Thursday, July 31, 2014

July 30th - Family History Day - It's Wednesday!

I had a good morning at the family history center.  My usual co-worker could not be there, but she had arranged for a substitute.  We only had one patron today, but she accomplished a lot.  I spent a little time on some of my own projects, too. 

When I got home, and had a little lunch, I remembered that I was supposed to go to the library today.  I had planned to stop on my way home.  Oops!  So I made another run out to do that.  I had some books that needed to be picked up, but just one to return.  I can't figure out how I can have books on the waiting list for weeks and then they all come in at the same time.  Oh, well.  I will just be reading a lot over the next couple of weeks.

I worked on my own family history for a while this afternoon.  I am checking the changes that people have made to the tree on Family Search.  It takes a while, though, to check out each change and compare it with the information I have in RootsMagic.  It is worth it, though.  Sometimes I learn new information and sometimes I find mistakes that need to be fixed.\


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

July 29th - Babysitting Day

Lisa called this morning and said she could really use some time alone to work on getting the details done for starting home schooling, and the kids were wanting to come to Grandma's house anyway, so could they come and stay a while.  Of course, I was happy to have them come over.

They got here shortly before lunch, so first order of business was fixing some mac and cheese.  Brooks brought a couple of his mighty machines, so he could play in the dirt.  After lunch, they played for a while and were having a grand time.

Suddenly Ashby decided we needed to go do some art, so we had to go up to the bonus room, which is a terrible mess at the moment, and do something.  What she wanted to do was to paint, so we set up the water colors and we all painted.  Brooks wandered in and out, going down to the toy room and bringing things up, or playing in the dirt some more.  He also painted a little.  Ashby worked very intensely.  I painted a picture, too, of the beach.  It helped her to focus on something to paint, so she did a beach, too.

Then they were tired, so we had some quiet time and they watched a cartoon that they love - and laugh at so much!  Fun to hear them laughing together.  After quiet time and snacks, Ashby was ready to go back and finish her picture, which she did.  She was very proud of her painting and couldn't wait to show her mommy when she got back.

It was a fun day, although I certainly didn't get the family history research done that I had planned on doing.  This was better!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

July 28th - Getting the Visiting Teaching Done

I started the day with the usual Monday morning cleaning up.  Even though the kids always clean up before they leave, I always manage to find an armload of things out of place on Mondays.  So everything is now back in order, including all those corners.  I also had the dishwasher to empty and a few other routine things to do.

Then I picked up my companion and we went to visit one of our sisters.  I don't like waiting until the end of the month to do my visiting teaching, but this has been a crazy month.  I was on vacation the first two weeks.  Then when I got back, my companion was sick with a nasty summer cold, so we had to wait until the end of the month.  It turns out she is going to be out of town the rest of the week anyway, but at least we were able to visit one of our sisters together.  I am having brunch with another one later in the week.  The third one is out of town herself, so we will just have a contact visit with her for July, but plan on a swimming pool visit in a couple of weeks.

When I went to drop Jan back at her house, we discovered that her husband had gone and she had failed to bring a house key.  To solve that problem, we just went out to lunch - it was after noon anyway.  We enjoyed lunch and then I dropped her at a friend's house who lives close by her.  She called later to let me know her husband got home maybe 10 minutes later.

When I got home, it was computer time, although I was so tired that I ended up taking a short nap.  I try not to nap much, but I just couldn't keep going today!  I worked a little on my family history brick wall, but didn't get much done.  It is going to be a big job finding the missing pieces on this one.


Monday, July 28, 2014

July 27th - Beautiful Sabbath!

I am back in my rut - which means that Sunday was a great day!  The morning was spent doing some things at the computer, like family history, and planning Sunday dinner.  I got everything ready to go, so it comes together quickly when I get home.  Although, again today, Lisa had things pretty much done when we got home, so we were able to eat right away.  Works for me!

Meetings were good.  I am not having my Sunday School class right now, but I am spending that time with the other family history consultant who was recently called.  He is beginning to catch a little bit about Family Search; a few more weeks, though, before he is comfortable enough to help others, I think.

