Playing Catch Up

Since school started two weeks ago with only 171 days left until summer, I haven't had an opportunity to update this blog. My aim today is to cover the past several weeks in short order.

The last weekend of summer break, Ken and Bogie joined me for a long weekend at LBF for some fun in the sun (among other places). Ken wanted to be sure to show Bogie all the interesting sights of Orange Beach, so we went several places--Tacky Jack's for breakfast, the Flora-Bama for afternoon cocktails (where we met up with friends), and Cosmo's for dinner. Ken and Bogie also went to lunch at Papa Rocco's, but I opted to hang out at the house (more on that later).

Tacky Jack's

Jason, Bogie and Ken on the deck at the Flora-Bama

Jackie and Ken at the Flora-Bama

Ken and me after taking a turn around the dance floor

While Ken and Bogie were at the Papa Rocco's, I chose to hang out at the house with...

Carter and Sue

Since Sue had already started her maternity leave, she and Carter flew to Pensacola and Mom picked them up. They stayed for several days, which was great, since that means that I got another opportunity to see them this summer. It was so much fun to play and swim with Carter. He is SUCH a character!

Ken reading a "Big Al" book to Carter

Last weekend, we had a surprise visit from Angie! We had an impromptu party at my house and several folks were able to join us. It was great to visit with Angie, as always, and I hope that she gets back down this way soon.

Me, Kathy, Angie, and Jason

This past Friday night, Ken and I went to dinner at The View with Cynthia and Brad. The last time we went out with them was in January, so it was WAY past time for us to get together again. We had a long, leisurely dinner and it was wonderful to spend time with them. We laughed and talked and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I don't think we'll wait so long until we get together again.

Ken, Brad, Me and Cynthia at The View

Cynthia and Me in the Gold Room

So, that's what's been going on for the last few weeks. I'll try to do better about updating in the future!

My "Aww-Summ" Sister

Being over seven hours--and many hundreds of miles--away from my sister and her family has caused all of us to use the sometimes limited abilities beyond the phone to communicate. Enter Blogging! Since Sue started her blog awhile ago, I have been able to keep up with the goings on in Indiana and see the great pictures of her family...including my precious nephew. While it is no substitute for the real thing, it has given me a whole new appreciation for what "family" truly means.

All that to say that Sue tagged me as one of "7 fellow bloggers that [she] think[s] [is] Aww-Summ." I am supposed to list 7 things that I think make me "Aww-Summ" and then tag 7 other people. So here goes:

1. My parents--without whom I would not be here nor come as far as I have.
2. My husband--who despite my fussing brings out the best in me.
3. Teaching--I have found what I love to do and, while I am currently VERY happy to be out for the summer, I'm excited to get up and go to school each day.
4. My friends--both "veteran" and relatively new who build me up and support me no matter what path I choose (and sometimes have to help pick me up and dust me off when I make a huge mistake).
5. My siblings--I am truly blessed to have a sister and brother with whom I can share memories of our family, whom I love dearly, and who I am proud to say are my friends.
6. My "bestest" friend on this planet--Cynthia--who, while I don't get to see her as often as either of us would like, has known me and loved me for 35 years (and vice versa).
7. My precious nephew (and soon to be "new baby")--who has shown me just how wonderful "little people" can be and how excited they get when experiencing EVERYTHING.

So, those are my "7 Aww-Summ" things! And now, I'll tag 7 others to do the same!

1. Cynthia
2. Laura M.
3. Leslie N.
4. Christa
5. Jennifer
6. Susan
7. Sue

The Hurricane Club

Back in 1995, my mother and her friends (Marion, Mott, and Suzanne) made a trip to the beach to stay in our condo for a long weekend. They had barely gotten to Orange Beach when a hurricane appeared in the forecast causing my father to call my mother almost every quarter hour, urging them to pack up and head north, which they ultimately did. This week marks the 14th year that The Hurricane Club, as they have dubbed themselves, has gotten together at the beach. The accommodations may have changed, but the fact that they enjoy getting together--and the laughter that they share--definitely has not. I was fortunate enough to be included this time--as the resident "Bar Bitch" and care-taker. (I was informed that I was getting practice in for "later on.") These ladies know how to have a good time! And, so we did!

Cocktail Hour

Catnapping by the pool

Taking a break from shopping

A young visitor
(A "teenage" Great Blue Heron)

The Hurricane Club