Vacation, party time!

Ha! I did not purchase this alcohol. I was asked what I wanted to drink. We were heading South about 200 miles to visit relatives smack dab in the middle of Wild Wonderful West Virginia. I said I would get it at the store when we arrived at the motel. My daughter's beau would not take no for an answer, so I suggested lime-a-rita.

As I predicted we ended up hauling all this liquor down to West Virginia and all the way back to Ohio. I didn't even open the case of lime-a-rita. The Jack, vodka and Bud were missing a few. And the jagermeister is down about 1/8th. Whoop! 

I had one margarita at the bar. Then ginger ale.

Sigh.

We had 14 show up. Usually it is 20 or more. The young ones who really like to drink were unable to show. That's what happens when you have kids! One niece was kind of excited though because she had not had a drink in....I don't know how long. She had just weaned her little girl and was going to celebrate. She drank two drinks that I saw and got silly. LOL!

We did get to visit with some wonderful people. Our relatives that we visit are just the best. There are others, but we just do not seem to meld with them as well. Not that they are not just as nice and funny. There is only so much time to visit.

Sunday I awoke with a crushing headache. Advil (or the generic form) did not touch it, another migraine tablet and I felt the nausea. I was miserable. My daughter and her beau stepped in and packed me up and into the car and drove me home. As I was resting in the back seat - my headache finally abating (after some weak coffee - caffeine!), I thought to myself "Hey, I could get used to this!"

Note: I am kind of Independent. I have to be the one driving, I have to pack all my own stuff and I have to do this myself and this....it was easy to let things go this time because I was so damn sick.

So, I missed out on the last visit or two. The others went and took pictures. We had a great time. I am going to talk to the doctor about changing my migraine medication. I have been on Imitrex (or the generic form) for about four years and the rebound headaches are killing me. Causing me to take a second tablet the next day to fix the rebound headache. I took another the third day and today I awoke with the same crushing headache.

But, I was home. I had my fan blowing cool air on me. I gulped down three generic Advil (no migraine pill today) and moved around and got my coffee in me.

In no time, the headache was gone and we will see what tomorrow brings when I return to work.

I always take an extra day off after vacation to recuperate. I know from experience that I am drained and can barely function, so I had today off also.

I think I will be ready to tackle getting up and going and having my head on straight by tomorrow  morning.  Whew! These darn headaches just slay me!

Swan towels

I always try to tip the help very well. Not just on my last day at the place where I stay but each morning. The first tip got me the display above.

The next morning I checked the box that I did not need service at all. I had plenty of towels and barely moved while I slept so the bed did not need to be made.

They bumped me up to a King with a hot tub and fireplace for the same price as a double.

My grand nephew enjoyed the hot tub as I did the first night (my aching feet) but did not use it again. I am not a "hot tub" or a jacuzzi person. I do not like the heat because it can bring on a headache.

I turned the fireplace on once, but did not feel any heat. My niece told me I needed to adjust the fan at the top. It wasn't near cold enough - I was just investigating.

I found this place (C0urty@rd M@rri0tt) to be very accommodating.

Spray

Splash from the Whirlpool Rapids at the White Water Walk - Niagara Falls, Canada. I cannot believe I did not take one photo of the falls this trip. WTH?

Well, good thing I took plenty of shots in 2007. You can see them by clicking on the link "See more of my photos" on the right bar of my blog underneath "About me".

Legs (calves and shins) very sore from so much uphill/downhill walking. At least in Key West all was flat walking. Huh!

It only hurts when I bend my knees! That left some funny looks from people when we would crawl out of the car at a rest stop and walk stiff legged into the restroom or restaurant. Do the robot walk - old school! LOL!

Enjoyment

As my daughter did years ago, my great niece always brings a friend along when going somewhere with family. It is much easier for two girls to entertain themselves than for adults or one adult to constantly keep the child from getting "bored".

And, as with my daughter and her friend - the children enjoy the pool of the motel and the motel room romping just as much (if not more) than the scheduled activity. LOL!

Dirty

This was (by far) one of the dirtiest phone sets I have ever seen in a $200 a night motel room. They sent me an e-mail survey and I told them about the phone and that I thought the furniture was old and worn. (Gross!)

They published my survey, but alas - it is lost as the only below average comment in a sea of Excellent rating posts. Sigh.

You may Pass..

