Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Just starting with Windows Live Writer…should be a simple process right???  Unless of course ur a bit tech-challenged, like me. lol  We will see how this trial run works.

Bittersweet Memories

About to load up and head out.

Lizzie & Nikki

The beach at Emerald Rv Park

Lizzie, Nikki & Ryan

Some of the good food, wish I'd remembered to take the pic before we started eating.

The whole crew.

The Boardwalk with the Johanson Band.

The view from our front door.

Ryan & Shane just before we left to come home.

   A few weeks back we had the pleasure of making a trip to Emerald Beach RV Park in Navarre, Florida, with four of our grandchildren.   This trip was for what our granddaughter Lizzie calls the "blood kin grandkids". lol  No, we don't make a distinction, that's just the way she has chosen to explain to those who ask.  Ryan (17) our firstborn grandson, Shane (17) our second grandson, Nikki (16) our first granddaughter and Lizzie (14) our second granddaughter, my husband Dick, our canine companion Killer and me....lots of folks in a small area but it was such fun!  We drove down Friday morning, picked up the rental car and got set up.  Then it was off shopping at the Santa Rosa Mall.  The girls went one way, the boys the other and we found a good place to sit and people watch.  We got a snack and just rested and enjoyed ourselves while the kids were spending money.   The boys came back after buying their girlfriends jewelry...nothing for themselves.  The girls found a few things they wanted and then it was off to dinner.  The lady at Enterprise car rental had suggested a barbecue place on Hwy 87 so we decided to try it.  I wasn't sure about it when we pulled up but the lady had told us that it didn't look like much on the outside but the food was good.  The closer we got the more my misgivings rose...the music was loud and it kind of looked like what used to be called a "roadside tavern".   After we were seated I saw other families with their kids so I relaxed a little and decided to give it a try.  The food was very good and plenty of it.  There was a small dance floor and a couple of ladies who were feeling no pain. lol  We got a kick out of watching them dance and listening to the band.   When we pulled out my husband turned left and we quickly realized he should have gone across the road further before turning left...yep, u got it...we were going down the wrong side of the road.  He quickly turned but not before some serious ribbing from the grandkids.   The boys went down to the beach with flashlights and buckets going "crabbing".   Late nite, we made it to bed around 1 a.m.
   The next morning we all decided to go swimming...it was really nice.  This place is bayside so the waves weren't too bad.  It was such a gorgeous day and we all enjoyed it.  My husband met two other fellas who were from Alabama and spent some time talking with them and crabbing with the boys.  After showers we headed over to Crabs We Gott em and if u haven't eaten there, I suggest u try it.  The food is fantastic, the service is great and it's right on the gulf.  After stuffing ourselves Nikki decided she wanted a dessert called Death by Chocolate so we ordered that and left.  Now for more shopping at the mall across the street.  We found a nice area to sit and listen to a band called the Johanssons on the boardwalk.  They were really good, and watching the moon come up over the gulf was so nice.  Around 8:30 we decided to head back and let the kids have some beach time before bed.  Dick went to bed early but I didn't get to sleep til 2:30.  The next morning was spent just cooking breakfast and packing up to head home since 3 of the kids had to be in school the next day.
    We enjoyed the company of these wonderful young folks so much!  Each one is such a blessing and it was nice to have them all together...something that I don't know if we'll be able to do again so I was extra thankful for this weekend.  They each have a full life and busy schedule...Ry and Shane are seniors so they will be off to college next year, Nikki is in the 10th and Lizzie is in the 9th grade.  It's hard to realize they have grown up so quickly but young adults they are.  I thank Heavenly Father every day for them and our other grandchildren...Aryn (18), Miles (16), Erran (19), Allison (13) and Kayla (16).  All these wonderful young folks hold a special place in our hearts and lives.  We are so proud of them all!
   I'm fairly new to blogging so I hope to add our pictures of the trip.  It's been a long time since my last post and I hope to change that from now on.  I enjoy all the blogs I follow and I realize how nice it is to "hear" from them every day so I will make the effort to post more often...it won't be every day because we aren't on the road that often but hopefully at least every week.

