An Old Fashioned 4th

Honeybunny,Melody and I took a ride today to Meadow Farm in Glen Allen, Virginia today for their 4th of July celebration. I had hoped Perrin and I could have taken the hot air balloon ride there but the weather was so hot and the lines were just too long for a 4 year old to wait it out. But we had fun anyways as Henrico county has had so many great events this year and well organized. There was music, bluegrass and a mix of beach, blues, and pop music to listen today while enjoying the other festivities offered. Perrin and Melody enjoyed the Racing Pigs . Perrin also entered a water race and his team won. He got a red ball for his prize. We watched the old timey blacksmiths forge a horseshoe, seen some costumed interpreters wash clothes the old way ( thankful we have washing machines now) and some shelling beans. There was a color guard of the Fife and Drum corp present while another interpreter read the whole Declaration of Independence to much clapping and Hip Hip Hooraying from the audience. We had some really sweet watermelon from the feast, had some snow cones to cool us off and really good hot dogs from Joeys and one funnel cake. There were lots of activities but with the heat we finally gave it up and went to the car for some nice air conditioning. It was a great way to spend the 4th !

Its been a long time !

Wow I cant believe I have not written since before Easter. So much has happened that I guess I will start with the great Easter fiasco we attended. Swaders had a nice event planned for the kids on the Saturday before Easter. It was sad that they did not take into account just how many "might" show up for such a large free event. My daughter Melody, honeybunny Perrin, Granette, and my two granddaughters Hallie and Alyssa and I arrived thankfully from the opposite direction that morning and were one of the "lucky" ones to get in. I say lucky because it was just crazy there. We finally were able to park after waiting in line for 30 minutes, but the real wait was the line that stretched for a mile to just get in.If we had come from the other direction we would never have made it to the parking lot. After admitting 2000, they turned people away who had been waiting for hours. Then they decided to admit 800 more too late for some who had gone on. Once we got to the gate, we were a little more than mad at people cutting in line or passing their tickets to others who wormed their way to the front so they could get in. Which by the way almost caused a riot when it was our turn to go in as the ladies around us started complaining so loud the police had to come.
Anyways, we signed up for some things, got our tickets for the free food, let the kids check out the inflatable rides, while Granette got some popcorn. All the lines were very long. I really wanted to get the kids faces drawn that day but everything was just helter skelter and patience for some was not a virtue.
Then it was time for the helicopter to drop those 10,000 eggs from the air which was fun to watch but people pushed their kids onto the field for the egg hunt and got greedy so it ruined it for many. Adults were out there with trash bags for heavens sake scooping up plastic eggs like it had money inside or gold. Some little ones almost got crushed in the push and shove and "Mom" almost tore a ladies face off for being nasty with her while she stayed with honeybunny while he got a few eggs.
The day had a lesson well learned though. that is Not to do that again ! The only good things that came from the day was Hallie won a razor skateboard., Perrin met an old school pal Jordan, and they all got some candy in the baskets.