We enjoyed dinner, which Lisa had ready to go, and then playing with the kids.  They could hardly wait to play hide and seek with Grandpa.  David had meetings, a baptism to conduct, so he was not able to come over.  The rest of us had a great afternoon/evening, though, before it was time to call it a day.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

July 26th - Busy Saturday

This was actually just a normal Saturday - but that does mean busy.  Busy with laundry, changing sheets, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, planning Sunday dinner, making a shopping list (thank you, Bill, for actually doing the shopping!), and all the other normal things.

I also put in some computer time.  I worked on my updated family history lessons a little, worked on my brick wall problem a little (didn't make any headway, though), did some planning on the art classes, as well as usual odds and ends.

Another boring day!  But I felt like I got a lot done.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

July 25th - A Rather Nothing Day

So I didn't do much worth writing about today.  Oh, I did some things, but it isn't all that interesting.  Things like: four loads of laundry, straightening up, doing a little more in the bonus room, firming up the shelves I want to get, contacting my visiting teaching sisters, working on the family history lessons update, doing a little more on the family history problem. 

That was pretty much it.  Boring, I know - but that's the way my life is! 

Friday, July 25, 2014

July 24th - Happy Birthday, Ashby!

Six years old today!  Ashby was so excited and had a wonderful birthday.  No big party this year, but lots of fun things to make her feel special.  She and her friend went to INK Children's Museum and had a ball.  Then we met them for dinner at the mall, where we had the teriyaki chicken.  After dinner, we went back to their house and opened presents and had a birthday cake.  It was a lot of fun. 

I spent most of the rest of my day working on some family history for the same person I was working on yesterday.  I am making some headway - slow, but sure.  I might even get to the real problem before I get finished!

Other than that, I managed to get rid of a few items from the bonus room.  I posted on the RS facebook page that I was taking them to goodwill and anyone who needed anything could have them just for picking them up.  We have a deaf sister in our ward, who is such a happy and fun person, but they struggle and she was so excited to get the end tables and lamps.  I was glad she could use them, even though they are old.  I need to get the shelves ordered, so I can go through the boxes just once.  It is going to be a nice art room when I get done.

I also had to make a run to Target to buy Ashby's birthday present.  She wanted some more of the Lego Friends, so I got her two of those. 

She was so excited about everything.  What a sweet girl she is!  I do love this grandmother business, especially with such an adorable granddaughter.  And grandson, too.  He is so funny.  His present to Ashby was a kitty that purrs when you pet it.  When she opened it, he looked at it and said, "That's adorable."  Adorable!  He is around girls too much, methinks.  But, then he turned around and went back to playing with his tractors.  Ha!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

July 23rd - Family History Day

It is Wednesday, so what else would it be - Family History Day.  I worked at the Center this morning and we have five patrons!  That may not sound like much, but it is more than we usually have.  And, of course, all five wanted help with something or other, so Phyllis and I were very busy.

When I got home, I worked on more family history.  The person I visited yesterday needs some help on her brick wall, so I worked on that for most of the rest of my time. 

There was a ward activity for Pioneer Day this evening, but we both chose not to attend.  Quite honestly, ward activities are hard to endure and now that Bill is not in the bishopric, I don't feel obligated to attend.  Instead, we enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

July 22nd - Stay at Home Day

I didn't do much of interest today - it was just a stay at home day.  I spent a few minutes on the bonus room, but didn't accomplish much.  When I get my pile of give-aways out of there, it will be a little easier to do more.  Most everything else was just normal, routine, boring stuff.

I did have an appointment this afternoon to help someone with her family history.  She has a brick wall on one of her lines and we were trying to figure out what was going on.  What we finally figured out is that it is going to take a good bit more research to get it figured out!  I got her helper number and will work on it myself over the next couple of weeks.

And that was pretty much it!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

July 21st - Trying to Get Back to a Routine

Well, vacation is really over, so I had to get back on track today.  I had quite a list of things to do and I managed to pretty much get it done.  I only had two loads of laundry, since I was able to do most of it before we left Florida.  I spent a lot of time at the computer, getting things caught up there.  I even indexed one batch for the Family Search Indexing challenge. 

