May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[EllaEnchanted]

Good morning all...looks like another beautiful day here in the mountains. Today is mom's doctor appointment, so I'm up early and going to get ready for that soon.

Anybody know anything about real estate...specifically land...we own a five acre lot in Delaware and we got a letter saying that the owner of the five acre lot next to ours wants to purchase 30 feet of road frontage from us. His real estate agent said he wants to build two houses on his lot and sell them. In order for him to comply with county zoning requirements, he needs more road frontage. We said we would entertain the idea of helping him out, even though we were not interested in selling any of our land. I asked how he would draw the line to do the split. Would he go straight back to the end of the property and keep a straight line or what? The real estate agent said she would have to check with the county and get back to us. Anybody have any experience with anything like this?

John and I said even though we don't want to sell any of our land, if we were to do it, we could probably collect a nice little payoff. Cha ching. We bought the land for $64k and it appraised for $90k. Then we got a petition to sign in the mail saying that a local company wants to provide water and wastewater services. That will increase our value. I told John even if it's not a lot of money, it could at least be enough to pay for this trip. So we are considering it. What do you all think, should we do it?

John said he wants to meet him face to face, ask questions and shake his hand before he decides anything. So it looks like we will definitely be running away for the weekend at the beginning of May. We could set up a meeting while we're there.

Time to go get ready for mom's appointment. Have a great day everyone...it's hump day...getting over the hump of the week!

 

[lillygator]

it's funny you posted John, we were really looking into each letter and more towards the neagtive aspects and how others perceive us so we can learn how to address others more effectively. This is a two year leadership program that I am in, it should be pretty informative. Of course next month I have to do a presentation on how to deal with coworkers whom you do not get along with.

Hope everyone is doing well. I can't believe it is almost May, that means the countdown will be close to under a year! When will flights start coming out? And hotels - year mark?

 

[ibouncetoo]

It is also the California Food and WINE festival! So we will make some conections and use them for our business as well!

Karen

Do I hear, TAX WRITE-OFF!?!

Have a blast, lord knows you deserve the break

 

[lillygator]

I don't think I mentioned how the conferance was for Samantha...luckily they schedule them during nap time so the children don't see you.
The teachers use an assessment book that has Fall, Winter, Spring - this was Samantha's first in this room and each assessment is based on 1, 2 or 3 with 3 being the highest. This in turn goes to their K teacher when them move to Kindergarten.
They started off telling me how she made a great transition into the room - she and two boys moved up at the same time, the two boys were new into the school. The teachers evaluate how the children interact with already made groups etc and said that Samantha plays with everyone and has already learned to back away from catty situations before they escalate (with other girls) - isn't it early for that kind of behavior???
She was already at a 3 level for most everything - so I am not sure where that leaves her for the next two evals...I hope she continues to thrive and grow, her 2 was writing her name. She can do SAM...but the rest is a bit sketchy. Her darn mom had to give her a long name!
They commented on her imaginative play and how she loves to dress up and that they think she'll work for Disney some day. I thought that was funny, if they only knew!

At first I was a bit sad that she won't be going to K this year - I had a Nov bday and started when I was 4 and turned 5 that year but the start date was different. As I look at all the children going most all just a few months older than her, I now realize the advantage the extra year will give her. Being the lone duck, these children move on and the next class moves up in August. Her teachers think she will be great at leading the class in terms of helping the new students learn the rules of the classroom etc.

I did ask about her behavior in class, if she listens etc and they both commented on how well behaved she is and she listens well, although sometimes has to use the restroom when pick up time comes around. I always worry how she is behaving because at home, we are pretty lax -- bad parenting I know, the girls know what they can get away with. I am happy to know that she does well at school.
Sorry this is so long, I am just so proud of her! I did pick up some K workbooks that have different activities in, I would like to set aside even 20 minutes and evening to work in them or on somthing so the idea of homework will be planted early! I know teachers start giving it out early, not sure of K though.

 

[lillygator]

Wow, it's QUIET here! What is it Karen says....
dinga ding
danga ding
dinga dong
dinga doo
????????????

at 2:51am I was happily dreaming of being fed strawberries and champagne and fanned by the pool.

 

[lillygator]

Lori,

You are so sweet to say that!

