End of September

Oh my gosh, I have not kept up with my blog during September.   One more day of the month.  I know it is fall but it is 85 degrees here, blue skies, and I just got out of the pool.  So I took a few pool shots but first let me think about what has been going on.  Our wonderful neighbor Karol and her son Ethan moved to Puerto Rico and we helped her when need be to get ready for the move.   She is a strong woman and an incredible mother.   We will miss her and hope to see her back some day.  I might add that it is SOOOO quiet without 6 year Ethan.  Miss you too - lots and lots.

I had the neighbors down for strawberry short cake last night - Elise and Kray.  While we were eating it I thought this just isn't as good as usual.  Today I found out why - IT WAS SUGAR FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE!!!  Good for you, not so good to eat.

Saving money was my job for the month and I checked the insurance for the house and for Mom and Dad's auto and saved us a grand total of (drum roll)  $1,100!!!!!  Good for me, right?

Some plans coming up are Disney in January, Christmas here with Dave and Ron,   Stacey and Nancy the week before Thanksgiving, and for Thanksgiving Tom and Holly, Rich and Leta, Sandy and Robin, and hopefully Sandy and Jim.    Great fun to have so much family together.  

(I just paused here because my brother Dave called and we talked for 1/2 hour.   He's doing good except for fuel pump problems in his vehicle.)

So, like I said earlier,  I just had gotten out of the pool before beginning this blog and took some quick pictures.

Mom relaxing by the pool.  She does this several times a day.

Kacey saying please don't make me go swimming.   I am just not in the mood.

Dad also relaxing by the pool.   He had a head-ache earlier so he looks he is feeling better.

I love the vine!  So beautiful.

The fountains are great for when you are in the pool and also out of the pool.  When in the pool you can swim under, through, and around them.   When out of the pool they make quite a loud water fall sound that is so relaxing.

This is our dolphin,  The youngsters love to ride him and try NOT to fall off.

The dolphin and me.  To my left is our automatic pool sweeper.  It runs every morning from 6:30-8:30 and sweeps the pool. 

Again, me and the dolphin.

I have lots of coupons for restaurants so we are going to choose one and go out for Sunday dinner.   I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying fall.  Tuesday, the first day of October, I will be getting the Halloween decorations out of  the attic. 

It's A Bummer...

Today is my birthday and aren't birthdays always great days.   They are in my family because everyone goes out of their way to make sure that you have a festive day.   Mom cooked steak on the grill, pineapple upside down cake with fresh pineapple, we were in the pool, and spent some time relaxing.    But my birthday started with a sad note, that explains the title - It's A Bummer - because we took some friends, our next door neighbor Karol and Ethan  to the airport and had to say good-bye for now.  We needed to kick back because it has been a busy 5 days.  Lots of work needed to be done before they left and we tried to help when we could.   Ethan  LOVES Mr. Ron.   Mr. Ron plays ball, swims with Ethan, plays catch, watches cartoons, and any other activity a 6 year old boy would enjoy doing.    Our wonderful neighbor Karol and her six year old Ethan were moving back to Puerto Rico and oh my, are we going to miss them. So today we are missing our friends but hope they are happy.

  Karol at the airport this morning.

 

  Ethan looking cool in his new sunglasses. 

 

We have grown to love them and have enjoyed having Karol and Ethan spend holidays with us.  Ethan is so funny and has energy that just amazes me.  You know, he wears you out just watching him run around.  Matter of fact, as I am typing this I just received a text from them that they have arrived in Puerto Rico safely.  

Now I will have time to play with my new birthday gift - and IPOD.  This is from Mom and Dad and Ron.  I have been too busy to even take it out of the box.   Oh, and thank you Ethan for the tea cup with the initial E.   I looked at Karol wondering why E?   She said Ethan did not want me to forget him so he wanted his initial on the cup.   Well, that works -  Ah, the thought process of a 6 year old.

 

 

Labor day 2013

We have had a wonderful Labor Day Week-end.  Saturday was mow the lawn day and some fun pool time.   We had the neighbors over for dinner.   Sunday we had a BBQ with 9 people and lots of good food.   Then into the pool for water volley ball.  
Today, Labor Day, we enjoyed a drive over to Pensacola Beach and took a lot of photos.   So here is Labor Day, 2013 on Pensacola Beach!

 

Dad and Mom as we getting ready to leave.

 



Mom enjoying the hibiscus in our yard.

 

 

I can't believe how big our banana trees have gotten!

 

 

Monument to honor the death of a well-loved surfer from out area.

 

 

 

Beach is being enjoyed by many.

 

 

And why not!  It is a pretty day.

 

 

Emerald Dolphin, where we used to stay.   People were enjoying the pool.

 

 

Cars parked along the more quiet parts of the beach.  

 

 

The thatched umbrellas are for the trolley stops on the beach.   By the way, it is FREE!

 

 

 

Beauty of the beach on the sound side.

 

 

The sand oats help to hold the sand in place.   You are not allowed to destroy these plants.

 

 

More beautiful beach scenes.

 

 

SRIA - Santa Rosa Island Authority has added palm trees all over Pensacola Beach.   Just give them a year and they will be opened up.

 

 

A beach walkway down to some lucky person's beach umbrella.  Paradise away from home.

 

 

 

Ahhhhhh.   Just calming.

 

 

 

Family heading toward the water with toys.

 

 

They have found that round buildings do better in the high winds of hurricanes.   Makes sense, doesn't it?

 

 

Almost all houses on the beach are built up.  Money, money, money.   And most can't get insurance or termite protection  You build, you pay, you hope it stays.

 

 

Another round building.

 

A big house.  At least you don't need to pay for grass.   Most people just go for the sand look.

 

 

Well, that is Pensacola Beach on Labor Day.  After our drive Mom and I went into the pool and relaxed.       Kris- if you read this, I hope you are feeling better!  I think about you lots.

                                   Happy Labor Day All!