Moms Meanderings

The birthday girl turns SEVEN

2012-02-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

We went to Benihana in Bethesda for Sophie's birthday this week. Everyone had a BALL.. including Damien who was fascinated buy the NINJA CHEF we had cooking our dinner! Hopefully he didn't go home and try to do the tricks himself!!

It's February!

2012-02-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

Happy February everyone!

Sophie's Birthday is on the 8th... she will be SEVEN years old!

I am still as cute as a button.. and am growing like a weed!

(Anika at 21 months)

Jen and Donn "Citizen of the Year"

2012-01-19T08:58:00.000-05:00

Wow! Take a look at this!

Jen and Donn were invited to the Ruritan National Association (in the Atlantic, VA area) last night for dinner. (They called Jen and asked her to bring Donn, saying they had a surprise for HIM). They were BOTH presented with the plaque naming them Citizen of the Year for 2011!! This is absolutely wonderful.. and apparently quite a surprise to both of them!!!

The Raritans are a national organization based on local community service. Guess these two kids must have really impressed them!!! A mother couldn't be more proud.. oh, that's right.. I AM their mother :-)

A Home Made kind of Christmas

2011-12-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

So many home made gifts this year! Damien helped paint a "welcome" sign for Jen and Donn, but INSISTED he paint "Thank You" instead of welcome!!!

Nanna crocheted sweater capes and fuzzy scarves for the two girls, but could never get the two of them in the same place to get their pictures together!

Blankets galore! trish gave everyone their own blankets.. with a special theme for each person. Nanna made Damien a "crayon" yarn blanket.. and Sophie got a large bunch of fleece so she and Mama can create this week... they all have off!

Sophie painted a decoy just for Uncle Donn.. it has special colors that will make the other ducks want to fly down and see just what this new duck is!! Well thought out, I must say!

And, Sophie made aprons for ALL the attendees... one fabrc for the girls, one for the boys, and a special one for Anika. She worked very hard! And, then, Damien covered pillows for his Mom and Dad and made a very long scarf for Sophia.. thank goodness for Nanna's Elna sewing machine!!!

Merry Christmas to you all, everyone!

Shhhh... Santa's Workshop!

2011-12-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

Family get togethers

2011-11-25T13:28:00.001-05:00

Dinner was lovely at Alex's house.. including the entertainment! JR sent these goat horns out for Christmas last year, and somehow they magically appeared at the dinner table! The food was fantastic.. Alex and Koko slaved away while we got to play with grandkids the night before. The freshly smoked turkey was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! Do it again, son! GREAT Idea!

Anika took a nap in my lap while the rest of the folks enjoyed dessert downstairs. Then we gathered in the living room for some Sophie and Damien entertainment.. Little Bunny Foo Foo and some other childrens ditties, including an addition rap song by little Miss Sophia!!

Cousins!

2011-11-17T14:42:00.000-05:00

Jen was out in Portland at a meeting, and look who she found!!! Cousin Christian and his wife Arin! I guess they got together two nights, and Jen sent me this picture. Will hear more when she arrives home!

Next week... can you BELIEVE it is Thanksgiving already?? Wow.. time is flying!

HallowEEN!!

2011-11-10T15:08:00.000-05:00

Vampire, Tigger and Pakistani Princess headed out for CANDY!!

Getting ready to go out Trick or Treating.. Tigger is already having a BALL!

Mama is the make-up director... vampire gets GREEN, Sophie gets real make-up!

Sunday at Nannas

2011-10-31T07:47:00.000-04:00

What a great day! Koko and the kids came to play and we had great fun! Once it warmed up past freezing, we went outside. The tree got climbed, Koko and Damien cleaned the Kia (mostly Damien, he LOVED the car vac!) and Koko helped me dig up the sweet potato which I planted in a tree stump last Spring! THREE sweet potatoes later.. wow.. that plant was sure happy this summer!

Tommy Allan strikes again

2011-10-29T13:52:00.000-04:00

This is "Tommy Allan." The REAL Tommy Allan, a relative from my Dad's (Irish) side of the family, lived here in Baltimore after she crossed the ocean in her youth. As she got older, she ended up in a nursing home and JR would frequently accompany me when I visited her. One day he ceremoniously planted one stalk of a snake plant into a plastic drinking cup, and we took it to her. From that day on, it was his job to water and tend it every time we visited.

The plant grew, grateful for its weekly attention. It grew so much that one day, when we arrived, the cup had split wide open from the force of the roots. That was, perhaps, 25 years ago. Tommy Allan is no longer with us, but the plant lives on. JR took it to Lousiana with him, where it flourished despite sometimes questionable attention. About 8 or 10 years ago, I pulled a stalk and brought it home with me so I could have some "Tommy Allan".

This is Tommy Allan today! Due to the fact that we are currently experiencing SNOW on the 29th of October, 2011, Tommy had to come inside yesterday, along with the Jade. When we took her out of her front porch container... we discovered she has busted throught once more.. only this time it is a sturdy 12" diameter heavy plastic pot!!! She now stands about 4 1/2 feet tall as well!

So, on this snowy day, we are off to buy a larger, more STURDY pot.. and then have to figure where to PUT her for the winter!!! Both she and the jade have outgrown their last winter's spot.. and in my tiny house, finding them a home is NOT going to be an easy task!!!

MD Renaissance Festival 2011

2011-10-27T15:40:00.000-04:00

Two young wenches... also Mother and Daughter.. listening to the music.

Jen at the Jousting Ring.. watching Donn in the Tug of War

Orange Ice in an Orange.. Perfect for Sophie and Damien

Magician Ashton enjoying his first Ren Fest...

Jen and Donn all tied up!

2011-10-08T08:40:00.001-04:00

Jen and Donn are taking Becca, Max, and Ashton to Disney World for Thanksgiving (in 46 days according to Donn who is sitting right next to me). I got Jen and Becca luggage straps "Love Much, Travel Often" form the Breast Cancer Site. Donn was NOT sure what it was.. so he and Jen are trying it out as a 2 person belt! (Imissed the shot of Donn wearing it as a belt.. he got it off to quickly when the camera came out).

Jen also has her Orange Pangolin cowboy boots on, which makes her taller than ALL of us!!! Thanks, JR.. now I KNOW what an Orange Pangolin is. Turns out the boots were made BEFORE they became edangered species, so I guess she won't be arrested!

Happy Long weekend, everyone!

That's IT, I'm going to Nanna's!

2011-09-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

I love the shirt! The kids came up the other night as Koko was traveling with work and Damien got croup. So, he got to have a sleepover after a mac n cheese dinner for all, and then, of course, hot tub for all! It turns out the hot tub was JUST what Damien's croupy cough needed.. he was MUCH better when he got out, and slept the whole night through with very little coughing.

Both Sophie and Damien have learned to climb my flowering cherry tree (unassisted) now that their dad cut all the dead wood out last spring. I think I liked it better when they couldn't get in it for frear of the branch breaking off!

Damien had a great time on his sleep over.. the big barrel of matchbox cars from his dad and uncle's youth is always the first toy to come out.. and a very long train was made, and proceeded to travel across my living room and dining room floor!

Catonsville Street Fair

2011-09-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Lots to do today! The kids and I went to the Catonsville Street Fair.. all KINDS of things to buy for ourselves AND the little ones! We got there early, with a nice cloud cover which was a good thing. When the sun popped out it got REALLY HOT!!!

Anika got to ride on in her backpack seat, first with Daddy, then with Mama. She is growing so fast! The new heavy duty water weighted balls on buncy strings were a huge hit with ALL the kids...

Sophie managed to find EVERY doll clothes stand,as well as most of the jewlery stands.. and THEN found the face painting booth. She didn't miss a thing! A great time was had by all..
and now....

GO RAVENS!!!!