I have never needed a passport before now. I've only traveled to Canada. About five times or so in my life. I am going again next month. I received my passport yesterday much to my sisters' relief. I won't have to stay on the American side and wave at them from across the falls.

I have been to the falls quite a few times. Probably five times (every time I have been to Canada). It is not a big deal for me. I am going to be with family and have fun. I could care less if I see the falls one.more.time or ride the Maid.  

Now, I can pass the border with them.

Hey, who knows? Maybe this will start me on a voyage of trips outside of our borders. Bahamas, Cancun, Italy, Australia - here I come! Hah! Don't count on it. Something tells me a little thing called money may be stopping me.

The beginning of vacation

A suspension of work. Well, work I get paid for. I "hope" to be doing plenty of other work. Around the house. I start today with recycling. The trunk of my car is loaded with old technology equipment. Two big old ugly monitors (before the flat screens) and a bunch of other stuff. I am headed to the basement after this post to see what else I can throw in the car.

I have a plastic coffee container full of used batteries. Most double-AA. It is heavy! I did not realize how heavy batteries are.

I had 3.5 vacation days that I was going to lose if I did not use them. Never in my life did I dream such a thing could happen (to me). My one co-worker is always taking his vacation days this time of year because he has a risk of losing them.

Our year ends June 30th and starts over July 1st (for vacation days). School schedule, I guess. So I took this week off.

It is kind of a bummer because I have plans in July and August to go with different family members on vacation. I will be using up a quick 14 days by the time August ends.

My daughter and I will be joining my sister and her granddaughter to see The Lion King. Our second viewing. We went in April 2007 to see it in Cincinnati. Then we are going to an aquarium nearby.

In August it is another trip to Niagara Falls. Not my choice of destination but a branch of family are going and I told my sister I would go this year. My daughter does not know it yet, but she is staying home and taking care of the dogs this trip.

Sigh. But this week is a work week. Hopefully, outside work. If my back, arms and legs hold up. I am just coming off of a bad week of coughing, sneezing, an ear ache and sinus pressure. Not certain if it is a bad cold or allergies or both. Regardless, it was not fun. I am still a bit short of breath when walking the dogs.

My daughter went to stat care and was diagnosed with an ear infection. sinusitis and pharyngitis. I became sick a few days after she did, but not nearly as bad.

I have gift cards for Lowe's (thanks to my friends) - so flowers, mulch, potting soil, shovel, spade - here I come!

Oh, did I mention that my daughter's current beau took landscaping in school? Peruby gives a very devious and mischievous grin. Heh, heh, heh. Rubbing my hands together. Now, where IS that never before used hedge trimmer? Want a before and after shot? Okay, but promise not to laugh! I don't profess to be a yard expert (or any expert for that matter)! LOL!

Vacation!

I have been on vacation this week. Either I am doing a bunch, or I am not doing anything. Sort of a balance, I guess. But, no posting. Huh? What is up with that?

Survived

Survived another family reunion. This time with extended family members is so special to us, but alas - not everybody feels that way. Our attendance was so low this year we doubt we will have it again next year. Or, we need to change the format to a much less activity-based event.

Our first year we had over 150 attend, this year - maybe 38. It was our fourth one and the heat was so intense I believe some of us suffered a mild heat stroke. So many were dizzy and we just sat around limp. Not to mention the body odor. It was a good idea to choose burgundy color shirts for our matching tee shirts but not healthy. The heat was intense and with a dark, thick tee shirt on - well, you can imagine. Some of my family members refuse to wear them and opt for spaghetti straps and what not for a cooler outcome.

I certainly will have to do something next year. I have expressed my desire for an air conditioned building and having it inside. That seems to be the major reason for absenteeism. The blessed heat.

The party on the patio at the motel was rather tame, also. Just a few who wanted to burn the candle at both ends, and the staff finally moved them into the lobby because of motel visitors complaining. I had gone to bed long ago. I do not party any more. Especially since I am on this medication. I asked to try the bud light lime a rita. It was so delicious and I only drank 6 oz. but it knocked me on my butt. (Medicine intensified, I am sure). I am not one to follow the rules, but when I felt woozy - I stopped cold. I don't push it too much. (Any longer).

