Random Vacation Shots

Here are some random vacation shots

This construction plant is valued at $17 MILLION.

It was built in Cape Charles VA to help build and transport materials to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

There were bird nests on all the channel markers

this couple was keeping a close eye on our boat

Twins!

Clamming boats in dock after a long day at work

Another clamming boat

Who wants Clams? ME!

They had a long walk - they were about 150 yards off shore

heading out to work

A dead horseshoe crab that some kids discovered.

Horseshoe crabs are on the endangered list so I was sad to see this one had died

I'd love to go kayaking.  The bay was so smooth.

This was across the bay.  I want Huny to buy it for me.

Another angle of my new home.

Hope you enjoyed the random shots!

Tuesday Tidbits

Dad's going for the anyersum repair this morning.  I'm going to be hanging at hospital with Daddy and ESM. He should be home on Wednesday some time. 

Jakes got a High Five Award at school last week.  His teacher caught him helping a classmate.  Way to go Jakes!  He's doing to good living with his dad.  And that makes me happy!

AZ got a new lawn mower.  It's a mulcher/bagger that's self-propelled.  And of course a Boy with a new Toy has to play.  He cut the entire lawn before Jakes got there and Jakes was upset that he didn't get to mow.

But his dad is moving to a house with a HUGE yard (according to Jakes) so Jakes will have lots of chances to cut the grass.

My applications at work are coming in fast and furious.  Its the time of year when all the counties know what monies they have to spend for next year.  From now until the end of November I will be super busy at work.  Which is a good thing, busy days fly by!

Friday Rambling

Daddy got good news from his heart Dr. He passed his stress test and can have the aneurysm fixed via a stent procedure.  He has an appointment with another specialist on Tuesday.  Fingers crossed that its in a place that can be reached by stent procedure.

Going to the beach tomorrow.  My wonderful friend, Janet, is hubby and kid-less tomorrow (which doesn't happen often) suggested that we go and just relax.  Love that idea and I'm SO there!  I just hope it's not too crowded and we can have a water view.

Jakes is upset with me because I'm not going to get him for dinner tonight.  I just don't feel like fighting the holiday/Friday traffic.  And considering the last time he left the house, he was so angry with me that he didn't even say good-bye before he slammed out of the house, I'm not very inclined to go.

I've found curtains for the kitchen and the sliding doors which is good and bad.  Good that I am making headway on decorating the house, bad because it means I have to paint the kitchen.  I'm so over painting!    Maybe AZ will prep the walls for me while I'm at the beach, then I can get right to painting.  And it depends on how I feel after relaxing at the beach.

Things with JR are more annoying to me than I thought they would.  He "borrowed" my bike without permission and returned it broken.  He also doesn't know how it happened.  Nice.  But his father has said he will be paying me back for the cost to fix it.  I took the bike to the shop yesterday and it will be there for about 2 weeks while they get the part in.  Nice.  Guess Jakes and I won't be riding the Dam for the next couple of weeks.  Boo!

There are other things happening that involve him that are causing problems. I am hoping that AZ and I can work together to make things right, for us and for JR.  Only time will tell.

We've put our camping trip off for now.  Things have come up that is keeping us home for now.  We will definitely get our weekend away.  Hopefully soon, very soon.

I hope everyone enjoys their last weekend of the summer.  Relax!

Tuesday Tidbits

I've been absent lately.  Summer is coming to an end for Jakes and I wanted to get as much Jakes-time in as possible.  I've had him for the last 3 weekends in a row.  That makes for busy weekends and catching up on things during the week. 

Jakes starts school tomorrow!  So exciting!  The beginning of his 8th grade year!  He's not so very excited.

My parents came over for dinner on Sunday and it was very lovely.  They have missed Jakes and Jaxon.  Jaxon was so excited that they came to his new house to visit and play with him.  There was lots of butt wiggling from Jaxon when they arrived.

There is nothing better than fresh bread.  I have a bread maker now and LOVE it! We've had fresh homemade bread two nights in a row.  YUM!  Along with homemade lasagna and fresh salad, the perfect dinner!

Dad got the results of his ultrasound of his heart and its not good news.  There is an aneurysm and its over 5 cm. Its been there since 2008 and its grown since then.  Until Dad sees the heart dr, we don't know what is to be done about it.  There is a possibility that they will be able to put a stent in and fix everything.  That would be the easiest and safest.  His heart dr is on vacation this week so we won't know anything more until next week at the earliest.  sigh.

I also might learn to spell aneurysm! 

AZ went camping this weekend with JR.  It was a nice weekend with just me and Jakes.  And AZ enjoyed his time with JR.  The next camping trip will be just me and AZ.  No kids, no dog.