Trisha's visit

2011-09-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

Thursday a visit to the Gupman's in Silver Spring. Sophie got to be a "walker" (we picked her up from school) and then we hit the store! Then Damien & Anika pickup and home to play with the new toys. I HIGHLY recomment the Barbie Cash Register.. lots of learning tools, but make sure it is not staying in YOUR house.. the barcode scanner is a riot.. and LOUD (very annoying after an hour or so)!

Daddy and Mommy came home and we all went out on the deck (with the misquitos... luckily they have lots of bug spray!).. Then Damien took the camera, and even got a picture of Mama and Auntie Trisha!

Trish asked WHAT the earplugs were doing in the water glass.

Hummm... any idea?

Turns out I had earplugs to TRY to block out all ther generator noise the night before, and must have taken them out in my sleep. They must have landed in the water I had beside the bed when I put them down. Good thing I didn't swallow them! Ewwwwwwww!!!

TONIGHT?? WE GOT ELECTRICITY TODAY!!!!! YEAH!!!

The generators drone on...

2011-09-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

Goodnight Irene....

I say it every night, although with the drone of now

upwards of ten generators in our neighborhood,

I doubt she even hears :-(

The tangled web of heavy duty electrical cables may never be straightened out. Neighbors randomly dropped cables by when they learned our next door neighbors had flooded and we were the ones with the generator. If you are missing a cable, the ones we can't identify, and no longer need, will be hanging on our front porch rail.

New grill.. yes.. but it is getting old very quickly!

Please, BG&E, make today be the day?

Five days is long enough to go without power,

don't you think?

Lots of Sunday helpers!

2011-08-21T11:05:00.000-04:00

We had a bit of a water emergency in the basement yesterday, so Alex and kids came up to help us this morning. Katie was here, so brought us donuts... a BIG hit, for ALL the kids!

Damien is an expert in eating ALL the chocolate off the TOP of his donut (and would have been more than happy to take a second one and do the same thing if allowed).

Sophie had already finished her first before I got the camera out... this is #2, which disappeared just as quickly!

Unbeknownst to me, Anika left half of hers in her "monkey seat" when we took her out. No problem... this is what I found a little awhile ago... Denali in donut heaven! She climbed IN the baby seat and took it out!!!!

Camp Olympia

2011-08-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Horse Show Day at Sophie and Damien's Summer Camp! Bob and I went and got to see Sophie's new equestrian skills. They were practicing standing up on the stirrups and posting.. with great success. We caught a glimpse of Damien finishing his lunch, but by the time we came by his area again, they were napping, and I was afraid to take a picture and have him see me! He got a GREAT nap in, on a cot, under a great shade tree while the counselor read stories to those still awake. I love the camp... what a great experience!!

Sunday, Sunday

2011-08-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

The kids went berry and peach picking and then stopped by to share their goodies yesterday. Katie joined us bringing cherries and raspberries, which mixed well with the Chipmunk Balls Nanna had (cheese balls). Within minutes the sprinkler was out, and then a game of 95 degree soccer followed. When is this heat going to break? Damien and Sophie go to a new summer camp starting today.. can't wait to hear how it goes!

Hot July day in the Severn!

2011-07-31T10:26:00.002-04:00

There is NOTHING more frustrating than being at Todd and Donna's and NOT being able to get in the water! I will be so happy to get rid of this PICC line in three weeks so I can go swimming AND get in my HOT TUB!!! My whole July is one long blurr, but it ended in a great Saturday at the Yacht Club corn roast, joined by the kids! A fun day was had by all!

Growing so fast!

2011-07-25T09:46:00.000-04:00

Koko and the kids came to visit Friday night since Daddy was still away in Kosovo (He's back)! We had a great sleepover, too... Nanna's favorite! Little Anika is such a hoot! "MaMa! MaMA!" Clearly spoken, AND clearly with intent! Damien is all grown up an in big boy pants.. Mater ones ... I was jealous.

Miss Sophie is well versed in the art of I-phones.. Koko has had to install a password on it to save wear and tear on the phone! Sophie is pretty good at figuring the passwords out.. It's amazing how comfortable she is with the thing!

Palikea flats, Maui

2011-07-14T11:43:00.000-04:00

Not sure how one gets up there (4 wheeler?), but it sure is beautiful! This is where JR surprised Anne with a ring on July 4th, 2011. Congrats, kids! Steve and Faith got engaged the month before... Happiness is a Happy Family!!

Vacation

2011-06-30T14:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I know they are on vacation because I just got these two cell phone pictures! Hatteras sure sounds good right about now.. Jen and Donn just got there. Maybe next year I will try to join them! Damien's picture is on a ferry somewhere, and Sophie.. look at her! She looks 12 years old!!!!

Summer fun!

2011-06-28T07:23:00.002-04:00

Guess who is a first grader now?

2011-06-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

School ended yesterday.. Sophie officially graduated from Kindergarten and is now a real first grader (altho she is quick to point out that school doesn't start untill the Fall)!

I am learning all about atrial fibrillation, as have had several bouts over the past few weeks. Heart checks out great as far as no blockages and muscle strength, but the electricity is all messed up. Mediciation seems to be the key.. as in finding the right ones with the right doses. Scary stuff.. need it to calm down and go back to normal!

Looking forward to a quiet weekend..

It's a tough life, but SOMEBODY has to do it!!

2011-05-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

Steven arrived with their dad's center console boat destined for Jen and Donn's able care. He and I drove to Atlantic Saturday afternoon, with it in tow, and Donn greeted us with half a bushel of.. you know it... BLUE CRABS! Dinner was crabs, clams and beer... I know.. rough life!

The above is Jen covering her ears when the crabs were put in the pot... NOT her favorite part of the whole dinner process..

Big sister, little Brother? Waiting for the crabs...

Early start on a long weekend!

2011-05-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

My sister, Tigger, arrived Monday and we took off for a few days R & R in Chincoteague/ Assateague/ Atlantic, VA. We played on the beach, took pictures of the ponies, swam, and on Thursday gave several pints of blood to the newly hatched mosquito cloud which greeted us when we sat down for breakfast on the terrace (and had NOT been there the previous day!). Even the ponies were bothered by the insatiable bugs!!! (We were advised that the plane will be by that evening to spray and make them disappear for the weekend!)

Jen and Donn treated us to a great dinner of Soft Shell Crabs and Drum Fish, Salad and Strawberry Shortcake! It was yummy.. and, as always, WAY too much food! Much to my surprise, Tig helped set the table with placemats we used to use when I was young... like REAL young.. when we ate outside! Now, I'm not countin or anything.. but if I was ten when we ate on them, which I was, and probably younger.. those things are 50 years old.. and other than the fringes being a bit ragged... they are in great shape! WOW! I had totally forgotten about them!

A busy week!

2011-05-14T08:28:00.000-04:00

It was a busy week, but it obviously ends well! Cousin Chrissie just graduated from Kutztown (said properly with a PA Dutch accent) with a degree in Library Sciences. She was in the house maybe ten minutes last night when Damien presented her with a gi-normous Curious George anthology.. and off they went. Anika was shy at first, but a few minutes of sitting on my lap, listening from afar was just TOO much! Off she slid and carefully wriggled hersefl smack dab in the center of things!!! (I love Chrissie's new hair color, too! It is perfect for her! When she walked in, she was her mother's twin... no question where she came from!)

Sophie had a busy week as well! Her kindergarten had off Thursday and Friday, giving them a four day weekend, JUST when Koko was traveling! We are packing up some files for permanent storage at our offices... so the Little Miss got put to work. Not only did she write consecutive numbers on all the boxes and lids, AND matched them, she properly instructed her Nanna and Miss Carlette in the nature of 2's. Apparently we make them incorrectly!!! Carlette tried to argue we were TAUGHT that way, way back then, but Sophia was having none of that!! She also got some uninterrupted time on PBSKIDS, which, with two sibs, is something of a miracle!! (I LOVE that site, by the way!)