I had a couple of errands to run, so I went out in the new car - the first time I have taken it anywhere.  I had a major stop at the library - returned about 7 books and picked up 7 more.  A couple of the books are children's books that I am looking at as the first art project for Ashby when we start that.  I also had to make a stop at the grocery store to pick up some milk and fresh fruit.  When I got home, I realized that I forgotten to get bread - how can anyone forget the bread?  Oh, well.

My biggest house project was to start working on the bonus room, which will be the new art room.  There is a lot of stuff up there that needs to go anyway, so I started sorting some of it and now have some things that Bill can take to Goodwill whenever he gets a chance.  I also checked out the shelving from Ikea and picked out what I want.  It won't be the cheapest around, but it will be what I want and need and will last.  I think I will just order it online, rather than make a trip down to the store.  I will have shelving along most of the one wall, so a lot of the things that I want to keep will be able to be stored on the shelves rather than in the boxes that are up there now.  It will look much better.  I still have to find a table.  I am thinking this is going to take me a month to get done - I work so slow these days!!!

We were supposed to go to Empty Nesters this evening, but Bill got home late and I was so tired that we skipped.  Hope they had fun without us!

I did cook a casserole for dinner, though, which is always an accomplishment for me.  I actually accomplished a lot today - but I would still rather be at the beach!

Monday, July 21, 2014

July 20th - Church

Well, today was a normal Sunday - almost.  We had the morning to get things together, then attended our meetings at 1:00.  I do not have my class right now, but I still met with a couple of people during Sunday School to give some extra help.  One needed help getting set up with the free websites for LDS members.  The other has been called as a family history consultant, but doesn't know anything about Family Search, so we are trying to get him up to speed. 

Back home, things were quiet, as the kids didn't come over today.  They are recovering from our trip, just as we are.  We did a grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch and then both just relaxed.  No naps, though, as it is too late by the time we get home from church. 

Our hometeacher came to visit this evening and we had a good time chatting with him.

So, real life is back and I have a list of things to do tomorrow.  Darn!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

July 19th - Time to Go Home!

Got up early, as usual, and enjoyed a few last minutes watching the morning arrive.  Then it was time to get to work.  We finished the packing and cleaning out the rest of the kitchen - glad we did most of it last night.  Then the car had to get loaded.  Bill managed to get almost all of our stuff in the very back of the van.

Then we drove over to Lisa's condo and loaded their things that wouldn't fit in their car into the back seats of our van.  That left the two middle seats open and Lisa rode back with us.  Their car took the other six.  We could have taken another person with us, but they were letting Lisa have a quiet ride back home as a reward for having survived!

The trip was a normal Saturday trip from Florida to Georgia - heavy traffic.  At one point, it was actually stopped so we got off where it started and went over to 41, through Cordelia, and took that for about 20 miles, which got us past the block.  We still had slow traffic between Macon and Atlanta, but at least it was moving.  There was also some rain; fortunately not too heavy!

We got to Lisa's about 5:45, so it was an 8 hour trip.  Lisa had fun texting with Vanett in the other car, especially when the kids were a little restless.  She was really happy to be riding along, reading, and enjoying herself.  We got home before David since they had to make a stop to let the kids get out and run and play for a while.  They stopped in the Bass Pro Shop in Macon and that was when we passed them up.  They also were supposed to stop at the airport to pick up David's truck.

We unloaded their things and then left Lisa to enjoy her last few minutes of quiet before the rest of the troops got home.  We got home, unloaded the van, and unpacked almost everything.  By the time I went to bed, there were just a few little items left in one of the bins, but I had completely run out of energy.  There will be tomorrow!

We ran out and picked up some tacos for dinner and relaxed a bit. 

So the vacation is over - only 50 more weeks before we get to go to the beach!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

July 18th - Day 14 - Beautiful Last Day

Up early, planning to walk to the beach for the last sunrise, but the knee was bothering me and I decided not to walk.  Instead, I enjoyed myself on the patio, watching the morning arrive. 

