be home next summer and that I don't have to do this trip again is a big relief!
Hard to get in the Christmas spirit here in the tropics! A sign at the mall read "Santa and Santarina" would be there every week-end until the 25th!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Heather and I flew to Chiang Mai, Thailand early Saturday morning. A shopping trip for her new "business" when she returns to the US. We had lunch with Gary and Phyllis Stolp, a couple I met in San Antonio, that owned an import business there and are now retired and living in Chiang Mai. They provided a wealth of knowledge about agents, shipping and customs and we had delicious Thai food.
We shopped around a bit in the afternoon, came back and took a nap (we got up at 3:30am!) and then went to the "Night Market." Saturday/Sunday are the big market nights here. Heather bought several "Hmong" bags but believe it or not I didn't find anything I couldn't live without! I'm hoping the Sunday night market will have better "stuff." We ate Italian food at a Giorgio's, came back and went to bed early.
Sunday morning was another lovely day here - a little cooler and less humid than in KL. We had an appointment at "Peak Spa" - they picked us up at 10am and brought us back to the hotel at 1pm! Three hours of pampering - they massaged me into oblivion - Heather said I was snoring! We had lunch at the hotel and then went to check out a store called "Ginger" and shopped around that area. Found a store similar to "Charming Charlies" in the US called "The Pink Pussy!" We went to the Sunday Night Market around 5pm - many more hand crafted items and less junk - got some good buys! We ate outside at a lovely restaurant called "The Whole Earth" - as is typical we had to take our shoes off!
Heather had an appointment with the owner of "Ginger" at 10am so we met him at their main store, we ended up buying quite a bit, so brought it back to the hotel and then headed out to her next appointment with Carlos, a wholesale dealer for Hmong bags. What an experience! His business is in his home in a "subdivision" near the airport - trying to find it was an adventure! Hmong bags are beautiful handcrafted bags, some made of vintage fabrics, made by the Hmong hilltribe people. The bags come in all different sizes and colors and of course we bought some! We came back to the hotel and had a drink by the pool - overlooking the city. We ate at "The House" tonight - three out of three great restaurants!
The Thai people seem to be a warm, gentle people and are very friendly - they smile a lot and bow slightly in greeting and farewell. Chiang Mai is near the mountains and the number one tourist attraction is "Flight of the Gibbons" - a multi-stage zip line tour through the rain forest with the monkeys. They also have "Tiger Kingdom" and an elephant preserve.
The quickest and easiest way to get around in Chiang Mai is to ride in a "tuk tuk" - a scooter with a bench seat across the back. They also have red pick-up trucks with bed covers and bench seats along each side - a better way to stay dry when it rains! You climb in, hold on tight, and pray the driver understood where you want to go and knows how to get there!
Thailand currency is in "bahts" - 1,000 = around $30 US. Most "tuk tuk" rides cost us 100 baht or $3.
We found ourselves bargaining at the night marker, negotiating for a better price, and then would realize we were haggling over less than $1-2 dollars!!
There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai and hundreds of "street" temples where people can worship anytime!
Kyle had a major catastrophe at home, while we were gone - August, Renu, the maid's son, told the girls that Santa is not real - just your Mom and Dad!!! The girls were all upset and full of questions when we talked with them on SKYPE! Think we were able to convince them that Santa is real because Mommy and Aunt MeMe saw him one year at Grandpa Dick and Grandma Kate's house!
In the meantime, Sonny, the elf, is still watching. They found him in the copier one morning with a picture of himself in the paper tray! Tonight he is tucked up in my bed!
We shopped around a bit in the afternoon, came back and took a nap (we got up at 3:30am!) and then went to the "Night Market." Saturday/Sunday are the big market nights here. Heather bought several "Hmong" bags but believe it or not I didn't find anything I couldn't live without! I'm hoping the Sunday night market will have better "stuff." We ate Italian food at a Giorgio's, came back and went to bed early.
Sunday morning was another lovely day here - a little cooler and less humid than in KL. We had an appointment at "Peak Spa" - they picked us up at 10am and brought us back to the hotel at 1pm! Three hours of pampering - they massaged me into oblivion - Heather said I was snoring! We had lunch at the hotel and then went to check out a store called "Ginger" and shopped around that area. Found a store similar to "Charming Charlies" in the US called "The Pink Pussy!" We went to the Sunday Night Market around 5pm - many more hand crafted items and less junk - got some good buys! We ate outside at a lovely restaurant called "The Whole Earth" - as is typical we had to take our shoes off!
Heather had an appointment with the owner of "Ginger" at 10am so we met him at their main store, we ended up buying quite a bit, so brought it back to the hotel and then headed out to her next appointment with Carlos, a wholesale dealer for Hmong bags. What an experience! His business is in his home in a "subdivision" near the airport - trying to find it was an adventure! Hmong bags are beautiful handcrafted bags, some made of vintage fabrics, made by the Hmong hilltribe people. The bags come in all different sizes and colors and of course we bought some! We came back to the hotel and had a drink by the pool - overlooking the city. We ate at "The House" tonight - three out of three great restaurants!
The Thai people seem to be a warm, gentle people and are very friendly - they smile a lot and bow slightly in greeting and farewell. Chiang Mai is near the mountains and the number one tourist attraction is "Flight of the Gibbons" - a multi-stage zip line tour through the rain forest with the monkeys. They also have "Tiger Kingdom" and an elephant preserve.
The quickest and easiest way to get around in Chiang Mai is to ride in a "tuk tuk" - a scooter with a bench seat across the back. They also have red pick-up trucks with bed covers and bench seats along each side - a better way to stay dry when it rains! You climb in, hold on tight, and pray the driver understood where you want to go and knows how to get there!
Thailand currency is in "bahts" - 1,000 = around $30 US. Most "tuk tuk" rides cost us 100 baht or $3.
We found ourselves bargaining at the night marker, negotiating for a better price, and then would realize we were haggling over less than $1-2 dollars!!
There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai and hundreds of "street" temples where people can worship anytime!
Kyle had a major catastrophe at home, while we were gone - August, Renu, the maid's son, told the girls that Santa is not real - just your Mom and Dad!!! The girls were all upset and full of questions when we talked with them on SKYPE! Think we were able to convince them that Santa is real because Mommy and Aunt MeMe saw him one year at Grandpa Dick and Grandma Kate's house!
In the meantime, Sonny, the elf, is still watching. They found him in the copier one morning with a picture of himself in the paper tray! Tonight he is tucked up in my bed!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Samantha Kate's 7th Birthday Party
Today was the day Samantha has been waiting for for months - her "Disco" birthday party! Her real birthday isn't until December 17th but we celebrated early because I was here and all her friends will be gone for the holidays. It was a huge success - Heather always does such a great job planning all the details to make it so special!
