Wordless Wednesday-Peekaboo

Luka enjoying himself in the stroller.

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Also, I know you are all busy checking out everyone's Wordless Wednesday but take the time to bookmark me and drop back to check out my blog. I am a retired Special Ed teacher who now spends most of her time on Sanibel Island, Florida volunteering for a Wildlife hospital rescuing and rehabbing wildlife. I even dumpster dive for injured Raccoons!! I am also the proud grandma of 5 wonderful grandkids and brag about them often!! OK, enough about me. Back to Wordless Wednesday

The Trip Pictures--As Promised

Ok, I promised some pics of our trip to San Diego. And of course, some brag pictures of the grandkids. So here goes.

My daughter, the photographer, sometimes has to be held back from getting the perfect picture. This was taken in the Meditation Garden in Encinitas. The Gardens are a beautiful spot overlooking the Pacific.

We took a three hour tour. No, not on the Minnow but on the retired Aircraft Carrier Midway.

The San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park is a great place. We took the tour but not the one pictured. Maybe someday when the kids are older. It was also amazing to see how close the awful fires they had there in October came to the park. The firemen did an amazing job saving it.

We spent one day in Ensenada, Baha California, Mexico. Lots of shops and restaurants.

And of course, when you are in Mexico, you eat in a Mexican restaurant. Does a Mexican McDonald's qualify as a Mexican restaurant???

We did eat in another nice restaurant in Mexico other than McDonald's but you know the old saying "Don't drink the water". I guess that applies to ice cubes too so we didn't sample any Margaritas. We saved that for later. Here is Mr. Snowbird sampling an adult beverage in a quaint little Mexican restaurant--in San Diego.

OK, now for some brag photos of my grandkids. If I posted them all you would be here all day looking at pictures so I had to choose a few of my favorites.

The twins with a friend.


Noah bailing Grandpa out of jail.


It's usually difficult to get a picture of the twins together but here they are sharing a moment with Mommy.

Luka in a shirt his Uncle Dave bought for him. And yes, he does do all his own stunts. The child doesn't walk--he jumps--all the time!!!

I love this picture of Ethan waving. He looks so innocent. If that were only true!!

Our boys love flowers. I could do a whole picture gallery alone of them with flowers.

Don't you just love those eyes? And his "Say Cheese" smile?

And of course, boys will be boys and brothers will be brothers and sometimes there is a little roughhousing.

And with a little roughhousing comes a few tears.

We had a fantastic time with Karen, Michael, Noah, Ethan and Luka. I know they enjoyed seeing us but were probably pretty happy to get back to some semblance of normality around their house--whatever that is! LOL. Thanks guys for a wonderful time.

While We Were Gone

Our friends, Steve and Diana, took us to the airport last week so we left our car at their house. Diana called early Tuesday morning to tell us that someone had gone on a rampage in their neighborhood and had broken into several cars--including theirs and ours. Mr. Snowbird talked to the police on the phone but it appeared that nothing was taken from our car. We had put the GPS under the seat and they didn't find it. And apparently they didn't want my Scottish/Celtic CD's--which apparently the police thought pretty funny. When we got back yesterday, Diana told us that she had washed the car because of all of the fingerprint dust all over the car. She hadn't done the inside of the door frames so I did that today. What a mess! I felt like I had been fingerprinted when I was done because of all the black on my fingers. Anyway, after looking through our stuff, I realized that they had taken one folder of CD's. No, they didn't take the Scottish/Celtic ones (thank goodness!!) but they did take one that had some non celtic favorites. Many were those that I can't replace and I'm not even sure of what all was in there. I sure hope that whoever took them is enjoying them!! Although, I doubt that anyone who needs to break into cars would enjoy the likes of Neil Diamond, Dulcimer music, Wine Country Favorites, Somewhere in Time, Josh Grobin, etc. Apparently whoever broke into our cars, broke into some more cars in the neighborhood the next night. Brazen, huh? Or maybe he just likes CD's!!

Continuing to Keep Busy

I left off the last post with us planning to stay with the twins while Karen and Michael had a day (well at least 3 or 4 hours) off on their own. They enjoyed a walk on the beach and lunch out while we enjoyed the two little ones. After they returned, Karen and I went to the Bead Shop. She had taken a class in beading and wondered if I was interested. Wanting some quality mother/daughter time, I said sure. So we went to sign up for a class and to just look around. OMG--beads, beads, beads--a warehouse FULL of nothing but beads. I immediately started picking out beads that I wanted to use.

Yesterday, we headed to our class where we each made a necklace. OK, I think I'm hooked!! I looked on the internet and found that there is a bead shop--with classes--a block from my house on Sanibel. Guess I'll be visiting that when I get home. After Noah got home from school we packed up the car and headed to the San Diego Zoo. Gotta get use out of our memberships! It closed at 5:00 so we saw quite a lot in the 3 hours we had. We did have to head for cover a couple of times since the heavens opened up and dropped some rain on us. We got to see a couple of baby chimps in the nursery who were just adorable. Since it was a bit cold, many of the animals were inside but we did see the gorillas, elephants, some birds and of course, Noah's favorites, the Poison Dart Frogs.

