LONG DRIVE HOME

After a quick breakfast in the cottage, we packed the car and drove by for one more look at the new house before we got on the road to head home. In Atlanta, we stopped for lunch and then I picked up my car and headed for home. George stayed in Atlanta with Bob and Jennifer since he had Zelosport business to take care of. I don't mind traveling by myself at all since I enjoy books on tape and I had a good one to listen to. Once I reached home, I stopped for some Thai take-out (oh my!), came home, propped my feet up, turned on the TV and feasted. Life is good.

GOLF CART FUN

Just one of the beautiful places on this course.
We spent all morning looking at the house, meeting with people, thinking about future furniture placement, etc. After lunch, we took two golf carts and rode all around the gorgeous Jack Nicklaus Signature Course inside The Reserve. So beautiful. George and Bob wanted to play, but there just wasn't enough time this trip. It was a great way to spend the afternoon though.

HAPPY HOUR

After our golf cart fun, we headed to the clubhouse for drinks. The Little League World Series was playing on the bar TV and my hometown of Columbus, Ga. was playing in the finals against Japan. We were able to watch the big win by Columbus!!!!!!!!!! We moved outside on the wrap around porch for another drink and then dinner. We ended the day with some wine down by the lake in the pool area. Another nice day.

SOUTH CAROLINA TRIP

Sidewalk Lunch in Highlands - the BEST burgers! Seriously!
Toasting our New House in The Reserve.
Just having fun!

I'm so glad Bob and Jennifer could come with us to The Reserve to check on the progress of our new home on The Great Lawn. On the way, we stopped in Highlands to walk around, shop and have lunch. Someone recommended a great place to get burgers and boy were they right. Yummy! It was "take out" only so we ate on park benches, but no one could complain. We'll go there again for sure. We stayed in one of the guest cottages at The Reserve and were so impressed with it. Very, very nice. We were so pleased with the new house. I can't wait to see it once it's landscaped and the railings, etc. are installed. It's looking good. What a peaceful place!

CHILLIN'

Good drinks with good friends.
Boys will be boys. We watched a beautiful sunset from our rockers on the porch.

We had happy hour at the Clubhouse and the "boys" played some ping pong. We all decided we didn't want to go out to dinner, so we made "do" with what we had...fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, snack chips, etc. We taught Bob and Jennifer how to play Farkel and Left, Center, Right.

THREE TODAY!

Sydney Anne turned 3 today! She had a "Dora The Explorer" themed pool party and was so cute opening her gifts and thanking everyone. What a joy she brings to us all!

PIZZA AND FRIENDS

After Sydney Anne's party, we drove up to Bob and Jennifer's to spend the night. After a quick drink, we all met Jack and Linda for pizza. It was wonderful having us all together. Looking forward to heading to South Carolina tomorrow morning!

CELEBRATING THE NIGHT BEFORE

We got to Atlanta in time to play with the kids awhile until Eric got home from work. We all went out to dinner to celebrate Sydney Anne's birthday a little early. She enjoyed her birthday ice cream sundae and then Granddad and I pose with them making "silly faces".

THREE YEARS OF SUNSHINE

Sydney Anne, Landon and Kaley Grace - My three little "munchkins" - can't wait to see them all!
The birthday girl! What a sweetie pie!

I'm so excited. We're literally heading out the door for a long weekend. Sydney Anne is turning three and her party is tomorrow! How time has flown! I call her "Miss Sunshine". She's always smiling, usually happy, funny, stays messy, and is soooooooooo loving. What a gift God has given us.

FACING FEARS

Today I went to see Dr. "B" my Radiologist/Oncologist for my first check-up since I finished my radiation treatments on June 8th. All is well. I've had some concerns from time to time about weird pains and some swelling. It doesn't happen often and it hasn't stopped me from my "usual" activities of tennis, bike riding, walking, etc., but I have worried. I admit I'm a bit of a worrier. George teases me and says if I don't have something to worry about, I worry that I might be missing something I'm supposed to be worrying about. He's right…just don't tell him! :-) Anyway, Dr. "B" said everything is normal. The weird pains are most probably from the nerves re-generating and the swelling is normal from the surgery and the radiation. She said she's surprised I don't have more of both since I'm so active. She's scheduled my mammogram for Sept. 14th and another one in February. I'll feel much better once I've had a few good mammograms.

LIFE IS STRANGE

We met Bob and Lee in Australia...here we are on a glacier on Mount Cook via a helicopter ride.