How could I have forgotten what it is like to have 15 screaming first graders in one room!!! They played musical stars and "freeze" dance and did the "Limbo Rock." They all watch enough music videos to know all the latest dance moves!
Sonny, the elf, was sitting on the rotating disco light this morning. They can not touch him to move him - Emily was so worried he was going to get dizzy and fall off - and when Heather said he would think it is fun, Emily said "he gonna' puke!"
We got Samantha a James Avery charm bracelet with two charms - and "S" and two little girls holding hands - sisters! It will be fun adding to it over the years!
How could I have forgotten what it is like to have 15 screaming first graders in one room!!! They played musical stars and "freeze" dance and did the "Limbo Rock." They all watch enough music videos to know all the latest dance moves!
Sonny, the elf, was sitting on the rotating disco light this morning. They can not touch him to move him - Emily was so worried he was going to get dizzy and fall off - and when Heather said he would think it is fun, Emily said "he gonna' puke!"
We got Samantha a James Avery charm bracelet with two charms - and "S" and two little girls holding hands - sisters! It will be fun adding to it over the years!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thai Massage
Heather and I went to one of my favorite places in KL and had a body massage yesterday. A 90 minute massage for $50! It was heavenly! I picked "peppermint oil" and smelled like a candy cane all day!
We put the Christmas tree up on Monday and "Sonny," Santa's Christmas Elf, is back! He hangs around the house until Christmas Eve watching who is naughty and who is nice! He flys to a new place every night and the girls have a fun time each morning trying to find him. He was riding on the elephant statue yesterday and in Barbie's hot tub today! Emily told me "Santa's people live at the North Pole and in England but not in the 'Nited States!"
Heather and I went back to the Country Club where the girls rode horses and walked the hiking trail today. It is paved but up and down hills - about an hour to make the circle - between the heat and the humidity I was pooped! I figured I was getting plenty of exercise just walking up and down the stairs to my "princess suite" on the third floor but I guess not!
We put the Christmas tree up on Monday and "Sonny," Santa's Christmas Elf, is back! He hangs around the house until Christmas Eve watching who is naughty and who is nice! He flys to a new place every night and the girls have a fun time each morning trying to find him. He was riding on the elephant statue yesterday and in Barbie's hot tub today! Emily told me "Santa's people live at the North Pole and in England but not in the 'Nited States!"
Heather and I went back to the Country Club where the girls rode horses and walked the hiking trail today. It is paved but up and down hills - about an hour to make the circle - between the heat and the humidity I was pooped! I figured I was getting plenty of exercise just walking up and down the stairs to my "princess suite" on the third floor but I guess not!
Culinary Adventure
Jared and Lesha took the turkey we didn't eat home so the traditional leftover meal wasn't the same as usual! Samantha had a birthday party so Emily got to pick her favorite restaurant for lunch - you'll never guess - sushi!! I wasn't too enthused so she went into this long explanation about how good it is and what I would like - so off we went! Can't let my 4 year old granddaughter be more adventuresome and worldly than me! She even let me borrow Samantha's chopsticks so I could learn how to use them! Actually, it was good - it helps to have someone knowledgeable order for you. But, I must confess I liked the carmel cupcake from the bakery next door for dessert better!
On Sunday night Kyle and Heather took me to their favorite Vietnamese restaurant. It is located on a narrow busy street near the "night market." The market is difficult to describe - food tents line each side of the street and the sight and smells are amazing! The Vietnamese place was excellent - spring rolls, salad, prawns, a "pancake" with shrimp and chicken and a beef noodle soup.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thanksgiving Dinner
We had a traditional U.S. Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday. Jared, Lesha, Claire, Catherine & Sam joined us and we "pigged out" as required on this holiday. Jared fried the turkey so making gravy was a challenge - too bad Izetta wasn't here - she could make delicious gravy out of nothing! We started mid-afternoon with Thanksgiving cocktails made with apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon - very tasty!
Heather and I took the girls horseback riding this morning. One of the country clubs has an equestrian club that offers riding on Sunday mornings. The girls took carrots to feed the horses - Emily says "no beans, horses can not eat beans!"
Heather and I took the girls horseback riding this morning. One of the country clubs has an equestrian club that offers riding on Sunday mornings. The girls took carrots to feed the horses - Emily says "no beans, horses can not eat beans!"
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thanksgiving in Malaysia
The thing we are the most thankful for is the fact that we finally got the mouse (mouse not a rat!) Renu brought a cage to trap him humanely and sure enough, the next morning there he was running around in the wire box. It turned into a real adventure when Renu took them to a field by Emily's school and they let him out!
We finally found some canned pumpkin but I'm a little skeptical!
It says "100% pure" but pure what???
The day is like any other in Kuala Lumpur. We had our nails done and went shopping; Dad's are at work (Kyle is still in China;) the kids are in school; Emily went to gymnastics. The neighbors are coming to dinner on Saturday and we'll try to have a "real" Thanksgiving dinner. Jared is frying a turkey and between Heather, Lesha and I we will make some traditional recipes. Our nephew Kurt is in San Antonio with Roger and they went golfing and then to Luby's cafeteria. We talked with them on SKYPE and they put in their order for "the works" for Christmas! I'll second that!
Deepavali, or The Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu holiday celebrated annually and involves 5 days of family traditions in India. Emily's school celebrated the holiday today so she wore her special Indian pants and top. Samantha has had a fever for 3 days - a virus going around - so she missed her school Thanksgiving celebration today.
It says "100% pure" but pure what???
The day is like any other in Kuala Lumpur. We had our nails done and went shopping; Dad's are at work (Kyle is still in China;) the kids are in school; Emily went to gymnastics. The neighbors are coming to dinner on Saturday and we'll try to have a "real" Thanksgiving dinner. Jared is frying a turkey and between Heather, Lesha and I we will make some traditional recipes. Our nephew Kurt is in San Antonio with Roger and they went golfing and then to Luby's cafeteria. We talked with them on SKYPE and they put in their order for "the works" for Christmas! I'll second that!
Deepavali, or The Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu holiday celebrated annually and involves 5 days of family traditions in India. Emily's school celebrated the holiday today so she wore her special Indian pants and top. Samantha has had a fever for 3 days - a virus going around - so she missed her school Thanksgiving celebration today.
One of Heather's friends is moving back to Houston soon so, another friend had a luncheon for her the other day. She was nice to invite me to come too. She prepared a traditional Indonesian meal: fried vegetable fritters with spicy peanut sauce; soup; potato pancakes and mint tea. They prepare the soup dish by first putting fried noodles, cabbage, cooked chicken, tomatoes, and chives in a bowl and then adding the liquid and hot sauce. Very interesting!