Today, I got part of my birthday present. When asked what I wanted I said I wanted a day with my daughter. Since we spent a couple of hours in beading class yesterday, Michael and Mr. Snowbird gave us a half day today. So we headed to an interesting shopping area on Cedros St. in Solana Beach-called a Design Center. Breakfast in a cute little outdoor cafe, then roaming through shops and stores, then coffee and cookies back at the same cafe. Karen has a new camera so she took lots and lots of neat pictures of flowers in one of the garden shops and some of the little sparrows who were trying to share our cookies with us.

Tomorrow, we have to start packing and I have to figure out how I am going to get all of my purchases in my luggage!! It has been a very full, busy, fun, exhausting week. I've loved spending time with Karen, Michael and the grandkids and I promise I will post some pictures next week.

I will miss the kids but I have to admit I will be glad to get back to warm weather, shorts, the beach etc. I love San Diego but I think I like it a wee bit better in the summer. Too cold for my thin Florida blood!!

Still Keeping Busy

Still no pictures for my blog but we are taking LOTS. (I'll post pictures when I get home.)

Yesterday, Karen, Mr. Snowbird, Noah and I went to Ensenada, Mexico. Ensenada is a lot nicer that Tijuana, not as much border craziness. The first thing we did was hit McDonalds. When in Mexico, do as the natives do!! Well, Noah was hungry and it seemed the best place to go. After that, we hit the shops. Lots of neat things to look at and buy. I didn't go super crazy shopping but got a few neat things. We had dinner in a very nice Mexican restaurant. Afterall, we were in Mexico. But, we had seafood not tacos or tortillas or tamales etc. And--no margaritas. When in Mexico, don't drink the water--or eat the ice cubes!! So it was wine and bottled water for me and beer for Mr. Snowbird and Pepsi for Karen as she was driving. The drive home was uneventful until we hit Tijuana and had to sit in line for 1 1/4 hours at the border waiting to get up to customs. When we got there, we handed him our 4 passports which he looked at briefly, gave them back and sent us on our way. We got home about 10:00, then sat and decided what to do today.

Noah returned to school today after a month's vacation. San Diego is on year round school with a month in the winter, a month in the spring, and a month in the summer off from school. So, Michael (best son in law in the world!!!!) stayed home with the twins while Karen, Mr. Snowbird and I went to Old Town San Diego, the Presidio (site of the very beginnings of San Diego) and an area that has a lot of old homes that have been saved, moved to this site, and restored. Mostly beautiful old Victorian homes. Again, we wandered through lots of shops and finally had a real margarita and nachos in a very nice Mexican restaurant. All the while, poor Michael was at home with two cranky toddlers and Noah who got home from school at 2:00. Did I mention I have the best son in law in the world??? Anyway, we got home about 5:30 in time to feed kids and send them off to never never land.

Tomorrow, we are being the kind parents and are taking care of the twins while Karen and Michael have some time to themselves and have a lunch date. I haven't got the stamina or the nerve to let them have an evening date where I would have to give all three kids their meals and get them to bed.

Anyway, we are having a great time with the grandkids, our daughter and her super hubby, seeing the sights in San Diego, and adjusting to west coast time. Keep checking back as I'll post more soon.

Keeping Busy

We have been very busy since we landed in San Diego. Yesterday we toured the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Very interesting and very large. Karen and Michael carried the twins in packs on their backs so we had to keep warning them of low headroom. Today we went to the San Diego Wildlife Park. We joined the SD Zoo as members last summer so got in free today at the Wildlife Park. It is a great area and we got to see where the fires in October came right up to the wall around the park. We saw lots of burn areas. The firemen did an amazing job of saving many, many homes around here. Tomorrow, Karen, Noah, Mr. Snowbird and I are headed for Ensenada, Mexico for the day while Michael (God bless him!!) stays with the twins. I would post pictures but haven't downloaded any of the thousands I have taken since I've been here. Maybe when I get home. Anyway, just wanted everyone to know what I've been up to. More later.

Milestones and Travels

Well, today is a BIG day. I am spending my first full day of a 10 day trip to San Diego to visit my beautiful daughter, her handsome hubby, my only dark haired, dark eyed grandson Noah, my blondie grandson Ethan and his getting blonder twin Luka. We are off to visit some botanical gardens today. Noah is in day camp so we don't want to do anything huge until he can go. He has chosen to visit the aircraft carrier Midway tomorrow and do the San Diego Animal Park on Sunday. When we were here last summer, we became members of the SD Zoo so we have free admission to the Animal Park also. Other things we might do while we are here is a trip to Mexico, the theatre, Balboa Park, Old Town etc etc etc.

Oh and did I mention that I turned 70 today!!! Ugh. Funny, I don't feel a lot older than yesterday. When I was 20 or 30, I thought 70 was ancient. I remember my aunt at the age of about 65 sitting cross legged on the floor playing with my children and thinking, "Wow, I hope I am like that when I am that OLD!!" Well, here I am even older, sitting cross legged on the floor, playing with my grandkids. I guess age is just a number, huh?

