My day | Peaches Prattlings

{September 1, 2014} Pool day!

A day of rest? What’s that?

Today I did actually sleep in, until almost 9am! Wow! Did I do something good to deserve this treat? What is it they say…I need a vacation from my vacation!

We all got motivated, did coffee runs and had breakfast, then it was make lunches, pack up the cars and head to the pool! It’s been over a month since I sat in a pool, outside. I’ve been to hotel pools, but they’re all inside, this was great!

We were at the pool maybe three minutes and we were already getting pulled in! “Hurry up! I wanna swim!” EJS has been taking swimming lessons and has improved so much over the last year! She even took her test to get her the band to allow her in the four foot deep section without an adult! Next will be the test for the nine foot deep section of the pool.

We all splashed and played and had a great time, breaking for lunch then getting back in, not right away, took a break and then went back. Took another break later, read a little of my book, started to doze off and then it was time to go home. Oh yeah, a little FaceTime with GES somewhere in between, since she had stayed home to get some work done.

Back home, we showered and got dressed and did some work around the house and then ACS’ friend, JR, came over and we all went to dinner at a local Irish pub, it was fun and entertaining.

On the way home, stop at Petco to pick up stuff for the cats, some toys and scratching posts. Oh! Papa, or my dad as I know him, worked out a deal with EJS to help with the cats: food, water, litter, every day and each week, she will get $3, sounds fair to me! I’ll definitely be getting in on this action ! Thanks for thinking of it dad!

Home for bath, games and bed. RG came over to chat for a while, it was great to see her! Finished packing and now I’m talking to you!

Good night dear friends, I have a very early day tomorrow, back to Louisville!

{September 1, 2014} A country fair and lobster fest!

How does one follow a day at the beach? With a country fair and lobster fest, of course! Didn’t you get the memo?

The day started way too early, 7:30 to be exact, is there a pattern here? The bad part wasn’t the time, just the fact that I fell asleep at 3:30am! Party, Party, Party!

We got motivated and out of the house about 10:15, which was only 15 minutes later than planned, go us! We loaded the girls into the convertible again, they were ready for it, sweatshirts on this time, still continued to bundle up, windows up, top down and we were off!

We were meeting ACS’s brother and sister-in-law, JS and AS, at the 154th annual Woodstock Fair, http://www.woodstockfair.com/. It was a good, old-fashioned country fair, who doesn’t love that! There were rides for all ages, vendors, animals, exhibitions, car races, food, funnel cake, games and so much more. There were crowds of people, most of them smiling, some of the wee tots don’t smile so much when someone tells them no!

We started off taking a trip around to see some of the booths with fun goods. I got a new face mask that will double for the motorcycle and skiing. My last one had to be thrown away, this one is just like it, with pink flames! I will rock the slopes again this year! I did find a gorgeous pair of cowboy, or I should say cowgirl boots, of course, they were on sale for…$289. I just couldn’t do it, even though my birthday is coming up…it’s not the perfect pair I want, those I might spend that kind of money!

Then we got some fried dough, GES and I thought we were getting funnel cake, not so. But there was powdered sugar and it satisfied half the craving, and the girls liked it, what more could you want!

Next were the animals: cows, GIANT rabbits, chickens, roosters, chicks, ducks, sheep, pigs, alpacas, goats, oh my! There were sheep being sheared, cows being born, it was amazing!

I believe she was smiling!

We went into some of the exhibition barns to see different competitors and entries. There were race cars and music and entertainment and giant gourds! Oh my!

The sand art was amazing!

The living statue was creepy and cool, all at the same time!

I love handmade crafts!

Wouldn’t this be great for CBS Sunday Morning?

O M G!! The largest one was over 1100 pounds!

Finally, there were games and rides and oh did the girls love those! Bumper cars, carousel horses and ring tosses, oh my! Were we wiped out? Yes we were!

Back in the car, top up, windows down and to the house James!

When we got home, it was just in time to bring things to the driveway next door for Lobster Fest ’14! This is a tradition that the families on the block have been doing during Labor Day weekend for years. They have done it at GES and ACS’ house many times in the driveway, but this year…the neighbors weren’t there, so guess where we set up!

We had lobster, burgers, dogs, salads, veggies, dips, chips, beer, wine and LaLa’s famous home made sangria. For dessert, there was watermelon, champagne grapes, cookies and cakes, oh my!

We ate and drank and laughed and had the best time and then packed it in just as it seemed it would start raining and we beat the clock! We cleaned up, got the kids inside, baths, books, games and night night!

And then the second shower of the day for most of us, we were hot sticky messes! Now, I sit here writing to you about my day and after I load some pictures into this post I’m going to bid you a fond good evening. [fingers crossed i get more than 4 hours of sleep!]