I so appreciate all of the support and carrying of everyone on this thread!!

We'll go! And we'll have a GREAT time!

It is also the California Food and WINE festival! So we will make some conections and use them for our business as well!

Karen

I would love to go to the CA food and wine....take lots of pics!

 

[Tigger1221]

Wow yall are chatting up a storm! I have 1 week of school left and then our vacation to DW, then I will be on here more often trying to catch back up.

The house is starting to come together. Still have boxes and clutter everywhere but almost done renovating the inside.

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

 

[ibouncetoo]

At first I was a bit sad that she won't be going to K this year - I had a Nov bday and started when I was 4 and turned 5 that year but the start date was different. As I look at all the children going most all just a few months older than her, I now realize the advantage the extra year will give her. Being the lone duck, these children move on and the next class moves up in August. Her teachers think she will be great at leading the class in terms of helping the new students learn the rules of the classroom etc.

I also have a Nov birthday and didn't get to start school the same year my cousin, who was 9 days older, did. For me it was the best thing to happen. I was so much more confident and I think I was a better student for waiting.

........ although sometimes has to use the restroom when pick up time comes around.

My sisters STILL claim this is what I do when it's time to do the dishes!

.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Wow yall are chatting up a storm! I have 1 week of school left and then our vacation to DW, then I will be on here more often trying to catch back up.

Have a great trip! Say Hi to and my pal .

.

 

[fourmcds]

See! A business write off! Always thinking!

I agree complete! Love those business expenses

 

[fourmcds]

not there yet Deb!!!! Maz went last week, we go tomorrow!


Just a flying visit as I still have so much to do before we go tomorrow, and we've been really busy the last few days so don't have time to catch up with all the pages...boo!!!

My friend's wedding went well on Saturday, she had a beautiful day for it, I have some photo's if anyone is interested?

Dad enjoyed his Birthday on Sunday with us there and my brother and sil too. We took them out to dinner on Friday night to our fave Spanish restaurant where the owners are the friendliest people I've ever met and still remamber us from when we used to live around there. I had the best paella!

Anyway, just spent a fortune on all those last minute bits and pieces for teh trip....should have waited and got them over there in the US, I'm sure it's much cheaper really.


Hope everyone is well....I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and will be thinking of you while I'm cruising...I may even have a glass of champagne and toast us Champagne girls for next year!

'Talk' to you all again in a couple of weeks or so!

Enjoy your trip! Can't wait to hear a trip report when you get home. Maybe I'll see you around DTD on the 12th!

 

[fourmcds]

it's funny you posted John, we were really looking into each letter and more towards the neagtive aspects and how others perceive us so we can learn how to address others more effectively. This is a two year leadership program that I am in, it should be pretty informative. Of course next month I have to do a presentation on how to deal with coworkers whom you do not get along with.

Hope everyone is doing well. I can't believe it is almost May, that means the countdown will be close to under a year! When will flights start coming out? And hotels - year mark?

As far as I know, Alaska airlines will book about 11 months out for all flights (from the return date). I don't know if all airlines have the same policy though. I have June 25 noted on my calendar to start looking for good ticket prices. Are most people buying 2 one way tickets (if you need flights both ways) or looking into triangle flights pricing? Any idea which is cheaper?

 

[fourmcds]

I don't think I mentioned how the conferance was for Samantha...luckily they schedule them during nap time so the children don't see you.
and said that Samantha plays with everyone and has already learned to back away from catty situations before they escalate (with other girls) - isn't it early for that kind of behavior???

Oh, just wait I have to say I was horrified (maybe a bit strong of a word, but not really) at the kind of cattyness that went on in Jaide's school in K, 1, &2. Now that she is in 3rd grade it has calmed down considerably.I have decided that girls can just be plain mean...makes me wish I had boys sometimes. At least they just fight and then turn around and are friends again. Girls do all the backstabbing and emotional stuff


They commented on her imaginative play and how she loves to dress up and that they think she'll work for Disney some day. I thought that was funny, if they only knew!



At first I was a bit sad that she won't be going to K this year - I had a Nov bday and started when I was 4 and turned 5 that year but the start date was different. As I look at all the children going most all just a few months older than her, I now realize the advantage the extra year will give her. Being the lone duck, these children move on and the next class moves up in August. Her teachers think she will be great at leading the class in terms of helping the new students learn the rules of the classroom etc.