Lampoon Vacation part 2

Our last day on Jekyll Island, Perrin and I went back to the pool for one last swim in the morning. He swam out into the deep end at 6 feet by himself and even went under the water several times. His new friends joined him and they had a good time playing together. Mom and dad came back from the Trash the Dress shoot so it was time to go in and leave the hotel.Onto Savanannah we went and decided to take RT 17 there. This road reminded me of the movie Cars where Radiator Springs was abandoned. We seen so many places boarded up and not sure if it was because of I 95 or the economy. However, Melody seen a sign for the Smallest Church in America and we turned around to check it out. This was an awesome sight to see. The church had everything inside including stained glass windows imported from England many years ago. The door was left open for anyone to come in anytime day or night. You could probably get 13 people in there if you didnt breathe ! Mike gave his sermon on Fire and Brimstone at the pulpit while Perrin sat in the pew and listened. We also found a cache here which just added to our enjoyment among the huge trees surrounding the place.
On the road into Savannah, Mike once again found himself driving on MLK Blvd. I wonder why they only have this road name on the ghetto side of towns ! We soon found our hotel at the Best Western, but had to wait til 4 to check in. So off we went to see some of the architecture of this old city. We stopped the car at Forsthe Park and made our way to the Williams -Mercer House which was the home in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil where Jim Williams lived. We just took some pics there but while outside I was trying to picture the people who would come for his great parties each year and wondering about the deaths that occurred in this house. If you dont already know it, Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the US and also has more voodoo practices than even New Orleans. We went on to walk in the park wher the kids were jumping in the fountain that clearly stated noone was to be in the fountain LOL. It was a pretty park with people doing all sorts of things from music to photography and weddings.
We got in the car to search for Bonaventure Cemetary which was also in Midnight in the Garden movie. The Bird Girl Statue has been removed to the Telfair Museum now as it was too popular amongst the tourists and vandals. Anyways it was a beautiful cemetary and just what you would picture for a creepy place to rest. I was only disappointed that there were not more monument type statues that our Hollywood cemetary has spoiled me on. I did find a few that were amusing though. I also took a picture of a huge hornet nest in one of the tree limbs we drove under.
The last cool thing we did was go to The Crab Shack on Tybee Island for dinner. Next to South of the Border this had to be one of the tackiest but fun places to be at. No airconditioning, no marked parking which we drove around for half hour trying to get a park spot. Lot of tacky displays and photo ops for tourists and best of all - an alligator lagoon before you enter the restaurant. Lots of gators in there and you could legally feed them which Perrin, Melody and I did. However, if you are coming for the food, then look elsewhere as some was good but mostly it was just passing taste. Then again maybe it was just the season but people were piling in there like it was the best place ever !! I would go back just for the atmosphere and entertainment !
Back to the hotel, Mike went in search of ice cream on Savannahs streets. He came back with an almond lemon pie that was sooooooooooooo good and chocolate cake that was "decadent". I use that word just for Melody and MIke since they seem to like that word for some reason LOL
Home in the morning, Perrin woke up and said the frogs made soup outside and indeed you could not see the bridge not far from our door. We left Savannah behind and headed home to much cooler temps and much better beds !
Another adventure awaits Honeybunny and me soon with the main Bunny of the Year. Til then peace out !

Our Version of National Lampoon Vacation

So we were up at 3AM Thursday morning and hit the road on our way to Jekyll Island Georgia. Us "Kids" were in the back seat while Mike drove us along in the dark. We came to South of the Border a few hours later so Perrins imaginary friend Poco could visit his dad Pedro. We always seem to find some tourist attractions along the way and this is about as big and tacky as it gets, but always fun to stop here. Melody won the See the Hat this time in a game she and Mike have played for years. It always seems to take forever to get where you are going and this time it wasnt so bad, even though it was long.
We soon arrived in Georgia where Perrin had his picture taken with the Georgia Peach sign. The rest area was really nice with lots of information we needed for planning our time on Jekyll. Soon after we came to the island and it was beautiful. Our hotel, The Beachview Club, was very nice and only a few steps from the pool and beach. Mike and Melody had to go meet the future bride and also check out some spots for pictures for the wedding. So Perrin and I hit the beach. This was really all my little honeybunny wanted to do anyways. He loves the water and dreams of living at a beach.
We played on the beach and I was so surprised how warm the water was at this time of year. Thinking I was only going to wander the beach I wore jeans which ended up getting rolled up so we could jump waves together in the ocean. We were disappointed that there were not any shells other than some small ones on beach. After hearing that you could only have so many, we thought we would find something to bring home. We did find a lot of sponge type stuff like coral shape on beach though which was interesting to look at.
The next day, Mike, Perrin and I went exploring for a few hours. We went to Driftwood Beach which was just awesome. I have never seen one like this before and was not disappointed at all. After that we headed to some ruins at the Horton House and visited an old cemetary across the street. Finally we left to go to the 4H Tidewater Nature Center. We had fun in there looking at turtles, a couple small alligators, touching some horsecrabs and starfish. I really liked how they decorated the inside for the display areas. Very different and artsy. We found a cache here so now we have one for Georgia. Perrin and Mike also stood under the Sharkgate for a picture here. We traveled up the island a bit and stopped at the Georgia Turtle Hospital and got to see some huge Loggerhead turtles. Perrin also learned how they lay eggs which he was imitating later that night.
After getting lunch, Mike went to get dressed for the wedding and Perrin and I headed to his dream of getting in the pool. I havent been in a bathing suit since 1993 so this was an experience LOL. But my honeybunny told me I looked great LOL which wasnt exactly right but he so wanted to go to the pool. In the water he went yelling cannonball. He has no fear of how deep the water is and he also has to speak to everyone. So many people were impressed with honeybunnys manners and came up to tell me. We played in the water and met a lot of people while he had the most wonderful time. It was too bad I had to ruin it for him having him get out of the water after 5 hours. but we looked like prunes, actually worse than that. I just broke his heart and felt so bad for him. But after mom and dad came back and mentioned where the ice cream place was, he cheered up. We rode to the DQ and he ordered his red ice cream with sprinkles on it. The girls in there were so very nice to us and giving him special treatment. I guess it was his big blue eyes and the grown up way he spoke to them. While waiting for his order, he then started a conversation with a big family sitting near us and told them his Nana broke his heart and that I was a kid and he was the adult. LOL they loved that !
We soon left to go back to our hotel, but got lost on a circle trip back to the hotel. Only Nana can do that ! But we got to see the beach at night and also seen a black American Mink up close that was fun to see. Tomorrow Our trip to Savannah !