I was a little bit late getting out to the pool, but I still managed to get "my spot" where I lounged and swam until the sun finally got to me mid-afternoon.  Every one else spent the entire day at the beach.  But I don't "do" the beach.

When I came in, I spent the rest of the day lounging on the patio, reading and relaxing.  Yes, that is the exact same description as I used on several previous days.  After all, there is no point in changing perfection!

For dinner, we went over to Lisa's and had some pizza.  Everyone is a little sad that it is time to go home.  Back at the condo, we did some of the initial packing up.  There will be just a little to finish in the morning and then loading the car.

It has been a great two weeks and I am really not ready for it to end.  I hardly get to the beach, early morning or evening a few times, but I love everything about being here.  Just sorry it has to end.

Friday, July 18, 2014

July 17th - Day 13 - No Rain Today!

I headed out to the pool by 9:30 this morning, as it was sunny and nice and I wasn't sure if rain might move in later.  I didn't want to miss a minute of my pool time!  It turned out to be a beautiful day - all day.  I hung out at the pool until about 1:30 when the sun started getting me.  Then I went in, got some lunch, and relaxed on the patio for most of the rest of the day.  Sounds like a repeat of almost every other day - just the way I like it!

Dinner was take out from Osteen's - fried shrimp, of course.  Lisa and kids came over to eat with us, while David and a couple of the others went out to an all-you-can-eat fish place.  Brooks was tired, as they had spent the day in town, so he needed to get bed.  Ashby was going to stay and swim for a while, but then Lizzie wanted her to come over to play and she was excited to do that.  Bill ran over to Martha's t look at something she needed help with, so I had a couple of quiet hours alone. 

This vacation has confirmed for me what has been obvious for some time - I can not stand noise, crowds, chaos, or clutter.  I think it is a sign of senility.  And just let me sit by the pool or on the patio - that makes me happy!

Everyone is starting to feel a little sad as the end of the week is approaching way too fast.  I am so glad we stay for two weeks these days, instead of just one, but the end still comes! 

Thursday, July 17, 2014

July 16th - Day 12 - A Little Rain

On most days, the day starts sunny and the rain moves in during the afternoon.  Today, it started out cloudy and looking like rain.  When it looked like it was clearing a little, I took my chance and headed to the pool.  My last comment as I left the condo was that I needed to get my pool time while I could as it looked like it would be raining soon.  However, I did not expect the rain quite as soon as it came!  I had gotten my spot set up, took a while in the hot tub, and was just heading to the pool when it started to rain.  I figured I was wet anyway, so a few minutes in the pool would be fine.  After all, we have often been in the pool during a rain shower.  I barely dipped in when the sky let loose and the shower turned into a down pour.  That wasn't so much fun, so I gathered my stuff quickly and headed back to the condo.  Everything was drenched.

I then spent the next couple of hours on the patio reading and enjoying the rain.  A little later, when it had quit, I headed back out to try again and was able to stay a while that time.  The sun was even out.  I finally headed back in again to get lunch and more patio time. 

Late in the afternoon, Ashby and a couple of their group came by to swim, so I was out there a third time.  It was fun, swimming and talking to Vanett.  Ashby is turning into a real fish.  She was practicing getting breaths and managed to swim all the way across the pool - the widest part.  She was really proud.  When the thunder started again - and was sounding like it was pretty close - we had to get out again.  I ended up in my usual spot on the patio.

For dinner, we just ate leftovers from the frig.  Time is starting to run short, so we need to get rid of some of this food that we have accumulated!  We just had a quiet evening.  I finished my book and started on the next one.  I have only read four books this vacation, but that is fine.  I have done some other things, too, that took my reading time.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

July 15th - Day 11 - Ditto!

Not much to write about today that is new.  I spent the morning at the pool, until the sun reached me under my umbrella.  Then I moved to the patio where I relaxed and read my book.  That was pretty much it!

Martha wanted to cook some beans, so she fixed dinner for everyone and we had the group over here again.  They hung around quite a while and played a card game.  Well, some of them did.  I relaxed on the patio while the game was going on.

