We had a great day today. The forecast was for 80% chance of rain, but we decided to just go out anyway and see what happened. So, after getting up and having breakfast, we took off for Helen. We no sooner stepped out the front door and the sun came out! And it was sunny most of the day. In fact, the only time we had any rain all day was when we were in the car driving. That is what is a called a tender mercy!
We started our day in Helen. We walked through the shops. MA was looking for some little music boxes that Connie had bought the last time we were there. She wanted them for Charles' granddaughters for Christmas presents. We weren't having much luck, and even a phone call to Connie didn't help us figure out which store they had been in, but we kept looking.
At lunchtime, we went to the German restaurant on the river and ate outside. Two years ago, when the roomies were all there, we had a waiter named Brad who had been such fun and we had adored him. Lo and behold, as we walked up to be seated - there was Brad! We really laughed about that. So, we had Brad as our waiter again and, of course, took another picture. It was such a gorgeous day that we relaxed there by the river for a long time!
From there, we hit the last few stores and, surprise!, we found the music boxes. What a successful trip to Helen!!
We decided to head over to Tallulah Gorge to show Charles that we do have some impressive geology here in in Georgia. Almost as soon as we got in the car, we had our first raindrops. We decided to ride it out, and when we stopped at the first lookout, the rain stopped! We then went to the center, looked at a little there, and then hiked a bit. It is not far to the first two lookouts over some waterfalls, so even I could do that. It was absolutely beautiful. That was enough hiking for me, but the others went to one of the other lookouts while I rested.
By the time we got back home, we were all exhausted and starting to get hungry again. We picked up Chinese for dinner and spent the rest of the evening relaxing. It is hard to believe that these days have gone so quickly! They will leave for home tomorrow.
What a great day!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
June 18th - Day #2 with MA
What a great day we had, even if we had a lot of snafus along the way. We all just slept in and had an eggs and grits breakfast at home. When we finally decided to get on our way, we all loaded up in the van and started to see Atlanta.
Our first stop was the Atlanta temple. It is closed on Monday, but we stopped out front and they took some pictures. We decided to drive around to the back side to show them the chapel and were pleased to see that the back gate was open and we were able to drive onto the temple grounds. We got out and walked up to the front and they were able to take lots of pictures.
From there we headed down to the Cyclorama. I had read online that it would be closed tomorrow, so we decided we would need to go today if we wanted to see it. My bad - they are always closed on Mondays! I didn't even see that online. Anyway, the door was open, so we just walked in and were able to look at the big train engine and the ground floor exhibits before we were caught and asked to leave.
From there, we just drove through town to go out to Stone Mountain. At least the park is not closed on Mondays, right? We entered the west gate and just drove around the mountain, stopping at the covered bridge for some pictures and enjoying the beauty of the park. When we got to the Skyride, we parked and, since it was past lunch, decided to just grab a hotdog from the cafe there. During that time, a storm moved in - rain, lightening, thunder, etc. Of course, they close the Skyride when weather is bad. The mountain is pretty when wet and all the waterfalls flowing off the face, but we really did want to take a ride to the top. No such luck.
We walked over to the museum next door and enjoyed looking at the carving and then went in and watched the movies about the men who did the carving and about the Civil War in Georgia. Those were good and at least helped give some history. The bad news was that the Skyride was still not open and another line of storms was coming through. We just gave up and drove around the rest of the park area.
When we had seen it all, we headed back towards home. We were all pretty tired and all took short power naps. For dinner, we just went out to Del Rio for a little Mexican. Back home, we just had a good time talking.
Though things did not go completely as planned, we really did have a great day. Charles has never been south before, so everything is new to him. We have really enjoyed this time to get to know him better and are so glad that our first impression when they married was correct. We would love to be able to see them more often, as we have thoroughly enjoyed their company.
One more day before they leave. And the forecast is for more rain. Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I am sure it will be as good as today - regardless of what we have to end up doing!
Our first stop was the Atlanta temple. It is closed on Monday, but we stopped out front and they took some pictures. We decided to drive around to the back side to show them the chapel and were pleased to see that the back gate was open and we were able to drive onto the temple grounds. We got out and walked up to the front and they were able to take lots of pictures.
From there we headed down to the Cyclorama. I had read online that it would be closed tomorrow, so we decided we would need to go today if we wanted to see it. My bad - they are always closed on Mondays! I didn't even see that online. Anyway, the door was open, so we just walked in and were able to look at the big train engine and the ground floor exhibits before we were caught and asked to leave.