What a team ! VCU you were great !

I dont normally watch basketball much less college sports, but I tuned in anyways for the Sweet 16 to watch VCU and their Cinderella story. What a heart stopping game for me and how sweet they made it to the Final Four. I loved it and was so sad they didnt get to continue their dream to the Final game tonight. But they did it with style and respect which is how you should all play any game and they deserve a heros welcome home. Coach Shaka is awesome and I can only wish him the best in his future along with my congradulations on his future child and my heartfelt condolences on the passing of his granddad.
I saved articles from the news and Honeybunny and I tried to make a collage out of them but we had too many for the little space on the wall we had. But you will get the message - We love the Rams ! and how sweet my little honeybunny is singing black and yellow around the house when he sees a basketball. Maybe in the future he will follow in dad and moms footsteps and be an alumni of VCU ! GO RAMS !

Zoo Bird Picture

I missed posting this pic of our trip to the zoo with Perrin and the birds. So here it is !

Trip to the Zoo

Perrin and his friends went to the zoo in Richmond this week and Mom and I tagged along. We had a great time listening to him imitate the monkeys when we first arrived on a cool spring morning. My grandson has no fear of any thing anymore. He went right up to the giraffes and couldnt wait to feed them while they licked his hands with their long black tongues. One of his favorite things to do there was to chase the poor peacocks around. He thought it was Keven from the movie UP and also he said it was his moms favorite cuz she has one on her back (tattoo that is )
His other favorite thing was feeding the little budgie birds who just flew all over him as you can see in the pictures. My daughter came up with the idea to photograph the kids in there with the birds and got some sweet pics of them with the birds landing on their hands. aww to be a 4 year old again !
My favorite was the orangutan. He came to the edge and smiled at us and blew kisses to me while we watched him. They seem to be such sweet animals.
We are so glad Perrin is with Ms Karen and Ms Nora again as our little boy is so much happier now than he was at the school he went to. Blessings come in unusual ways sometimes and she is one of ours.
Next week - our trip to Jekyll Island !!!! and warm weather woo hoo !
and of course Go VCU this weekend ! Our best wishes to the whole team !