Life can be so strange. When we were in Australia/New Zealand earlier this year, we met people from all over the US. It was fun learning where they were from and telling them where we live. One of the couples told us they were from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and when we told them where we lived, they were amazed since they have a second home here. They asked exactly where we live and it turned out their place is literally right next door. Amazing...we had to literally go across the world to meet our neighbors. Anyhow - since the trip they have been here several times and we get together for dinner and drinks. They are here again this week so we all went out to dinner tonight. They are planning a trip to Italy the end of September and had lots of questions for us since we were on the same trip a few years ago (Tauck Classic Italy). It's fun to get to see them.

WE GO WITH THE FLOW

Tuesdays are a slow day for us usually so
Jeanette, Barbara and I planned a fun, all day girls play day. We were going to do our morning walk on the beach, lay out, do some swimming, have lunch on the beach, etc. But we had to change our plans since it rained this morning. No problem for us! We all had pedicures and then went shopping. Afterwards, we went to La Paz for lunch, including some margaritas. Hey, we go with the flow!

SISTERS "BY HEART"

Me with Theresa on the beach - She calls me "Sissy".

A few days ago I blogged about Eric and Angela's future adoption from China and how it won't matter to me since you don't have to be related to me "by blood" to be a part of my family and my heart. It's true some of my grandchildren and a brother and sister are not mine "by blood", but they are all mine "by heart". I got a sweet message from one of my sisters this morning saying how much it meant to her. She thinks it's special that I feel this way and that I don't think of her as a step-sister, but just as a sister. I'm glad she was touched, but I just do it without thinking. I love someone because of who they are and because we are family...not because of whether we share blood. She's my sister....period. And I love her very much.

MUSICAL MESSAGES

A big part of our Sunday service is the music. We have incredible music. At some part of the service every week, my eyes fill with tears listening to words we sing. There is a message in every song. I look out of the huge window at the front of the church and thank God for the privilege of worshiping freely.

I love the third verse of

Rain Down.
God of creation, we long for your truth;
You are the water of life for our thirst.
Grant that your love and your peace touch our hearts,
All of our hope lies in You.

Rain down, rain down,
Rain down your love on your people
Rain down, rain down,
Rain down your love, God of Life.

SAY CHEESE

"The Girls" making the mac and cheese

Stuffed again! "The Girls" can cook. Tonight it was "Other Mother's" special mac and cheese, ham, home-made Granny Smith applesauce, corn on the cobb and sweet iced tea. Oh my!

"Other Mother" and I spent a couple of hours on the beach this morning, but most of the day the four of us played games (Mexican Train and Phase 10 today).

I just got home after saying goodbye. They will leave in the morning after breakfast and we'll be in church. It's sad to see them go. My body needs to catch up on sleep though and to cut back on the calories. :-)

A TENTH GRANDCHILD

A family full of love, but ready and waiting to give and receive even more!

Eric called today with exciting news. He and Angela have talked for quite awhile about the possibility of adopting a child from China. They applied just a few weeks ago and learned today by phone that they have been accepted. It's just the beginning of the process, but it's exciting. They are wonderful parents of their three natural children and I know this child will be truly blessed to become a part of their family (and our entire family). I wrote this months ago on one of my blogs:

I have NINE grandchildren now and I love them all. People find it hard to believe that I have nine especially when they ask me their ages. As soon as I say they range in ages from one to 18, they definitely find it hard to believe. I then have to explain that some are by my stepson and stepdaughter. I guess in their eyes, they think it makes a difference. It doesn't. They might not all be mine "by blood", but they are definitely mine "by heart". I love them all...very much.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will love this new baby. He or she doesn't have to have a drop of my blood to be my grandchild. Loving a child of my child will be easy. The hard part will be waiting. Each night when I say my prayers, I pray for all of my children and their spouses and each grandchild. I'll begin praying for this future grandchild tonight.

STUFFED!

"The Girls" are wearing me out!!!!!!!!!!!! They have unbelievable stamina. I think they take "cat naps" though when I'm playing tennis, etc. so they are refreshed and then when I'm around they go non-stop. We spent another wonderful day together. Doing our normal thing - which means eating, eating, eating along with wine, laughter and games. I stay stuffed when they are here...so much food. I stay happy though too. Lucky me!