Because of the mosquito problem, they fog the neighborhood twice a week. Emily is terrified of the fog and can hear the truck a mile away. The other day we were walking home from Samantha's tennis lesson and she heard the truck before anyone else - she tore her hand out of mine and ran as fast as she could all the way home! She ran around shutting all the doors and windows and was so worried we were not going to get home before the foggers arrived. She said "hurry Tima, shut the door quick, you can not breaf that stuff!" Renu was ready to go home and Emily wouldn't let her until "all the fog gone."
We are all so excited - just got news that our nephew Joel and his wife Rachel are going to have a baby girl in April!! Can't wait to shop for pink!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Chinatown
Mathew, Samantha's friend, is going to be an elf. His Mom borrowed a costume and we found the cutest elf shoes with curled toes for him. Problem was........when she opened them, it was a jester hat that was folded in half and just looked like elf shoes! Oh well, sometime, someone will be a jester!
Still have not caught the rat - think our screams scared him away! - or found canned pumpkin for Thanksgiving - may have to make apple pie.
I helped Samantha with her homework tonight. I'm amazed at how well she reads. Her assignment was to read a book, describe where the story took place, name it's main characters and then summarize the storyline. The book she chose was about dinosaurs - I had to use my computer to look up how to pronounce one of them - pterosaur!
Emily knows all the alphabet but says them by sound not name. She sounds out a word like "cat" and then makes other words using different letters - "bat" - "sat" etc. She can even add a fourth letter to some. She was trying to spell "Sponge Bob" so she could type it in the Ipad and watch the cartoon but, got stuck on the silent "g!" She's 4!!!!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Uninvited Guest
Let me preface this story with the fact that Kyle is in China!
I got up early Monday morning and went downstairs to do some laundry. The washer and dryer is outside on the back patio. As I walked through the kitchen, a small lizard ran across the floor - about jumped out of my skin!
Later, while I'm upstairs, I hear Heather, Samantha and Emily all screaming in the kitchen. Samantha says "call Tima" and Heather says "Tima will not be of any help in this situation!" I hollered down - "If it's about that lizard in the kitchen, Mommy's right!" Heather says "it's way worse than that - a rat just ran out of the pantry!!" OMG! Varying stories from all three determined nobody knows where the rat ran to but we suspect back in the pantry. The girls backpacks are in there and they need them for school so Heather tells Samantha she'll pay her 2 ringgits to go get them! I couldn't believe it when she did it - this is the girl who won't pet a dog!!
We take the girls to school and then go to the bake shop for toast and latte - neither of us wanting to go into the pantry for any breakfast!
Heather called Renu, their maid, and asked her to bring her rat trap but, her friend borrowed it and she can't reach her to get it back. She brought some other "gunk" in a can and left it on the pantry floor saying he won't like the smell and therefore, won't come back. Hope it works!!
I got up early Monday morning and went downstairs to do some laundry. The washer and dryer is outside on the back patio. As I walked through the kitchen, a small lizard ran across the floor - about jumped out of my skin!
Later, while I'm upstairs, I hear Heather, Samantha and Emily all screaming in the kitchen. Samantha says "call Tima" and Heather says "Tima will not be of any help in this situation!" I hollered down - "If it's about that lizard in the kitchen, Mommy's right!" Heather says "it's way worse than that - a rat just ran out of the pantry!!" OMG! Varying stories from all three determined nobody knows where the rat ran to but we suspect back in the pantry. The girls backpacks are in there and they need them for school so Heather tells Samantha she'll pay her 2 ringgits to go get them! I couldn't believe it when she did it - this is the girl who won't pet a dog!!
We take the girls to school and then go to the bake shop for toast and latte - neither of us wanting to go into the pantry for any breakfast!
Heather called Renu, their maid, and asked her to bring her rat trap but, her friend borrowed it and she can't reach her to get it back. She brought some other "gunk" in a can and left it on the pantry floor saying he won't like the smell and therefore, won't come back. Hope it works!!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
FRIM
Kyle drove us to FRIM in about 15 minutes this morning! We hiked up a roadway, then up a steep trail through the forest to the "Canopy Walk." Silly me, I thought it was a rainforest path through a canopy of trees - wrong! - it is a series of wooden planks about a foot wide suspended from ropes and netting that hangs way above the trees! No OSHA to deal with in KL! "Doable" if you hang on tight and don't look down! I was trying to be very brave so the girls wouldn't be scared but not a problem for them. The view of the mountains and the city was awesome and there was a lovely waterfall at the end. Definitely worth the effort and believe it or not it was cool in the forest!
We went to "Ben's" for lunch. Heather said they took Megan and Carlos there and Carlos said he felt like he was in an Austin restaurant - I agree. Great food - the girls pointed out the salad they recommended - mixed greens, avacado, cucumbers and edename with a little spicy dressing - they get it every time and scarfed it down! Not many kids I know that order salads for lunch!
We stopped at a nearby grocery store on the way home - looking for canned pumpkin - it seems all the stores are sold out and the Americans are on a treasure hunt to find it for Thanksgiving!
Kyle leaves for China tonight and will return on Friday. So us girls are on our own!
We stopped at a nearby grocery store on the way home - looking for canned pumpkin - it seems all the stores are sold out and the Americans are on a treasure hunt to find it for Thanksgiving!
Kyle leaves for China tonight and will return on Friday. So us girls are on our own!
A "Malaysian" Day
Heather and I are finally "synced" with the local time zone! Poor Heather had a quick trip to the states and then back to KL so her body clock was really off!
We planned to go hiking in the mountain rain forest this morning but according to Kyle we had a "Malaysian" day. The girls informed me I needed to wear leggings and long stockings because of all the leaches - yikes! We packed water, snacks and plenty of bug spray and headed to the "FRIM" - Forest Research Institute Malaysia. Unfortunately, the GPS was confused and we toured the city streets and then the outskirts of KL for about an hour. Emily says "the sunset is coming!" We finally ended up on a narrow dirt road leading back to a rural housing area with the sky threatening a monsoon and Kyle gave up. At one point I said "too bad we can't stop and ask someone for directions" and Kyle said "Do you know Bahasa?" Emily pipes up and says "I can talk Bahasa - well, not actually (she uses the word actually a lot!) but I know how to say "fire" and "water" and "chicken" in Bahasa!
When we got back to the house the girls and I decided to have another kind of adventure - we walked down to Solaris - a nearby shopping area - and got a foot massage. An hour for me and 30 minutes each for the girls. They were so good and loved it! Now they imitate the masseur and give their own type of massages! They think it is great when they can take me places by themselves and be the "leader."
The DVD place was closed - think, they got raided! - so no new movie for tonight but, we are going to watch "The Chipmunks" and have a sleepover while Kyle and Heather go out to dinner.