Quartermaster Night at the Museum

Awesome is all I can say about last nights event at Ft Lee when the Quartermaster hosted a free event for kids, A Night at the Museum.. From the moment we arrived til long after we left, we were excited ! Live actors portraying the likes of General Eishenhower, General Grant, Betsy Ross and a host of other persons who were part of history coming to life to tell stories and interact with the children. Actual artifacts from the museum were used in the stories like Eisenhowers RV that even had a shower for the general during the war to Pattons jeep with those big trumpet horns.
I cannot say enough how wonderful this event was to help teach the kids history and no child was left out of participating. The museum even supplied real dog tags for each child among a cool goodie bag filled with many items, homemade cookies and so many snacks for the kids to either eat there or take home with them. Every person involved with this event was super nice and very helpful.
If you ever get a chance, you should visit the Quartermaster Museum and right beside it is the Womens Museum which was also fun for the kids as they dressed in uniforms, held military weapons and checked out the displays there.
Ft Lee holds a special place in my heart anyways as I grew up here as an army brat and later an army wife. It made me happy to take my grandchildren there to show them where I danced as a teenager, where my mom worked at the PX, my fathers pictures when he was with the Rifle Team and where their dad was born in the hospital on base.
One last thing we did was to watch the Honor Guard do the end of day Flag ceremony and teaching the girls respect for the ceremony and to have them observe something people take for granted each day.
And for this, once again our soldiers who not only protect our freedom and fight for us, have given us some of the best entertainment we have had in a long time.
We salute you Ft Lee !

Kite Festival Dorey Park

We had one of our family days yesterday at Dorey Park for the Kite Festival. WOW it was awesome to see so many kites in the air at one time. This was one of the best events we have been to over the years and so worth it to see my little Perrin have the time of his life. He loved everything there and so did I LOL. We flew kites together, gobbled down some of the good food offered at the festival, met lots of new people and animals of course, took a million pics and listened to some great music. I only wish my video recorder was working when Perrin was dancing to the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Our friend Angela was late arriving as the traffic was so backed up getting there. but she finally found us and Perrins best friend Tyler and he really stepped up their fun together. They visited the petting zoo touching all the animals and being amazed at how soft the baby lambs were or how hard the goat horns were. Perrin rode his first horse named Rebel who was a good match in character for Perrin by bucking when Perrin got on the horse. The boys didnt get to see the fire trucks but did shake hands with some of the firemen there. They both love the fire trucks but this day seemed to belong to kites and animals for those two.
We ended our day there with Iron Man popsicles with lovely red faces and two little boys who will remember Kite Day for a long time to come.

Wish we Had More Like Him

I sat down the other night to watch one of my favorite TV hosts from my childhood. Sailor Bob can only be one of Richmond and Virginias best treasures that we ever had and will probably never see again. This documentary that they made of him had me crying and smiling within a few minutes bringing many happy memories of watching him drawing, laughing and introducing Popeye to us. Going to the local new mall Walnut Hill at the time to see him was a dream come true not only for me, but for many of my friends and my younger brothers.
I can not say how much he meant to so many, but looking at the throngs of kids and families who would come to see him, you know that this man and the people who helped him on his shows were more than just an entertainer for kids. He became our friend and to many our inspiration.
How his show came about was such a surprise to many of us watching this documentary and how it ended on channel 12 was kind of mean or like a slap in the face to kids that they didnt care about children. I guess they forgot who helped them get to where they are.
I was also surprised that the director of another channel who had him come to their station was another favorite childhood entertainer of mine - The Bowman Body !
How I wish there were more like them for the kids of today and I am glad that I am able to share this documentary with my family of how things were when I was a little girl.
Thank You Sailor Bob and Bowman Body