Fun in July in PA

Charlotte & Vicky

Jeremiah, Gary & Don

Connie & me

Maggie & Haley

   It's been a long time between posts...unfortunately I've never been much of a writer and this is really to keep the family up-to-date but so glad that anyone else might enjoy it as well.  Hope you all can follow along as time permits.
   We had such a good time visiting PA in July!  We were there for the 4th and had almost 40 people there...and that's not all of us. lol  We really enjoy getting together with them...my husband is the oldest of seven...sadly we lost our brother Dean 4 years ago to a major heart attack.  He was way too young but heart conditions are no respector of age.  Dean could always make me smile, he was such a special guy!  The first time I met him I knew because there was a gleem in his eye. lol  He was only 10 but special even at that age.  He is always with us in spirit...someone is forever saying "do u remember when Dean____" and we all fill in the blanks.  Love u my sweet brother!
   My dear sister Connie allowed us to park in her driveway and it was wonderful.  We could stay up late as we wanted and then head out to the rv at bedtime.   She always asks us to stay in the house but it's just easier not to have to carry clothes and stuff back and forth.  Then we're there first thing in the morning and no one has to drive anywhere.  She is a marvelous cook and always feeds us like kings and queens.  We are privileged to spend time with each of his brothers and youngest sister.  Every get-together is such a special blessing to me.  Although I do have younger sisters I wasn't raised with any of them so it was more like being an only child...when I met my husband and he took me home, it was Heaven on earth.  I'll post some pics here of our get-together.  It amazed me because when we left Alabama it was sooo hot...when we got there it was cool enough to have a fire and we had one every night except for 2.  They live on a hill with a really nice view and we were able to spend many nights on the porch, enjoying the breeze and the fire.  I feel so at home there, wish we could move up there.   Their family dynamics are so good, they all seem to enjoy doing things together, just a close family with lots of love.  Hope you all enjoy the pics...know my kids will get a kick out of them. 

Catching Up Time

As everyone can see I don't post daily or even weekly right now but hope to have more to post about soon.  I spent some very enjoyable days with Lizzie and have been busy emptying the old house and getting it ready for sale.  We got some much needed rain today and I know our garden is grateful.  This month and next will be spent tidying and readying the house for sale and then we hope to be on the road either in late August or early September.  Can't wait to head north to visit friends and family.  I have the worst case of hitch-itch. lol
Still have lots to learn about blogging....finally figured out how to add additional posts I'm following.  Now if I can just figure out how to add those who r following me and fix it so that when u click on it u will go to their sites....all in good time. lol  I'm an ole dog but I can learn some new tricks.  Hope everyone can stay cool and comfy.  We r limited to either early morning hours or late afternoon to do anything outside....just too hot for this ole girl.  Thankfully there's not much calling us out there.  The garden is struggling along but should be giving up some beans and peas pretty soon.  Also time to replant the corn and going to add some peppers.  My son was surprised that I hadn't already done that...but I'm usually the only one who eats them so I didn't plant any.  Going to plant both hot and regular now tho.  Hopefully we'll have all harvested before we hit the road but if not, we have some wonderful neighbors who can partake of the produce.
Happy Summer fellow travelers...stay cool as u can and enjoy every day!  Each one is a gift from our Heavenly Father and I hope not to waste a single one.

Good Friends & Family

  Having a fantastic day with Bettie, Lizzie and Dick.  Lizzie is spending the weekend with us.  Bettie brought a delicious squash casserole that I loved and roma tomatoes and feta cheese which she doctored up with spices and olive oil.  With this we had honey barbecue wings and hot fudge sundaes for dessert.  She is a gourmet cook and always has something new to try...we love being her guinea pigs!  We're talking about going on a camping trip soon...we'll let the guys fish and we'll read books, crochet, walk and enjoy the sunsets.  Sooo looking forward to it.

New Followers

Thanks so much to all my new followers.  I'm tech-challenged so I'm learning how to thank u each individually.  I'm really surprised and pleased to have six wonderful folks following....thought it would probably be only my kids and grandkids. lol 
Not much to report today, just one of those wash clothes and get things ready for the road days.  Hope to post our most recent trip photos and info on here shortly.  We spent a few days in Navarre, FL - New Orleans, LA and St. Thomas, PA recently.  Wonderful time with family and friends.
Again, welcome new friends and thanks for following.

Fun Time With Nikki

Had a fun day with our sweet granddaughter Nikki today.   Picked her up and went shopping.   We had breakfast at the Waffle House and headed to Rue 21.   She does love that store.  It was fun watching her shop, she is great at it.   She gets some really good bargains and dresses so cute.  Also hit Kohl's and Sports Authority.  We decided to cool off with some slushes from Sonic and they really were good.  We got to visit some here at the house before it was time for her to go.  She is such a sweet and beautiful girl, we really enjoy spending time with her!  Hopefully we'll be able to visit with more of the grandchildren soon.  They are all so grownup and have busy schedules so we have to catch them when we can. lol
Want to thank my dear friend Pidge who sent me some tips about blogging.  I was stuck like glue and she made it easy.  Thanks Pidge!