Kyle is determined to find the park so tomorrow morning we'll try again!
On Friday night us three adults went to a Mexican restaurant - actually, (wonder where Emily gets it!) it was very good food - and then we saw "Skyfall" at the Gold Theatre - big "lazy boy" recliners, pillows and comforters. Thought I might fall asleep but I defy anyone to sleep through a James Bond movie!
movie!
We planned to go hiking in the mountain rain forest this morning but according to Kyle we had a "Malaysian" day. The girls informed me I needed to wear leggings and long stockings because of all the leaches - yikes! We packed water, snacks and plenty of bug spray and headed to the "FRIM" - Forest Research Institute Malaysia. Unfortunately, the GPS was confused and we toured the city streets and then the outskirts of KL for about an hour. Emily says "the sunset is coming!" We finally ended up on a narrow dirt road leading back to a rural housing area with the sky threatening a monsoon and Kyle gave up. At one point I said "too bad we can't stop and ask someone for directions" and Kyle said "Do you know Bahasa?" Emily pipes up and says "I can talk Bahasa - well, not actually (she uses the word actually a lot!) but I know how to say "fire" and "water" and "chicken" in Bahasa!
When we got back to the house the girls and I decided to have another kind of adventure - we walked down to Solaris - a nearby shopping area - and got a foot massage. An hour for me and 30 minutes each for the girls. They were so good and loved it! Now they imitate the masseur and give their own type of massages! They think it is great when they can take me places by themselves and be the "leader."
The DVD place was closed - think, they got raided! - so no new movie for tonight but, we are going to watch "The Chipmunks" and have a sleepover while Kyle and Heather go out to dinner.
Kyle is determined to find the park so tomorrow morning we'll try again!
On Friday night us three adults went to a Mexican restaurant - actually, (wonder where Emily gets it!) it was very good food - and then we saw "Skyfall" at the Gold Theatre - big "lazy boy" recliners, pillows and comforters. Thought I might fall asleep but I defy anyone to sleep through a James Bond movie!
movie!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Kuala Lumpur
I am back in Kuala Lumpur after a hectic week in Houston with Heather. They needed to make many choices for their new home in Texas - hopefully, they will begin building it in January! - so she flew to the United States on Tuesday, November 6th. I picked her up at the airport and the whirlwind began! Roger took Friday off work, drove over on Thursday evening and we ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We toured "their" house and lot on Friday, ran more errands and then met our nephew, Kyle and his fiance' Rachel for dinner. So nice to see them! Then Roger took us to the airport on Saturday afternoon. The trip to KL was tiresome, as expected, but it was great having a travel companion.
Their is a large orchid garden in the center of one of the terminals in Singapore - it is gorgeous! Can you tell I've been traveling for 30 hours?!
Emily is off for school "holidays" all this week but, Kyle and Samantha had today, and will have Thursday, off. Made it seem like a week-end so now my day/time sense is really messed up!
We went to one of their favorite restaurants for lunch - Dim Thai Fung - and it was delicious. The girls were excited to show me the window where you can watch them make Chinese dumplings and then steam them in bamboo baskets.
The design behind the girls is made with colored rice and is traditional during this holiday time.
Emily's 4th birthday was November 5th and we got her this scooter/bike that she loves. The marble floors make inside the best place to ride it!
Kyle bought them each a Lego set while Heather was gone. Emily got a "car house" like ours and Samantha got a horse trailer.
Emily is off for school "holidays" all this week but, Kyle and Samantha had today, and will have Thursday, off. Made it seem like a week-end so now my day/time sense is really messed up!
We went to one of their favorite restaurants for lunch - Dim Thai Fung - and it was delicious. The girls were excited to show me the window where you can watch them make Chinese dumplings and then steam them in bamboo baskets.
The design behind the girls is made with colored rice and is traditional during this holiday time.Emily's 4th birthday was November 5th and we got her this scooter/bike that she loves. The marble floors make inside the best place to ride it!
Kyle bought them each a Lego set while Heather was gone. Emily got a "car house" like ours and Samantha got a horse trailer.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
"Doctor's Delights"
My Mom called people who went to their physicians frequently "doctor's delights." That would certainly describe us lately - and we consider ourselves healthy!
We always do all our routine annual physicals, Roger's cardiologist, my Pap smear and mammogram and our eye exams when we are in San Antonio but this year we added follow-ups to my gastroenterologist and urologist and chiropractor!
Then Roger trumped me with a big scare! He woke me up one morning about 5am and said "feel my pulse - my heart feels like it is racing." Sure enough it was 150/160 per minute and irregular. I rushed him to the ER and they gave him IV meds to slow it down but it was still irregular. He spent the night while they did several cardiac related tests. The cardiologist explained that often after a good nights rest, when your adrenaline level recedes your heart converts to a normal rhythm spontaneously. Like that scenario was going to happen in a semi-private hospital room with constant beeping and nurses in and out - not to mention a strange room-mate! So.......they did a cardio-conversion the following morning and he was back to normal - well as "normal" as Roger has ever been!
All that was good news but his cardiac stress test showed "areas of concern" that could only be thoroughly examined by doing a heart catheterization. He had that done last Tuesday and everything was fine. Great news considering his family history! He spent the night again - an expensive hotel! - and came home the next morning. He has rested at home this week - the worry is bleeding from the femoral artery in his groin - but he will return to work on Monday. It has been good having him home during the day but wish it was under different circumstances!
Sure glad all this happened while we are in San Antonio and not out hiking in the wilderness! We are so blessed to have good doctors and good news from all of our tests! Afraid we will have cardiac arrests when we get the bills and start the process all over again!
We went to lunch and an afternoon movie yesterday - Argo - it was good! - then had a Banana Split Blizzard for supper! Roger said "If my arteries are clean after 65 years, I can afford some ice cream to celebrate!"
Cute Emily story - Emily got up from the table a couple of times to go to the bathroom so Heather asked her if she had diarrhea - she answered "no" - Heather asked "so why do you keep going to the bathroom?" Emily responded "because my poop's like soup!!"
We always do all our routine annual physicals, Roger's cardiologist, my Pap smear and mammogram and our eye exams when we are in San Antonio but this year we added follow-ups to my gastroenterologist and urologist and chiropractor!
Then Roger trumped me with a big scare! He woke me up one morning about 5am and said "feel my pulse - my heart feels like it is racing." Sure enough it was 150/160 per minute and irregular. I rushed him to the ER and they gave him IV meds to slow it down but it was still irregular. He spent the night while they did several cardiac related tests. The cardiologist explained that often after a good nights rest, when your adrenaline level recedes your heart converts to a normal rhythm spontaneously. Like that scenario was going to happen in a semi-private hospital room with constant beeping and nurses in and out - not to mention a strange room-mate! So.......they did a cardio-conversion the following morning and he was back to normal - well as "normal" as Roger has ever been!