From there, we just drove through town to go out to Stone Mountain. At least the park is not closed on Mondays, right? We entered the west gate and just drove around the mountain, stopping at the covered bridge for some pictures and enjoying the beauty of the park. When we got to the Skyride, we parked and, since it was past lunch, decided to just grab a hotdog from the cafe there. During that time, a storm moved in - rain, lightening, thunder, etc. Of course, they close the Skyride when weather is bad. The mountain is pretty when wet and all the waterfalls flowing off the face, but we really did want to take a ride to the top. No such luck.
We walked over to the museum next door and enjoyed looking at the carving and then went in and watched the movies about the men who did the carving and about the Civil War in Georgia. Those were good and at least helped give some history. The bad news was that the Skyride was still not open and another line of storms was coming through. We just gave up and drove around the rest of the park area.
When we had seen it all, we headed back towards home. We were all pretty tired and all took short power naps. For dinner, we just went out to Del Rio for a little Mexican. Back home, we just had a good time talking.
Though things did not go completely as planned, we really did have a great day. Charles has never been south before, so everything is new to him. We have really enjoyed this time to get to know him better and are so glad that our first impression when they married was correct. We would love to be able to see them more often, as we have thoroughly enjoyed their company.
One more day before they leave. And the forecast is for more rain. Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I am sure it will be as good as today - regardless of what we have to end up doing!
Monday, June 17, 2013
June 16th - MA has arrived!
This was another great Sunday. It started with church services, which were wonderful, as always. In Sacrament meeting, the 3 youth and 2 leaders talked about the ward girls camp and the young men high adventure that they did a few weeks ago. Great talks.
When I got home, I got the basics together for dinner and then enjoyed a little computer time. I was doing a little family history, as well. Then the kids arrived and things got a little wilder! We went ahead and fed Brooks and then he went down for a nap. The rest of us relaxed.
MA and Charles were coming sometime during the afternoon, so we didn't want to do dinner until they got here. After dropping off family at the airport, they had gone to the aquarium. Then we got another call that they were sort of lost. I-85 had been completely shut down because of an accident and they had gotten off to get around and got a little confused. Bill knew right where they were and was able to give directions.
We were excited when they arrived! After visiting a bit, we finished up dinner and had a great time sitting around the table talking and eating. And laughing, of course! After dessert, we just moved it to the living room.
When Brooks woke up, he wanted to go outside, so Bill went out with the kids for a while. Eventually, he and Charles sat out on the patio chatting until the mosquitos started to attack We all had a great time catching up. We especially are enjoying getting to know Charles better. We had only met him at the wedding and, while we had a great first impression, it is great to get to really know him a little more.
Ashby took right to MA and even read some books to her. Brooks took right to Charles and even gave him a hug when it was time to go. Those children sure are great judges of character!
So day one has been a great success!
When I got home, I got the basics together for dinner and then enjoyed a little computer time. I was doing a little family history, as well. Then the kids arrived and things got a little wilder! We went ahead and fed Brooks and then he went down for a nap. The rest of us relaxed.
MA and Charles were coming sometime during the afternoon, so we didn't want to do dinner until they got here. After dropping off family at the airport, they had gone to the aquarium. Then we got another call that they were sort of lost. I-85 had been completely shut down because of an accident and they had gotten off to get around and got a little confused. Bill knew right where they were and was able to give directions.
We were excited when they arrived! After visiting a bit, we finished up dinner and had a great time sitting around the table talking and eating. And laughing, of course! After dessert, we just moved it to the living room.
When Brooks woke up, he wanted to go outside, so Bill went out with the kids for a while. Eventually, he and Charles sat out on the patio chatting until the mosquitos started to attack We all had a great time catching up. We especially are enjoying getting to know Charles better. We had only met him at the wedding and, while we had a great first impression, it is great to get to really know him a little more.
Ashby took right to MA and even read some books to her. Brooks took right to Charles and even gave him a hug when it was time to go. Those children sure are great judges of character!
So day one has been a great success!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
June 15th - Saturday Cleaning!
We had another busy day today. My main focus was on getting the house cleaned, so that is about all I did! Since we have some company coming for a few days, I was a little more careful - didn't take as many short cuts, you know? End result is that the place is passable.
I also had to make a trip to the grocery store. I know, I did a major shopping at Costco just a couple of days ago, but there are some things that are just not available at Costco. I think we are set now.
Bill had to go to a baptism this morning and then mostly worked outside. He had bigger plans than I thought were good, and when he was exhausted at the end of the day, I think he was glad he hadn't done them all.
In between things - since I can only do so much physical before the back gives out - I got things done on the computer and even read a little. I mid-afternoon, we both took a short nap. I guess we are getting old!
It is always a good day when everything on the to-do list is crossed off - so today qualifies just on that. I saw a hummingbird out the front window today as it busily checked out my gladiola. Now that made it a good day!
