Late Summer Getaway

This week Clyde and I are at the beach for a last minute vaca.  I love the beach on Spring break.  I actually get through the school year knowing spring, Florida, beach, Aunt Catfish', sun, ocean, are coming. This trip is a bonus week.  We are not at our time share, Islander in New Smyrna, we are in Ormond (north of Daytona) at the Maverick (a time share that we have stayed in before).  Clyde called for "last call" week for several weeks before getting this one.  This one is "older" but the rooms are fine, clean, and it is a great beach.  We are "good to go".  We began by stopping in Savannah for the day on Saturday.  We couldn't get into Paula Deen's until night, and we weren't that eager to go there.  The Wilkes House, which we really love, was not opened on Sat. so we asked a local, went down to River Walk and ate at a "pub" named the Warehouse.  Big sandwiches, fries, and cheap prices.  We ate sample pralines (bought one for later), and I found a really cool store with everything half off:)  I did need a beach house and another pair of sunglasses. 
Now we are at the Maverick.  Here are a few pics so next time we are getting a "last call" we will remember this is what it looks like.  The view at this moment is awesome.  Sitting inside the screened porch, looking over the pool, green lights just came on, pool activity is busy, then beyond that is the ocean, in full view.  Nice!

Traditional pic in front of the welcome sign!

As if either of us need it, we LOVE the free samples of pralines at the candy stores in Savannah!

We bought a salad (for the candy we sampled) and shared the grilled chicken (huge) and fries.  The Warehouse.  Good.....I believe the price was $7.99 for the sandwich and fries.

The Maverick in Ormond Beach, Fl

This is how we "roll" this week!  Rented an umbrella, 2 chairs for the week (not big enough!)  We didn't realize how small the umbrella was or he would not have gotten it.  However, honestly, it's been adequate.  We just "shift" every 15 to 20 mins.  It works!!  BTW, it was cheap and we came in the convertible without room enough to bring our shade tent.  We considered it, but this option was chosen.  So I don't complain!  Again, it works.

Our time share is a 2 BR, and this is a studio.  It is all we need. 

Small kitchen as you come in the door.

This is the back on the laying out side.  The other part is the pool.  Not enough shade so we rented the umbrella above.

This blew in this afternoon, didn't last long or amount to much here. 

We ate tonight at River Grill.  They don't have the shrimp special anymore but what we had was awesome.  After dinner, we walked out on the deck.  There we enjoyed the wildlife, an alligator lurking in the shallow water for food.  The fish were jumping several feet in the air.  Fun evening.  Thanks to my hubs for finding this week for us. 

Summertime Fun 2012

We have been spending as much time as we can at the baseball field.  Matthew was too old for t-ball so he didn't play baseball this year (he has been in gymnastics).  So, he and Maggie have run "amuck" and enjoyed many of the games.  There were 100+ degree days that none of us loved watching buddy out there running bases, but for the most part, it has been good.  Austin has improved each year and this year he was picked up on the "blue" all stars team.  He is hitting very well (as he did all season) and to date has caught two fly balls in the outfield.  He received two Barry Bond rookie baseball cards from his coach.  I kept Matthew & Maggie last weekend while mom, dad & Austin went to a tournament in Shelbyville (over Sat. night).  They go to Harrodsburg this weekend.

Today Becky had a meeting this morning and a doctor's appt. this afternoon.  The kids came in a little "slow".....like why are we here again (but of course they don't say that:)  MJ clearly didn't want to be here, but she perked up right away.  The boys walked in, sat down on the sofa with their itouch (Matthew) and DS (Austin)....electronics.  No problem, I just kept working in the kitchen.  So, MJ was "at odds".  In just a few mins. I got her busy at the table with her "pasta".  I have mentioned that several times in the past....they can play the longest time with noodles, spoons, bowls, cups, etc., just play cooking.  Today I got some yarn and showed her how to make a necklace.  She loved it.  When the boys saw hers, they wanted to make one.  So, for the next 30 mins. or so they did.  Austin took longer as he was making a pattern.....and a necklace with more noodles on it, not just the front. 