All that was good news but his cardiac stress test showed "areas of concern" that could only be thoroughly examined by doing a heart catheterization. He had that done last Tuesday and everything was fine. Great news considering his family history! He spent the night again - an expensive hotel! - and came home the next morning. He has rested at home this week - the worry is bleeding from the femoral artery in his groin - but he will return to work on Monday. It has been good having him home during the day but wish it was under different circumstances!
Sure glad all this happened while we are in San Antonio and not out hiking in the wilderness! We are so blessed to have good doctors and good news from all of our tests! Afraid we will have cardiac arrests when we get the bills and start the process all over again!
We went to lunch and an afternoon movie yesterday - Argo - it was good! - then had a Banana Split Blizzard for supper! Roger said "If my arteries are clean after 65 years, I can afford some ice cream to celebrate!"
Cute Emily story - Emily got up from the table a couple of times to go to the bathroom so Heather asked her if she had diarrhea - she answered "no" - Heather asked "so why do you keep going to the bathroom?" Emily responded "because my poop's like soup!!"
Monday, October 15, 2012
Megan & Carlos - Maiden Voyage
The kayaks fit in a nice compact heavy duty bag when deflated so we are looking forward to them meeting us in some fun place to explore!
We talked to Samantha and Emily on SKYPE the other day. Emily told us she is learning about dinosaurs at school and then she asks "Do you think Grandma Kate saw dinosaurs before she died?"
Exciting news from my family! Kyle is now engaged to Rachel Morgan and they are planning a wedding in October 2013 in Houston.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Another Cruise!
We "cruised" around (well, not all around!)Braunig Lake in our new Christmas present!
We decided to get inflatable kayak and call it our gift to each other. They were on sale through the end of September so we bought it early and decided to try it out yesterday. It was fun! It didn't take us long to blow up the kayak and the seats - with a foot pump - and put the oars together and then we were off. The seats are really comfortable and it glides through the water smoothly. My only problem was I got wet from water dripping down the oar. My solution was to not get my oar wet but, Roger didn't agree with that option!
Wish we had had it during our trip to the Northwest last summer but....we'll enjoy it on future journeys and on the lakes in Michigan.
We decided to get inflatable kayak and call it our gift to each other. They were on sale through the end of September so we bought it early and decided to try it out yesterday. It was fun! It didn't take us long to blow up the kayak and the seats - with a foot pump - and put the oars together and then we were off. The seats are really comfortable and it glides through the water smoothly. My only problem was I got wet from water dripping down the oar. My solution was to not get my oar wet but, Roger didn't agree with that option!
Wish we had had it during our trip to the Northwest last summer but....we'll enjoy it on future journeys and on the lakes in Michigan.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Catch Up!
I haven't written in my blog in ages - not a lot to blog about!
We celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary in August at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls. One of my favorite places. Gary & Lynn went with us and we had a fun week-end doing nothing! Lounged at the pool, ate at nice restaurants and had a nice time with old friends.
Megan and Carlos spent 2 weeks in Kuala Lumpur and Bali with Kyle, Heather and the girls. They had a great time but are fighting jet lag this week! I am leaving November 10th and returning December 8th - getting excited already. I need to do Christmas shopping before I go but, hard to get in the mood in the heat!!
We went to a Boomer RV rally in Bandera over Labor Day week-end and then an Alfa Lonestars RV rally in Kerrville the following week-end. Roger took a week off and we played golf and relaxed. I saw a sign in a shop in Bandera that was perfect for us - it said - "We are doing a workshop - he works and I shop!"
Roger's project is going OK - a few delays with vendors not sending parts on time but........He is still dealing with the repurcussions of the airplane crash in California but, they finally hired an environmental law firm to help resolve the issues. Imagine it will involve Roger traveling to CA again.The Discovery channel is doing a segment on Omega's refueling of the Navy trainers and will be in San Antonio in a couple of weeks to film at the hangar. I'm excited but, you know Roger - no big deal!
We are looking forward to playing more golf this fall now that the weather has gotten a little cooler.
"Cooler" means 90's instead of 100's!
We celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary in August at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls. One of my favorite places. Gary & Lynn went with us and we had a fun week-end doing nothing! Lounged at the pool, ate at nice restaurants and had a nice time with old friends.
Megan and Carlos spent 2 weeks in Kuala Lumpur and Bali with Kyle, Heather and the girls. They had a great time but are fighting jet lag this week! I am leaving November 10th and returning December 8th - getting excited already. I need to do Christmas shopping before I go but, hard to get in the mood in the heat!!
We went to a Boomer RV rally in Bandera over Labor Day week-end and then an Alfa Lonestars RV rally in Kerrville the following week-end. Roger took a week off and we played golf and relaxed. I saw a sign in a shop in Bandera that was perfect for us - it said - "We are doing a workshop - he works and I shop!"
Roger's project is going OK - a few delays with vendors not sending parts on time but........He is still dealing with the repurcussions of the airplane crash in California but, they finally hired an environmental law firm to help resolve the issues. Imagine it will involve Roger traveling to CA again.The Discovery channel is doing a segment on Omega's refueling of the Navy trainers and will be in San Antonio in a couple of weeks to film at the hangar. I'm excited but, you know Roger - no big deal!
We are looking forward to playing more golf this fall now that the weather has gotten a little cooler.
"Cooler" means 90's instead of 100's!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Bomb Scare at SA Airport
Roger booked a flight to Michigan to join his brothers for their annual tractor drive and was due to leave San Antonio at 4:35pm yesterday afternoon. Like usual, I was telling him what to pack - like I care what he wears on the tractor drive! - and suggested he take some shorts to change into when he left work. Of course, he gives me a look that says "I'm a big boy, I can pack all by myself!" Anyway, one of the guys dropped him off at the terminal and just as he was walking in - and Kenny was driving away! - they announced that everyone was to clear the terminal immediately. They did not say it was a bomb scare, hoping to keep everyone calm. They also cleared all the parking garages - hence, no shady place outside - temperature was around 102 degrees! It got ugly real fast and he could see he would not be going anywhere for a long, long time so he called me to come get him. Problem was - there was no way to get anywhere near the airport because all the roads were closed. He started walking away from the airport as I started driving toward it - we figured we could keep in touch on our cell phones a figure out a place we could rendezvous. He was walking down the street pulling his suitcase when an airport worker, leaving for the day, stopped and asked where he was going - "home" he said. She brought him to the downtown area and I picked him up near Trinity University. So nice of her, unfortunately, her car did not have air conditioning! I pulled up and there he stood sweating in his jeans - will he never learn to listen to me??!! - with his suitcase.