Seafood and Ponies

2011-05-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

The Seafod Festival in Chincoteague was wonderful! Sunday Jen and I had to take a run over to Assateague, JUST in case we could keep our record of something new every time .... and look! Mama pony brought her little foal for a Mother's Day photo shoot! We were so lucky!

Denali.. in the doghouse

2011-05-06T08:39:00.001-04:00

Yes, I LOVE Denali, no denying that. But last night she did not return home as she usually does. Every hour I got up, went out and called her (I am sure my neighbors love me). This morning I cased the house 360 degrees, inside and out. Then I checked my car inside and out (she loves cars) since I cleaned it out last night when I brought it back from some work being done by Ford service. Even checked the trunk. I drove the neighborhood, doing my Denali whistle. She has asthma.. so I was worried she had either been hit by a car, or was under some bush dying of an asthma attack.

Finally, I had to come to work. A short while ago, Bob called. She is fine. Must have jumped in HIS car when he got home from taking me to pick up my car! I walked right BY his car this morning, and never heard or saw her... CATS!!!! But, I am glad she is home, safe.. and is now sequestered for the weekend since we are going to the seafood festival in Chincoteague!!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T15:26:00.000-04:00

Easter was so much fun! We went to Alex's and were joined by a bunch of other people for Easter Dinner. The weather could not have been nicer.. so all festivities were held outside.

Iliriana joined us from Pristina. She knew Koko at Fletcher - as did Jonah.. and their paths keep crossing. I am quite impressed with the depth of their maintained acquaintences from Fletcher! It is a VERY small world! Iliriiana learned Alex brought Sophie a princess costume from Kosovo, so she went up and helped Sophie get in it. She even gave Sophie a Princess name.. Zana.

Olivia was there with Jonah and the baby. Olivia loved the little car too.. and Damien did what Damien does.. climbed up and hitched a ride, MUCH to her dismay!

The long wait..

2011-04-22T15:11:00.000-04:00

Easter Egg Dying is fun.. but the first batch took FOREVER as Nanna wasn't quite sure what colors were in which container! We waited and waited and waited to see the colors develop.. the tension was pretty visible! After that batch, it was all hands in the mix.. and 3 dozen eggs met their match with the artists of the day!

After egg dying and lunch, we all piled into the cars and went to Mr John's house to see his animal collection. The kids were thrilled but Ashton and Damien crashed on the way home. Sophie is lookin all bright eyed and bushytailed here, but we packed the car and headed off for home immediately after this, and she went out like a light! ....

Mystery trip day 1

2011-04-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sophie figured out our destination when we crossed the Bay Bridge.. she asked "are we going to Chincoteague??" pronoucning it like only a local can!!!

We got to Jen's and played out in the yard for hours. Between the bunny, the trailer that was a perfect platform for all kinds of kids antics, the lawn mower and the motorcycle (once Donn got home) the kids were plenty entertained!! Bob and I sat outside and watched the AWACS plane doing touch and go's at Wallops.

We had dinner in Chincoteague, and then, of COURSE, a stop at the firehouse where the kids delighted in climbing in and on the fire equipment. A great day was had by all.. hopefully some sand play tomorrow!!

Easter Bunny, Water Cannons and a warm up in Nanna's bed!

2011-04-16T19:03:00.000-04:00

Today Atlantic Fire House had Beakfast with the Easter Bunny. Rumor has it I should recognize the eyes, but, hey.. a bunny is a bunny is a bunny! Actually.. turns out it is Jen!!

Despite dispicable weather, Alex and I took Sophie and Damien out on Fearless .. the local Pirate boat. The kids were cold, soaked through... and had a FANTASTIC time for Privateers Day in Fells Point. Thanks to the Captain and crew.. and to Mom for having a nice warm van when we got back!

After a lunch at Ding How and a warm up in the hot tub, the three munchkins climbed in Nanna's bed to watch the Chipmunk movie and snuggle under the electric blanket. No one fell asleep!

Grandkids come to play WITH parents!

2011-04-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

So much fun to have everyone here! Anika is standing, and is all ready for Baseball!!

Sophie's hair is SO long.. here she is at the tire park in Patapsco Park.

Damien arrived with face paint.. and spent the WHOLE day outside! He is all BOY!!

Alex is looking quite dapper despite the fact his is at the tire park with Koko and kids!

I did not witness this myself, but this was on my camera which Alex borrowed when they went to the park. Certainly it LOOKS like Koko!!! Wow.. I am impressed! Both you and Alex are really looking SUPER... whatever you are doing, keep it up!

Eagle Cam is better than National Geographic!

2011-03-28T07:40:00.000-04:00

I am totally hooked on the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Eagle Cam..
http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html
(or click on the "Eagle Cam" title..)

There are three eaglets, and Mom or Dad is there with them, feeding them almost every hour. On the side of the page is a running Q n A session run by naturalists.. so many questions are sent in and answered, it is a veritable course on Eagles, and totally fascinating!

http://wildponytales.info/archives/1638
This is a link to the eagle info on Assateague Island near Jen and Donn's. The high winds knocked the nest down (71 knot winds) and took the three eggs with it. The eagle pair are rebuilding the nest, and there is hope they will have another set of eggs. (Assateague's cam is not online, you have to go to the nature center to watch it!)

It's cold, but Spring Promises to be around the corner

2011-03-27T13:35:00.007-04:00

Jen and Donn had snow this morning, but somehow it missed us. I brought some of my daffodils in, just in case it got too cold for them last night. I think these are my favorite flower.. it means Spring, and all that it promises, is on the way!!

Day three.. still sick

2011-03-23T15:31:00.000-04:00

You know someone is not feeling well when they don't even finish their mac n cheese!!!! Poor Sophie.. this has really hit her hard. We have strung beads, and read a few chapters of "Little House in the Big Woods".. and slept! I'll beback tomorrow.. Luckily it is a quiet week at work!

Stomach bug hits the kids

2011-03-22T14:38:00.000-04:00

So far Koko, Alex and Damien have had the current dreaded disease going around. Yesterday the school called, now it is Sophie's turn. Alex just sent me this picture. Sophie has been asleep most of the day, so he decided a lirttle bit of fresh air might pep her up a little bit.. and she is sound asleep, as snug as a bug in the rug. Can't say that I blame her.. she looks awfully comfy! Wish I could join her!! Feel better soon, Sophie!

Little Miss Anika, 10 months old

2011-03-09T14:18:00.000-05:00

Just a cute pic of my youngest grandchild on what is turning into a very rainy day in Baltimore. April rains may bring May flowers, but so far March winds have brought Jen and Donn the neighbors roof, and the March rain is causing flooding everywhere. Enuff Mother Nature! We can't STAND all this excitement! At least my crocuses are peeking up thru the grass!

Back from Atlanta

2011-03-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

We had a super time in Atlanta.. The two chocolate labs were happy for the attention, althought these both seem to be pictures of Archi (that's his couch). All we did was relax, play tourist (they have an incredible aquarium!) and EAT! I have never seen so many GOOD restaurants in such a small area! Now, back to reality.. and dirty laundry! Thanks, guys, for putting up with us!

Home intruder???

2011-03-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

Bob and I ran to the store after work last night, and when we returned this stuffed animal was lying smack dab in the middle of our living room. This is an animal I do not own.. and do not remember ever seeing before. We were spooked. Several options presented themselves: One: Anika and sibs had been for a visit and she left it here, or Two: Maybe we accidentally left the door open and MJ from next door came by to get a pretzel from Mr. Bob (altho unlikely he would be carrying a stuffed animal!). There was a distant third.. Denali dug it up somewhere and brought it to the living room (she is number one in toy redistribution in the house, including lacrosse balls..) but as the toy was unfamiliar.. I was pretty sure this wasn't an option.

So, first a text to Alex who denied any home intrusion by his family. Second, send this photo out to my kids, more as a curiosity, with a text explanation following. Received the following text back from Jen "LOL This is Duncan's toy, we forgot it" (when they were up a few weeks ago). Mystery solved.. the toy was in the downstairs bedroom and Denali brought it upstairs to play with while we were gone! I swear.. I have NEVER had a retriever cat before, in my LIFE!