We had two siblings that could not make it this year. The first time all 8 of us have not been to the reunion. Well, the first reunion sister 1954 could not make it. Not because she did not want to, though. Most of us find it difficult to understand why they would not want to come to the reunion but you have to let stuff like this go and let people be. Their "excuse" was that they had to work but we all knew about the reunion months in advance. The actual date, anyway. And the ones who could not make it got days off just prior to the reunion and another one - they are going to the ocean in a week or two. So it isn't like they CAN'T get time off. They just decided not to. We held the reunion on a Saturday this year to make it easier for folks who have to travel and get back to work on a Monday. That backfired. All the ones who requested that option, did not show anyway. Claiming they had to work. What is up with that?

Whoops. I am not letting it go, am I?  My daughter showed up and the ones that did show - we had a fantastic time. When the heat was so bad, we got out the water balloons and the mister (sprays water). I find it nice that we have coolers full of water bottles in the same amount as soda. I did not drink one soda, all water. I crave a soda once in a while - but drink water all day.

The food was fantastic - a lot less to choose from - but there is still plenty to go around. Desserts were almost non existent this time. Some cookies, pies and nut bread and that was it. I made calico beans. Once I heard my nephew was bringing a generator (my sister told me he was bringing it for me so that I can have a fan on me) I grabbed the chance to make my beans. The generator would run fans and a crock pot or two on low. I am just grinning to think that he would bring that for me. I love that boy (he will always be my little boy to me) so much! Even though he and his mama are very close and I am so happy they are. For all the hell they have gone through with each other they are so very, very close. It just makes my heart burst.

I find it strange to hear stories about other families that do not step in and take a child if their sibling is having trouble or problems in their life. My sister has been in and out of prison and I had no problem taking her daughter into my home.  Her son was old enough to be on his own. When she moved back home in the early 80's I was working a daylight job. She was tending bar at night. I watched her little boy every night and cared for him. This is family. Her children are my children. That is how I feel. My sisters ALL feel the same way.

Anyway, reunions are a special time for me. I grumble about them. I grumble about the heat. I grumble about the work. I grumble about the money - not so much because to me, complaining about money is vulgar. If you want a wonderful time - sometimes it costs a lot of money. But (to me) you cannot put a price on family and love.

Last, but not least - headache update. Although I did not have a migraine, I had a very bad headache through out the week-end. I attribute that to sleeping (or NOT sleeping) in a motel, the heat and the upset in the schedule. And driving long distance. If I were still on my migraine medication, I certainly would have taken one. Although the pain I felt was not a classic migraine, it was bad enough to warrant a migraine pill. The migraine pill would have knocked it out of the park. Alas, I did not and just kept taking Advil which was not touching it. Many more of my relatives were suffering, too.

This morning. No headache at all. I have taken this Monday off from work (recovery day!) and will releax, wash clothes and enjoy my daughter and her beau's company. The laughter is rocking the Peruby household once again. Quiet time is over. And... the dogs come back today. Ugh!

Silhouette

Serene photo, except for the cable wires and that alien-esque street lamp. Directly after the wedding ceremony at Sm@thèrs Bè@ch, Kèy Wè$t;  I pointed my camera west and caught the sky. The photo is untouched except for a slight shadow border and I blacked out the date from the camera (which was incorrect anyway).

Bar is Open

Key West is known for the bar scene. I guess. A group of us did go out one evening and meandered in and out of bars. We started at the Hard Rock for dinner. A lot of the bars in Key West are multi-faceted. You walk in one place and if you continue to walk around or upstairs, you enter another bar area with different music and a different crowd, but it is the same named bar.

On our trolley tour, we were shown the bar that opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 4 a.m. We didn't make it to that one. Heh, heh. There is an open atmosphere in most of the Duvall street bars. There is no glass on the windows. I am not certain there were any doors. I have no idea how they lock up after hours. I would have to say our favorite was Pete's Dueling Pianos.

A lot of the drinkers stood outside on the sidewalk. No drinks allowed outside but some had one foot in the bar and one foot outside. They spilled out and mingled with the tourists. Perhaps a lot of them were tourists. It was odd for me to see this mixing of people drinking and families walking (with little children) through the same drinking crowds of people. I'd say it was about eleven p.m.

There was one group that came in. Four in total. I only saw the two guys dressed (horribly) as women. They had exagerrated make up on and scarves and old lady skirts with tragic white hose on. Somebody in my group said that there were two women with them. I only saw the men. It was amusing.