I also had to make a trip to the grocery store. I know, I did a major shopping at Costco just a couple of days ago, but there are some things that are just not available at Costco. I think we are set now.
Bill had to go to a baptism this morning and then mostly worked outside. He had bigger plans than I thought were good, and when he was exhausted at the end of the day, I think he was glad he hadn't done them all.
In between things - since I can only do so much physical before the back gives out - I got things done on the computer and even read a little. I mid-afternoon, we both took a short nap. I guess we are getting old!
It is always a good day when everything on the to-do list is crossed off - so today qualifies just on that. I saw a hummingbird out the front window today as it busily checked out my gladiola. Now that made it a good day!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
June 14th - Flag Day!
But our flag was not out since there is no holder on the garage to put it in.
This was another busy day. I am thinking it is time for another vacation! Oh, yeah, I have guests coming and we will be doing a lot of playing for a few days. I need that!
I got started early, stripping both beds, and getting laundry going. I got six loads done, one of them being the sheets. I also got both beds remade, which is a challenge because bending just that much kills my back! (I have to make the bed in stages with little breaks in between - one of the bad things about getting old!) I worked on my RS email in between loads.
Then, about 11:00, Lisa came by with the kids. She had an appointment and I am designated babysitter! That means all work was suspended while we played out in the backyard in the sprinkler and the little pool. They had so much fun. It was a beautiful day to be out there. Some time shortly after noon, their tummies started getting hungry, so we came in, got dressed, and started lunch. Of course, they always want mac & cheese. Lisa was back by then, so she gave them some fresh fruit to eat while the m&c cooked. It must have really been good, because Brooks had two nice helpings of fresh strawberries and Ashby had a peach and a big bowl of cherries.
After lunch, they had to pack it up and head back home, as Lisa had a voice student at 2:00. Once they were gone, I went back to finishing up the laundry. Well, actually it was all washed, last load in the dryer, but all the rest to still be folded and put away. I felt like I had really accomplished something when that was finished!
I also had to do some other things around the house, like straighten, empty dishwasher, empty all the trash, etc. Tomorrow is the big cleaning day, but if everything is in order, that becomes much easier. At one point, I finally hit the wall and went to rest a little and even fell asleep for a few minutes. Then it was up and at 'em again!
Bill got home from his big job and went to work in the yard some. While working, he talked to a couple of ladies from the front of the subdivision who were out walking and had seen our parachute flowers every day as they walked by. They were so excited that someone was finally out so they could ask what they were. He dug up a plant for each of them (they spread, so it wasn't like we would miss them) and then also dug up a gladiola bulb for each of them. They were so excited to go put their new plants in their yards.
I was really excited to have MA call earlier in the day to let me know that they were in town and had survived the tornado like weather last night. They will be here on Sunday afternoon and will be here until Wednesday morning. We are so looking forward to their visit!
This was another busy day. I am thinking it is time for another vacation! Oh, yeah, I have guests coming and we will be doing a lot of playing for a few days. I need that!
I got started early, stripping both beds, and getting laundry going. I got six loads done, one of them being the sheets. I also got both beds remade, which is a challenge because bending just that much kills my back! (I have to make the bed in stages with little breaks in between - one of the bad things about getting old!) I worked on my RS email in between loads.
Then, about 11:00, Lisa came by with the kids. She had an appointment and I am designated babysitter! That means all work was suspended while we played out in the backyard in the sprinkler and the little pool. They had so much fun. It was a beautiful day to be out there. Some time shortly after noon, their tummies started getting hungry, so we came in, got dressed, and started lunch. Of course, they always want mac & cheese. Lisa was back by then, so she gave them some fresh fruit to eat while the m&c cooked. It must have really been good, because Brooks had two nice helpings of fresh strawberries and Ashby had a peach and a big bowl of cherries.
After lunch, they had to pack it up and head back home, as Lisa had a voice student at 2:00. Once they were gone, I went back to finishing up the laundry. Well, actually it was all washed, last load in the dryer, but all the rest to still be folded and put away. I felt like I had really accomplished something when that was finished!
I also had to do some other things around the house, like straighten, empty dishwasher, empty all the trash, etc. Tomorrow is the big cleaning day, but if everything is in order, that becomes much easier. At one point, I finally hit the wall and went to rest a little and even fell asleep for a few minutes. Then it was up and at 'em again!
Bill got home from his big job and went to work in the yard some. While working, he talked to a couple of ladies from the front of the subdivision who were out walking and had seen our parachute flowers every day as they walked by. They were so excited that someone was finally out so they could ask what they were. He dug up a plant for each of them (they spread, so it wasn't like we would miss them) and then also dug up a gladiola bulb for each of them. They were so excited to go put their new plants in their yards.