Tonight, we will be going to play with the grandkids while Alex and Koko get a nice birthday dinner out! Sophie called today on her way to school. "Nanna am I a walker or a rider?" It was a serious question, but I was totally in the dark.. need to get WITH it! The question translates as "Are you picking me up after school (walker) or at the after school daycare (bus rider)." Today you will be a rider.. but NEXT time (now that I know about this option) I will leave early so you can be a walker!!!

Spring must be near..

2011-02-27T15:37:00.000-05:00

We were greeted by a bluebird this morning at Jen's. And, the tree is budding... Spring can't be too far away! He and his mate teased me until I got the camera out.. then she flew away.. she must be camera shy. What a lovely getaway! Thanks Jen and Donn :) Every trip we see something new.. this is the first bluebird I have seen in YEARS! Jen also saw my favorite kingfisher at Assateague, but I missed him, and he is ALWAYS too quick for the camera! We know where he lives... We'll be BACK!

Grader Shed pays Donn and Jen a visit

2011-02-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

The wind on Friday made the ride to Jen's a bit bouncy, but what we found when we got there was an even bigger surprise. They were so lucky the roof from the grader shed from next door MISSED their house by about 40 feet, it is the same size as their house... and would definitely have done some damage! Those are the power lines that ripped out. Luckily BOTH ends ripped out... you can see how close to the house all of this is!

Sleepover at Nanna's

2011-02-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Nothing like an impromptu sleepover at Nanna's house!! Damien and Sophie opted to spend the night after stopping by. First we tasted the new Pizza Hut dipper pizza.. one was PLENTY for all 7 of us (I ordered two not knowing). Next, a "swim" in the hot tub. Then the duo brushing teeth.. too cute!

Mamma, Daddy and Anika got to go home last night, but Anika will play with Nanna while the rest of family goes to the Aquarium with friends today.

Sophie's Birthday Party

2011-02-13T20:19:00.001-05:00

What a fun birthday at the kids gym in Olney! Sophie and 12 of her friends got to play in the gym, and then have pizza and ice cream.

First all her friends got to give her high 5's and tell why they like Sophie. One young man even said he loved her, to which she replied "you really mean you LIKE me"! Well done Sophia!

Carolyne and Anika probably got more attention than the older kids... they are the bestest of friends, and had a grand time on the play mats!

So am I the last person in the world to learn about Zhu Zhu pets? Good grief!! What a racket! The kids love 'em, they don't require feeding (except batteries), and the price is right (except all the accessories.. they are NOT wanting)!!!

Anika got lots of Grandpa Rick time.. and loved riding on his shoulders while she chewed on pizza crusts too.. betting Rick needed to wash his hair/head when he got home!! She was having a GRAND time up there!!!

Sunday Breakfast Bunch!

2011-02-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Ashton and Sophia have the right idea! Pancakes with fruit!

Count how many Damien has stacked up on his fork! He was hungry!

Nanna gave Sophie her Birthday gifts a couple of days early... I think she likes it!

Saturday night the Chincoteague contingency checked out the hot tub.

Ashton gave it a thumbs up!!!

You have to understand my concern...

2011-02-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

A VERY large box arrived today, with son Rick as the sender.. and the cat will NOT leave it alone.. we CAN'T get her off of it... this does NOT bode well taking past history into consideration.

Bob gingerly opens the box for me and Denali's interest grows. This is not good.. not a good thing at all. Strange animals and animal skins have traveled this way from the same origin.. we pursue very carefully, the cat attentive to our every move!

Tobasco sauce??? We LOVE it.. but what the heck has her so interested?? The house is covered in Dinasour food (our family term for styrafoam chips.. Thornton thrived on them yeas ago in Ricky's childhood).. and in paper chips... The cat is still fascinated..

JR it was great to talk to you, especially to confirm there was nothing UNDER all those paper chips.. the cat is STILL checking it all out.. and our curiosity remains! And, thank YOU for such a nice, surprise gift!

Mother Nature gives us a day off!

2011-01-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

About 12 inches of snow, glad the birdfeeders are full!

This is as far as Denali went, then did an about turn and ran into the house!

Those are deer tracks.. one must have come thru but didn't stop at the bird feeder this time.

Think MAUI!

2011-01-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

Just think! For a mere $980 per person, and a little bit of a bumpy ride on the Hana Highway from Hell, you could be swimming in the Pacific this weekend!! Oh, how I WISH! I'd go back in a heartbeat if I had the $$$!

Their worlds..

2011-01-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

Chris Heurich dabbled with this photograph he took of Sophia... and immediately I knew I wanted it. Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World (pic courtesy of MOMA) has always been one of my favorite paintings... now I have my very own "Sophia's World."

Let's go RAVENS....

2011-01-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

Our RAVENS light out front... pretty cool when you are driving down the street! Purple lights are impossible to find... so.. One blue energy saver light and one red plastic iced tea glass.. and purple RAVENS color... voila!

Well.. if it is going to snow.. let it be!

2011-01-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

But just remember I have a Board meeting tomorrow and this could REALLY screw things up for me! We don't even have a view outside in our conference rooms.. I have visions of walking out of the meeting at 5 pm to a Baltimore crippled by snow and 16 very unhappy Board Members!!!

Happy Birthday, Bob!

2011-01-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Thank you V-NO and Riptide by the Bay in Fells Point! Bob was joined by about 25 nearest and dearest friends to celebrate surviving 84 years!!! Looks pretty good, eh? He can still drink me under the table... no surprise there... he's a MCMICHAEL!!!!

Happy 2011 to everyone!

2011-01-01T11:12:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to us all! Apparently we all survived 2010, and even JR is happily at home, healing and NOT sitting still! Litle Miss Anika is visiting Nanna while the rest of the family goes snow tubing, which has become a New Years Day tradition for them. It sounds like Jen and Donn brought in the New Year with lots of friends, and I am sure Steve and Faith were together as they both spent Christmas with their respective families! My New Year's Eve was spent soaking in the hot tub, and then a mini nap before waking up to the popping of firecrackers, local and on the TV. (I can always count on our neighborhood unknowns to set off fireworks on almost ANY occasion. Last night was no different!)

All is well, the Parade has begun.. and we are well into the New Year!

Maui seems so far away!

2010-12-30T08:03:00.000-05:00

We got a text from Ricky yesterday "Well, a part of me will always be in Maui - specifically my appendix. It was a quick and dirty procedure but they wouldn't give it back and let me put it in a jar!" Additional texts and phone calls IMMEDIATELY ensued!!! It sounds like they THINK it was his appendix, so they took it out to be sure. Anne (girlfriend) is going to let me know today when the pathology on the appendix comes back.

JR has plenty of company, as a lot of the Park Rangers are nearby at the Haleakala Volcano. His boss gave him the Teddy Bear to keep him company :-) Unfortunately, the hospital is 2 1/2 hours from home, so Anne has a bit of driving going back and forth, especially since they just got a new, 4 month old german shepard (mix) puppy!

Ricky actually drove himself to the emergency room after going to the doctors office in Hana (his side of town).. they only have one ambulance in Hana! No sense wasting it on him - someone might NEED it????? I still don't have all the details, but if all goes well they should allow him to go home soon (ugh, I cannot imagine that long, bumpy drive right after surgery!) Plus, they have Rickys car at the hosp and will haveto have someone drive it back for them. Maui is wonderful, but the simple things aren't always very simple!!

Hugs, JR! I wish I could help... Maui sure seems far away right now!!!

God Bless Us, everyone! And, Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:26:00.000-05:00

Anika too k no time figuring how to open packages.. and the paper tasted just great! Lots of red outfits, lots of toys and lots of neat surprises (such as a motorized motorcycle).. it was kid heaven! The adults did pretty well themselves.