A day at Heritage Museum In Prince George

I had a little free time this week and wanted to find out about doing some research on county family cemetaries that are not on record here, and decided to go visit the local Heritage Museum in Prince George.
The museum opened just a couple of years ago inside the old courthouse and I have been wanting to see the place so off I went.
I was rather surprised at what was on display inside when I was inside. I was most impressed by some of the stories of items that were donated or loaned to the museum. I am hoping that a few things I asked about will soon come there as it seems only right that they are in the museum for all to see.
One item i really liked was an old whale flipper bones. Long ago when I was in 6th grade, a whale beached itself along the river. My children have never believed me when I told them about that so I took a picture of it just for them LOL.
Some other items I liked was a trunk of old Bohemian family items, quilt, dishes and even some canned food there. Prince George owes a lot to these families who settled here and farmed. I also seen a Civil War chess set made out of bullets and a World War 2 collection from a bride here in the county along with her scrapbook, letters and things like that. There was also an old grindstone from Flowerdew Plantation that was used to grind corn for cornmeal. There were some old pictures of schools and some history on them. But what I really wanted to see was from my generation - The Years of the Amazing Mezza. John Mezza was our band director at Prince George High School and he was the best. Over the years, he directed our band and make our school a national name. He took the band to so many parades including return trips to the Rose Parade and Macys Thanksgiving Parade. Many bowl games including the Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl. They even performed in Canada where our friends in Canada were impressed that our band was the first to play its National Anthem for the game.
My memory of the band that is one of my favorites is when they danced the Tea Berry Shuffle all the way thru the Rose Parade with the crowd applauding the whole way. The majorettes wore holes in their boots halfway thru. Tea Berry was a popular chewing gum at the time and they came to the school to tape the band doing the shuffle !
So this was my day out this week and I hope you enjoy the pics !
see you soon

Ghosts to Groundhogs

Happy Imbolc and Happy Groundhog Day !
I started this morning making groundhog pancakes for my little grandson Perrin which he gobbled down while we watched the party near my hometown in Punxatawny Penna. for Phil to make his annual prediction. Being 4 years old, Perrin had a lot of questions about everything but we got our dancing shoes on listening to the Love Shack watching the gopher cheerleaders heating up the crowd in that bitter cold up there. I remember those cold mornings walking up to Gobblers Knob with my grandparents dressed in our Sunday clothes then going to the local firehouse for some hot breakfast after Phil told us whether it was 6 more long weeks of winter or spring was just around the corner. Times sure have changed since I was a little girl cuz it wasnt like this at all then. A radio station may have covered it then but mostly newspaper reporters and then only a few came.
At school, Perrin made a cute little groundhog that popped in and out of a cup today and I took his picture at his school where they decided that this was ok to have a sign out on the marquee. It no less surprised me for that as they are not the type of school to celebrate an old Pennsylvania German custom.
Last week on January 24th, I took some friends on the annual Ghost Brigade Ghost Walk in Centre Hill Mansion in Petersburg. My favorite author Mr LB Taylor was there and shared a few laughs with me on some of his stories especially Crazy Lucy down in Williamsburg. He has a wonderful way of writing a story and when he speaks, I can feel them come to life.
We seen no ghosts that night but seen more paranormal people there than usual. I havent been in a couple of years where I used to go faithfully each year. I have seen many unexplainable things in that house especially the white dress that is no longer in sight there. I chatted a bit with a few of the Tri City Paranormal guys and watched old Ben with his cameras outside where he said there was more activity out there than in the house. Several years ago he took some photos of my group and several had some wild looking lights around their heads. My favorite guide Ms Franklin wasnt with us on tour although she was there that night. Ahh the times she and I have had in that house and on the Blandford Cemetary tours with spirits and ghosts. I so wished we would have had any other guide than the one we had though as she went too fast thru the house, missed telling the group some of the main ghost stories like the melodium piano playing by itself, forgetting to take the second part of the tour group upstairs and not telling any of them about the bullet hole in the door. what should have been a 45 minute tour at the least ended after 20 minutes. It is a shame because the place was packed and they were turning people away that they had one guide at least who only wanted to share the historical value of the furniture and not the history of the home. But I will go back and somehow will make it up to my friends who came from out of the country to attend this event. Hopefully we can get to Shirley Plantation so they can see Aunt Pratt happly hanging on the wall these days or go see if the fruit stays in the bowl on the table at Berkeley Plantation.
Last but not least I need to make note that today the local army base was playing the music tones to Close Encounters again. I now know the reason behind it but cant even begin to imagine anyone who doesnt know what is going on and hears those tones thinking aliens may be coming or we are trying to contact them. I know the first time I heard them I was so excited but it scared my family and some friends when i rushed in the house to tell them and they heard.
I love living near the base as I have for many many years. One thing I miss on this side of Ft Lee is that I can no longer hear the soldiers singing during their morning exercises. But then I can hear all the bugle calls each day and end my nights with Taps thinking of all our men and women who are out there for my family, friends and me keeping me safe and free to do these things we sometimes take for granted. May they always be safe and in our prayers ! Good night my friends