What will we be doing tomorrow? Who knows…but as you’ve guessed, there is never a dull moment around this house!

Goodnight!

{August 31, 2014} A day at the beach…

Is there really more to say? Well, alright, if i must!

Today was going to be a day at the beach with a few other families, to spend time together and celebrate a 5th birthday of another wonderful munchkin who calls me Auntie J!

I got up about 7:30, not because I wanted to, by any means, I was hoping for a little more sleep, but, there you have it. No sleeping late in this house! As I’m trying to get my eyes open, about 7:45/7:50 I hear ‘Is it time to wake Auntie J up yet?” “No” was my sister’s response, but I was up so i went upstairs.

There was fun to be had! Wrestling, tickling, silliness, you name it, we had it. Then ACS was going for a run and invited me to go. It was going to be a 5 mile day for him, he’s training for a half marathon in a few weeks. Yes, I wanted to go, I haven’t run in 2 weeks, it was time. [and you know I’m participating in a half marathon in November, I need to get moving!]

We started off strong, I kept up with him and his pace, which was a little faster than I am used to, now that i have a rhythm that started to work, but I did it. I kept up for about 1.5 miles and then he kept going and i walk/ran the rest of the way. I did my five miles, just not all running, but I am quite please with what I did.

I met ACS and my dad at the grocery store on the way home, stopped for a few things and hitched a ride home, I’m ok with that. Then it was make lunches, pack the car and get ready to go! What better way to go to the beach than in a convertible with the top dropped, they loved it!

It was a beautiful day for a drive, with the top down, to the beach. Guess who was the only one not bundled up!

We made it to the house, quick change and it was beach bound, across the street and down the path, what could be better?! The sand was hot, the water was cold and the air was perfect. There is nothing, nothing I tell you, like time on the beach. It so made me want to buy a place on the beach or live there full time. Oh, why can’t Colorado have a beach, then it would be absolutely perfect!

We spent about four hours, maybe more, on the beach. A walk with dad, played a little with the kids, had lunch and then took a nap, glorious! I have to tell you, I never sleep so well as I do on the beach or right near it, there is nothing like it, did I already say that?

The kids had a great time and even started their own ice bucket challenge, so to speak. this consisted of dumping buckets of ocean water on their heads, so stinking cute! One started, then another joined in, eventually there were four of them!

After the beach we headed to the house for showers and a cookout and then singing and birthday cake with ice cream, what more could you want?

A few hours later it was back in the car, top up and drive home. On the way, EJS asked if she could ride in my car tomorrow to the fair, guess what my answer was!

On to the next adventure! Goodnight!

{August 29, 2014} Take a nap…this is going to be a long one!

Are you ready to hear about my day?

As you know, i drove to Boston today, so here goes.

Last night, I found a hotel, not necessarily a pet friendly hotel…they were friendly and I snuck my pets in! shhh…I put BOTH cats into one carrier and smuggled them into the hotel and up the stairs, yeah for side doors! I slept for a few hours, they were both with me, then I got up at 8, put them both back into the carrier and Peanut proceeded to hiss and wail and whine! Oh NO! Please be quiet! So I smuggled them back out the door and into the car! whew!

On the road I went. I made it to NY State!

I checked in with NB, or Twin, as i call him and we decided on where to meet for lunch, since I was going to be going right past his neck of the woods. He then informed me that, duh, I would be driving right past my Alma mater, SUNY Fredonia, http://www.fredonia.edu/index.html, how excited was I! I was on the phone with SH when I got off the highway and she was almost as excited as I was!

Oh my goodness! Not much has changed! I had the cats with me, so I couldn’t spend a lot of time on campus, but I promised everyone on FaceBook who messaged me, that I would definitely be making a trip back to see them! And I will be doing that sometime in the near future! There are so many people I would love to see!

I did make a stop at the Campus Bookstore and geeked out! Everything they have for sale online pales in comparison to all they had to offer in the store! Dad got a Fredonia Dad sweatshirt, GES got a t-shirt and sweatshirt, ACS got a long sleeve t-shirt, EJS and GMS got t-shirts, LaLa got a t-shirt and yours truly: 2 sweatshirts, a t-shirt, notebook, postcard and a bag. come on, it’s a Fredonia bag! It’s my old school, so there!

The campus is still lovely and warm and inviting, but now there is a Tim Horton’s and Starbucks? On campus! What? And some high end apartments, huh? Who cares, it made me long for those days! GES asked if I would go back, yes I would is my answer!

