Hey! July 30th, 2005 cruise to Mexico DISfriends!

[littleowensmommy]

Thanks for the explanation Lynn. I wish it were more like that here.

My, this board is quiet. Where did Jenny go? Lucy, where are you?

 

[lwilliam]

I was responding right before Lynn....everyone is pretty quiet right now.
I have off for the next 5 days...i'm happy...it will be work though, but
fun work at home...we are helping a neighbor throw a huge party for their son. Going to her house tomorrow and help her clean, even though the
party is outside, plus i'm cooking some things, my favorite thing to do.

Bob's home from Massachusetts - i'm glad...I'm not used to him being
away...tonight he is with Tyler at practice...I love the help. Drove
my car to the gas station...OH, MAN, i think it went up 20 cents a gallon
since I last filled my car.

I was just sitting in the basement (oh, i did the treadmill for 10 minutes...
yep, 10 minutes ) then I found some VERY OLD picture albums, before I met Bob, when I used to go cruising all the time, and then Bob and I used to go cruising...we LOVE cruises...and our kids, unfortunately, developed the love also.....it was easier when we only had
to pay for two

Hope we hear from JoAnn again - HEY DISDADDY, remember your daughter, JoAnn?

 

[jfis1020]

I went Wed. to Cincy and took the kids to the King's Island water park. YOu have King's Dominion in VA, right? It's the same company. Anyway, we went to the Reds game WEd. night, then home yesterday. John had to mow and I had errands and laundry to do before we turn around and go back today. John leaves for Universal Studios Orlando tomorrow with his dad, step-mom, and 15 y.o. step sister. He is quite excited!

Mark invited my MIL/FIL to Cincy for the weekend. Oh joy If you don't remember, my FIL gave me an "ear full" back in Jan. and we haven't spoken since. I don't want my kids to suffer (they don't know what he did), so I will "suck it up" and do my best. Like you said Kathy, "I'd rather have a root canal"!!!!!!!! However, my MIL is fragile and she deserves time with our kids as they are the ONLY grandkids (we actually "lost" her on the way to the hospital two summers ago, so we savor every day that she is still with us).

Fortunately, my 25th class reunion is Sat. night. I will drive back here Sat. afternoon to get ready and head to my hometown another hour west. It's a sad little town, economically depressed, high unemployment, and high crime. It was a nice town 25 years ago, but the decrease in coal mining jobs has really brought it down. I am only going because I am hoping to see a couple of girls I haven't seen in YEARS!! I'll stay a couple of hours, then drive back to Cincy. By that time, the old grouch will probably be in bed, so I will successfully avoid a few hours! Mark is so supportive and feels his father is "not a nice person". He only invited them because he knew his mother would love being with the kids, and I was going, so it would limit the amount of time I have to spend with FIL. They will go to the Reds game and dinner at the Riverfront Club which we belong to at the stadium. It will be a real treat for my MIL who is a nice lady.

I will check in before we leave and probably take the laptop. Please send me pixie dust folks ......I'll need it around the FIL!!!!

 

[jfis1020]

The discussion of school/religion! Get this, in Indiana, there is a law that schools can have one hour of release time DURING SCHOOL per week for Religious Education in the fourth grade!! Now, with that being said, this predominantly Christian community we live in professes that their "religious education" class is "hero based" using the bible. It is a constant battle between them and the "other side" as to what is being taught. Parents may choose to or not to send their child which is great, but no alternative religions are offered. I LOVE the thought that children are given some lessons of values, but I think they need to have exposure to all kinds of options. Pretty much the christian church runs the community.

The hard part is I must teach during this time whether I have 2 or 20 kids. I don't want to punish the 2 or so kids that don't attend by making them "work" just because they choose not to support christianity, but their is a group that "checks up" on us!!! So, creativity must kick in!!

We DO say the pledge daily offering those who do not want to participate the option, but respect those who do. We offer "a moment of silence" to reflect in anyway a child chooses (like they know what that's about, but I can't tell them!).

In our area we have a couple of private schools but offer only up to 6th grade. THen, these poor kids are thrown into public schools. I cannot imagine how hard that must be for those kids. I have a friend whose kids were part of this. THe oldest daughter struggled for a year with social issues. The son did well, but he was a strong athlete and had been playing non school traveling ball with the kids for years so he had a strong base of friends in the public school and was already "accepted". It's tough.