Jaide started K on the early side....she turned 5 in June before K. She had some issues with not being as mature as most of her classmates because most of them were almost 6 or 6 already. More and more parents are holding their kids back a year is what I found here in WA. Taylor is 5 in December so she had to wait another year as well. I am glad after seeing what Jaide went through. Hopefully it works out well for Samantha as well!

Sorry this is so long, I am just so proud of her! I did pick up some K workbooks that have different activities in, I would like to set aside even 20 minutes and evening to work in them or on somthing so the idea of homework will be planted early! I know teachers start giving it out early, not sure of K though.

Costco has the Hooked on Phonics workbooks right now and they are great. We did HOP with both girls to learn to read...and Taylor just loves these workbooks.
And...forgot to mention...congrats to Samantha on such a great report!

 

[lillygator]

for us we will only need a one way flight from CA to FL...I guess I'll have to see if it is cheaper to fly into Orlando or Tampa. I am leaning on driving to my mom's house and leaving our car there and then having her drive us to the port and pick us up from the airport. This is all contingent on her still living there of course...she does have her house up for sale!

 

[LiserAnn]

I agree with Kaylee-Ryan turned 5 in June before Kingergarten started but I observed he was one of the youngest in his class...most kids were already 6 years old which I found interesting. My birthday is in August so I was just 5 when school started...that was the norm then. Now it's different. And some hold back for reasons other than maturity, social readiness or academic readiness...now I've heard as a reason to hold back....ready? So the kid will be older/bigger for ATHLETICS!!!! WHAT?!?!?

 

[HollyTyler]

I agree with Kaylee-Ryan turned 5 in June before Kingergarten started but I observed he was one of the youngest in his class...most kids were already 6 years old which I found interesting. My birthday is in August so I was just 5 when school started...that was the norm then. Now it's different. And some hold back for reasons other than maturity, social readiness or academic readiness...now I've heard as a reason to hold back....ready? So the kid will be older/bigger for ATHLETICS!!!! WHAT?!?!?

Tyler turns 5 in May, so I was happy that he'll be a little older, since he doesn't adapt to change very well. But it sounds like him being a few months beyond 5 isn't really the deciding factor. Well, I have been slightly worried anyway because he has no interest in learning and absolutely fights it at all costs. I hope they do some sort of testing at the school he'll be going to in order to determine whether they think he's ready.

 

[endkaos]

We are planning on flying out to Orlando (5 one ways) and then driving back from California. As for the driving back, we have three options. One is to rent a van and drive back. Second is to convince Nana and Papa to pick us up at the port and drive us back. They live in Anaheim. The third is to drive our van to Nana's & Papa's, leave it there, and take a shuttle to the Disneyland and have Nana and Papa pick us up there. I'm hoping we have enough frequent fliers soon to purchase the tickets.

 

[MrsMork]

We are over at the Oregon Coast for a few days in our MH again. DrHug is working Wed-Fri here in Lincoln City. My mom and I are doing absolutely nothing today! Tomorrow we plan to visit a few of the shops along the coast highway, walk on the beach a bit and go to the outlet mall for Harry and David's dark chocolate truffles. We will head back home on Saturday.

We have our photo A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes framed and hanging in the bedroom now with our Disney ship's clock under it and DrHug got a horn that you can put your own tune on and we recorded the DCL ship horn and put it on. Too fun!

 

[MrsMork]

We plan to drive the MH to CA, store it for a month, fly one way to FL, pick up the MH when we return and then head out to parts unknown. Retired by then.

 

[Jhalkias]

for us we will only need a one way flight from CA to FL...I guess I'll have to see if it is cheaper to fly into Orlando or Tampa. I am leaning on driving to my mom's house and leaving our car there and then having her drive us to the port and pick us up from the airport. This is all contingent on her still living there of course...she does have her house up for sale!

V - you can do a one-way car rental from Orlando to the Port (like we do) or do the rental from Tampa to the port. We will be renting a car and flying one-way to Orlando, then one-way from California. We don't have the same airline servicing each way from our regional airport.