Wordless Wednesday-Just Hangin' With Elmo

Ethan and Luka checking out "Melmo"

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Home From the Games

As usual, another great weekend at a Highland Games

The games are about:
Alex Beaton

Drums

Pipers

Men in Kilts

More Men in Kilts


Wild Men in Kilts

CD's

Pipebands

Drum Majors

Clans

Happy Children

Manning booths

Adult Beverages

Lots of Adult Beverages

And Location, Location, Location!!!

Alex's booth was right next to the Beer Truck and our all time favorite beer. Remember the picture of the green box above? Did I mention that Alex and his workers got free beer?? A good time was had by all!

Oh right, they are called Highland GAMES. Things like caber tossing, tossing a bale of hay, etc etc etc. Didn't see any. They also have Highland Dancing. Didn't see any. Pipe Band Competition. Didn't see any. What can I say? We were working Alex's booth when we weren't visiting the adult beverage truck next door. LOL

Heading to the Games

Me working in Alex Beaton's booth at last years games.

We are heading east across the state to Ft. Lauderdale for the Southeast Florida Scottish Festival & Highland Games. For those who don't know, Highland Games are Scottish/Celtic festivals held around the US (and Scotland) for the enjoyment of those who have Scottish/Celtic ancestry and for those who wish they did! I happen to have a lot--Morgan, McKinney, McCoy, Clark, Gaddy and Montgomery. I chose to be a member of Clan Montgomery Society International. They are a fantastic group of people and have become family. Plus I LOVE their tartan. We will be working in Alex Beaton's booth selling his CD's. This will be the third year that we have done this. Great fun. We will be attending a ceilidh tonight featuring Alex and others. Then tomorrow we will be up early to go to the grounds to set up the booth, Alex's sound check, etc. then sit in the booth most of the day enjoying our favorite singer, selling his CD's, watching the world go by and in general, having a ball. Lots of good food, adult beverages, pipe bands, and entertainment. What more can you as for?

Wordless Wednesday--Getting the Last Word

These are two tombstones in the Key West Cemetery.




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A Lot of Nothing or A Little Bit of Everything

What do you write about when there isn't a whole lot to write about but you think you should write about something because those who read your blog expect you to write about something???

Yesterday, my friend Diana and I went shelling. Sanibel had a cold front come through last week which often means high waves and lots of fresh shells piling up on the beach. I had been out a couple of times already but Diana who lives off island wanted to go. There weren't as many shells as before (the waves giveth and the waves taketh away) but to her there were lots! We both left the beach with our bags pretty full.

We were going to go again today but she had to cancel. So, instead, I went down to the CROW Gift Shop to help move it to a new location. We have moved from the Tahitian Gardens Shopping Area to the Olde Sanibel Shoppes at the end of Periwinkle. (I know this makes no sense to those of you who know nothing about Sanibel. Sorry.) Then another friend and I "did lunch". It was nice because she and I hadn't really gotten to sit down and just chat since we got back down here last October.

Then it was laundry time. Ugh! I love my trailer and I love the location but I don't love the fact that I don't have a washer and dryer and have to go down the street to the laundry room whenever I have to do laundry. Since I hate doing it, I unfortunately let the laundry build up which means I usually have 3 or 4 loads to do. So that usually shoots about 2 hours of my day. I do manage to get caught up on my reading though.

Tonight I am watching the Ohio State University/LSU National Championship game. I have been a very long time University of Michigan fan and have always rooted for them in the big rivalry OSU/U of M game. My son and grandkids are avid OSU fans. But, I must admit--tonight I'm rooting big time for OSU. I was cheering on my beloved Bowling Green State University (we're the ones from Ohio) Falcons last night in the GMAC Bowl--- for about 5 minutes. It only took about that long for the score to be 21-0 in favor of Tulsa. I totally gave up at 35-0. I found out this AM that the final score was 63-7 and the biggest loss any team has ever taken in a bowl game. UGH!!! I sure hope the Buckeyes can make up for the pain of last night!

Tomorrow I may do some shelling in the morning then we have to drive for CROW in the afternoon. We are what is termed VERT's. This stands for Volunteer Emergency Rescue and Transport. There are 8 vet clinics in Lee County where people can take injured or orphaned wildlife. Then the VERTs are sent out to pick them up and transport them back to CROW. CROW has morning and afternoon drivers 7 days a week. Tuesday afternoon is when we drive.

We are looking forward to the weekend because we are heading over to Fort Lauderdale to the SE Florida Scottish Highland Games. We will get to see our friend, Alex Beaton, who will be entertaining there. We will be working in his booth selling his CD's. I'll tell you all about it next week.

Anyway, there you have it. A lot of nothing and a little bit of everything.

Silent Sanibel Sunday

This guy came calling at our door one day last year.

Wordless Wednesday--Waiting for the Big Game

Sam waiting for the National Championship game to
begin. Go Bucks!

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Happy New Year

This was our Baby New Year 2004. Obviously Noah didn't make it to midnight. Happy New Years everyone. May it be healthy, happy, and everything else you wish. I have no New Years Resolutions. I don't keep them anyway so why make myself feel guilty for the entire year. :-)