I was really excited to have MA call earlier in the day to let me know that they were in town and had survived the tornado like weather last night. They will be here on Sunday afternoon and will be here until Wednesday morning. We are so looking forward to their visit!
Friday, June 14, 2013
June 13th - Non-stop Day!
Whew - this has been a busy day! It started with water aerobics at 8:00. Ashby had her swimming lesson right after, so I brought Brooks back to the house with me. He was so cute - still in his pj's. He was so excited to go to grandma's house. He has been here almost every day for two weeks - and he is still excited. That makes me very happy!
When they finished, Ashby and Lisa came by and we relaxed a bit, letting the kids play. I had a visiting teaching appointment at 11:30 - meeting at Chic Filet. When the kids hears "Chic Filet," they also wanted to come, so it ended up we all went! They played and my sister and I sat in our booth and had our visit. It was actually a lot of fun.
From there, everyone else headed home, and I headed off to do chores - a run by the library to return and pick up some books, and then to Costco. I have needed to do a big shopping trip for a while, but keep putting it off. Today I finally got it done. The biggest thing was to stock up on meat again. Anyway, I had a full cart, so that had to be loaded into the trunk, unloaded at home, and then all put away. I had pretty much spent my energy, so I did the putting away in shifts - a little at a time. While trying to recover, I did my usual computer stuff and other "just sitting" chores.
This evening, we had the monthly Relief Society meeting. It was on family history, with two classes - indexing and online research. The turnout was small, but there were people in each class who really enjoyed it. I went to the online research class, and even though it was basic stuff, I still found some new ideas.
Bill has a big job in Ellijay, in north Georgia, and had to stay over, so things were really quiet when I got home. We talked on the phone for a while and then I was done!
When they finished, Ashby and Lisa came by and we relaxed a bit, letting the kids play. I had a visiting teaching appointment at 11:30 - meeting at Chic Filet. When the kids hears "Chic Filet," they also wanted to come, so it ended up we all went! They played and my sister and I sat in our booth and had our visit. It was actually a lot of fun.
From there, everyone else headed home, and I headed off to do chores - a run by the library to return and pick up some books, and then to Costco. I have needed to do a big shopping trip for a while, but keep putting it off. Today I finally got it done. The biggest thing was to stock up on meat again. Anyway, I had a full cart, so that had to be loaded into the trunk, unloaded at home, and then all put away. I had pretty much spent my energy, so I did the putting away in shifts - a little at a time. While trying to recover, I did my usual computer stuff and other "just sitting" chores.
This evening, we had the monthly Relief Society meeting. It was on family history, with two classes - indexing and online research. The turnout was small, but there were people in each class who really enjoyed it. I went to the online research class, and even though it was basic stuff, I still found some new ideas.
Bill has a big job in Ellijay, in north Georgia, and had to stay over, so things were really quiet when I got home. We talked on the phone for a while and then I was done!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
June 12th - Pool Day!
Lisa dropped Brooks off so Ashby could have her swimming lessons and he and I had a great time playing in the rice bin with his "mighty machine." Then it was on to the same puzzle that he played with yesterday. When Lisa and Ashby got back, we had a little time to relax and get snacks.
Then we headed off to the ward playgroup which was at a neighborhood pool just down the road from us. They had so much fun. Ashby couldn't wait to show me everything she has been learning. It was a lot easier for Lisa to have someone to watch Ashby while she played with Brooks. They were both non-stop! After a picnic lunch, which Lisa had brought for them, they were back in the water for a little more playtime. They were both exhausted, but neither wanted to go. However, it was definitely time for naps!
Back home, I had the usual things to do around the house. I still feel like I am fighting something, so I took a nap myself. Then I mostly worked on some family history. I actually cooked some bacon so we could have BLT's for dinner. Yummy.
We really had a fun day - but it wore me out, too!
Then we headed off to the ward playgroup which was at a neighborhood pool just down the road from us. They had so much fun. Ashby couldn't wait to show me everything she has been learning. It was a lot easier for Lisa to have someone to watch Ashby while she played with Brooks. They were both non-stop! After a picnic lunch, which Lisa had brought for them, they were back in the water for a little more playtime. They were both exhausted, but neither wanted to go. However, it was definitely time for naps!
Back home, I had the usual things to do around the house. I still feel like I am fighting something, so I took a nap myself. Then I mostly worked on some family history. I actually cooked some bacon so we could have BLT's for dinner. Yummy.
We really had a fun day - but it wore me out, too!
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