I couldn’t spend too much time, first, there was a 30 minute time on the parking spot, not heavily enforce, thank goodness and second, I had the cats. I left the windows down, it was 67 degrees and in the shade, felt great and they were fine. No worries people, whenever there is sun and it’s any warmer, I leave the car running with the AC on, every time I went to a rest stop, that’s what I did.

Back in the car and head to lunch with NB and on the way, got a text from JC a dear friend I knew from MCC that I met at Binghamton when we were both a part of NYPIRG, all these acronyms! He wanted to see me, so he came to lunch too! It was so great to see them both, we laughed and had a great time, got some good pics and I headed back on the road with a promise of a visit soon!

Then it was uneventful for the next, oh, I don’t know…8billion miles! Kidding. I got to my sister’s house about 9, not too bad for a days journey. We started at 8:30, stopped at Fredonia for about 45 minutes, a little over an hour for lunch, a few gas stops and we made it in about 9 hours. Go me!

The girls did great, for the most part, they’re cats, they are not as enthusiastic about car rides as dogs, so all in all, good girls!

The suck part…THE TOLLS! I bet I spent close to $20 on tolls. NY State, aren’t the road good enough? FIVE CENTS per mile, what? IF and I say IF I were to ever make this drive again…EZ Pass will be my friend!

I got to GES’ house about 9, as I mentioned and the girls were up waiting for me! Running into my arms and so excited to meet Jymy and Peanut, so many questions and now, here I sit, talking to you and Peanut is purring in my arms. Happy kitty! And Jymy just joined to say hello.

Ok, here is where I leave you because I am a very tired girl and I need some sleep…beach tomorrow!

{August 28, 2014} My day

What a day. It’s late and I’m not going into all of it, but here goes…

Up early, had an issue at the hotel, picked up a co-worker, went into the office, did A LOT of busy work, important to the project, but busy work, none the less.

Emailed with my brother-in-law..ok to bring the cats. Went to lunch, good place, good company, back to the office for more important busy work. Call travel company, change flights, finish work, drop co-worker off at the airport.

Back to the hotel to pack ALL my stuff up, figure out what I’m taking with me, pack the car, FIND my missing box o’stuff! bright moment in my day. Pack up the cats, get a nice gash from Jymy not wanting to get into the carrier. Pack the car with the stuff and cats and head off towards Boston.

Get on the highway, find petrol, back on highway, drive, drive, drive, eventually get food, drive, drive, drive, finally pull off the highway to find a place to rest my head.

Write to you. Pass out.

Tomorrow…get up and finish driving, get to sisters house, hugs and kisses.

Goodnight!

{August 27, 2014} My friends and my blog

I know that you read my blog every day or almost every day and for that I thank you.

I also know that I’ve thanked you for reading my blog before, but I think it warrants another thank you, so thank you! And even though I know you read it, it’s times when someone messages or calls me after reading a post that I feel even happier.

After my sad post last night, as soon as it goes out, I get a text from TS and then first thing this morning, I get texts from MM and SR, all sending me hugs via text. I needed those.

I love when my dad calls and says what happened? Yeah, that makes me feel good too.

So, in conclusion, thank you for reading my posts and don’t be surprised if I say thank you again, I think it’s important! That’s the way i was raised and since I can’t send each of you a thank you card…I’ll just say:

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{August 26, 2014} Losing something

I was looking for something and I think it’s gone and I’m sad.

I have a feeling it is gone for good and it is totally my fault, but I’m still sad. I was unloading my car on Sunday when I got to the hotel in Louisville, finally! and I had to make 3 trips since I was not able to park near the front desk, specifically to get a cart and I think I left this small container on the ground during one of my trips and either missed it or left it while I was making a trip and someone must have come by and taken it.

I’ve searched the car, but it was dark, so I’m going to take another chance tomorrow in the daylight to see if I can find it. If I can, wahoo! If not, my fault and stupidity and I’ll get over it eventually.

Don’t you hate [yes, I know it’s a strong word] when you do something like that? Grrr…I could use a hug!

{August 25, 2014} Meeting new people

A little flirting and a lot of fun!

As I told you last night, I drove to Louisville for a new project and today was my first full day. My hotel is less than a mile away from the office I had to go to, so I went for a walk this morning. Boy howdy, it was HOT!!! It felt like the surface of the sun! Ok, I know I’m exaggerating, but I’m ok with it!

You know it’s bad when it’s so cold inside that you are looking forward to walking outside where it’s 90 and muggy to warm up! I got a ride from a very nice RN back to the hotel and then it was time to meet one of my co-workers for dinner. PM is a very nice guy who was on the University of Michigan project with me, but we did’t get to spend much time getting to know each other and as we are the only ones from that project here, guess what we’re going to do over the next month or so!