Ironically, in Cincinnati is a VERY conservative town full of private schools, most of them being catholic, but there are many other private schools as well. Not one of our friends send their kids to public schools.

Lynn, the passion sounds fabulous. I wish more kids had that opportunity. Maybe, just maybe these kids would have a slight more "chance"! BTW ~ I loved you text of the student speaking with the English accent! I could almost hear him! Wimbleton would be awesome too!!!

 

[lwilliam]

in PA today FINALLY!

When does JoAnn get home?
IF DISDADDY was talking...we would KNOW!
(hope everything is OK with Bill and Alice???)

Working at home for the next 5 days and VERY happy about it.

 

[DisneyMom13]

Jenny - We have Release Time in the elementary schools here too. On Wednesday, the Catholic schools get out early and the public school kids 1st through 5th grade go to Religious Ed. We did it for many years. Then when they get older, they go in the evening.

Anyway, I am doing better. Thank you for all your kind words. Kathy - I appreciate what you said, we will get through this, and come out ok on the other end.

Lucy - I left a message for you the other day on your cell phone, I don't have your home phone number, if you want PM me with it.

27 days till Disney, I can't wait. I am taking the day off on Monday, as well as Tuesday, a 3 day weekend for me, yeah, I need it!. The begiining of the week was very busy at the store, but the last 2 days have been slow. It is the start of summer, which is usually the slow season, and I figure a lot of people will be taking off Monday and going away for a 4 day weekend.

We had a torrential rain last night and severe thunderstorms. Major flooding on the island, as well as fires from power lines down. We lost our power for about 2 hours and pretended we were Amish people again. Micco, Briana and I played Life (by the time we finished it was so dark, I couldn't see the board anymore - but I kicked their butts!). It was nice family time, which we really needed.

Debi

 

[jfis1020]

Micco, Briana and I played Life (by the time we finished it was so dark, I couldn't see the board anymore - but I kicked their butts!). It was nice family time, which we really needed.Debi

HMMMM..........God works in mysterious ways....................

In the city and on the way to the Reds game. I will check in later. You guys keep it going!!

 

[jlawall]

Hey all, I'm finally checking in! We have just left our final port (Port Canaveral!), it was weird, I SAW THE DCL TERMINAL!!!

Tomorrow there will be a space launch if the weather holds out, and it was the talk of the town! We did a manatee excursion and then the beach (it was very interesting, thus, the family was bored!) I loved it!

The weather has been great this trip but IT'S STILL NOT DCL! I really miss so many things but this has been a nice vacation for us (believe it or not, my kids are now saying they can't wait to get back to DCL next summer!) I'm really glad to hear that! I'll write some kind of trip report when we return which is early Sunday morning.


BTW, we have NO religion time at our schools in the elementary level, however, we do say the pledge everyday! I do encourage my students to share their family stories which sometimes add a religious spin to our morning meetings but that is all I can do. Your program continues to impress me Lynn!

Hey Jenny, GL with everything this weekend, I'm sorry to hear of your weirdness with the inlaws, but we are all your family and we ARE THERE FOR U! Have fun at your reunion! ...and behave!!

Hope all is well, Debi, did you tell Bri my thoughts, I know they were inappropriate BUT YOU NEVER KNOW!! Seriously, hope you are all well!!

Lucy, DCL is SO MUCH BETTER!!!! WE HAVE TO DO DCL IN THE MED!!!!

Hey Kathy, I can't wait either, we will have such fun, we will also be without kids at this point, I hear ya!!!

Happy 4th to all, I WILL FLUSH HIM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lwilliam]

for the update. OH, first things, first. Get your father,
what's his name, to write!

Let the cooking begin...helping neighbors with a party...Bob and I are doing some cooking for the party - Bob is making and stuffing 6 LBS. OF MUSHROOMS...I'm making an oriental salad and some snacks.
After 3:00 today, you won't hear much from me!
Bring on the wine coolers! (but, like Jenny has told you, it ONLY takes two wines to 'get me talking').

Another beautiful day in PA

I went into a panic last night...I said to Bob, OMG, our trip is soon here and OVER...as he replied, "Luc, you're ridiculous"!

