Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!  I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween.  It will be a bust day for me; after work I will be rushing home to carve pumpkins with Rory then head back to church for the first Trunk or treat event.  I “donated” my trunk to pass out candy to the kids who attend the event.  I am still not sure how I am going to decorate my trunk but I bought a lot of stuff so we will have to wait and see how it turns out.  As far as a costume.  I am going western. Check out the pics tomorrow.  Happy Halloween!

The Pumpkin Patch Again

I took Rory to the Pumpkin Patch at Orange Park United Methodist Church once last time because she enjoyed it so much the first time.  Oh course she wanted to take pictures at some of the photo ops and we picked out a good size pumpkin to carve tonight.  I like carving pumpkins because I love baking the pumpkin seeds.  We had so much fun.

The Halloween Parade

On Friday I attended the Halloween parade at Rory’s school.  The parents and grandparents lined up outside on their circular side walk and passed out candy as the kids paraded around in their costumes.  Halloween day is crazy at school and the kids get over excited so the parade is done early so that on Halloween parents do not need to worry about costumes at school.  I had Rory all dressed up as a police officer but the 30 minutes between the time I dropped her off and the time of the parade she completely undid her look.  Oh well, she had fun. She also got a TON of candy!

Baby Sitting 101

I had the pleasure of baby sitting Rory, which is not really baby sitting at all, and friends Emmy and Caroline.  Emmy is Rory’s best friend and Caroline is 5 months old.  Until last night I was called the baby whisperer because I had the luck of calming Caroline.  Last night was not my night.  That poor baby cried for three hours straight and I could not calm her at all.  Changing diapers, feeding her bottles, walking, rocking, etc; nothing worked.  She finally feel asleep after her second bottle but ithink it was mostly that she exhausted herself.  Rory and Emmy were great and seem to understand what was going on.  I did find out Caroline is going through a fussy period.  I hope it ends before I watch her again.  Still love my girls!

Dinner And A Show

Last night we went to Dalton’s Bar and Grill to have dinner and watch Sourhern Ruckus perform.  Southern Ruckus is a local country and western band that have been together for quite a few years now and they sound great.  The band is made up of four Navy veterans and one Marine.  Nate’s Dad is the lead guitarist and singer.  I have not seen them perform for over 8 years so I figured I should see them again and I am glad I did. The food at Dslton’s Was good too,  it was. Fun night!

A Tasting For Thanksgiving

I was fortunate enough to get a tasting of a Thanksgiving Eve dinner I will be attending.  For lunch we were served Prime Rib with stuffing , tossed salad and rolls and it was delicious.  I am not a fan of prime rib due that it is not cooked enough for me but I managed to get one that was barely pink and it was good.  The stuffing was amazing and I am looking forward to eating lots more of that.  This may seem silly to have this kind of dinner prior to Thanksgiving day but I am okay with it!

Just A Quicky

Things got busy early and continued through the day but I did have my first Hand bell lesson and it was very informative.  Who knew what small gestures could change the tones of the bells.  There is a real technique to ringing bells and a little show too.  This is going to be fun once I get my confidence!

Arthur J Moore Museum

While At Epworth By The Sea we had a chance to visit the Arthur J Moore museum.  I had been there a couple of times before but this time we got a guided tour and she was very good and fun.  Bishop Moore bought the property and created Epworth By The Sea retreat and conference center.  His museum houses the archives of the southern Georgia conference and has a huge research library.  It also has some wonderful displays that show the history of Methodism and how the Methodist Church was created.  It has some great Island history and tells so many stories of the lives that led to the Methodist church.

A Cute Mouse

Over the week end Rory went to a Halloween party and she wore a costume that her Great Aunt Pam sent her.  A Minnie Mouse dress.  She looked so adorable in it and she loved dressing up like Minnie. She was a big hit at the party and sure had a great time.  My cute little mouse...Minnie aka Rory.

A Walk With Friends

During our midday break a few of us decided to take a walk around the area.  We headed off the Epworth campus and passed by the Lovely Lane Chappel where we will be singing today.  As we left Epworth we came across something I did not know existed yet has been there since I have come up to Epworth.  We discovered the slave cabins of what was once the Hamilton plantation.  They are well preserved and set as an example of how the slaves lived.  After we checked them out we continued our walk to find an exercise walk area that one of the ladies did last year.  As we were looking for the trail we passed the American Legion that was having a car show so we checked it out.  We continued our walk, found the trail and walked and exercised through it.  Afterwards we headed back to Epworth and passed some new condos being sold so we checked out the open house. Very nice but even all together we couldn’t of bought a unit. We then headed down to the river in Epworth where we sat in a gazebo and enjoyed the cool breeze off the river.  It was 91 degrees so that breeze was very welcomed.  When we rested and chatted awhile we had about 30 min left until we returned to rehearsal.  I really enjoyed my afternoon stroll and hanging out with Ann, Martha, Marilyn and Virginia.  Thank you all for a nice afternoon!