Pre-windows

Many, many moons ago - I used a program called Wordperfect. This was before the days of Windows and MS Office. That enormous package may have been around but my establishment used Wordperfect and Lotus. Remember Lotus 1-2-3? Anyway, I think it was Wordperfect that used the Blue Morpho butterfly I have pictured above. I fell in love with it way back then.

The conservatory at Key West was polluted with them. I like blue and I am sure this may be one of the most favorite of the butterfly species. In the conservatory at Niagara Falls and Columbus it was difficult for me to get a photo with their wingspan open. When this butterfly lands it folds up its' wings and they are brown on the underside.

Until I found this one. Sitting on a blue bench. It sat there for a long time and I think I took about 20 pictures of it. I had to be called away from this presentation of blue on blue. My grand niece had a butterfly on her head and my sister wanted a picture. I obliged.

Now, looking and posting the picture I am thinking to myself, 'Maybe it was dead.'

I kind of liked having the sailboats in the sunset. After the sun set we realized there were many houses on the island in the right of the photo. We even noticed more islands that we did not see before because of the glaring sun.

I had an extra three week days to recover from the vacation and I have to say, I think I needed each and every one. I must have slept through Sunday and most of Monday. It was also so cold when we returned I could not move very far away from my electric heater. Of course, having the heater on may have contributed to my sleepiness.

Sigh. I guess I am ready to go back to work today. I tried to keep up with the e-mail messages. I still am not certain if I am supposed to report to a school this morning or go directly to my office. I will go over some of the early messages to see. I recall reading a message or two "...when Peruby returns from vacation....", so I will re-read.

I shopped for the food supplies for the wedding shower yesterday. I am making calico beans, taco dip, cheese tray and the punch. Non alcoholic. I am going to try a recipe that uses cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, sugar and almond extract. I have never purchased almond extract before. Ouch!

The cake is ordered. I have to print off a pretty picture of a rainbow and run it over to the bakery today. I was out of yellow ink at home. The bakery will take any photo you print and create the edible picture and decorate around it. I may keep it simple and have this one:  simple. I really like this one:  bars   and this one:   butterfly.

A nice lady helped me decide on what to do for favors. I will assemble and take pictures. I have a party out of town Friday night so I do not have much time! Yikes!

Cruise

I have one brother who prefers to vacation via cruise ship. I have not been on one, yet. I have had a couple of opportunities to go, but have not, yet. We wanted to get as many family members as possible, but nobody ever has the money to go at the same time as a deposit is required many months in advance.

This cruise ship was in the harbor when my nephew and I slipped down to Mallory Square to capture photos of the infamous sunset. As we waited for the sun to set a young lady ran up to the huge ship and the crowd cheered. Seems as though the entire cruise ship was waiting for her. From a distance I could see that she had long flowing blond hair. Had on a black short outfit and was drinking a fountain drink. I wondered what had held her up for an hour. That was how long between the ship sending out it's long wail to call passengers and the actual time she arrived. They had to completely re-open the doors and put the walkway down especially for her.

It was the folks on land that cheered. Not the passengers on the ship.

But, oh what a sunset. My nephew was upset at all the sailboats and other vessels that blocked the view, but I rather thought their silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun added more character to my pictures. By the time the sun set my camera battery was depleted (as we had been out walking for seven hours straight by then) and I had to use my cell phone. I was so worried I was going to drop it in the water. I had used up all the camera battery power at the Butterfly conservatory. My group of family kept laughing at me because I kept mistakenly saying the Butter conservatory. I came back with the obligatory coffee cup (my souvenir of choice). And a tote. Of course a tote to carry all the other souvenirs I purchased for other folks.

I washed all my totes when I came home. I really need to spread them out and get a picture of all of them. The cats love them so I have to hide them so they do not sleep on them and get their cat hair all over them. Most of my totes are black. The one I purchased in Key West is a clam shell white.

Do you have a certain item that you pick up each time you vacation? My brother-in-law collects shot glasses, so I picked up one for him. He does not even drink. LOL! I picked up tee-shirts for all the grand nephews. A couple of magnets for sisters. A hat for my brother. I also grabbed a new key ring for myself. We ate at the Hard Rock cafe but their souvenir selection was quite lacking.

Am back..

On reflection, I would have added one single strand of white pearls. Regardless, I think my niece and her husband look stunning. 

I am back but very, very tired. I am catching up on washing clothes, housework, e-mail, reading facebook, checking bill status on-line and sleep.