We had another pretty good rain shower late in the afternoon, early evening.  It has been rainier than usual this year.  It is not unusual for a shower to develop in the afternoons, but they have been longer lasting than usual.  Even so, it let up so we could have gone to the pool later, if we hadn't been so entertained at the condo!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

July 14th - Day 10 - Day at the Beach and Pool

Today was more like my normal day down here.  I was up early and walked down to the beach.  I was just a little past sunrise, but it was still beautiful with the sun just up a ways.  I walked a ways on the beach and then went back up the boardwalk and sat in one of the gazebos for a while.  I enjoyed just looking at the ocean, as well as reading some.

Back at the condo a couple of hours later, I had some breakfast, got dressed for the pool and headed out shortly after it opened.  I set up my usual spot and spent the rest of the morning and into the afternoon there.  I swim a little, especially when it starts to get hot; soak in the hot tub a bit, although it is too hot for too long during the daytime; read my book; chatted with people; etc.

I went back in around 1:30, got some lunch, and relaxed on my chaise lounge on the patio to read some more.  A little later, they dropped Ashby off, as she didn't want to go shopping and Brooks was napping at home.  We were going to swim, but just that quick a storm moved in and the thunder and lightening started.  It didn't stop her though, as she went to work coloring.

Martha fixed BLT's for dinner and everyone except the Pulisphers came.  They were going out to dinner, but they did drop Brooks off on their way.  It was a fun evening, and we laughed a lot.  The kids had a ball, playing and then running and squealing.  Nancy leaves tomorrow, so the group is getting pretty small.

A day couldn't be much better!

Monday, July 14, 2014

July 13th - Day 9 - Church

We made it to church this morning, unlike last week when we couldn't seem to get it together.  Lisa and family made it as well, so we took up a whole pew in the chapel.  The kids were really good and it was a good service.  We did not stay for the extra meetings, though.

Back home, Ashby wanted to spend the day with Grandpa and Grandma, so she came over prepared to go swimming, which is exactly what we did once we had a little early lunch.  She and I had been out in the pool for a little while, when she asked why there were bubbles in the pool.  A quick look confirmed that it was starting to rain.  Fortunately, it was just rain, so we just stayed out and played in the pool in the rain.  For a while, we got in the hot tub, which is really fun in the rain.  When thunder started, though, we packed up and headed in to the condo.

Brooks was also with us, but had not wanted to come to the pool.  He was too busy playing with other things.   It was time for a little quiet time, so they found some cartoons that were appropriate and they settled in to watch them.  David came and got Brooks to take him back for a nap.  I had already climbed in to bed to get a little Sunday nap while it rained and Ashby came in and cuddled up with me and we both had nice naps.

For dinner, Martha ran out and picked up some shrimp dinners from the Sunset Grill.  Later, everyone came over and we swam in the pool until after 9:00. 

Another great day!


Sunday, July 13, 2014

July 12 - Day 8 - Airport Run

Saturday is checkout day, but since we are staying two weeks, we were able to enjoy the day.  There are sure a lot of sad faces all over the place, though.  Our turn will be next Saturday.

It was cloudy this morning, still some leftover from the big storm last night, but it was good enough to go to the pool.  It didn't take long before the sun was out and it was beautiful.  Susan and I were the first at the pool, but pretty soon we had all of Lisa's crew and Bill, too.  It was a great morning for swimming, and since most people were leaving, we pretty much had the pool to ourselves. 

By noon or so, more clouds, with thunder, moved in and we had to leave the pool.  By then, it was time to get ready to take Susan to the airport anyway, so we lucked out.  We got dressed, loaded things up, and headed out for lunch on the way.  We stopped at the Beachcomber, where we usually eat outside, but the rain was getting pretty heavy by then, so we had to sit inside.  The shrimp is good either way.

Then it was on to the airport, where we dropped Susan off with plenty of time to get checked in and on her plane.  It has been a fun few days having her here.

Then we headed back to the condo, relaxed a little on the patio (it was still raining) and eventually ordered some pizza, which we shared with Greg and family.  David and Nancy and crew came over, too, although they had already eaten.  We all had a fun time, sitting on the patio and talking and laughing.

