One More Month?

Yes, it's hard to believe there is just month left in 2010. But, there it is. Soon, we'll be ringing in 2011. Well, Randy always says that time flies when you're having fun! :) Not all of 2010 was fun, but I gotta say, for the most part it was. This life we live is not too shabby.

We woke up to rain this morning. It rained off and on for most of the day. By late this afternoon, it was gone. It was pretty humid all day with temps in the 70s. But,that's gonna change. The temps are going to drop about 20 degrees tomorrow, but it's supposed to get sunny. I can handle temps in the 50s when it's sunny!

We didn't do much today. This cold I've had for over a week just won't let up. And I woke up with a headache as well. Ugh. So, I pretty much did nothing. Well, that's not true. I did begin writing our Christmas cards. I got about three quarters of them done. I have cut way back on the number we're sending this year – under 50. Trying to be a bit more frugal. Randy did his usual – walking Blackie, washing dishes, and reading his computer articles.

We continued catching up on the shows we'd DVR'd over the past couple of weeks. I think we're pretty caught up at this point. Whew! It's a tough job, but we are up to it! :)

Tomorrow's the first of the month. That's our big day – pay day!! :) Going to the bank, the grocery and get the truck fueled up. Such excitement. Don't be jealous. :)

Until the next time . . .

NOT a Manic Monday

It was oh, so nice to get back to our routine, which is really not a routine because we have no agenda. But, it's our own form of a routine. Confused? :)

After sleeping in to a little past 7am (which is late for me anymore), I had my quiet time while Randy took Blackie for his morning walk. After that we got our first cups of coffee and checked out what was happening in cyber space. I got caught up on Facebook, finished my cup of coffee and got myself out the door to Curves.

I had not been to Curves since we left Knoxville! I was not looking forward to getting back into it 'cause I knew it would feel like starting all over. Plus, this cold is still kicking my butt. I persevered, however, and went. I was pleasantly surprised – it wasn't so bad. I worked up a sweat and felt pretty good. At least as good as I usually feel about working out! :)

Once I got home and grabbed a shower, I was done for the day. All I wanted to do was sit in my recliner and catch up on the TV shows we've DVR'd over the last few weeks. And that's pretty much what I did! I did get birthday and anniversary cards written for the month, so they are ready to mail at the appropriate time. So that was something productive.

Randy was a busy bee. He put the awning out, laid down the outside mat, put up our awning lights and got the banners and bird feeders out for me to put where I want them.

Dinner was chicken pesto pasta. Yummy.

And now, we're settled in for the night. And that's our routine! :)

Until the next time . . .

Hardeeville, SC

Surprisingly, we pulled out of Twin Lakes RV at 9:03 this morning. I say “surprisingly” because I was not moving very quickly this morning and didn't get it in gear going on 8am. This cold has really kicked my butt and the mornings are just rough. But, we persevered and got out at a decent time.

It was an easy drive, with just one stop around Macon for a quick bite of lunch. We pulled into Hardeeville RV a few minutes before 3pm. An uneventful trip; just as we like it!

As I remembered, the park owner, Len, is a very personable fellow. He welcomed us and led us to our site. We are in the long term area which is new since we were here a few years ago.

This park is the closest one to Savannah. It's just a few miles away, across the river. There's nothing fancy about the park but it has what we like – level sites, a few trees, laundry facility, and inexpensive.

We'll be here until after the first of the year, with one week spent back home for the holidays. It's so nice that we can leave the rig here, all plugged in, while we're gone. Nice perk. Once we get back from our Christmas celebrations, we'll hit the road for our southern home – Summerdale, AL.

Until the next time . . .

Time to Move On

The last couple of days have, for the most part, been spent with Randy's sister, Missy and kids. Last night we went to dinner at 52 Bistro, the restaurant where Aaron is general manager. It's a very cozy place with great food. If you find yourself in Alpharetta, Georgia, be sure to stop in. Tell Aaron “Aunt Terry” sent you! :)

Today we took Missy and Patrick to pick out their Christmas tree. It's almost become tradition that we do this each year. Since we have such a big truck, it's easy for us to transport it for them. They always pick out a big (to us) tree – eight to ten feet tall!