The boxes are getting unpacked and I'm working on decorating.  I love shopping!  As I get the rooms done, I'll share pictures.

August is transition month for Scentsy!  Most everything is 10% off.  Check out my website and stock up on items and scents that are being discontinued!   https://amylk103.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home

That's all for now.  See ya tomorrow!

Check Lists - Randomly

I have check lists EVERY WHERE.  At home, at work, even in the car.  Lists of things that have to be done, things to get at the store, things to unpack, things to put in the attic.

We are finally coming to the end of the boxes.  There is a huge pile of boxes that are going in the attic, hopefully tonight after work.  AZ's friend is moving this weekend so all our empties went right to him.  At least I didn't have to dispose of them!

We have to put another coat of paint on the living room so I don't want to put out my pictures and stuff until that is done.  I hope I can get it done this weekend while AZ is moving his friend.  We'll see.

AZ and I want to take a weekend away from everything.  We've been so busy these past couple of weeks, we hardly see each other, except to pass in the hallway or fight over the bathroom to see who can get out the door first.  When we are home together, we are both working on separate projects.

I am checking for campgrounds in the Poconos.  If anyone has any suggestions, please share!  AZ doesn't care where we go or what we do, he just wants to get away.  I decided that I want to go tubing on the Delaware.  So I'm looking for a campground close to the Delaware Water Gap.

AZ also expressed an interest in going to Assateague Island to see the ponies and go fishing there.  My problem with staying there is that the state park on the Island doesn't have water hook ups at the sites and a limited number of electric sites. I don't think I can go without electric.  We do have a water tank in the camper and there are bathhouses in the park.  We'll go see the Island and the ponies soon.  I love being down there, near Ocean City and everything it has to offer.

Work is busy.  I have a grant due Thursday which I am still working on.  And one due next week which needs a LOT of work.

We are finished with the apartment.  We cleaned it out, painted it and have gotten everything from the outside as well.  I stopped there yesterday to grab my bike and ended up being there for over an hour.  I tried to sneak in and out but Daddy saw me pull up and came out to chat.  I think they miss us (me)!

After all the painting and typing, my fingers are just achy and arthritic feeling.  I don't think its arthritis, I think its just my muscles don't like the abuse I've been giving them for so long.  We'll see if the achy goes away once I stop being so busy.

I need to get serious about my Scentsy business.  I've done NOTHING on it for the month of July.  ugh.  There is a company convention in Las Vegas where they are announcing a new Brand.  I just can't get myself excited about it yet.  Maybe when more boxes are gone.........

Jakes stayed at the new house for the first time this weekend and he seemed to be ok with it.  He said it was different but that he would get used to it.  Good attitude, kiddo.  In time it will be home.  Very soon, it will feel like home.

random catch-up

Summer colds are the worst.  Sitting under a blanket sipping tea at work on a summer day does not compute.  Hopefully the germs will work their way through me quickly.

This past weekend was a pretty good one.  Jakes spent lots of time at the horse farm, catching horses, tacking them up, leading them for the other students and taking a couple of bare-back trail riding.  I have to make arrangements with Jill for him to go there next week when he's with me.  He loved being there!

AZ brought home our pop-up camper.  A friend of a friend of his was getting rid of it so AZ said YES!  We took it to his moms last night, set it up and put it down too.  It needs lots of cleaning but everything is in great shape!   Pictures later. 

Jakes is Super Mad at me according to a text he sent to ESM.  He was mouthy with me and disappeared from the yard without letting me know he was leaving.  I had told him several times this weekend that I need to know where he is, yet he still disappeared.  So I took him back to his fathers instead of to my friends house.  So he is mad at me.  OH well.

I went to my friends house on Sunday evening for dinner and to watch her husband sing with his choir.  It was a lovely evening with them and sitting in the park listening to wonderful music.  I think my toe tapped time for the entire evening!  and there was sing along!  My favorite!

This week and weekend will be taken up with cleaning the camper, AZ and JR are heading over there this morning to get started.  I'll stop by at lunchtime to see how things are going.  AZ and JR have the outside and I get to clean the inside. 

Dad was pretty stupid yesterday.  And when he started to tell me the story that's how he started it, "I almost killed myself doing something stupid today."  Lovely Daddy, what?  He lifted a scooter into the back of his truck by himself.  Now this is a scooter that is too heavy for a normal, healthy person to lift alone, yet Daddy did it.  He said he ended up on his knees.  I bet he takes it easy today.  I bet his body won't let him do anything but take it easy today.  Let's hope he listens.