MY DAY

My Day:

Our first "real" league match of the year. Wow...the heat was incredible. We started at 9:30 officially, although we starting warming up around 9:00. My partner and I got through fairly early since WE LOST! Yuk! But the last group (our #2 team) didn't walk off the court until 1:00 PM. Unbelievable. It took them three looooooooong sets, but they finally won. We all stayed to cheer them on. It was torture being out in the heat for so long. We all got our umbrellas out of the cars and used them to block out the sun. It amazed me how much it helped. Our team is tied for first place, but the season has just begun. Afterwards we all went to lunch. Thai food...my favorite. By the time, I stopped for gas and got the car washed, I had to race home to shower and dress quickly since I had a hair appointment this afternoon. Afterwards, I joined "the girls" and we played games (yep, again). Tonight they fixed the best salad...greens, tomatoes, carrots, shrimp, craisons, walnuts, boiled eggs. Wow...it was so fresh and so yummy. Crispy bread and sweet ice tea too. We have the best time together. George just called and he's on his way home from the airport. So glad he's back. Can't wait to see him. Can't wait to see my pillow too. I'm exhausted tonight.

GAMES, LAUGHTER AND CATFISH

Today was a full day of games...I played tennis first and then came home and "the girls" and I played lots of games (Left/Center/Right then Farkel then Rummicube then Mexican Train then back to Left/Center/Right. I even attempted to teach them my new Mah Jongg game that Eric brought me back from China. We have laughed and laughed all day. "The girls" are nuts! They wear me out!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight we had a scrumptous dinner of catfish, fries, coleslaw and iced tea.

George is in Las Vegas for a tradeshow to display, demonstrate, take orders, etc. for the Zelosport games. He left on Monday and will return tomorrow night. I sure miss him. He's having a ball though and says the orders are flooding in.

MOM'S 75TH BIRTHDAY

Today was Mom's 75th Birthday. Sherry, "Other Mother" and I took her out for breakfast at our friend, Pauline's, bagel shop. She even had a birthday candle in her bagel.

For lunch we took her to The Back Porch for her favorite grilled grouper sandwich. We sat right by the open window and the beach was beautiful.

For dinner, she wanted to stay in and have shrimp, baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread. Sherry made Mom's favorite lemon cake for dessert. Of course, we played games all afternoon and evening (this time it was Sequence).

I think Mom had a really good birthday. She got tons of birthday wishes from her children and spouses, grandchildren, sisters, and friends. It even got comical at times since she would be talking on one phone and get another call from someone else on another phone. I'm so happy and thankful she was able to celebrate her birthday here with me.

MOM'S COOKING

Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" arrived this afternoon. We had a great time "catching up" and then playing games. But the best part was dinner. Mom made me my all time favorite meal - pork chops, rice with tomato gravy, asparagus, pear salad and iced tea. I ate until I was stuffed! Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A GOOD DAY

Things I'm thankful for today:

1) Our church. Today a friend came for the first time and he was flabbergasted with the music and the message. We love it so much.

2) Lunch today. We went to our favorite lunch spot. It's a new French cafe. Oh my, unbelievably good food. I had a salad and a grilled veggie sandwich on the best french bread! Yummy!

3) George and I took a long bike ride. It was hot, but nice to just be together doing something we enjoy.

4) I'm excited....My Mom, "Other Mother" and Sherry are coming tomorow.

5) We're staying in again tonight...grilled cheese and tomato soup. Home, husband, and comfort food.

WET CLOTHES

Is there such a thing as too much exercise??? Hope not, cause lately I've been doing ALOT of exercising. I'm playing tennis 3 to 4 times a week, walking every day, riding my bike every day and now I'm back at Curves. Problem: I'm literally in wet clothes half the darn day. Yuk! I don't usually sweat (or "glisten" as I'm fond of saying), but it's sooooooo hot. And I'm drinking tons of water and crunching on ice all day. Now I don't just "glisten"...I sweat.. big time! I'm not complaining though about the exercising or the sweat. It just feels so good to feel good that I'm having a ball staying active.

BAD THINGS COME IN THREES

I guess the old saying "Bad things come in threes" is true!

Recently, we've had three bad things happen:

1. Our bikes were stolen.
2. George lost his wallet (later the wallet, minus the cash, was found).
3. Today someone rear-ended me. Thank goodness I wasn't hurt and my car has minor damage.

So glad there's only three!

WAITING

I was sure hoping we would get a contract today. Nothing yet. Our Realtor met the couple and their Realtor this afternoon. They had nice things to say about our condo, but no contract. Yet. I'm trying not to be disappointed...but I am. I'm trying to leave it in God's hands...but I'm struggling.

FINGERS CROSSED

Yippee! We got a call this afternoon from our Realtor. Someone is coming tomorrow afternoon to look at our condo. Apparently they looked at the unit next door. They love our building, but want to be on our side of the building...looking west. My fingers are crossed and I'm saying my prayers. For some reason, I feel really good about this. I hope my feelings are right.