Epworth By The Sea

Epworth By The Sea, on St. Simons Island, GA is a Christian conference and retreat center that over looks the Frederica River.  It can meet the needs of large and small groups along with vacationers.  The facilities are welcoming and comfortable with a wide variety of rooms.  From a camp like area to luxury hotel rooms that can accommodate anyone.  Their lobby and main dining room is centrally located and the food is good!  The real beauty of the campus is the river and unique buildings.  It is beautifully landscape and well kept.  I do truly love coming here.  It gives me a sense of peace and helps me spiritually.  I am here attending a choir retreat, something I have done for years, and am here with a great bunch of people.  Day one is one the books now on with day two.

Getting Ready To Go

Today I leave on my retreat and I am looking forward to it.  It has been seven years since I have been on a retreat with the choir.  We will be doing a lot of singing but we will also be doing a lot of socializing.  This gives the choir the chance to really work on choir music and to get to know the music well.  We will be working on Christmas music too. Check back to see how it is going.  Next stop Epworth By The Sea!

First Road Trip In My Car

I am heading north this week end to St. Simons Island, GA.  I am attending a choir retreat.  I have done this for several years but have not been on one for seven years.  Needless to say I an looking forward to it.  This will be the first trip in my car which has a couple of issues but is safe to drive.  Check in daily and see how everything goes.

So Many Ideas Not Enough Time

I am a long time crafter and I know that if you are going to make seasonal items they have to get done early.  Now just because I know this doesn’t mean I follow it although I want too!  I have so many great ideas for Halloween and Thanksgiving decor and Christmas but it is too late for Halloween and almost too late for Thanksgiving. I still have some time for Christmas but if I don’t start doing some of the things I want to make; it won’t happen. I did manage to get the four door prizes for my sister’s SAS created.  Now all I have to do is get them made in the next two weeks.  Yikes!  I better start getting busy after work!

It’s Hot!

After a break from the heat over the week end the heat came back with force breaking October heat records.  I was hoping after we got a break from the heat and humidity that summer was over but Mother Nature is not ready to let go of summer.  I know the calendar says it is October but the heat index says it is August.  Come on cool weather!

The Pumpkin Sign

Rory and I created a pumpkin sign on Saturday.  I bought the pumpkin sign at Target for $3 then Rory and I worked with the Cricut to make it a Halloween sign.  Rory typed the letters in the computer to search for Halloween images (I did tell her the letters) and then she picked out the images she wanted to use.  After cutting the vinyl she helped place the images on the sign.  She did a great job and it was fun to work together on a project.  She wants to make Christmas shirts next on the Cricut.

The Corn Pit

The corn pit was a huge attraction to Rory and Emmy and they just could not get enough of it along with a bunch of other kids.  It was crowded yet they managed to be fine and having fun.  One thing we did not expect was coming home with some souvenirs; corn.  When getting Rory ready for bed I found quite a few pieces of corn in her pants and underpants.  We kept finding some the next day too.  It did not seem to bother Rory.  She still had a blast!

Amazing Grace Corn Maze

Last night we attended a Fall Festival for the whole family.  Rory had the best time especially since most of the festival is set up for children.  The was a big bounce area, playground, pumpkin patch, hayride, cow ride through the corn maze, rolling tubes, games, and a big bin of corn.  It was a fun family night watching Rory enjoying all the fun and having fresh roasted corn on the cob, kettle corn, BBQ, snow cones and a lot more.  It is a great place to bring the family for a fun evening or day.

My Little Police Officer

At Rory’s school yesterday they had a career day and asked the kids to dress up as what they wanted to be when they were adults.  Rory dressed up a as police officer. She looked so official in her uniform and made a very cute cop!  When I dropped her off at school there was one other child dressed up as a police officer.  There were also two firemen and two teachers, a scientist, a zoo keeper, etc.  It was fun for the kids to dress up and Rory said it was a great day!

Michael Hit Hard

It is devastating seeing the images of the destruction that Hurricane Michael caused in the panhandle of Florida.  Most importantly the damage to Panama City, Florida that was my vacation spot for well over 10 years.  I know the area very well and have friends there.  Unfortunately my friends were hit by the storm very hard with major damage to their homes.  I cannot imagine the terror there was during the storm but am glad that they are all safe.  Please pray for all those affected by Hurricane Michael.  Michael is not done yet and is proceeding into the Carolinas after more destruction through Georgia.  Michael, just go away!