Returned to a very cold and rainy Ohio. What a shock to the system. I got a little burn on one side of my neck that affected my purse holding but all in all, I came back unscathed. I cannot say the same for other members of my party. Lotion sunscreen. Throw the spray sunscreen away!

21 today

A few weeks back I posted a picture of a nest. An EMPTY next. Some time later I wrote that there were a couple of things I had happen in my life that I was not quite ready to talk about. I told you about the Boxer. Now about my little girl. She moved to Florida one month ago.

This photo is about two years old. She dyed her hair dark brown since then. I will see her in seven days. My nephew and I are driving. We will pick her up near Orlando and drive on to Key West. This is by no means my "dream" vacation. I do not like the heat. I am not a big "ocean" person. I like it, sure - but, if I had my choice - I would see the ocean from Nova Scotia or Maine. Better yet, a fresh water lake. Sigh.

Regardless, my daughter moved away and then I gave my Boxer away all within about a week of each other. I am still reeling from the shock. I am not near ready for ten days in Florida. Not NEAR ready.

We will have the latest iPad (4G) so I may post some photos as I get a chance. My nephew purchased a new Sony  (do not have the details with me) - but he was showing me the sensor sizes chart. Interchangeable lens, it has 1080p video, etc... He is having a blast with it. He is going to take some great shots. Me? I will have my two Canons with me (one heavy and bulky and one point-and-shoot) and my daughter will have her waterproof Olympus. I am going to check to see how deep it can function because we plan to snorkel.

I have a niece getting married in Key West on the 18th. The heat may be unbearable for me, but the company is outstanding. I am certain the view will be great as well.

Me & Cody

I sat for maybe 45 seconds for this photo in 1990. I think this is the longest relationship I ever had. Ha, ha, I crack myself up! Cody, Wyoming. The last time I flew in an airplane.I am not afraid of flying. I had my baby nine months later. (Not Cody's). Anyhoo - my daughter has an unfounded fear of flying. We drove everywhere we wanted to go. Florida, Myrtle Beach, Lexington Kentucky, Niagara Falls and many trips to wild, wonderful WV!

You could be my silver spring

Here is my Mom in 1982. She went to Florida (and on other adventures) with my oldest brother all through the 80's. If I happened to be on a hiatus (not working) I traveled with them. My brother liked for me to go so that he knew my Mom was not alone in a motel room. It also worked out because my Mom was done with the day by 4 p.m. and that left he and I to adventure out in the evenings. (Whoops! Thus leaving my Mom alone in a motel room. LOL! Not for that long. We were always back by nine - my Mom's bedtime!).

Swings

I love the story this swing set tells. Remember twirling the swing around and around like the girl on the left? I could not do this often because I get sick easily. Then there is the girl stepping up onto the wood. And the younger boy hanging onto the older boys back. You can almost see the older boys frustration. I'm not certain the fellow in the black shirt saw me or just happens to be looking this way. I don't think he knew I had a camera at that distance.

Here is how far away the swing set was from me when I snapped the photo.

Happy Friday everyone. At noon today I start my vacation. I think I have 260 hours before I return to work if I have figured my math correctly.

I almost forgot! I think I will receive my nook today. I've been tracking it. It cracks me up that the UPS had to hand the package off to the USPS to deliver. I had the e-reader delivered to work. We are only there until noon today. Ack! The secretary said not to worry; that the mail comes at 10:30. I tracked it yesterday and UPS said they handed it off to the post office at 10:30.

UPS was very accommodating but try to get any help from the USPS! No way! My oldest brother is retried from the post office and sister 1949 still works there. This is one of her pet peeves. She loves to go above and beyond helping people. She gets so angry with her co-workers. I do not deal with her post office but the lady behind the counter would give me nothing. Nothing! No help whatsoever. Eh!

Anyway, it figures. This is supposed to be another "working" vacation for me. LOL! Of course I'll have pics of the nook, too.

Oh, look who is on vacation this week! And, look who returns to work on Tuesday the 31st! Oh, Murphy -  you and your law!

I was able to do a bit of everything yesterday. The boxer woke me up early with his whining so I managed a short 15 minute nap later in the day. I managed to mow half my yard. I cleaned the bathroom. I read a lot of the book about HeLa cells and I squeezed a movie in. Plus dinner with family an hour away! YAY!