Jen and Donn hit the road after dinner as it looks like that Christmas Nor'Easter just might materialize before morning. Tonight is phone calls to Hawaii, and then to Minnesota.. we'll eventually get in contact with all...

Damien also loved the chain saw.. Duncan is deaf, luckily.. otherwise I doubt he would have sat thru Damien giving him a pretend haircut with the noisy chainsaw!!

Merry Christmas to all... and to all a Good Night!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

There are ways, and there are ways... to get a tree decorated, that is! Our Charlie Brown skinny tree went up with great ease last night, and got decorated in record speed! This, of course, might be due to the fact that I bribed my niece with corned beef and cabbage.. and she arrived to a room full of unpacked tree decorating supplies and the tree in four pieces. I Love the DeSousa girls!!! Thanks for your help, Kate!

Bob and I pretty much sat back - or, more accurately, provided a lot of "back seat" commentary, while Kate explored the Gupman treasury of Christmas Ornaments past and hung them at appropriate heights for future visiting Grandchildren. There are no breakables this year. There are too many little ones with inquisitive hands! But, thanks to the years of collecting, that was not a problem! The tree is full!

I will say the new LED lights I bought are NOT my favorite. The blue is way too intense, and the WHITE ones are absolutely blinding... so much so we have decided to unplug them! Reminder for next year... RESOLVE THIS!!

Nice and Toasty Warm at Nanna's!

2010-12-10T21:07:00.001-05:00

Sophie and Damien brought their parents over this evening for a visit. First they had to complain because I didn't have my TREE up... ahem.. guess I know what I am doing tomorrow! Then.. the truth comes out..

"Nanna, can we go swimming, PLEASE???" So, they all got into their suits and jumped in the hot tub while Bob and I tried to keep Anika out of EVERYTHING in my not yet child proofed house. Guess what ELSE I am doing tomorrow?? She can move SO QUICKLY... you can't take your eye off of her for a second!

Interesting note... hot tub pic is taken with my new digital camera.. pic of Anika was taken with my cell phone!

San Diego! Stairs, Sails and Sea Lions!

2010-12-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

The meetings are long, and somewhat arduous here in San Diego, so I took a few hours off yesterday to do some touristie stuff. There is a LOT of walking involved, so we have had to cab it from A to B a lot more than I would have liked.. even took a bike cab back from the maritime museum yesterday.. poor guy REALLY earned his keep! The weather has behaved, and the temps are in the high 60's, but I will be glad to be home tomorrow even tho I hear it is not quite as warm in Baltimore!

Welcome, Caroline!

2010-11-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Patricia finally was able to bring Caroline home from Africa this week, after a long and arduous two year adoption process. She is exactly Anika's age.

I had so much fun tonight watching the kids interact. Anika has the rug rat motions down pat, but Caroline can sit up forever (Anika cannot). It will be so much fun watcing them grow up together! They already seem to have developed quite a curiosity about each other!!

Thanksgiving Day in Atlantic,VA

2010-11-26T11:32:00.001-05:00

What a SUPER Day! Ashton showed us what a great shot he was.. the poor Halloween pumpkin met its demise thanks to the air rifle and Ashton's great aim. He was so good, Donn got a can out for him to hit.. which he did on the first try - it was an aresol.. so THAT got thrown away after it finished foaming! Next was a nickle on the head of the pumpkin.. which made a "ping" every time he hit it! Finally.. they moved him BACK.. distance conquers all, even the air rifle!!

Becca and Max came over for dinner and to play! Dinner was super (Becca and Max had three or four MORE to go to..!!) Jen cooked the whole thing.. it was delicious.. of course!! I haven't had to cook Thanksgiving Dinner for years.. and am loving it!!

Jen got out the race set I gave Becca and Ashton last year. It took a little bit of set-up but it was a big hit. Even the cat liked it.. so much so that is needing a bit of repair right now!

After all the kids left, it was chill time. Jen and I worked on our crochet projects while Donn listened to a computer video on spicing two different weight fishing lines. So far I haven't eaten any fish but I have heard a lot of fish stories and learned all about birds nests which, up till now, I thought resided in trees. I have also learned how advantageous it has been to have my sewing scissors nearby... birds nests are much more easily cut out than untangled, it seems (especially after a big Thanksgiving Dinner!)

Another beautiful Saturday

2010-11-21T12:33:00.000-05:00

Alex came home yesterday afternoon, so I ran down and played with the kids in the morning while Koko got a few things done inside. What a PERFECT day!! Anika stayed on the porch with me (chasing every leaf on the porch she could find.. even pulling them out of the cracks with her tiny fingers!) while Damien and Sophie played in the yard. Sophie has learned to read, so I took her blank book and wrote a few mini-stories using her sight words. Now I know how the "Dick and Jane" author felt. "See Dick run" turns into - "I am Sophia. I have a cat. My cat is orange."

Of course, we had to put the book back together (it kind of disassembled), and paste her special chipmunk coloring on the front and the back.. so now it is TOTALLY personalized. She even started writing her own story. "Go to the Zoo". Hopefully she will finish it soon! I can't wait to see how it ends!!! Damien enjoyed the day with his tractors and other toys. I was NOT going to ask how the kayak got on the ground. I have a feeling it is not "Daddy" sanctioned!

Daddy arrived late yesterday afternoon (from Kosovo) and I know all were happy to have him home again! Today they are all on a field trip to see Grandpa Rick and Mimi's new house in St. Michaels! It's another beautiful day for a trip!

A beautiful Sunday in Baltimore

2010-11-14T17:27:00.000-05:00

The little ones had a sleepover at Nanna's last night.. while Alex and Koko had a nice dinner out and then a VERY QUIET evening at home before Alex goes on travel for a bit. Katie had come to visit Saturday, so we hijacked her for the night to help out with munchkin duty!!

The weather was delicous for a Sunday in NOVEMBER, so when Anika went down for her nap, Tig and I got in the hot tub with the kids. The sun was shining brightly, so the 60 degree air seemed even warmer.. and a very long time was spent playing!!

After Mom and Daddy arrived from their relaxing night, we all drove to Sparrows Point and had a lovely lunch at Dock on the Bay after checking out Kate's appartment. All in all, a good time was definitely had.. and the kids loved the bouncing tent at the retsaurant! The adults were more than happy to squeeze more more incredibly nice weekend out of this Fall!

Veteran's Day Gathering at Alex's

2010-11-12T07:28:00.002-05:00

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to get together. Auntie Tigger came down from Plymouth, MA, and Jen and Donn came up from Atlantic, VA and we all gathered at Alex's. The back yard was in the shade, but the front of the house was as toasty as could be with the sun heating the bricks. The kids talked Alex into getting out the Dr. Suess bike(s) which is one of the most amazing contraptions I have ever seen. Alex and Donn took the two older kids for a ride (there was room for Anika) while Jen, Tigger and I stayed home and played with Anika! A fun day was had by all except poor Damien who somehow developed a fever (ear infection??) which we discovered after a VERY long, and somewhat suspicious late afternoon nap. Hope you are feeling better today, Damien!!

Tonight Sail Baltimore's Beer, Boats and Ballads! Should be fun!!!

Guy Fawkes sleepover

2010-11-06T12:15:00.000-04:00

I took the first pic with my cell phone. It is about 11pm, and the lights WERE out, but obviously they were not asleep!! Sophie has a little night light doll (for when she misses her mama) and Damien wanted it, so I gave him a little flashlight. Not the best idea for a Nanna hoping the kids would fall asleep!! Finally Damien disassembled the flashlight and it was confiscated, and Sophie went right to sleep. Not Damien.. he was practicing his bonsai skills on the jade plant next to the bed (since removed) untill Nanna caught him about an hour later!

Damien woke Sophie up about 7am, and then she discovered all the "plantings" in the bed!!! We went downstairs after breakfast and played and watched a video till daddy and Anika arrived to pick them up!