 

[DisneyMom13]

Just checking in. Hope you all enjoy your 4th of July weekend. Weather is great here today too. Have to go in to work from 12-5, but then I am off until Wednesday. Maybe I can get a little sun, I need it, I am as white as a ghost!
Debi

 

[jfis1020]

Check out the sports today guys! Adam Dunn hit a walk off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th last night!! We were down 7-0 at one point and ended up winning 9-8. It was the first walk off grand slam with two outs in something like 5 years in the major leagues. It was so exciting!!!!! Mark jumped and screamed so loud that he hurt my ears!! What a night!

Things are going well with the in laws. I am heading out here in a couple hours to go home and get ready. I'll check in tomorrow.... No drinking tonight. THe reunion is an hour from my house and a total of 3 1/2 from here. I plan on returning to Cincy tonight, so I proclaim to be responsible. Mark told me to go home and sleep a little if I am tired which is good advice. I have to drive throught the "hills and hollers" to get here.

Happy Fourth weekend!

 

[jlawall]

Sounds like everyone is having great plans for this weekend! Our family plan is to sail 2007 Med with DCL and then maybe on one of the BIG ships in 2008 with RCCL....that's the latest around here.....Kathy said something about summer 2008, who's in???


Lucy you always have to have your next trip planned either during or immediately after your present trip so there's no depression!!

We heard it's quite hot in PA this weekend!!! I love summer!!

Wow, Jenny, sounds like a great game! You should hear how I beat Ken at shuffleboard 3-2 this week!!!!!

Seriously, Deb, how are things??

Time to pack for home and then.................

Dad is probably catching I'll be to see him this weekend and I'll make him say "hi!"

Would love to hear a Alli update, Debi!!

 

[lwilliam]

Party was just OK, was so tired from helping with the party (setting up,
cooking, cleaning up), it wasn't the best one I've ever been at...

Today, another picnic,,,,but this time at our house, just one family....
and simple stuff...thank goodness.

Tyler is having fun at the Pa. German Festival...and it is really, really crowded in town...good attendance so far.

JoAnn...are you going to do a trip report? AND, please ask "dad" why there
hasn't been any chatting from him...we miss him.

Jenny, how was the reunion...everything you expected, and more? I've never been to one, so I wouldn't know what to expect.

Kathy and Deb, are you also having beautiful weather? Typical July days?
Hot, humid and thunderstorms predicted? Hey, we better get used to it,
we'll be in Florida very very very soon!

 

[Albill]

Well, guess who I heard from while I was trying to be contrite and religious...?? you got it ...The mouth is back
She is steaming up I-95 in Del... heading for the shore
Sorry to be so silent.... just been so busy with this and that here's a short story to bore you with....A guy was talking on the beach about a resturant in the middle of the swamps that has a good reputation...The funny part is ...He compared it to the movie "Deliverance"
with the banjo music,etc... We pointed it out ,that the place has cleaned up...!! before there were cats all over,fly's in your soup,...real local
flavor....you should have seen his face... I guess you have to see it to appreciate it....
I've been communicating with some ol' buddies from the Shipyard,we're replaying the happenings over the years......
yep, trouble is back.. can't sit on the beach where I want .... , this was the girl that wasn't taking anymore vacations since she purchased the house at the shore ...HUMMM .... seems to me the vacations have increased... It will be interesting to hear the comparing between the two cruises
Hey, We hope all you folks are kicking into the summer routine.......,pool ,beach,backyard picnics...it's the greatest time of the year one final note 48 years poor Alice has suffered....7/5 the day in infinity.... Hell, it was a peace of cake....
Happy 4th of JUly......who luv's ya....

 

[jlawall]

Guess who's back???? DISDADDY!!! I saw him today and I'm working on him for October, if I drive, I really think WE HAVE HIM AND DISMOMMY!! We went to a picnic tonight in Brigantine, Nj and we had a good time!!

Hope all are well, we're home.....where should I write a trip report Lucy??? On the Critic boards???