Martha will be staying with us this week, as Joyce went on home.  We are so glad to have another week!



Tjhen

Saturday, July 12, 2014

July 11 - Day 7 - Trolley Tour

Today we went into town and took the trolley tour.  Susan wanted to get a feel for St. Augustine and what there was to see, so this was the best way to do that.  We spent a couple or hours or so and got to see an overview of everything.  We didn't get off, other than at the fort for a quick look, but the list of things she would like to come back and see with her family is quite extensive.  It was a lot of fun, but was terribly hot, so we were ready to hit the beach when the tour finished.

Back at the condo, we ate lunch from leftovers and then Susan went to the beach, I went to the pool, and Bill dozed off a bit before going to the beach, too.  We all finally came back together at the condo around 6:00.  Dinner was at Greg and Judy's.  They had ordered in bbq and sides and it was very good.

It is hard to believe that a whole week is gone already.  Steven and family are leaving in the middle of the night so they can get back in time for all the kids to get to work on Monday.  Julie and Joyce will be leaving in the morning.  We will take Susan to the airport in the afternoon.  Nancy is moving to the beach house for a few days before they head back.  That will leave Lisa, Greg, and us for the next week.  It will sure seem quiet after all the activity this week!

I am so glad that we get to stay another week!  

Friday, July 11, 2014

July 10 - Day 6 - Dinner

It was our turn to do dinner for the whole crowd today, so that took a  big chunk out of the day.  We had already planned the menu - Hawaiian haystacks.  Susan and I went to the grocery store and purchased everything. 

When we got back, I headed out to the pool for a little time out there.  I stayed until the rain finally drove me back to the patio.  I then sat in my chaise lounge and read some more.  Martha came by and we enjoyed talking.

Eventually, we had to go in and start chopping and cooking.  It turned out really good and we got a ton of compliments.  I think that was mostly because it was something new, although it was really good.  Some took off after dinner to various places, but a few hung around for a while.  I have a jig saw puzzle set up on the patio table and Judy and Martha ended up staying for a long time, working on the puzzle and talking.  We had a great time.

Once every one left, Bill, Susan and I ended up talking some more until quite late. 

Another great day at the beach!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

July 9 - Day 5 - At It Again!

What is there to say - this day is pretty much a repeat of the rest.  Which means, it is excellent!

Susan went out to the beach, but I went back to the pool.  It was another beautiful day.  I finally came in to have some lunch and then settled on the patio to read. 

Tonight was free night for dinner, so we met up with Lisa and family at the South Beach Grill for dinner.  It was very good!

After dinner, we came back to the condo and everyone went out to the pool.  Another great evening!

July 8 - Day 4 - Susan Arrives

This was a regular beach day - mostly spent at the pool.  I finished my second book.  I totally relaxed.

Our friend Susan was flying in this afternoon, and texted that she was delayed and might not make her connection.  I relaxed some more while I waited to get the word.  She managed to make her connection at the last second, so I headed out to meet her.

We made it back in time for dinner at Julie's - yummy shrimp.  Then we took a walk on the beach and enhoyed the most beautiful sunset that I have seen in a long time.  The entire sky turned a fiery red.  It was absolutely the most beautiful evening on the beach.

When we got back to the condo, we stayed up way late talking. 

Another great day!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

July 7 - Day 3 - Time with Ashby

I met Lisa and Ashby, and Judy and Lizzie, over at the club pool this morning.  The girls had gotten a little too much sun on their face yesterday, so they needed to stay away from the beach.  The club pool is a partial indoor pool, so they could play inside and not be in the sun.  We had a great time in the pool, talking, and snacking.

When it was time to leave the pool, Ashby wanted to come with me, so she did just that.  Bill had run to the grocery store and was back, so she was really excited that Grandpa was there, too.  She had some lunch and then announced that she wanted to get in our bed.  Within a c9ouple of minutes, she was sound asleep.  She ended up sleeping until 5:00.  I do believe that she really had worn herself out in the pool!