This evening Missy, Patrick, Tara, Randy & I went to Red Lobster for a going away dinner. Unfortunately, Aaron had to work; and MacKenzie went to the UGA/GA Tech football game, so they weren't able to come with us. But, we managed to have a good time anyway. After dinner, we gave each other hugs and said our good-byes.

We'll be pulling out tomorrow morning and move on to Savannah. We'll be making that our home for the next month. We're looking forward to having a lot of time to re-explore Savannah.

On another note, I finally got all our of pictures from our Disney trip uploaded to our Webshots site. I put up five or six new albums. Check 'em out!

Until the next time . . .

Thanksgiving Reflections

Today made me a little sad. As I've shared before, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – it is a true celebration of what is important: being grateful for the blessings we have been given.

However, each year there is more commercialism attached to Thanksgiving. Instead of it being a day on which we share a meal with family and/or friends, watch some football, and just enjoy being with those we love, it has become a day on which people are concerned about what sales they can take advantage of. What stores have the best discounts? How much stuff can I get at the best price?

Now, don't get me wrong. I like a good deal, too. But, why can't it all wait until AFTER Thanksgiving? Like it used to. I know, I know. I sound like an old lady - “What happened to the good ol' days”? (said in an old, crotchety voice)

I would like holidays to be celebrated for what they were set aside for. Thanksgiving is for taking time to consciously be thankful for every good thing in our lives. To be grateful for the lives we've been given and be content where we are. While I try to live my life in a state of gratitude, I like having a special day dedicated to gratitude and thankfulness.

Today I am grateful for my salvation, to be a child of God. I am grateful to be married to a man who loves me unconditionally and is my best friend. I am grateful that my parents are still living and in fairly good health. I am grateful for my kids and grandkids. I am grateful for extended family and friends who help me remember how surrounded I am by love.

Thanksgiving. Yep, it's a good day.

Settled in for the Thanksgiving Weekend

Yesterday we left Disney World around 11am and headed north. Randy & I looked at each other and asked “WHY are we headed NORTH”????? For family, of course! That's the only reason we'd head north when cold weather is setting in. :)

Gratefully, we aren't headed too far north. Just to the Atlanta area.

We traveled about 350 miles and landed in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel near Macon, GA for the night. We treated ourselves to coffee and dessert at the restaurant, then came back to the rig to settle down for the night. It didn't take long for Randy to fall asleep – he was out before 8:30. About an hour later, I went out, too.

Randy was up bright and early this morning, about 6am. I didn't sleep well at all due to my cold and I stayed in bed until 7. We always get an early start when we overnight in a parking lot. So, by 7:30 we were on our way.

Since we'd driven so far yesterday, we had under 120 miles left on our trip. An easy drive! We stopped for a quick breakfast at McDonald's and continued on our way.

We pulled into Twin Lakes RV in Cumming, GA about 10am. I don't think we've ever gotten to a campground that early. There was no problem with our checking in that early and by 11:30 we were set up and sitting in our recliners. Not bad.

Our niece, Tara, and her boyfriend, Aaron, invited us to their house for dinner tonight. We have not had much chance to get to know Aaron one-on-one, so we were delighted with the invitation. The four of us had a great time and Aaron is a very nice young man. Tara seems very happy and that's all that matters to us.

Tomorrow is my very favorite holiday – you can have Christmas, New Year's, and the others. I'll take Thanksgiving every time. There isn't the pressure of buying the “right” present or attending a party or anything else. It's just a day to reflect on the blessings one has and to be grateful for them. I like that.

Until the next time . . .

A Couple of Days of Travel

We leave Disney World today. It's been a great 10 days and you'll never stay in a better campground, but it's time to go.

Our destination is Twin Lakes RV in Cumming, Georgia which is just outside of Atlanta. We'll spend six or seven hours on the road today, stopping at a WalMart or truck stop. Then we'll have a short day of travel tomorrow.

Thanksgiving will be celebrated with family – Randy's sister and kids. Looking forward to see them.

For all our friends who are traveling this holiday – we wish you safe travels and great family celebrations!

Until the next time . . .