First Big Hurricane Of The Season

Hurricane Michael is on his way to Florida and it is going to be a big one.  Fortunately, after Irma and Mathew the past two years the people of Florida is taking this a lot more seriously.  For years Floridians kind just went with the flow but due to the damage of the past two they are getting ready.  We should not get much from it but some wind and rain but the pan handle is getting ready for a direct hit.  Michael is now a category 4 Hurricane.  Panama City is one of my favorite places to vacation and I have friends that live there.  To my friends and all in that area,; I am praying for you all.  Michael, calm down!

Toys R Us May Return?

So the owners of Toy R Us may be bringing back the toy store but restructured.  They were suppose to auction off the name and decided to keep it and try again. Babies R Us may be back too! Several employees are upset and said they will not return.  I am not as angry and hope my grandchildren will be able to shop Toys R Us.  Time will tell!

Christmas Music In October?

Yes, I was playing Christmas music this past week end.  Why?  Because I am busy creating Christmas Door Prizes for my sister’s SAS week end in November.  I will be attending it and for the past several years I have created the door prizes for it.  I could not get into the creative process for Christmas and was really struggling Friday night and Saturday.  Then I put Christmas music on my iPad and the items in the picture to the right was created.  Bring on more Christmas music; I have three more door prizes to create!

Playing At The Park

Rory loves to go to the park, any park with a good gym/swing set.  She loves to climb and slide and hang and swing.  She seems to have no fear when she is playing at the park. I took to the one on NAS Jacksonville because she liked it so much the last time we went.  When we got there it was pretty quiet but after about 15 minutes it got crowded.  Usually Rory doesn’t like crowded parks but this time she was fine and had a great time.  She is my little daredevil but let’s Gamma be near by just in case.  I love my time with Rory.  Another adventure is in the books!

Rory And Gamma Pumpkin Adventure

The Pumpkin Patch at Orange Park United Methodist Church (OPUMC) in Orange Park, Florida is awesome.  There are a ton of pumpkins in all varieties.  The patch is extra special because in Florida it is hard to get a Fall feeling but this patch makes you feel like it is Autunm even with it being 90 degrees outside.  There are all sorts of picture opportunities in the patch and we took advantage of them all.  Rory really liked the tiny pumpkins and wanted them all.  We settled on 12 or maybe 13.  We also bought a couple of small pumpkins and a white pumpkin.  We will go back for bigger pumpkins in a couple of weeks.  We had a lot of fun at the Pumpkin Patch.  If you are in the Jacksonville area I highly recommend that you visit the OPUMC Pumpkin Patch.  You will not be disappointed!  The Patch proceeds goes to the Teens Loving Christ Choir and Youth programs at the church.

The Plants Are Still Alive

A month ago I started my new job and I was given an orchid and some succulent plants as a gift and to brighten up my desk area.  They do and the miracle is they are both still alive.  My orchid only needs tending to once a week by adding three ice cubes to it. I can do that!  The succulents only have to be watered once a month.  All I have to do is set the pot in a bowl of water for one hour.  I can do that.  So far, they both look great and I have not killed them...yet!  I am trying very hard to remember the basics.  Thanks again Jena and Jenny &Nate.  Love them!

Thanks Cubbies!

It was another great Baseball season for the Chicago Cubs and after a great try in post season it just wasn’t meant to be.  I cannot be too disappointed since the Cubs had the most wins this year in the National League.  I know I should root for the Brewers since they are in the same division as the Cubs but I just have never been a Brewers fan.  Now it is post season time in Baseball.  Go World Series!

Conversations With Rory

I love my drive time with Rory.  We have so many great conversations.  A lot of them are what items begin with a certain letter but that is okay because she is learning.  She is at the stage where poop, farts and burbling sounds or just saying the words are hysterical to her and let’s hope that will be the worst of her language; I know it won’t be.  We talk about her day and I love her stories or explanations of the happenings of her day.  Yup, you could say our drive time is one of my favorite moments of the day!

Growing Up Too Fast

This probably won’t be the only blog with this title so I should add part one.  After Rory’s soccer game last Saturday we went to lunch then we went for frozen yogurt.  I saw how much Rory has grown when sitting at a kid’s table she saw one of her friends from school come in with his grandfather.  Rory invited him over to sit with her at the table.  It was cute but also a bit of a shock when I realized how much she is growing up.  The grandfather and I just looked at each other both having the same feeling of our littles growing up.

Update On My Football Picks

With College Football into its fifth week my teams are doing good and not so good.  Michigan, ranked 14 won and are 4-1 and the Gators beat Ole Miss, which was a ranked team, and they are 4-1. Navy had a bye last week and my two college teams, NAU & NIU, lost and have a 2-3 record.  College Football season is very different this year with some teams and then you have the same teams winning again.  It has been fun and there is more to come! My NFL teams are not doing too bad.  The Bears killed the Bucs and even though, this year, they are both my teams I will forever go for the Bears!  Jags won, woohoo, and the Broncos play tonight.  Go teams!