Anika got her first tooth yesterday! Hurray.. now only ???? more to come!!! And, she is not quite crawling.. but rolls everywhere to get ANYTHING she wants! Moore pics going up on wesbshots!

Ashton's Halloween Pumpkin

2010-10-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Donn and Ahston carved the pumpkin this morning.. after a consultation with the web for vampire pictures, and a few drawing lessons from Ashton who seems to be well versedin pumpkin carvings!!!

MD Renaissance Festival

2010-10-23T20:07:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful day to go to the Renaissance Festival! Tomorrow is the last day for this year.. we had a GREAT time! Sophie joined in one of the acts, and did a super job pulling the trail of people stuck to the golden goose!

Next, of course was the hair braiding.. a MUST every year with her beautiful hair. Sophie picked out a circular crown braid.. it was beautiful.. SHE was beautiful!

Damien was fascinated with the strength game.. He wanted to make the bell ring the way the big boys did. They let him have several trys with the 5 pound mallet.. it was ONE of the highlights of his day!

Luckily, Cousin Kate joined us.. we did have our hands full! Olivia, a friend of Sophie and Daminen, joined us for the day. We had 5 adults and 4 kids... and it was NOT too many adults! I think we are all exhausted tonight!

Sophie also got a pink unicorn on her face before we left.. she and dad are horsing around, waiting patiently for Nanna's camera to wake up and get the picture!!! We all came back to Catonsville, had Chinese takeout.. (after a lengthy data gathering session by Sophia. We had to tally and graph how many wanted Fried or Steamed dumplings.. her Fried won by a landslide.. I do believe there was a bit of interviewer bias in the survey! Kindegarten sure has changed!!!) Such a nice day! Now.. sleep...

A night with the kids

2010-10-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

Sophie took this picture of Anika last night! What a cutie! I will put more pics up (from last night) on Webshots for those who don't have Facebook.

Damien is great with Anika, he loves picking up her toys for her, and handing them back! He also is beginning to love STICKERS.. and now there are TWO!

And, the young Miss Sophia, of course.. excited over the stickers Katie sent down!

Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race 2010, Over and Out

2010-10-17T09:27:00.002-04:00

Another year, another week of schooner famiy fun! It is always SUPER to be the Baltimore liaison for the WINNER.. (I believe that's a first for the Schooner Liaison team of Anne and Bob).. and even more fub since the Captain is an old (and very young) friend we met on Schooner Pioneer years ago... hum, Jonathan, I am realizing you are not as young as you look!!! At any rate, Summerwind has the win, and Captain Jonathan, Chris and Crew are to be congradulated!

This was my view as I looked out the window at sunrise this morning.. on the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth. Summerwind is headed for the fueling dock, and then back out to the Atlantic for her trip back homme to New York! what a way to say goodbye!

jen and Donn

2010-10-15T01:37:00.000-04:00

Just another day in Paradise

2010-10-10T08:49:00.000-04:00

Jen and Donn came up Saturday for a party, and we have been having so much fun! Alex and family came up to say hi, and to let Anika have a sleepover at Nanna's. They all got in the hot tub (which is not nearly as big as it looks). Jen got up with Anika last night, and then after tons of rolling time and play time with Donn this morning, Anika went in to visit Jen in bed.. and fell sound asleep!

Looking forward to someboat time today.. it is beautiful outside!

Fells Point FUN Festival!

2010-10-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was super! We went to the Fells Point Fun Festival with Alex and kids.. then Alex, Koko, Sophie and Anika left and Damien got to play with Bob and me.

We started with Bob's boat.. at Damien's request, of course. They even found juice packs in the boat fridge!!! Then we did the festival, saw a puppet show, saw somw crazy cars, and Mom and dad left. THEN Damien got this really cool gun.... it is Sunday morning, and it is maybe NOT so cool... we woke up tp the sound of it.. it's VERY loud at 6:08 in the morning! But I have to admit, the lights flashing in it are really cool!!! He and I have been playing with it ever since we got up!!

Rest in Peace

2010-09-25T09:35:00.002-04:00

Picture courtesy of http://www.easternshorefire.com/

A member of Atlantic Fire Company was killed in an early morning fire. More information will be posted at EasternShoreFire.com when available.

Jen (my daughter) and Donn (her husband) are both volunteer firefighters, and officers, of the Atlantic Fire Company. They are also volunteer EMTs with the nearby Ambulance squad. This has been a very bad week for Eastern Shore Firefighters as there was a bad structure fire yesterday and they were unable to save one of the occupants.

Your prayers are requested for all of the firefighters involved. This is going to be a very difficult time for them, and the family of the volunteer who lost his life- and all others who have recently lost loved ones.

Anika's 1st Crab Feast!

2010-09-15T14:29:00.001-04:00

It wasn't quite as warm as Maui (actually I was freezing.. I believe it was in the high 60's) but Saturday we introduced Anika to crabs, FPYC style! Its a good thing we brought a new pack of baby wipes.. otherwise we wouldn't have been able to hold her without getting her covered with Old Bay! Not quite old enough to taste (4 months this week) .. she was happy just to steal all the attention! Thanks, FPYC.. a great time was had by all!

Thanks, Yvette!

2010-09-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

Vette sent me this picture of Richard Pryor sitting in his Hana house. Look familiar?
It is from an article in People Magazine, I think. What surprises me, is he is only 5'10"!! The counters in the kitchen are VERY high.. REALLY high, so I was sure I would learn he was 6'6" or something. Clearly he sis NOT spend a lot of time in the kitchen!

Sooo.. just in case you were a doubting Thomas.. here is the same picture, years later!!!

It's just not the same here in Maryland!

2010-09-13T16:01:00.000-04:00

And I miss Maui VERY much! Bob's asthma and my aches and pains totally disappeared while we were in Maui... and after less than a week back in Baltimore, all have returned.

Beautiful plant life, beautiful ocean... ahhhh... Maui... I am soooo glad we had the opportunity to come by and play for 12 days!

I'll be back!!! I don't know when and I don't know how.. but I'll be back!

Where we have been

2010-09-08T13:28:00.000-04:00

Ok.. lets see if this translates!

Here is the map of Maui. The starfruit is the airport. The big round yellow guava is where Hana is. The noni fruit is JR and Ann'e s park entrance, and the candy corn looking thing is where we hiked into the falls. Right in the middle of th map is a seed pod.. that is the crater at a mere 10,000 feet. Going west from the airport is a macadamia nut and there are two ways to get there.. the nice south road, and the north road which JR took us on! (And by the way, Yvette.. the macadamia is where you were flying out! The nut pod thing in the middle (Indonesian ginger we think) is the crater.

Ok.. here is a blow up of the Highway to Hana.. the one with the 600 hairpin turns and the 60 one way bridges. Bobb figured athe average speed was 22 miles and hour, but I swear we NEVER got going that fast.

The road going to the crater starts near the airport.. and it is 0 to 10,000 feet in an amazing array of switchbacks. It is the fastest raise to 10,000 feet.. I believ in the US.

Of course, to make sure we had the WHOLE experience, JR and Anne took us around the NORTH loop to far west Maui... once we got there, it is a beautiful town, with tons of shops and civilization!! When we LEFT.. we took the south route, which took about 20 minutes to go all the way around to the airport (versus the 2 hour north trip).

...

Breakfast in Hana

2010-09-07T17:22:00.000-04:00

Ricky fixed me breakfast before he went to work this morning... altho he didn't exactly leave instructions with it, so I had to make do! Where coconut is concerned, I can make it work!

Yesterday I had a ball playing with flowers again.. this time at the pool.. Trisha, eat your heart out! There is lots of playting to be had here!

Tomorrow we will be on planes all day long.. arriving home, in Baltimore, Thursday morning at 6:45 am. This is one terrific trip.. the memories are many and well worth the trip! Of course, to get to the airport, it is back on the Hana Highway.. but it will afford the kids an excuse to hit the grocery store, as I believe we have emptied their stores!!