Thank goodness the bomb scare turned out to be nothing and he was able to reschedule a flight early this morning. The security lines was horrible but he made it to his gate with 10 minutes to spare! Hope he can relax and have fun with the guys!
We have been talking about going to Kuala Lumpur for the holidays but I'm a little skeptical about having him as a travel buddy - between his debacle getting home from the airport in Clermont and this episode it doesn't seem like the travel gods are on his side!
Thank goodness the bomb scare turned out to be nothing and he was able to reschedule a flight early this morning. The security lines was horrible but he made it to his gate with 10 minutes to spare! Hope he can relax and have fun with the guys!
We have been talking about going to Kuala Lumpur for the holidays but I'm a little skeptical about having him as a travel buddy - between his debacle getting home from the airport in Clermont and this episode it doesn't seem like the travel gods are on his side!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Samantha and Emily
I have to post some cute stories about Samantha and Emily - just to keep them in my memory bank!
Emily calls Samantha "sister" a lot - from the days when she couldn't say Samantha - and gets her pronouns mixed up - she is only 3! Emily saw a reindeer at the Safari park and said "Look a Christmas deer!" "What them called, sister?" Samantha answered "A reindeer." And Emily said "Yea, a reindeer!"
They painted small ceramic banks while we were camping at DeGray Lake - Samantha a hippo and Emily a monkey. They set them in the sun to dry and Roger came along and accidentally stepped on Emily's monkey - shattered in many pieces - what do you expect from the Dollar Store? Of course an instant meltdown occurred and we were trying to think of ANY solution acceptable to a three year old when Samantha came to the rescue. She hugged Emily and said "it's OK sweetie, it was an accident, Grandpa didn't mean to - you can share mine." Emily immediately settled down and then went over and gave Grandpa a big hug saying "it OK, it an accident." Samantha has such a kind heart!
We were eating dinner at Megan's on Saturday night before they left on Sunday morning and Megan suggested we play the "high - low game" where you tell the best and worst part of your day. When it came to me I said spending time with my family at the lake was the best part and having to say "good-bye" tonight was the worst part. Emily, sitting next to me, put her fork down, got up on her knees and gave me a big hug! I lost it and started crying and she kept patting my arm!
The girls were cuddled up on the couch with Roger watching TV one evening - I was busy doing other things - when all of sudden I realized they were watching "Turtle Man!" As he dove in algae clogged water to wrestle turtles and looked for snakes and rats in peoples houses! Samantha and Emily were loving it - it scares me to even think about snakes and rats in my house! The next morning the girls climbed into bed with me - we were talking about what to do during the day - and Samantha said "shhhhh.......I think I hear a rat in the kitchen!" Emily sat bolt upright and said "Call Turtle Mannnnn!!!!" Then she pretends she is talking on the phone - "Hello, Turtle Man, can you come get a rat in our kitchen? OK! He coming!"
Ever since we arrived in San Antonio we have been "plagued" by an ice cream truck that goes through local neighborhoods every evening. The same silly music playing over and over and over again! He never comes into the park - just the surrounding area. But, it drives us crazy! So, I thought it would be fun to play "find the ice cream truck" while the girls were with us - made the mistake of telling them. Would you believe we never once heard him while they were with us! Aunt MeMe said we could go to the ice cream man in her neighborhood but, never saw him either! We even went to the local park - his favorite hang out - looking for him but, no luck. Guess who we heard the first night we returned to San Antonio without the girls??!! They finally heard an ice cream truck in Biloxi, told Granny and Bepa their sad story, and got a treat!
My whole family was at Judy's before and after Mom's funeral. One night we were sitting on her patio before dinner and there was some beer drinking going on. One of my nephews asked Samantha to go get him a beer from the cooler in the garage and described what kind he wanted. When she came back with it, she had her little bumblebee purse I gave her and said "that will be $1 - in United States money, not ringits!" So he tipped her and that's how her new business got started! She was having trouble figuring out what kind of beer everyone wanted - we had quite a choice - so she came up with a great idea. She put all the used bottle tops in a cup and told people to pick out the one they wanted and she would "match it." Pretty ingenious, huh!
We rented a raft on Lake Travis and went swimming the last day the kids were in Austin. We were floating around when Emily announced she had to "go poop." What do you do?? Kyle took her up on shore - it was an undeveloped area - and told her to squat down and go. He was standing there with her when she looks up at him and says "turn around Daddy, I need privacy!"
Emily calls Samantha "sister" a lot - from the days when she couldn't say Samantha - and gets her pronouns mixed up - she is only 3! Emily saw a reindeer at the Safari park and said "Look a Christmas deer!" "What them called, sister?" Samantha answered "A reindeer." And Emily said "Yea, a reindeer!"
They painted small ceramic banks while we were camping at DeGray Lake - Samantha a hippo and Emily a monkey. They set them in the sun to dry and Roger came along and accidentally stepped on Emily's monkey - shattered in many pieces - what do you expect from the Dollar Store? Of course an instant meltdown occurred and we were trying to think of ANY solution acceptable to a three year old when Samantha came to the rescue. She hugged Emily and said "it's OK sweetie, it was an accident, Grandpa didn't mean to - you can share mine." Emily immediately settled down and then went over and gave Grandpa a big hug saying "it OK, it an accident." Samantha has such a kind heart!
We were eating dinner at Megan's on Saturday night before they left on Sunday morning and Megan suggested we play the "high - low game" where you tell the best and worst part of your day. When it came to me I said spending time with my family at the lake was the best part and having to say "good-bye" tonight was the worst part. Emily, sitting next to me, put her fork down, got up on her knees and gave me a big hug! I lost it and started crying and she kept patting my arm!
The girls were cuddled up on the couch with Roger watching TV one evening - I was busy doing other things - when all of sudden I realized they were watching "Turtle Man!" As he dove in algae clogged water to wrestle turtles and looked for snakes and rats in peoples houses! Samantha and Emily were loving it - it scares me to even think about snakes and rats in my house! The next morning the girls climbed into bed with me - we were talking about what to do during the day - and Samantha said "shhhhh.......I think I hear a rat in the kitchen!" Emily sat bolt upright and said "Call Turtle Mannnnn!!!!" Then she pretends she is talking on the phone - "Hello, Turtle Man, can you come get a rat in our kitchen? OK! He coming!"