Family Day Trip

Sunday we took Perrin and Flat Stanley on an adventure to the Air Power Park in Hampton, Va cuz Perrin suddenly started asking questions about space and rockets. Thanks to another blogger for writing about this park -Carolina Biker ! Perrin was in 7th heaven as he climbed on a few jets and walked under a couple of the rockets. Mike and I were amused to with the history on the aircraft in the park. The only drawbacks was that it was very cold and windy when we were there, and part of the park was closed at this time. But it was still the greatest thing for my little grandson to see real rockets and wonder what it was like to go out in space in them.
Flat Stanley came along for the ride too as he wanted to see the Mercury Capsule there and have his picture taken for the 50th anniversary of Mercury coming up this May.
Perrin's mom decided we should just ride on down to the beach and go to the aquarium since we were close by. So off we went so Perrin could check out his favorite beast - the sharks ! He just loved seeing the sharks in the tank swimming around and coming close enough that he could see those pointy teeth. It has been awhile since I went to the aquarium and was impressed with the new changes there. I also like the tanks with the sharks, and the crocodiles were really big. Perrin didnt want to leave the crocs at all til we told him he could go touch a sting ray. Such slimy feeling creatures ugh ! but interesting to watch how they flow thru the water. We also enjoyed seeing the jelly fish and seeing different kinds. I always thought there was only one type. Shows you how much I know LOL. There is also a tank to touch horseshoe crabs and starfish. I think there were a few other things in there but Perrin held my attention watching him learning new things.
We stopped at Abbey Road to eat dinner, Perrin had his shrimp that he loved. Ours wasnt so great, but it was also off season there and late in the evening. I did like all the Beatle items displayed on the walls though.
Last but not least, Mike and I did a virtual cache so we could mark off an area of our De Lorme map. We found the Norwegian Lady and I remember her being there when I was at the beach long ago. There were several new additions to the area saluting our Armed Forces. But the wind was so so cold coming off the ocean we had to hurry back to the car. Another trip we will plan to do more caches and see the new sights they have in place there now.
I hear people all the time saying they are bored and have nothing planned to do with their family. I dont understand why not take a few hours and go visit some sights. Except for the aquarium, there were a lot of free interesting things to see and do down there. Pack a picnic lunch, jump in the car and do something fun and educational, and get in touch with your family. Til next time ..........

Facebook reunions

ahhh Good ole Facebook, the people I have been reunited with after many years and now I find my long lost cousins too. My family is scattered all over the USA and being part of a military family when I was growing up and married, I kind of lost track of family. But the past two months has brought us a few of us out of the woodwork and a bit of catching up. It has been interesting to see thanks to the glorious Facebook, how much we have in common being family and not really knowing each other at all. It has also been sad to hear of those who have gone to another world and sadder that family fueds exist in ours too. I had a wise lawyer one time tell me, that the people you should fear the most with your possesions and money are those closest to you - your family. How right he was ! My grandma left her family farm to the 2 youngest out of 6 kids. One because she lived there on the place with her family and the other because he was the only one who truly loved the farming life. Of course this made the rest mad because they felt they had earned their share during their younger years working on the farm. Well however they worked it out, wasnt really my concern as inheritance stuff just wasnt my thing. All I had really wanted was some pictures of the way things were back then that told my familys story and history. But my grandma did leave me a small amount which I bought my daughters first camera with, and gave a small amount to my youngest for her towards becoming a nurse. Both were wise investments for me as it has turned out.
But now us cousins are trying for a new approach in some odd way to rekindle that sense of family. I guess we chose the easiest one first which is our love of the Steelers since we come from Steel Mill City and prolly the Pirates which is my one passion in sports. I only confess to seeing the Steelers during playoffs as football is not my sport of choice at all. But the Pirates bring memories of being on the front porch in the mountains of Pennsylvania with a cold bottle of pop while my grandpap and his brother and my uncle listened to the game on the radio. No tv back then LOL
So tomorrow afternoon, I will find me some pop or soda as we call it now, maybe a can of beer LOL whoops no Iron City in this town down south, grab a snack, watch the game while facebooking my cousins and enjoy a new approach to a some sort of reunion with my long lost family and enjoying the game.
I end this post with
GO STEELERS !

