Vacation and stuff

Vacation, in a nutshell

Vacation at Emerald Isle was awesome. The house was gorgeous and the weather (after the hurricane) was perfection. Many fine meals were enjoyed (Dad's beach soup...mmmmmm)and many cool shells were found. We (the kids and I) swam and frolicked and got rolled by bone crushing waves and just generally had a great time in the ocean. I got a nice tan and some way cute freckles on my cheeks ( I hated the freckles for years, but have lately come to accept them--- I suppose because they make me feel youthful??). I had a wonderful time cooking a Mexican seafood feast for the family--2 nights in a row, by special request! *blush* And homemade margaritas were a perfect accompaniment. Another night I served shrimp marinara over angel hair with caesar salad and a lovely chianti. I just LOVE to cook for folks who enjoy eating a s much as I do.

I think the kids really enjoyed this year's Treasure Hunt (a sort of a scavenger hunt with scary parts and dress-up characters and lots of candy). Featured characters this year were the Old Sea Hag (a much-requested favorite), the Floating Skull of Death and the Pirate Ghost. Many thanks to Austin for his spirited portrayal (no pun intended) of the Pirate Ghost.

It was also great to have Uncle Roy join us this year. Unfortunately, he had to take off early to avoid Ophelia and had to evacuate his own home a few days later running from Rita. He said he just couldn't get away from all these women chasing him, LOL!

Really, despite the hurricane, it was one our more enjoyable beach vacations. The only thing that could've made it better was for Em's fam and Race to have been able to stay a bit longer to enjoy the balmy, post hurricane weather.


Just a few random happenings and what-not

*Saturday morning I met Melissa at the local nursery and bought a bunch of perennials in hopes of creating a nice flower bed in front of my house. I had to borrow a pick axe to dig the holes--the dirt is HARD! But it SHALL be worth it to see my beautimous flower garden next year.

*I gave a large, smelly lady who was stranded with a flat tire a ride to her house, whilst en route to Lowe's for mulch. Why wouldn't a person shower? I just don't get that.

*Driving along the other day, minding my own, I was accosted by the sight of a shirtless, overweight, retarded man buzzing along on his (obligatory) motor scooter with his pants hanging so low that the prominent display of the cleft of his behind gave the appearance that he wasn't wearing any pants. Alone in my car, I first screamed in horror. Then, seeing that he actually was clothed, I laughed hysterically. Several days later, while on the way to supper with my friend, I saw the same dude again, still shirtless, with his bum STILL prominently displayed, zipping by on his scooter. My Friend's only response to my startled scream of recognition and outrage was "Heeey, 'just say no' to crack".

* I'm almost finished with Atlas Shrugged. Wowee. Alot to digest, there. I started reading Don Quixote at the beach. And then stopped. I'm trying, I really am, but that book is just soooo loooong and wooordy. I know it's a classic; alledgedly the first "novel" ever written. I hate it that I'm not "getting" it. But, I guess I shall persevere and eventually get it finished .*Sigh*


I have a special prayer request for a member of my extended family whom I know is going through a terrible, heart-wrenching time. Please pray for him. Thanks SO much to anyone who does!

Well, the night is still young and I have tons of work to get finished. So I'd best get to it.
Goodnight.