Ever since we arrived in San Antonio we have been "plagued" by an ice cream truck that goes through local neighborhoods every evening. The same silly music playing over and over and over again! He never comes into the park - just the surrounding area. But, it drives us crazy! So, I thought it would be fun to play "find the ice cream truck" while the girls were with us - made the mistake of telling them. Would you believe we never once heard him while they were with us! Aunt MeMe said we could go to the ice cream man in her neighborhood but, never saw him either! We even went to the local park - his favorite hang out - looking for him but, no luck. Guess who we heard the first night we returned to San Antonio without the girls??!! They finally heard an ice cream truck in Biloxi, told Granny and Bepa their sad story, and got a treat!
My whole family was at Judy's before and after Mom's funeral. One night we were sitting on her patio before dinner and there was some beer drinking going on. One of my nephews asked Samantha to go get him a beer from the cooler in the garage and described what kind he wanted. When she came back with it, she had her little bumblebee purse I gave her and said "that will be $1 - in United States money, not ringits!" So he tipped her and that's how her new business got started! She was having trouble figuring out what kind of beer everyone wanted - we had quite a choice - so she came up with a great idea. She put all the used bottle tops in a cup and told people to pick out the one they wanted and she would "match it." Pretty ingenious, huh!
We rented a raft on Lake Travis and went swimming the last day the kids were in Austin. We were floating around when Emily announced she had to "go poop." What do you do?? Kyle took her up on shore - it was an undeveloped area - and told her to squat down and go. He was standing there with her when she looks up at him and says "turn around Daddy, I need privacy!"
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Road Trip
After a "road trip" in the motorhome, from Michigan to San Antonio, with a 6 and a 3 year old, Roger has a whole new attitude about returning to work on Monday!!
Actually, they have been very good travellers! Airline trips from KL to the US "season" you!
We left Judy's early Tuesday morning - stayed near Rent Lake, IL - then on to Arkadelphia, AK on Wednesday. Heather then took our car and drove to Dallas to meet a friend from KL that had a booth at the Dallas Market. We took a break from driving and went camping with the girls at DeGray Lake.
We had so much fun - fishing, swimming in the lake, doing arts and crafts and just enjoying time with them. Such a treat for us!
We stopped in McKinney, TX to look at new window shades for the motorhome - we hate the mini blinds! - then drove to Arlington for the night on Friday. Joel and Rachel met us for dinner and we are now on our way to "Aunt MeMe's and Dylan's" - no mention of poor Uncle Carlos!
Of course all this is underlined with many wonderful memories of Mom and Dad - how they would have loved these little girls!
Actually, they have been very good travellers! Airline trips from KL to the US "season" you!
We left Judy's early Tuesday morning - stayed near Rent Lake, IL - then on to Arkadelphia, AK on Wednesday. Heather then took our car and drove to Dallas to meet a friend from KL that had a booth at the Dallas Market. We took a break from driving and went camping with the girls at DeGray Lake.
We had so much fun - fishing, swimming in the lake, doing arts and crafts and just enjoying time with them. Such a treat for us!
Of course all this is underlined with many wonderful memories of Mom and Dad - how they would have loved these little girls!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Mom
Mom passed away, Thursday, June 7, 2012 - she would have been 89 years old on June 30th. .She had only been sick 3-4 days and Judy and Mel were with her. We will be forever grateful to the staff at her new "home" for giving her such tender, loving care. I am so glad Megan and I saw her around Mother's Day. Heather and the girls arrived in the United States the following Saturday for their annual summer visit so the whole family was in Michigan for her funeral. It was nice to see family and friends we haven't seen in a long time, despite the reason. Samantha and Emily did very well with it all - they are a constant reminder that life goes on and our family circle evolves. Samantha Kate says she is the "only Kate now." With both Mom and Dad gone, I feel "orphaned" and realizing I am the oldest generation is really scary! Is wisdom supposed to come with this new role?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Mother's Day
I'm in Michigan this week to see Mom and help get her settled in her new place. We moved her from her assisted living apartment to a secure dementia unit in a different facility and she is doing well. We are pleased with the program and how the staff interact with the residents and feel she is safer with this increased level of care.
Although we feel like we lost our "real" Mother long ago, it is still hard to see her like this and to have to get rid of so many of her clothes and things. But, we know we've made the right decision - she is definitely ready for the next stage of care.
I had dinner with the "Florida gang" on Monday night and dinner with Roger's family last night so it's nice to see everyone while I'm here. Megan is joining me for the week-end. It has been nice to have "sister time."
Although we feel like we lost our "real" Mother long ago, it is still hard to see her like this and to have to get rid of so many of her clothes and things. But, we know we've made the right decision - she is definitely ready for the next stage of care.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Megan's Graduation Party
Carlos and Megan had a party, to celebrate her graduation, at The Clay Pit, an Indian restaurant in Austin last Saturday night. It was so nice spending time with them, Carlos' family and all of their friends. Roger was teasing her about bringing a "box lunch" (he isn't fond of Indian cuisine!) but they ordered a good mix of different dishes served family style so everyone could try a good variety and it was very nice. He even liked some of the dishes!
She starts her new job with Studio 8, a small commercial design group in Austin, the first of June. 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday is new to her - welcome to the real world Megan!
She starts her new job with Studio 8, a small commercial design group in Austin, the first of June. 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday is new to her - welcome to the real world Megan!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Megan's College Graduation
Congratulations to Megan - Magna Cum Laude graduate from Texas State University! We have always been proud of her but especially for this accomplishment! Love and thanks to Carlos for all his support - both literally and figuratively!!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Megan's Award
We are settled back in San Antonio and Roger's job is going well. Relatively easy when he only has to worry about one project and not several! The annual aerial refueling conference is being held at the Grand Hyatt down on the Riverwalk this week. All the Ireland crowd are here and it is always fun to see them.
I've been busy with townhouse business and income taxes. I met with two of the physicians I worked with previously and will probably do some work for them while we are here so I'm not really worried about being bored.
The best part is being near Megan & Carlos again. We missed them all winter. We spent a relaxed Easter Sunday with them "catching up" and they plan to come spend time with us during Fiesta.
Megan graduates from Texas State with her degree in Interior Design on May 10th. The School of Family & Consumer Sciences had an awards ceremony this afternoon. Megan and her friend Courtney received special recognition for a project they did at the Annual Undergraduate Research Conference this year. We are so proud of her! Yolanda and I drove to San Marcos and met her for lunch and then went to the ceremony. It was a lovely afternoon.
I've been busy with townhouse business and income taxes. I met with two of the physicians I worked with previously and will probably do some work for them while we are here so I'm not really worried about being bored.
The best part is being near Megan & Carlos again. We missed them all winter. We spent a relaxed Easter Sunday with them "catching up" and they plan to come spend time with us during Fiesta.
Megan graduates from Texas State with her degree in Interior Design on May 10th. The School of Family & Consumer Sciences had an awards ceremony this afternoon. Megan and her friend Courtney received special recognition for a project they did at the Annual Undergraduate Research Conference this year. We are so proud of her! Yolanda and I drove to San Marcos and met her for lunch and then went to the ceremony. It was a lovely afternoon.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Ketchup Caper
My life would be so boring without Roger and his escapades!