Here's one last picture, of the crater in Haleakala National Park, at sunset. It could be on the moon.. but, it's just at the summit. From Rain Forest to Moon Scape.. in 10,000 easy (??) feet. All on one tiny island in the niddle of the Pacific.

Maiu: Aloha and Mahalo!

Monday, Monday

2010-09-06T13:56:00.000-04:00

Time is flying.. in a relaxed kind of way! We even did a bit of laundry!! (If you are a child or grandchild of mine, you just might see these again).

I remain on my quest to get a good mongoose picture.. they are everywhere untill they see my camera!! Quite the tease. This morning I was sitting in wait and a morning shower came through... they do NOT like rain, so it will be a few hours before they are out and about again. Yesterday after 'hiking" out to the waterfall, we returned home and the mongoose was sitting there, on the lawn, welcoming us. I got one shot, while still in the car, and then he ran right under the car as if to say "catch me if you can." They are sly little fellas!

Yesterday was lovely. Bob and I drove to the park where our favorite Rangers just happened to be standing there together (go figure!) We got last minute directions to the falls JR had been telling us about, and then.. as luck would have it, Ranger Rick just HAPPENED to be going that way, so we got a private guided tour to the Falls, including the trail. I do believe joining us was, perhaps, a safety mission.. better to personally help us across the boulders than to have to come get us and practice his wilderness EMT skills, (but I am sure he would never admit to that)!

After our Ranger escorted us back to the car, Bob and I headed to Lindberg's grave, and then to the park, taking another special Ranger hint about how we could get to the lava rock without climbing beyond our capabilities!!! It is absolutely incredible!!! We sat and watched the ocean crash on the rock for a long time! Oh, but in looking at the photo it reminds me to say one thing.. DO NOT BOTHER getting a perm right before coming to Hawai'i!!! Good grief.. all the sun, salt, chlorine... water.. a good description of my hair right now would be STRAW!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it is Saturday already! Anne and Rick have to work, which is ok with Bob and me.. we still get to play! (We just got out of the pool!)

Anne has a bum ankle, so her favorite EMT was taping it this morning before they both had to go off to the park! JR called just a bit ago, we have been offered the chance to go horse back riding this afternoon. I respectfully declined.. I guess you guys don't know about my fear of horses.. there was never any reason to know before now. (I got thrown when I was maybe 10, and landed head first in a manure pile.. at camp. End of love for riding horses.)

Anne worked at the nursery in the morning, and was tired after our long jaunt the day before. I could not believe that, while I was "busy" swimming in the pool, she ran home and made cup cakes for my birthday!! What a surprise (and a great new use for the loft... hiding freshly made cupcakes!) JR made bananas foster for dessert, to GO with the cupcakes (a few calories were had by all).. and Mom now has an Innuit polar bear puppet which Rick brought home from Alaska.. watch out Sophie and Damien.. this guy is cool!!! (Also a beautiful pair of mother of pearl habiscus earrings!)

JR did as promised, and got me another coconut or two.. so I am now playing with my "birthday bouquets".. the combinations are endless with the flowers available. Off to cut more flowers...

Turning 60 ain't so bad at all!

2010-09-03T15:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.. let me say this is the BESTEST BIRTHDAY since Greece!!! JR doesn't know it yet, but his present to me is to whack a coconut open, and flatten the bottom, so I can cut my own flower arrangement and put them in a coconut!

Of course, no visit to Maui would be complete without a sunrise or sunset picture from the Volcano. This was last evening, before dinner.. I am thinking I am liking my new camera a WHOLE lot!!!

The geckos come out at night.. they were all over. Two even graced our dinner the other night by mating on the sliding door right in front of us! I got a picture, but since we are on the INSIDE, the picture is not fit to print on here! (I can hear Sophie.. Mama, WHAT are they doing!)

We alsao had some visitors right over the deck doors, but JR came to the rescue and I got to photograph the remains. Can you see the tiny eggs in there? Pretty cool!!

More later... off to the pool for a morning dip!

JR is home, so it must be beach time!

2010-08-31T23:14:00.001-04:00

JR got home way after midnight last night, and is well on his way to being certified as a Wilderness EMT provider (I think that's what it is called. He wasn't awake more than an hour, and he was taking us for a coconut and banana tour!

He found a coconut on the ground (darn.. Anne says it is pretty funny watching him throw things at the coconuts to try to make them fall) so proceeded to use his handy machete to give his Mom some fresh coconut milk and fresh coconut.

After the coconut we walked across the yard so he could get some bananas. He is the greatest banana bread maker (we had some Sunday).. so... whack down a banana tree and.. voila.. fresh bananas! I will put the videos up on webshots.. it is a riot!! And.. he still has all his fingers!!!

Of course, after all this hard work.. we headed to Hamoa Beach... And I believe no more commentary is needed. The picture says it all!

The first 24 hours.. Vette does it again!

2010-08-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

Somehow, whernever Yvette and I get together, "things" always seem to happen. We met in West Maui, stopped for dinner at a quaint littlw place serving Kahloa Pork and Cabbage and some curry items. It was GREAT. The weather was a bit "iffy", Bob and I were exhausted, and off we set on the famous Hanna Highway.

At first Yvette and I were gabbing like old times.. but the orad got windier, the fog and rain got thicker.. and we got QUIETER! Hum.. maybe I shouldn't have used so much hot sauce on my food! We made the two hour drive to Hana.. but it was .. bluntly.. UGLY! Note to self.. buy Dramamine! After a good night's sleep in Richard Pryor's house (no kidding, that's where they live - it is gorgeous).. we spent Sunday driving around, enjoying the scenery. WE even tried to take Yvette to the airport two hours early (she was flying out of Hana) to find out the "airport" is a shack.. come back in an hour and 45 minutes! So.. we did... 15 minutes before her flight was due to take off! This place is laid back!!

What we all neglected to learn, was that Vette's ticket was actually NOT for Hana, but was for the smaller airport in West Maui, a mere 3 hours away!!!!!! You can imagine our shock.. and our delima! But.. Only in Hana!!!! In walks Beaux... right off the runway, stopping by in his little Cesna for a bathroom run beforehe was heading on to Honolulu... Vette's destination. So.. this wonderful soul took Vette to Honolulu in his cesna.. with no charge,, then even drove her to her apartment so she woulodnt have to take a taxi!!! She called when she got home.. and all night long Anne, Bob and I kept looking at each other, cracking up...
DID THIS REALLY JUST HAPPEN?????

Maui is WONDERFUL.. I finally got the wireless running on my laptop... pics going up everywhere in a little while!!!

Just a few more days!

2010-08-24T08:45:00.000-04:00

Here we go! JR's house is the one with the white roof.. and, yes.. that is a swimming pool!! The trees are mostly fruit trees, don't know if you can tell. This should be a great get away! We can't WAIT!

All kinds of fun!

2010-08-15T07:54:00.000-04:00

Ok.. here's the weekend so far (it is Sunday morning). Friday afternoon Sophie and I drove to Salisbury, MD. Mom and Dad and sibs were driving down later, and we were all spending the night so we could meet Photographer Chris Heurich at Assateague in the morning for the "Kids of the Atlantic" shoot. Of course, there's lots more to the story.. Chris and I went to the same Prep School (and I use that term VERY loosely).

Then, after Chris serenading us with a Stockbridge ballad, I headed home to meet neice Christine who was coming down to celebrate her 21st birthday with Kate, Bob and me (birthday was over a month ago, there have been many "celebrations"). We had a boatload of sushi for dinner, and then we proceeded to "do" Fells Point (quite royally, I might add). Katie was the DD... THANK YOU! I have to admit that at the ripe age of 21, Miss Chris quite out did her Aunt (who turns sixty in a few weeks)!!!