Tonight we went to dinner at Gordon Birsch, had a great waitress, Rockin’ Robin, she was a lot of fun and better than the food. I’ve eaten at GB several times in Atlanta, with CKM, TS and a few other people, so I usually like it. The sweet potato fries were awesome!!

After dinner, I went for a walk, found a nice guy to give the rest of my dinner to and watched someone getting arrested, what else could you want for your evening activity? Louisville is interesting!

As I was crossing the street I started talking to a group guys watching what seemed to be entertainment for them and the oldest of them all, a very nice older gentleman, wearing a USMC t-shirt, Ooh Rah, asked if I needed help crossing the street, how sweet was he!

So, being a shy person, HA, I stood there and talked to some of the group for a while. The Marine was a sheriff and the rest of the group were S.W.A.T. in town for training. You know how guys like to make women feel good by telling them how young they look? I’ll take 31, he was sweet, a professed dirty old man with 14 grandchildren! Wow! But what a sweetie I enjoyed talking to and when we parted company I got a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Let’s just say, I smiled all the way back to my hotel. A little flirting is good for the soul!

{August 22, 2014} Lions vs Jaguars

Tonight KLS and I went to see a pre-season professional football game!

I got an offer from Groupon for $39 tickets to a pre-season Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars football game, how could I not ask KLS if she wanted to go! Go figure on the answer! So, i got two tickets and sent out the meeting invite and we would be ready to go tonight!

The game started at 7:30, so based on advice from people on the traffic, we left at 5:30 and made it about 7:15 to the stadium. We were making good time until we got about 8 miles out, then we stopped and crept forward. Not only was there a football game at Ford Field, across the street [literally] at Comerica park, where the Tigers play, was an Eminem and Rhianna concert, think there was traffic?

While we’re driving, or creeping, as it were, we start seeing men getting out of cars on the highway, what? Eventually, we see them taking concert t-shirts out of their bags to sell, really? So, here we are trying to make headway and we have to wait for someone to block traffic buying a shirt? Great…

We finally get to parking and it’s $50??? FIFTY DOLLARS??? Seriously? Is it my fault that there are multiple events going on? I know you want to make money, but this is highway robbery. Disgusting, that’s all I have to say!

We get wanded heading into the stadium, you can only have a clutch [a small purse for those of you not in the know] or a clear bag. Then we head towards our seat and before we go in, we grab some food. Turns out you can’t have caps on any beverage, they’re afraid of people flicking the caps towards other people or the field, what? Who, above the age of 5 does that?

Popcorn, beer, water and Twizzler and $34 [WHAT?] later we were ready to find our seats.

We find our seats and they are great! We are in section 317, up, but right behind the goal post, how cool is that? The national anthem came and the arena was on its feet paying respect. Then the game started and we settled in to watch. Within the first 8 minutes, touchdown! I love watching the flags run down the field when there is a touchdown.

Some of the game was exciting to watch, some not, but I had a phone and there is great people watching, it was all good.

During half time, there were a series of pee wee football teams running plays, SOOO CUTE! And I SO see LB or Baby A in a few years on the field during a game playing football, can’t you just see it?

We hung out through most of the 3rd quarter, where Detroit was down 12 to 7 and headed to the car and breezed out of the city, much easier than it was when we went to the Tigers game! It took us no more than 45 minutes to get back to the hotel, where we went to the bar past the disco hopping party in one of the ballrooms where Nel told us that Detroit won in the end. Go Detroit.

We hung out until midnight, talking to Debra and Nel, then headed to our rooms so I could talk to you and sack out.

Can you believe how many sporting events I have been to in the last 3 months? More than in the last 3 years it feels like!

{August 21, 2014} Line Dancing…me?

Tonight I went line dancing!

This is not me! Anyone who knows me knows I am not into line dancing, never have been, never will be. I can no longer say that I’ve never been line dancing, but I don’t think I’ll be making a habit of it!

This was a great girls night! It was so much fun to hang with the girls and be silly and get a great workout! Let me tell you, line dancing is a great workout! It’s like an aerobics class!

I followed the steps, missed a couple, but all in all, we moved and grooved to everything from country to rock to hip hop, how could you go wrong! Doesn’t matter, as long as there is a beat, you can rock the house!

And you don’t have to “dress the part”, ie cowboy boots and cowboy hat, wait, shouldn’t it be cowgirl? Well, I didn’t have either of those things here in Ann Arbor, so I went in jeans, t-shirt and skips, I even wore lipstick! Go me!

Do it once in your life, line up with other people and dance! Go for it! Rock that boot scoot boogie!

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