When she got up, we headed back out to our pool and she and Grandpa had a ball swimming and playing.  We finally had to get out and get dressed for dinner, which was out at the Pacifica pool again.  David grilled chicken this time and it was all good. 

Ashby swam some more after she ate and then wanted to come spend the night with us, which she did. 

It has been a fun day spent mostly with her.  I do adore her!

Monday, July 7, 2014

July 6th - Day 2 - Rule the Pool!

We failed to get up and at it in time to attend church this morning, so I guess we are in need of some repenting.  It was still a great day, though.

I was up by 6:30 and enjoyed sitting out on the patio with my computer.  Once Bill finally got up, we sat out here just talking and relaxing.  We even ate some breakfast on the patio.  Eventually, Bill headed off to the beach and I headed off to the pool.  I still don't do the beach during the day and I was too lazy to walk down there this morning.  I set up at my usual spot at the pool and was there until mid-afternoon.  I enjoyed talking to a couple of people, swimming when I got hot, and reading the rest of the time.  This is why I love being here!

This evening, we had dinner with the group at Joyce's condo.  Leroy cooked his tacos.  It was fun having everyone there and there was certainly plenty of laughter going on!  The kids had a ball, running and playing all over the place.  When Joyce insisted that everyone had to play charades, I left.  Yes, I am the party pooper, but I really don't like playing games.  There were a few others who also went out and we enjoyed chatting for a while on our own.  Then I came on back to the condo.

I worked on a jigsaw puzzle that I had bought last fall of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I had actually done the outside edge before dinner, so I worked on getting the sky all complete.  Lisa and the kids stopped by on their way back to their condo to say good night.  She has rented bikes and a trailer for one of the bikes so the kids can ride along.  They were so cute, both snuggled in the trailer, while Lisa peddled away.

So, the first full day as been a good one.  I accomplished nothing of importance and I had a great time doing it!

Sunday, July 6, 2014

July 5th - Day 1 - Travel & BBQ

We were up and on the road by about 7:30 this morning.  Lisa got away about the same time, so it turned out we were pretty much traveling together.  So, we met up for lunch at the mall in Valdosta, which allowed the kids some time to get out and play.  That break was more than an hour long, but it was good. 

We arrived in St. Augustine at 4:00, which is check in time.  However, almost everyone was having to wait to get keys until their condos were cleaned.  We ended up having to wait until almost 5:00.  I was a little upset!  We love these condos, but some of their policies are obviously to make money, not to accommodate guests.  We finally got in, though, and got everything unloaded.  I was really glad we had brought food, so we didn't have to spend another two hours doing the shopping!

Once we unloaded things and put away the food, we headed over to the Pacifica pool where Steven and family were doing a bbq for the whole group - about 31 or 32 or us.  It was Allie's birthday, so we also had a celebration for that.  It was a lot of fun having everyone together again.

By the time we finished there, we were tired and headed back to the condo.  The first day is always tiring, with the long travel and unpacking.  Tomorrow the real fun begins!!


Saturday, July 5, 2014

July 4th - Happy Fourth of July!

.......which we mostly spent getting ready for vacation!  And we accomplished our list of things to do.  That would mean I did six loads of laundry, including the sheets, cleaned out the refrigerator, and got all the packing done. 

We went over to Lisa's for a 4th of July cookout late in the afternoon - just a hot dogs and hamburger kind of thing.  David's mother and nephew got in this afternoon, so we got to see them, too.  The kids are so excited because tomorrow we get to go to the beach.

We didn't stay long, so we could get back home before dark and get the van all loaded.  That mission is also complete.  Now we just need to stick in the things we need in the morning and we can be on our way in good time.

St. Augustine - we are ready!!!

Friday, July 4, 2014

July 3rd - Shopping Today

Today, my main goal was to get the grocery shopping done, so we would have the food we needed to take with us to Florida.  Of course, if we end up taking the car, most of the food will not go with us anyway, but I still like to be prepared.  And we may end up taking the van and will have room.  We can do the grocery shopping when we get there, but it is always so crowded on Saturday nights at the Publix and it is nice to have a short list (just the fresh and frozen things), or even better, to be able to wait until Monday.  Either way, I am prepared, as I made it to the store and got everything on my list.