 

[jfis1020]

My reunion was fun, but a friendly reminder that I am a hell of a lot better off than most. What a depressing town....and I lived there 22 years!! Anyway, I rekindled some relationships and shared some memories. Most of the things that people remembered about me I don't remember....and I didn't drink alcohol until AFTER high school!!! Here's the kicker.....o.k. I go to the bar and buy two Coors Lights, a Bud Light and a glass of wine. It cost me $6.50. Hell, no wonder most of the people I knew down there were alcoholics!!!! That's the cost of ONE BEER at the ballpark!!!

I jumped in the car and 9:40 p.m. and headed East. Arrived in Cincinnati in record time at 1 a.m., just in time for last call at Champs Bar in the Hyatt. A margarita sitting on the bar with my name on it. I love the cell phone. I call three blocks away and bingo!!!! Had an hour alone with my beau before retiring for the night. The in-laws were handy. They had time with the kids and I had time to drink!!!

Kathy I thought of you at my reunion. One of my classmates was a grad student at San Diego State when she met her Navy husband who is an ENT specialist. After a tour in Japan they settled in NC. He has done his time and is in private practice, but she raved about living in SD. I was telling her about how you cannot wait to return. She says she "feels your pain"!!!

Well, I am off to bed. I will tell you all that I tried to call Lucy a little bit ago and apparently Bob has had an allergic reaction to some medication. She has him at the hospital. I don't know if I talked to Bryan or Tyler, but he did not seem to have any urgency in his voice. Let's hope he's doing well. Hopefully she will give us the low down tonight or in the morning. In the meantime, sent your thoughts her way.

 

[jlawall]

Thx for the update, Jenny! Hope all is well, Lucy, write us and let us know!!!

 

[jfis1020]

Guess who's back???? DISDADDY!!! I saw him today and I'm working on him for October, if I drive, I really think WE HAVE HIM AND DISMOMMY!!

What about July??? Come on DisDaddy! I miss you!!!! Come on down for a few days..............PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Alice for making it 48 years!! What's the 48th anniversay? Does she get a Porche? Happy Anniversary guys. Wow, that's fabulous!!!

 

[lwilliam]

OK, so we were having a family over for dinner, friends of ours, and their son is Tyler's age...it was to be a casual, fun night with dogs, hamburgers, and those "coolers". Bob and I decide to clean up the family room in the basement....of course, since the room is in the basement it is a slight bit damp down there, WELL, Mr. Williams had some kind of allergic reaction, started sneezing, and rubbing his eyes. Comes upstairs while i continue to clean, by the time i get upstairs, his eyes are HORRIBLE. Pasted shut, and very, very swollen. He looked totally gross. Since he does take blood pressure medicine, we didn't know if he could take Benadryl - called one of my nurse friends, she said one tablet. NOTHING helped. So, about 3 hours after he started the reaction, it is just getting worse and we go to my friend's (the nurse) house to show her - she says, "go to the hospital".
To make a LONG, frustrating story short, and 5 hours later, we are finally home. We knew he just needed a shot of something....but the person who signed us in in emergency, mistakenly signed us in for the "real" emergency, instead of express emergency.....4 hours later, we were FINALLY where we were supposed to be! I'm trying to keep him home from work tomorrow, don't think he should drive a car....I'm home also to nurse him (yea, right! - DO this Bob, DO that Bob, you're home now, chores, chores, chores ).

OH, and of course, Jenny, I received NO message from Bryan that you called....thank goodness you mentioned on here.
Bryan wouldn't have any urgency in his voice, unless it was ALL about him, and something wasn't going HIS way!
BUT, gotta give the old kid this, he DID stay home with his brother tonight.

Bob and I had NOT eaten all day, expecting to have picnic food tonight...let's just say, we BOTH had quite a headache till we got out of that hospital - McDonalds for us tonight!

More tomorrow....YEA, Bill and Alice, just a FEW days....all your girls will be there, Bill...remember, Jenny is buying EVERYONE drinks!

 

[jfis1020]

OH, and of course, Jenny, I received NO message from Bryan that you called....thank goodness you mentioned on here.
Bryan wouldn't have any urgency in his voice, unless it was ALL about him, and something wasn't going HIS way!

In Bryan's defense, I didn't leave a message and told him I would contact you.

Snow White, Just take care of "Sneezy"....sorry Bob, couldn't resist.........

Do take care of yourself Bob (which is what you'll have to do, take care of YOURSELF!! ) and get better. If Lucy gives you any lip, just let me know!!!