It's Been Awhile - Sunday, June 27, 2010

It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve written. It seems life has gotten in the way of blogging. Nancy and I have had difficult work schedules for the last two weeks. Nancy works outside and the 100-degree heat has gotten the best of her. Also, some personal issues needed our time and attention.

First issue… we had a couple of paid bills stolen from our mailbox (as did our neighbors), so we had to do the prudent thing and open new bank accounts and credit cards. Next we needed to register a “fraud alert” on our credit history in anticipation of potential problems with our account. So far no problems, but changing all auto-pays and direct deposits is a real pain.

Next issue…Nancy’s mother has been thinking of moving to a Senior Living Community. We found a wonderful place near here called “The Lakes at Litchfield.” We anticipated making the move around October. However, an apartment with the location and view she wants came available now and we needed to make the necessary arrangements.

View from the mom's apartment!

She will be moving in on July 23, so we need to get her packed and downsized before then. After she moves, we will get her house ready for sale and hopefully have it on the market by Sept 1st.

So now we are in the process of downsizing two households and working fulltime.  Can you say  "RETIREMENT!!"

BEST ISSUE.....we found some fun-time!! Nancy finally got 2 days in a row off (Friday and Saturday) so we had time to drive to Raleigh, NC to visit with our daughter, son-in-law and of course the four grandchildren.

Friday night, Julie surprised Nancy with a birthday cake and ice cream. (Yes, Nancy turned 39 again on June 22)

The grandkids are thrilled to have any reason for

cake and ice cream.

Nancy had plenty of help to blow out the candles.

Saturday morning, we all went out on the back porch to watch the launch of Andrew’s rocket.

It is one of those baking soda and vinegar things.

Steve gave Andrew some help with the project.

After a couple of misfires, they had lift off.

Next on the days agenda was a trip to the neighborhood pool. They have a beautiful pool, actually 2 pools.  One with fountains and a water slide and the other set up for swim meets.

They kids were so excited to show us how good they can swim. Andrew (9) and Daniel (8) are on the swim team and really enjoy that experience. Emily (4) is already a waterbug and Samantha (3) also has no fear of the water. We had a great time with all of them in the pool.

Emily Swimming

Andrew coming up for air!

Daniel going down the slide!

Grandpop with Daniel, Samantha and Emily

Somehow we didn't get a picture of Samantha swimming. But we did get her picture taken in a red hat Nancy had saved just for her.

Can you say, "TOO  CUTE!!"

Our evenings were filled with fun playing cards, boards games and listening to the girls’ wonderful make-believe ideas. What a nice change of pace for us! We always have a wonderful time when we visit our family and this was no exception. It ended too soon as we had to leave about 5:30am this morning to drive home so Nancy could get to work by 11am.

We don’t get to see the kids as often as we would like, but when we do, it’s like “Lightning In A Bottle” – an explosion of fun! Can’t wait to retire and have more time for all that fun!!