After this, they all changed into my stash of clothes (thanks to Kelly Connelley) and played outdoors with a plastic tub full of water, and cups.  They started having a water "fight" and running around throwing water in the air....I asked them to try and "hit" a few pots of flowers.  This kept me busy, refilling their tub, but they loved it.  MJ mentioned she was a little hungry, so I got out of the freezer the leftover homemade icecream (Beck made) and gave them 3 spoons.  They have never done this at nanas:) but I put them on a sheet and said "go at it".  Soon icecream was melted and all over them, a quick clean up with the water from the tub and they were at it again.  Soon they dried off, came on the patio for new coloring books & new crayons and a bite of lunch.

This all kept me busy (and bushed), but I loved having them play all "kid" activities and just having fun.  They said thank you to me for the coloring books, and told me they had a good time today.

Although the three of them keep you very busy, I love them so very much.  I hope they always know that I am here for them and that they can trust me.  I may not like everything they do, or what they may tell me, but I will listen.  I will try never to be their "judge" but give them wisdom as I know it.  Mostly, I will love them regardless.

One Of Us Turns 60!

Before I shut it down for the day, I want to blog my thoughts about Clyde's 60th birthday.  He is the one that always makes my birthday's special.  He is not easy to buy for, so I have a little more trouble with his birthdays.  A few weeks ago, I noticed how old his toiletry case was.  He mentioned he has had it for 40 years!  So, I have "sort of" looked for one.  Not seriously, but I have stopped by several places.  No one had them at this time of year.  Well, Becky goes to a leather store in Lexington Green and got him a very nice one from both she/Jason and her brother.  She also made him homemade banana ice cream and a great cake. 
So, last week I went to Shutterfly and made him a hardcover "60" memory picture book.  Of course I didn't check as to when it would come in, until I had worked two days on it.  So, even if I paid extra, it wouldn't be here by today.  I just hope it is nice and I won't blink at the rather high price tag.  Fingers are crossed:)  I also bought a couple of smaller gifts that I think he liked. 
I surprised him with a luncheon for his mom and her siblings (his aunts & uncle).  I also asked Becky to come with the children since they weren't coming to our dinner tonight.  I think the food went over well, as they complimented it many times and ate seconds/thirds.
Then tonight we went to Portofinos downtown on East Main.  He and I stopped by Thursday Night Live, then went to meet Becky & Jason K. and Jason Allen & Rosemary.  Our dinner was so relaxing.  Nothing rushed, laid back and I believe everyone enjoyed the good food. 

Uncle Sonny, Jean, CB, Joyce and Martha

A Nascar #88 Dale Jr. car, cake! 

I love this variation of the classic "pea" lettuce layer salad.  I have made it twice and really have good comments about how tasty it is.  The ham was a boneless Kroger one and everyone really liked it.  Especially the kids! To round it out, I cut up fruit for an easy salad, green beans & broccoli casserole.

Also, from the 3rd of July, I had Tricia's corn salad (in the first tall dish).

We ate inside but went on the patio for photos at Portofino's.

Geraniums can tolerate this heat...as long as you water them.  I have been watering mine daily, and the flower pots look terrible.  I should have planted geraniums!

The ladies

The next generation

Dad and his family

Clyde's fillet Mignon

Jason A. and I got this chicken/mushroom lasagna

We didn't realize the waitress knew it was a birthday, but she brought out dessert!

I believe he has enjoyed today.  I will blog another time about our July 4th at Lake Cumberland.  This was sure a nice way to begin his birthday!  Loved it!  I will also add, on the way home last night, (the night before his bday) that I asked him how it felt to be turning 6-0.  I was glad to have on sunglasses, as what he said made me a little teary.  He said something like "I didn't feel old in the 50's but saying I'm 60 makes me feel old.  Like now I'm a grandpa old"....or similar.  I always knew I wanted to grow old with Clyde; guess that's a dream come true.