We celebrated Fathers Day on Saturday.  I made lasagna and vanilla ice cream for Daddy.  It was yummy!  Dad and ESM also celebrated their anniversary on Saturday.  11 years.  Since its been so long, I guess we'll keep ESM.  Happy Anniversary, Parents!

Tuesday Thoughts

My day started with having to scoop up a dead rabbit from the yard.  Thanks Kitty, which ever one of you three it was.  I know it wasn't Saylors, she's too much of a princess and would be afraid of breaking a nail.  I call her my "High Maintenance Kitty."  She is mouthy and demanding. If her fur was longer, I could put a bump-it in and she'd be a Snooki-Kitty, not as slutty though.

Jakes is on summer break and is loving it!  I get him for 3 weeks in the summer and I offered to have him stay more, we'll see if he chooses and if his dad allows it.  When no one is home at his Dad's, Jakes isn't allowed outside.  If he's at my house, Dad is right upstairs so Jakes could wander the neighborhood or go fishing.  The less time in front of a TV, the better!

AZ is loving the weather.  This is more what he's used to.  Maybe not the rain we're expecting today but the warmth is more his speed.

I"m so proud of my Dad.  He's starting to ask for help a LOT more in things he knows would tax his body.  He also has bowled another 300 game on the Wii.  They think its funny to stomp and dance in their living room, which happens to be right over top of mine.

Summer is here and we are so close to the beach!  I can't wait to get together with my girlfriends to head over and soak up some rays!  Maybe next week...........

This past weekend was a kid-less weekend for AZ and I.  Jakes was scheduled with his father and JR was camping with friends.  We took advantage of the situation and combined resources with friends for Crabs, Beers, and BS on Saturday evening.  We had swordfish, mahi-mahi, and chicken on the grill, Crabs, potato salad, and bread pudding for desert.  Everything was SO yummy!  Add in the great company and silliness and it was a perfect evening!  Can't wait to do it again.

This weekend I have Jakes and hopefully it will be nice enough weather for us to do some fishing.  I need the boys to catch some bait for the crab pots.  The Crabs are out there, now's the time for them to climb into my pots.  Brian, I'll let you know when we have some!  Maryland style or Jersey style?

Randomness

Its Tuesday.  Did you know its Webinar Tuesday?  Yup!  I have to sit through THREE webinars at work today.  One 10-11:30, one 12 to 1:15 and another from 3-4:30.  I think my head will explode! Or at least will be numb.............  Bring on the M&M's..........

We're having a little bickerment over money in the boys room.  Two weekends ago, Jakes left $4 on top the dresser.  When he came over this weekend, he mentioned that JR had found his money and left it for him.  When Jakes left on Sunday, he took the money with him.  Last night JR comes home asking where his $5 went.  So, who's money was it and how do we prevent this from happening in the future?  JR maintains it was his money and he left it on the desk over the weekend while he was not home.  Jakes maintains that he found it on the dresser and its his.  I'm tempted to just give JR $5 to save on an arguement.  But then what happens the next weekend where Jakes leaves his money.  So much to figure out........

The G-parents are still in Florida.  they should be making their way back north starting tomorrow.  I hope so, Kathy's Animals are missing her!  and I'm a little tired of taking care of her zoo........

Its only Tuesday and Jakes is putting in a request for a place to go for dinner on Friday already.  He wants to go to Friendlys.  They have ice cream so its probably do-able!  Then Jakes wants me to bring AZ with me.  Good that he likes AZ enough to include him in our visits.  AZ likes to give me and Jakes time with just us, which I appreciate too.

Well, time for the first webinar!  Wish me luck on staying awake today!

Some Random Thoughts

Its Back to Work Tuesday.  Oh wait!  Many of you have already been back to work. Sorry, don't mean to rub it in.  This is my first day back to work since before Christmas.  Actually, I was ready to come back to work.  My house is spic and span clean and since I don't have cable anymore, I'm bored silly!  Jaxon on the other hand looked at me like I was crazy for expecting him to get out of bed that early in the morning.  He's gotten used to sleeping in!  Poor baby, but he can go back to bed when I go to work.

I managed to successfully annoy Jakes via text message last night.  Loved it!  We'll see if he see the humor in it today.  He MIGHT contact me, we'll see!

I have to run to a meeting this morning.  Boring!  Oh well, its outta the office when there will be crazy clients here.

The "f" key on my keyboard doesn't work unless I really beat it hard.  oooooo FUN!  But annoying when I've typed half a page without looking and am missing 382 "f's".

I hate my scale.  That is all.