This one started when we went to Gainesville, FL to buy a new car. Yup, we found a 2010 Buick, Enclave, mocha with a beige interior and only 11,000 miles. We will need two cars when Roger goes back to work so we decided to get it and drive it back to San Antonio. It has made for a different journey with me following the motorhome in the second car - Roger missing his "flight attendant" and me missing my bathroom!! It drives like a dream and I love it!
Back to the story........We had an appointment to test drive the car at 9:30am on Monday morning. When we arrived (after an hour and a half drive from Clermont) they informed us that they had discovered a scratch on the door and it was in the paint shop -it would be ready to see around 2pm!! After much discussion they finally said we could see it around 11:30am but it wouldn't be "detailed." So, we went to Walmart and picked up a few items we needed and then went to Chick Filet for an early lunch. After eating, Roger went to the bathroom. He was in there quite a while and when he came out he handed me a bunch of wadded up paper towels, turned around so I could see his butt and said "I had a little accident, wipe my pants off!!!" I was totally grossed out and couldn't believe what he was asking me to do in the middle of a restaurant! Then he says "it's ketchup" and I say "it doesn't look like ketchup!"
He sat on the toilet and when he pulled up his pants his hand got all wet and red - there was red all over the toilet, in the toilet bowl, on the floor and on his pants. He thought he was bleeding! But, then he smelled ketchup! He originally thought he had put a packet in his pocket and it had popped open but he finally figured out that "some little sh_ttin' Bart Simpson (his words not mine!) had put an open packet of ketchup under each side of the toilet seat - so that when he sat down it squirted all over him! Well.........I'm sure I would not have seen the humor in it if it had happened to me but, since it was Roger........I could not stop laughing!!!! He said "I'll just pull out my shirt tail and it will cover it" - not hardly! Back to Walmart for new shorts!
Never a dull happy hour with Roger around!
This one started when we went to Gainesville, FL to buy a new car. Yup, we found a 2010 Buick, Enclave, mocha with a beige interior and only 11,000 miles. We will need two cars when Roger goes back to work so we decided to get it and drive it back to San Antonio. It has made for a different journey with me following the motorhome in the second car - Roger missing his "flight attendant" and me missing my bathroom!! It drives like a dream and I love it!
Back to the story........We had an appointment to test drive the car at 9:30am on Monday morning. When we arrived (after an hour and a half drive from Clermont) they informed us that they had discovered a scratch on the door and it was in the paint shop -it would be ready to see around 2pm!! After much discussion they finally said we could see it around 11:30am but it wouldn't be "detailed." So, we went to Walmart and picked up a few items we needed and then went to Chick Filet for an early lunch. After eating, Roger went to the bathroom. He was in there quite a while and when he came out he handed me a bunch of wadded up paper towels, turned around so I could see his butt and said "I had a little accident, wipe my pants off!!!" I was totally grossed out and couldn't believe what he was asking me to do in the middle of a restaurant! Then he says "it's ketchup" and I say "it doesn't look like ketchup!"
He sat on the toilet and when he pulled up his pants his hand got all wet and red - there was red all over the toilet, in the toilet bowl, on the floor and on his pants. He thought he was bleeding! But, then he smelled ketchup! He originally thought he had put a packet in his pocket and it had popped open but he finally figured out that "some little sh_ttin' Bart Simpson (his words not mine!) had put an open packet of ketchup under each side of the toilet seat - so that when he sat down it squirted all over him! Well.........I'm sure I would not have seen the humor in it if it had happened to me but, since it was Roger........I could not stop laughing!!!! He said "I'll just pull out my shirt tail and it will cover it" - not hardly! Back to Walmart for new shorts!
Never a dull happy hour with Roger around!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Antique Wooden Boat Show
Roger found a new travel companion at the Antique Wooden Boat Show in Tavares on Saturday! A pretty day to be out and about. We went to see the Hunger Games with Kay and Dale this afternoon. Kay and I both "devoured" all 3 books and loved the movie. The guys have not read the books so they liked it less.
We are beginning to pack things up and getting ready to leave for Texas on Wednesday. I've "nested" here for the past three months!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hawaiian Luau
The last big event at the park, before everyone leaves to return home, was the Hawaiian Luau. They hired a guy from Lakeland that brings in his roaster and a whole pig and cooks it all night and all day. A real feast with pulled pork and all the trimmings. They had 5 guys wearing hula skirts, coconut bras and wigs do a skit and then act as waitresses! Roger originally "got volunteered" but then was in San Antonio the week before and not available to practice. When he heard what they planned to do he was glad he "dodged the bullet." A dance after dinner finished the fun evening!
Things are winding down as couples start to leave the park - it will soon be a ghost town with only the 12 people that live here year round!
Monday, March 12, 2012
George's Birthday
The "gang" celebrated George's 66th birthday yesterday. We were all going golfing and then have dinner but the weather did not cooperate - it rained all day. So we grilled burgers and watched the Michigan State basketball game later in the day. We need to celebrate all the non-March birthdays before we leave. As if we need a reason to drink and eat!!!
His gift - golf ball holder - says "It takes balls to golf - Senior Edition!"
His gift - golf ball holder - says "It takes balls to golf - Senior Edition!"
Tiger's Spring Training
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Happy Birthday to Me!
Thank you to everyone for making my birthday (notice I do not mention my age!) so special. Judy and Marilou are vacationing in Florida and joined the gang for our dinner celebration.Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tooth Fairy
Samantha pulled out her first tooth this week and got 10 ringgits for it from the tooth fairy. She explained that Claire, her best friend, explained you get more for the first one! Emily got 1 ringgit for "getting dressed all by myself - but, sister helped me brush my teeth!"
Friday, March 2, 2012
Golfing Hazard
Recognize this sexy leg? Dale, Jay, George and Roger played golf at Mission Hills yesterday while us girls went shopping. George emailed this picture to Sue and said "you'll have to hear the whole story at happy hour!" Well....on the second hole Roger thought his ball went over the green into this muddy ditch - actually it was in the sand trap! God forbid he should take a penalty shot or loose a ball so he stepped into a little water and grass and sunk down to his knee in what he later described as "alligator poop!" He was using 2 clubs trying to pry himself out, without leaving his shoe behind, when George came to his rescue and pulled him out!!! George lost concentration because he was laughing so hard for the next few holes and Roger's golf karma was totally lost by the time he cleaned mud off his leg, shoe and clubs! He "squished" around the remaining 16 holes and owed them all money by the time they were done! Roger felt they should have paid him for the entertainment!
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