And now? They're Gone :(

Sunday = D(eparture) Day

Before taking the kids to the airport, we took a detour to the Grand Floridian. We had visited this hotel with Dan & Debbie last week, but Lins wanted Reagan to see the gingerbread house. No problem. Randy & I are always up for a detour. :)

I was so surprised when we walked into the lobby! It had been decorated for Christmas since we'd been there last week! This is such a beautiful hotel and the decorations make it more so. We took advantage of a few more photo ops and then it was time to go.

We had such a great time with the kids. Randy & I are so grateful that our kids like to spend time with us! Of course, being at Disney was a good draw, too. :) As hard as it was, we dropped them off at the airport.

Saying good-bye is so dang hard. But, the good news is we'll see them again at Christmas.

Thanks for going to Disney with us!

Traveling the World or EPCOT Part II

Saturday we became world travelers as we again visited EPCOT. Very different seeing it through Reagan's eyes than walking the park with just adults. :)

Our first stop in the park was The Seas. We took a ride “underwater” to see Nemo and his friends.

 

Then, Crush, the turtle, gave us a presentation of his life underwater. He even took questions! This was probably one of the neatest attractions I've seen in a long time. We were seated in front a screen that looked like a real aquarium and Crush swam up and began speaking to us. He actually called on kids, identifying them by the color of their “shells” (their clothes) and the “fur on their noggins” (their hair). He asked their names and repeated them. Amazing technology. The kids, and adults, had a great time.

From The Seas we took a ride through Imagination with Figment. This was a cool way to see how technology and our imagination work together. Figment is a virtual purple dragon who escorted us throughout the attraction. One of the exhibits allowed you to “conduct” music by just waving your hands and arms.

The music would show up on the screen in front of you.

We continued on to Mexico where we had lunch and a boat ride with the Three Caballeros.

Donald even showed up for an autograph!

On our way out of Mexico, we walked through Norway,

and came to China. Isn't that how it works in real life??? :)

After a stop at the Trading Post to play the conga drums,

we took a moment for another photo op

and then it was time to leave EPCOT and get back to the campground for our reservations at the Hoop De Doo Musical Revue.

This dinner show is a hoot. Lots of good food and much laughter at the vaudevillian type show. We had attended this show almost 20 years ago and it is still a good time.

Whew. Four days of nonstop playing makes for some tired girlies.

It's gonna be hard to say good-bye . . .

A Magical, Christmas-y Day

Friday dawned bright and beautiful. We had a leisurely morning at the campsite as we decided to go to The Magic Kingdom in the early afternoon because we'd be staying late for Mickey's Christmas Party.

There are a couple of ways to get to The Magic Kingdom from the campground. Reagan was checking our route:

Since it was a gorgeous day, we decided to sail over to the park.

As soon as we entered the park, we found Snow White! Of course, we had to stop and get her autograph and a picture.

Then, we took a train ride to Mickey's ToonTown and toured Mickey's house and Minnie's house. Just lovely. :)

The White Rabbit was waiting for us after Reagan took a ride on the tea cups.

A couple of years ago, Jason, Lindsay & Reagan visited Disney World and Reagan was able to meet all of the Disney princesses. This year she was hoping to see some of the fairies. Well, we were in luck! Three of them were hanging around, giving autographs and having pictures taken! Reagan was a real trooper; she waited in line for AN HOUR to meet the fairies.

By then it was time for dinner. We went to Tony's, an Italian restaurant. After we were seated and looking around, we realized this was the restaurant from the movie, “Lady and the Tramp.”

The meal was very good, too! Reagan wanted Pop and Nana to recreate the scene where Lady and Tramp ate the same spaghetti noodle and met in the middle. We declined. :)

When we left the restaurant, the Kingdom had transformed into a Christmas wonderland! It was so beautiful.

As we made our way to Frontier Land where the parade was going to step off, we hit a couple of rides; Peter Pan Takes Flight and Winnie the Pooh. It is so much fun seeing all this through Reagan's eyes. There's nothing like the pure joy of a child's laughter!!

As usual for all things Disney, the parade was perfect. It began with Mickey & Minnie and, befitting a Christmas parade, ended with Santa and his reindeer. In between were every Disney character you can imagine.

After the parade ended, it was time to make our way out of the park. All of us were tired and ready to be home. We did meet Aladdin and Jasmine on the way!

The fun isn't over yet! We've got one more park to share with you. :)