1-1-11

Happy New Year !
I have a lot of things I want to do this year, but try not to make a list of too many so I dont disappoint myself. Besides I like the surprises that come my way to do things I may not do or have thought of during the year !
2010 brought a lot of those surprises to me and a few items on my "bucket list".
I will probably forget a lot of them but here are a few
My baby girl got married finally in November and she was very beautiful in her dress ! I wish I could say things went well but there were some family conflicts that made me sad while I watched her become Mrs. I am proud of the woman she has become and hope she will always be happy.
The beginning of the year, my middle daughter showed her talent at the Richmond Bridal Show with her fantastic photography. Melody has a great eye for art and doesnt try to do the usual bridal and wedding pics. She opened her new studio in Colonial Heights this year and has really made some big changes in our lives.
I went to see the Broadway Show - Wicked at the Landmark in Richmond. It was one of my favorite shows that I have seen. My daughter and son in law had seen it in New York and made sure I had front seats here to see it.
I did a little treasure hunting this year as we have been off our game for awhile. Doing the Eye of Horus kind of wore us out learning so many skills to accomplish one of the best caches in the USA.
Taking my grandson to see the Bowman Body was another of my favorite moments and to know his picture will be in the documentary this year makes me happy. The many afternoons I watched Shock Theater with the BB as the host kept my mind off of struggles I went thru back then. and most of all it gave me the love of Halloween in ways I never thought I would be.
The summer gave me time to spend with all my grandchildren. Playing dress up, swimming, having them all together here every day was a lot of fun. Making fairy houses, teaching them about insects and now they love collecting stamps that I started them on this summer. Just like my grandma did with me when I was that age.
Speaking of Halloween, I took this year off from my own house haunting to see other places. Sometimes we all need a change of scenery to get our creativity going again. I posted a picture of the home we went to and have to say it was the best I have been to and makes me wish I could do something similar. ahhh those backyard hauntings are the best but kids now dont seem to appreciate it anymore.
I am skipping around the year, but I have to thank Facebook for helping me find my old friend from grammer school in January. We both liked a certain news station and she made a comment that showed up one morning as I was reading over the news of the day. I checked out her pic and said wow maybe this is her and sent a message. We got together a few days later and had a great time talking over old times and catching up to now. There is nothing like old friends in our life !
Another favorite moment or two that I enjoyed was going to the burlesque shows in Richmond this year. I needed those laughs and the sparkle of the costumes. and meeting some of Richmonds favorite Drag Queens really made my year too.
But of all the things I have done this year, being with Perrin meant the most to me. He makes my heart sing with joy every day even when he is not being his best. Watching him grow up is one of the best gifts I have in this life and being able to be a big part of his world is awesome to see it in a childs eyes. Perrin had his own 15 minutes of fame several times this year though. The big one was meeting author of the Wheel of Time, Robert Jordans wife and the cowriter of his books since his death. Perrins mom and dad named him after a character in the books so when Mom wrote an essay about why she wanted to be a Tower Guard at the newest book signing she mentioned she named her son from the book. So they asked her to bring him along when she won ! Along with Perrin being a small piece of the Bowman Body documentary and meeting him, Perrin also met Pamela Kinney, a local writer of ghost stories. He and I had a great time at the Art thru Literature Festival that day even though it was very very hot.
So I am sure I left out a lot of things but thats what I get for not writing like I should in my blog. but I will probably write about it later.
Til then Happy New Year ! and for those who blog more than me, that I follow, you inspire me with your stories and give me new things to think about for which I am happy that I read your blogs !