GOBBLE GOBBLE !!!!!
Today will be very low key, Colleen and Mark are scheduled to come over at two (which means three) to celebrate Thanksgiving. Like so many other families our children split up the holidays alternating between their in-laws and us. As this will be a relatively quiet day it will allow us to mentally prepare for what is about to happen. While raising a family one needs adequate space to exist and when a person retires they usually downsize their home. In our case it was six people, now the number has risen to twelve. Our house is only 3200 square feet, so things at Christmas time will be a little close for a few weeks. Did I say weeks??? Ooops, I forgot to mention that we will also have about 200 lbs of dog running around. In preparation for Christmas I plan, starting today, on drinking heavily. HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!
Since the last full posting a few things have happened. The Madge has returned from Conn., rolled into the house yesterday afternoon, grabbed a Pino Grigio and asked "Where are we going for dinner?". Meaghan's operation hopefully will be a success and she has one more week on crutches, however she is getting around well enough to be left "sans Madge". Today will be Erin and Caden's last day here until Christmas, they have been here all week babysitting Cooper and myself. Thank You Erin, you've been a huge help. Colleen is up in Philadelphia today running in the Marathon, I purposely got up early to watch the start (no luck), watch the race (no coverage) and track her progress (not working). Good Job Philly. During The Madge's absence I booked another cruise, this time we are leaving from Galveston and I only have to pay for the two of us. Whew. We are joining the Kennedy's and the Calonico's (professional cruisers), and will learn the art of sneaking on alcohol and winning at the slot's.
Tried to watch the Texas Tech - OU game but it got real ugly early.
Yes sir, it's official, this morning it was 37 degrees and it's time to whip out the infamous rugby shirts. Maybe it's the color combination or the style, then again maybe it's the way the horizontal stripes look on my svelte body, but my family hates them. Hey they are warm and that is all that matters.
Cooper ran out this morning, did his business and cried to come back into the house. He is a big wimp for sure. Since "The Madge" is gone, the kids are filling in. Colleen is heading up this way for lunch, then flying up to Dallas, then she, Erin and Caden are driving down here tomorrow morning. Erin will then stay the week, making sure I will eat properly and don't get into trouble. Looks like the potato chips and Coke will have to wait. Colleen will hang around Houston until next Thursday when she then flies up to Philadelphia to run the marathon. Erin's husband Brad then flies in on Friday to spend the weekend. "The Madge" is schduled to fly back on Saturday. Colleen returns to Houston on Sunday. It's going to be a busy week with many trips to the Airport.
While surfing the interent I came a across an interesting site that allows you to be creative with your pictures. Here's some examples of what can do. By the way Colleen is bringing about 300 cruise pictures so be prepared.
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For those that are interested it's http://www.photofunia.com/
I read this morning that Obama is pushing for a 50 billion dollar injection into the car companies, Huh???? Is this guy nuts???? I also read the other day that the average cost to build a car BY DETRIOT is 75% higher than the highest foreign company, that is also building here in the U.S.. Doesn't this tell you something?? Detriot's production is controlled by the UAW (United Auto Workers), this is the problem plain and simple. Obama also is saying that he wants to makes the unions stronger, Huh again????? Any chance of ME getting money from the Government? Sorry for this gripe.
It's hard to believe that one week ago a decision was, do I have a frozen banana daquiri or a strawberry pina colada now it's back to reality, so the decision is a vodka tonic or a beer? People have asked, "What islands did you go to and were they nice? The answer is "Not sure and I didn't get off the boat". You see one island you see them all and besides the entire family were island sightseeing en masse, need I say more? The best time on a cruise ship is when it's in port, the onboard shops are closed, restaurants are empty and the general hustle bustle is at a minimum. Much to my surprise the amount of "Bermuda Schwartz's" from NY were hardly noticeable as the majority of the passengers were European. I met a few during my early expeditions out and about, they being on Europe time and me just an early riser that couldn't stay in our room as it might disturb "The Madge". The only drawback of having so many Europeans was Pool Time, men with my physique wearing speedos and the women, also with my physique, wearing bikini's. UGH!!
Well anyway some things are better off forgotten, "The Madge" heads out again this Friday for Conn., no vacation this time as she will be helping Meaghan recuperate from yet another sport related injury. This is number six and she hasn't picked up a tennis racquet since college, we saved with the tennis scholarship but we are paying for it now.
Going through some of the notes from the trip I came across a story which is So Madge. She had been out most of the day at the Spa, having all kinds of expensive things done to her and then she did a little onboard shopping. If I were to bet on how much she spent I would have to say about $500. Now she comes strolling into our room after this strenuous day, sits down and tells me about it. She then noticed that I had a can of Coke from the minibar, "Do you know that Coke costs two dollars?" MY expenditures for that day up to that moment were two dollars. "Excuse me, I have worked for forty years and saved enough money to take the family on this trip. I think I can treat myself to a can of coke but I promised not to over do it. Oh, Jackie called from the Spa and said she can she you tomorrow at 1:00" Ya gotta love her.
The first day after the vacation is tough, "The Madge" turned in last night at 9:30 and immediately fell asleep, I stayed awake until 11:00 and then went down for the count. Now it's back to the old routine of doing very little. I was going through Coopers luggage and noticed a few pictures that he brought home with him from the Resort. I think he made a couple of friends and maybe something more than a friend. Here's what I found.
Now that things are settling down, I can honestly say that everyone in the family had a great time and did what they wanted to do at their own pace. It IS the way to vacation with a family especially one that has four girls excluding "The Madge". No fights, arguments nor getting on each others nerves, this was the way to go. Some awards that were earned were;
1. I wish I was a girl award - winner Mark after spending over $100 for a manicure and a PEDICURE.
2. Most Courageous award - winner Henry, he did things that he himself probably thought he could never do or willing to attempt if he was alone.
3. Seasick award - three way tie Allison, Colleen and Mark with runner up "I felt a little nauseous" by Ryan.
4. Most wine purchased - winner "The Madge" and the coveted Most wine consumed award also went to "The Madge".
5. Largest total bar bill - winner ME, $1,250 just on drinks.
6. Biggest tipper - winner Mark but let it be known that he was using my credit card.
7. Most active couple - winner Colleen and Mark, they hit every bar and did every physical activity that was offered.
8. Boy do I feel like a spaz award - winner Brad, trying the boogie board for the first time with EVERYONE watching.
9. Identity crisis award - winner Sean, if you were a stranger you would have thought his name was Buddy, Butters or Junior.
10. Least active award - winner Me again, missed all the port calls BUT did finish two books.
11. Happiest award - winner Caden, does he ever not smile or laugh?
12. Largest purchase award - winner Meaghan with a diamond and sapphire ring.
13. Least weight gain award - winner Erin she actually loss.
More to come.
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