My Daddy is AWESOME!  He offered to let me put my cell phone on their bill and just pay the difference between what they already pay and the fees I will incur.  It should save me about $30 bucks a month.  Woo ho!  I'm all for saving money!

I can't wait for my employer to give me my W2 so I can file for my refund.  I gots bills to pay!

I actually stayed up to see in the New Year!  My parents and Kathy were at my place to play Wii bowling and eat munchies.  It was a fun evening.  Until the ball dropped and I had to tell my parents to get a room.  eeeeewwwwwww!  not a pretty sight for a kid! 

Hi, Ho!  Its off to work I go!  Have a wonderful day everyone!

Random Thoughts on a Tuesday

I seem to be doing posts that just list my random/scattered thoughts.  I don't seem to be thinking anything profound enough to warrant its own post. hmmmmmm  maybe is time to put my thinking cap on and see what I can come up with later this week........

Exciting News:  AZ is going to move back to Jersey!  Happy Dance!  I don't know that he's moving back to be with me, just that he's tired of being alone out there and he has friends and family here.  I am excited that we'll be on the same coast and should be able to spend more time together, even as just friends.  If nothing else, I see a cross country ride in the spring for me! 

AZ has been through the ringer out there.  Loss of a wonderful friend and life partner.  His health problems.  Job problems.  He's just very lonely and depressed.  He needs to be surrounded by his friends and family and take time to heal.

This past weekend, I did end up with Jakes spending the night with me.  Happy Dance!  I had to take a friend back to Salisbury, Maryland and asked Jakes if he wanted to ride with us.  I figured, I'd have company on the ride home.  Win-win, for me!  I stopped over his house Saturday night to pick him up and he spent the night!  It was a good visit.  Lots of hugs and kisses from him and Jaxon went WILD over Jakes being home!

We got lost on the way down and a ride that should have taken 2 hours, was then 3 1/2.  I had planned this trip with enough time that I could be home to get ready for the Christmas Concert in the afternoon.  With getting lost and then sitting in traffic around the mall, I completely missed the concert on Sunday.

Jakes and I did have a chat about his visits with me. I told him that for now, I'd like him to consider his full weekends with me to be mandatory.  I know that in time, he will have friends to be with and places better than mom to go so I want as much time with him NOW as I can get.  I told him that we could work out and change up the other weekends as necessary.  I also told him that changes to visits would be made through his father but that Jakes could have a say in whether he comes to see me or not.  I have realized that he is getting older and should be able to have a say in his schedule within reason.  I told him that I want to see him as much as I possibly can but I'm trying to accept that he is growing up.  Jakes seemed ok with all this.  Progress!

I've made plans to meet friends for Rita's afterwork today!  I haven't chatted with them since before vacation.  Its going to be a good day!

Let's Get Organized - Randomly

Its going to be a crazy, crazy day!  Jakes 24-hour EEG was canceled yesterday so I at least didn't have to deal with that today.  They rescheduled for next week.  I am very grateful that my boss allowed me to switch my time off around and for me to make up the time I was late yesterday.  I love that she is so flexible with me.

Today at work is going to be nuts.  I have stuff to get done, plus a meeting at headquarters this afternoon.  I haven't even STARTED prepping for this meeting.  Since I am the one that called this meeting, I probably should get ready for it.

After the meeting, I have to run over to the airport to pick up my Daddy.  My neighbor, Kathy went to Florida to stay with a friend so Daddy drove her down and now he's flying back.  I think ESM wants someone to pick him up, I think she wants Daddy home.

Once I get Daddy from the airport, I'll have to make my way through rush hour traffic to come back home to get Jakes from summer camp before they close.  I should be able to make it.  Hopefully.  Fingers crossed and I will be activating my cop-shield!

I hate when my subconscious mind takes over.  I have a situation which I'm trying to step back from to protect myself but my dreams won't let me.  When I'm awake I can control myself and put the wall up.  But when I sleep, my dreams take over and while I like those dreams and wish I could make them come true, I can't let them take over.  Last nights dream was so perfect and heavenly but I need to let it go for now.  I need to put that wall back up around my heart.  How do you do that when the wall came down so recently and when I don't really want to?  be strong and just do it.

I joined Google+1.  I got an invite from my friend, Annabelle Archer.  I don't know how to use Google+1 yet.  And I don't have many friends on it yet.  I still prefer facebook.  Maybe in time I will get the hang of it and it will become the New FaceBook.  We'll see.

I'm on vacation count down!  Not too many more days to go!  Can't wait to see my friend from AZ when he gets here!

Ok. I think I have everything organized in my head.  Now time to get organized for my meeting this afternoon.  Happy Tuesday all!