FLIP FLOPS

Living in Florida, I wear flip flops almost every day April through September. I didn't realize just how many I own, until a few days ago. We've been so busy running in and out of the house in between our activities lately that I've just kicked my shoes off, showered and dressed again. I looked down at my closet floor and was surprised to see just how many pairs I have! The floor was littered with flip flops. I arranged one of each just for a photo before cleaning up the mess. Looks like I have a flip flop fetish! Guess if I have to have a shoe fetish, the inexpensive flip flop is a lucky one to have....I don't think I've spent more than $10.00 for any of them.

BACK AT CURVES

This morning I joined Curves again! Yippee! My membership expired during the time I was going through radiation. Now that I'm not as sore, I'm ready to get back to the machines. It's great being back.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

We've had alot of fun lately seeing lots of our friends...eating, drinking, laughing, talking, sharing stories, catching up, etc. But...Dorthy was right...."there's no place like home". We've had too many nights out in a row. Tonight it's been wonderful just staying home, eating a home cooked meal, and just "chillin". Awwww...so nice. Gonna get in my pj's soon. Life is good.

TOGETHER AGAIN

Pizza, salad, wine and good friends - what more could we want?!


Tonight we got together again with Bob and Jennifer. What good friends! We feel truly blessed to have their friendship. We laugh and talk and then laugh and talk some more. We miss them so much. Wish they still lived here.

SHOUT TO THE LORD

I love this second verse:

Shout to the Lord

My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am never cease to worship you.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing; power and majesty
praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the
sound of your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands;
forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand.
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.

OUR DENTIST AND FRIEND

Our dentist (and friend) from Nashville was here this week with his family. We haven't seen his two girls, Lauren and Lindsey, in almost 2 years...wow, have they grown up! Clayton and Lisa are good friends and a lot of fun.

CUBAN FOOD - YUM

Our friends, Fred and Ampy, invited us over to dinner tonight. Ampy was born and raised in Cuba until her family fled to the US when she was ten. It was amazing to hear some of her stories. Tonight she prepared a traditional Cuban meal for us. Everything was wonderful! Rice, black beans, shredded pork topped with onions, fried small bananas, and a delicious flan for dessert.

HUGS

Our friends, Bob and Jennifer, are in town. We had dinner tonight at Dewey Destin. It was wonderful getting to see them.

My friend, Jennifer, is the very "bestest" hugger. And I LOVE hugs! We've shared lots of hugs, especially after surviving the wrath of Hurricane Ivan a few years ago. I miss her so much since she's moved. I'm so glad they're going to be here for awhile. It's gonna be nice getting to see them more and get more hugs. :-)

Drew Barrymore said it best "Oh, I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug 10 people at a time!"


HUGS
There's something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.
A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you.
Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbour,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.
A hug is an amazing thing -
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say.
It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It's always understood.
And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts -
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts.
Jill Wolf

"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.
Hugging is all natural: it is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100% wholesome.
Hugging is practically perfect: there are no movable parts, no batteries to replace, no periodic check-ups, has low energy consumption, high energy yield, is inflation-proof, non-fattening, has no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, is theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable."
-- Sharon Lindsey --

LOST AND THEN FOUND

I walked with Jeanette this morning and then met George so we could ride bikes. We rode for over an hour just having fun. We also stopped at 3 open houses...just to snoop and check out the competition and also because we love to see how different they all are. We had a great time. We then rode over to Baytowne Wharf for lunch. George paid for lunch and we hopped back on the bikes. We rode back to the new house to put up the bikes and then George discovered his wallet was missing! Yuk! Frantic time! We looked everywhere! He rode his bike back exactly how we came home after lunch. No luck. I stayed and made phone calls to security and the restaurant where we had lunch. No luck. George was so bummed. First the bikes were stolen recently and now this!

We came home and he made many phone calls to cancel credit cards, etc. and we filed a report with Security in Sandestin. He was on the phone quite some time. But.................just as soon as he freed up the phone line, the phone rang. Believe it or not, a kind couple who lives in Sandestin found the wallet when they went out to get their mail. Apparently someone had found the wallet, removed the cash ($180.00), and then threw the wallet out. When it landed in the grassy area by the mailboxes, the wallet opened and the drivers license and one credit card flew out. We're so lucky honest people found it and went to the trouble to locate us. George drove over and picked it up right after the call. Everything was inside...except the cash :-(

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Barbara, Jeanette and I had another Girls Night Out. We went out to dinner and then to see The Devil Wears Prada. We all liked it alot. Meryl Streep is awesome!