Picking Peaches and other things

2010-08-09T09:46:00.001-04:00

Sunday found us all at Larriland Farms in Woodbine, MD.. talk about pick your own... we sure did! Damien and Sophie are pro's at picking and EATING the ripe fruit. Blackberries need to be black not red and raspberries need to be red not white.. They had it down pat!

Again, we were fortunate to only pay for what was in the containers.. the tummies held a LOT more! After the BlackBerries we moved on to peaches.. the trees were thick with big, juicy peaches, plenty low enough for Damien and Sophia to pick. When there wasn't a crate nearby.. Anika got to help!!!

After the peaches we picked red Raspberries and Alex got to entertain the kids. They weren't exactly bored, but it was nearing the end of the raspberry season, and the kids had a harder time finding things to eat! Their friend Olivia joined us (with her parents) so they had plenty of fun!

And, finally.. back to the barn for a group shot! Many more photos on Webshots, of course!

Mystery solved!

2010-08-06T10:10:00.000-04:00

Driving home from Pennsylvania, we kept seeing these purple triangular boxes hanging in seemingly random trees throughout Pennsylvania. Thanks to my Facebook friends who let me know they are there to detect the Emerald Ash Borer, which is an invasive species destructive to Ash trees! The boxes are there to track their spread.. they are sticky, and are mostly on the Ash trees, I believe. Much more on Wikipedia!

2010-08-03T14:54:00.000-04:00

Yup.. this is what it looks like.. a cat inhaler.. I'd take a picture of Denali using her's but we don't have enough hands for that. Apparently 1 in 100 cats get asthma, and when you think they are trying to throw up a hairball, they also can be struggling for breath, which she had been doing for a week or so before the crises last Thursday.

Anyone who wants to have the 'Give the Cat an Inhaler ' experience is welcome to come by.. As Kate will warn you.. prepare to bleed.

Actually, we are getting better.. and I have found a food to give her the prednisone pill in so perhaps we have finished spilling blood for the time being. But, when the vet said the inhaler was expensive, I didn't know they meant EXPENSIVE.. $170 for ONE Inhaler!!!

This, of course, came after the $400 emergency vet bill.. so I am a little short on funds this month! Lets hope we can get her weaned off her steriods before we head for Maui.. she will always need her rescue Albuterol inhaler, JUST like Bob. Actually, that's why I didn't have to buy the second inhaler.. it is the same one Bob uses.. they can SHARE!

Pictures from JR

2010-07-30T12:02:00.000-04:00

These pictures arrived last night, I don't believe they require any explanation.

More pics from the kids' vacation

2010-07-28T07:49:00.000-04:00

Sophie's vacation at Jen and Donn's 2010

2010-07-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

Well, it is that time of the year!!! Alex and family went camping on Assateague on Wednesday. Jen and Donn grabbed Sophie on Thursday so she could do her special summer vacation with Auntie Jen. Alex etc. spent another night on Assateague, and then transferred to civilization (a motel) for a few more toasty days vacation. Ashton joined the Rodgers' on Friday for his week with Dad.. I do believe the Chincoteague carnival is on the agenda, as always!!

This morning Donn took Alex, Ashton and Sophie out for some fishin.. and the fish were definitely biting! Looks like they are having a super time even if the mercury is already hitting 100 here in Baltimore. Sophie, is that Chipmonk food you are eating?

Monday will ba a big shocker for ALL. Koko and Alex return to work, Anika begins her day care.. I believe it will be a week of adjustments for all!

Somedays I wonder why I bother with cameras.. all these pics are taken from Jen or Donn's cell phone!!!

Basement Makeover

2010-07-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

The basement got a mnakeover after we got some shelves on Craigslist to hold ALL the toys! My goodness.. the kids are not lacking for things to do at my house! Of course, with all the toys all collected in one place, Denali (the cat) seems to be the most played with. She is (happily) in the plastic conatiner next to Sophia!

We even have a little container of Anika toys.. she is cooing, and smiling.. an Koko mentioned she has even decided to sleep a little bit at nighttime in her own bed!

Alex was busy cutting another tree down in their yard today, so Koko brought the kids, as Damien would NOT have been content very far away from the chain saw. He is definitely all boy!

And, yes, we got a new TV for the basement to get us down there to use it more!!!

Steve gets some visitors!

2010-07-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

It sure looks like the kids had a great time at Steve's house last weekend. With a bike and a lawn mower, what else does one need?Check out those eyes!!!

Engaged four years ago today

2010-07-03T21:28:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful evening. We went to AJ's for dinner and then Jen and Donn went out to the sunset to watch the Chincoteague fireworks from the water. Bob and I slipped back to their house for a little peace and quiet and will go watch the fireworks from mainland side of the causeway!

Happy Birthday, USA!!!

And, Donn... welcome to our world! Love you!

Saying goodbye to Robin and Daria

2010-07-03T15:53:00.001-04:00

With fond memories we gathered together at Camp Deep Creek to say good bye to Robin and Daria.

Goodbye, dear friends.

A whole album of pictures are up on Webshots.

Nanna's work picnic

2010-07-01T09:17:00.000-04:00

The NIDA awards picnic was yesterday and Sophie, Anika and Koko joined me in the fun! There was a lot for kids of all sizes to do.. moon bounces, face painting, a scavenger hunt, plus Centennial Park in Columbia, MD sports the greatest jungle gym at Pavillion H!!! The adults had sports of all kinds from tennis to horseshoes to a run around the lake. The camraderie was wonderful! Its great to have an opportunity to get all the different NIDA Divisions together in one place.

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful... temperatures dropped the night before and some might even say it was chilly when we got there at 10 (Anika certainly felt that way.. I had to go get a blanket out of my car to keep her warm!!)

What a fun day... Cozy Cottage provided the food which was yummy, as always. There is a ton of planning going into making something like this work - from the new NIDA picnic web page to keep us informed to those great road signs to GET us there! Thank you ALL!

A hot Sunday afternoon!

2010-06-27T20:20:00.002-04:00

Anika is growing so big!! She and Koko came to visit while Alex, Sophia and Damien went to the Orioles - Nationals baseball game (O's won.. hurray!!) Alex and the two kids took the water taxi to Fells Point, where we met them and had a lovely dinner at Riptide. After some VERY messy Maggie Moo's ice cream (it was 98 in the shade), they hopped the water taxi back to the harbor and we drove over there to meet them.(Damien was NOT leaving without another boat ride!!) We discovered the water fountain - music show next to the visitor"s center.. so another hour was spent watching Sophie and Damien dance thru the water. What a fun day!!

All this time....

2010-06-27T11:32:00.000-04:00

I never realized I had a camera in this laptop!!! Now you can see why I have so many problems trying to work on the laptop! When it's hot, Denali prefers an inside seat.. and LOVES to watch the screen as I work/play on the computer!!

Shows and Sauces; a night with the grandkids

2010-06-26T10:34:00.002-04:00

Last night I got to go play with the grandkids while Alex and Koko attended a wedding - and I was treated to an impromptu fashion show!! Sophia dressed up while Anika played on the floor watching the goings on in the mirror (dressed up in a scarf as well, of course). She is showing off the new tee shirts I found which say "That's it... I'm going to Nanna's." I couldn't resist and they had them in all three sizes!

Sophie decided the dinner lasagna needed a "sauce," which would have been fine if we had not let Damien help by adding sea salt.. next time, we will know better! There was enough sodium for a life time!

Jen and Donn cameup this week for Jen's monthly oncology appointment. It is still too early to determine how well the hormone therapy is working.. will keep you al posted. but, she was sporting her new haircut which looks super! She donated her hair to "Locks of Love".. what a great idea!

I hope you al like the new look of the blog. You can click on the breast cancer site daily, and one click donates money toward free mammograms. It's free to you and a Great idea! Please give it a try and come back daily? And, feel free to play with the fish! They are always hungry! There are a bunch of cute gadgets for the blog.. I'll be trying a few out to see which ones we like!