I also had to go to help someone with their family history this afternoon.  She is in her 80's and has wanted help for some time, but finally found the time to ask me to come and get her going.  She already has her family tree in Family Search, but she couldn't remember how to get to it or how to do things once she got there.  We spent about two hours and I think she is able to do a few things now.  She was very excited when we found a document that gave us some new information on one of her people. 

The rest of the day was pretty much just this and that, getting the rest of the vacation plans figured out, a few things around the house, and some computer things.

Bill worked a short day and then went to pick up the new car.  He always has a bad case of buyer's remorse after he buys anything, but he felt better after he got possession of the car.  It is very nice.  I am just happy to have a dependable car that looks nice.  I am so not into cars!

We were both so lazy that we just ordered a pizza for dinner.  I can't remember the last time we did that.  I think we are both already shifting into vacation mode - can't wait!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

July 2nd - Family History Day

This was mostly just a normal Wednesday.  I was at the family history center this morning.  One of the ward members had called last night about getting some help, so she came to the center and we worked on getting her set up.  She has a problem with her Family Search account which we couldn't get fixed, so we had to contact FS.  Hopefully, they will get back to her with a solution.  She was born in Belgium, so it is more of a challenge.  At least, we got her going and were able to add some information about her grandparents that her aunt had given her.

I worked on my own family history some this afternoon, as well as doing a few other routine chores things.  I was also tired, but since I didn't want to nap, I ended up relaxing in the chair and watching a little Law & Order. 

When Bill got home, he had that "I did it now" kind of grin.  Turned out he had brought home a car from a dealership for me to look at.  We have been talking about trading cars, but I hate car shopping, so he has to do it alone.  Anyway, he found a nice used car that he wanted me to see.  It is a Buick and is very nice - a 2011 with only 27,000 miles.  We took it for a quick ride, so I could decide if I liked it.  And I do.  Remember that I don't have much of an interest in cars, other than that they are comfortable and dependable.

On his way back to return the car, he stopped by Lisa and David's to see what they thought and then called later to see if I agreed on what he was negotiating.  It sounded fine to me, so he signed the papers, gave them cash for the car, and we will give them the old car and pick up the new one tomorrow. 

I guess we will not be driving the van to Florida!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

July 1st - New Month

I started the new month rather quietly.  The biggest thing on my mind this week is getting ready for the beach!  So, today was the day I dug out the bins and started loading them with the food and supplies that need to go.  I wanted to see what I already had before I go shopping later in the week.

Other than that, I didn't do much of great import.  Well, that is, other than family history.  I was doing a little "clean up" on FamilySearch, but got bored with that, so I switched to some research.  I started with Bill's grandfather and ended up finding some things about some of his father's siblings.  I added several names and sources, so it was a good work session.

And that about does it!  


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

June 30th - Babysitting

Lisa had a dentist appointment this morning, so she brought the kids over around 9:30.  They were in a playing mood, so had a lot of fun, mostly playing together.  They had the little horses out and and tool set and were giving the horses "examinations".  Then they got out the old jewelry box and were dressing up.  Brooks was really funny with the earrings on!  Then they were playing something in the office - the adding machine was spewing out paper, they were writing on the paper, punching holes in it, etc.  Apparently, I was going to some sort of air show and they were doing the tickets. 

When they began to get a little tired and less happy, we had a short quiet time where they watched a couple of shows from Netflix.  It didn't take long and they were off playing again.  They really entertained themselves well.  All they wanted for lunch was bagels, so that was easy, too.

Shortly after eating, Lisa got back and they had to go.  What a fun morning.

The rest of the day was a little more normal - meaning, I did as little as possible.  My family history time was spent finishing up the checking of completed ordinances.  I only do it once a year or so, because it takes a couple of days to get it all done.  I won't worry about it again for a while. 

Bill wanted to go out for dinner, so we went to Del Rio.  Yummy - love Mexican!  The rest of our evening was pretty quiet - me at the computer, Bill watching something on TV, the Smithsonian channel, I think.