May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 7

[LisaG520]

Have fun! Good luck! Fingers & toes crossed!

thanks - we had a great time - didn't place in top three but think we did pretty well. We find out on Thursday.

forgot to mention, Molly and I are off to leader/daughter girl scout camping on the coast. Wish us luck, it rained here yesterday....I'd stay home but my co-leader and Molly's best friend are going too and they LOVE camping....off to pack and freeze....

see ya tomorrow night.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Nan

How was the camping trip? Sounds fun!!

we hit the mall too Holly...sounds like you cleaned up!
I bought Samantha a red Tank top on sale for $2 all the kids bucs things were over $30 and I would rather her pick something out at the stadium for the same price. I found Haley's bucs dress but I did buy tattoos, stickers and socks, and a visor for me. I have a ball cap but I hate it enclosing my head!
They has some awesome nails, nail polish tattoos body glitter and paint for UF and FSU but no NFL teams.

I thought I was the only one who can't stand enclosing my head! I have an awesome visor with a really wide brim that I love so much I went back and bought a 2nd to have a back-up.

Gorgeous day here today. You can tell the weather is on the verge of changing. It's in the 80's and sunny and just wonderful. I noticed in the Children's Place they had huge winter coats..I am thinking - this is Fl, does anyone really wear them?

Big puffy coats have been in the stores here in San Diego for a month or so already.

 

[lillygator]

We have a lot in common, V. My Grandparents were essentially my parents from the time I was born until we moved to Northern California in 1959 when I was almost 9. Leaving them behind was like leaving my parents. I think that was the biggest reason I did not have a close relationship with my own parents.

My mom had me when she was 20 and was really in no state to have a child...she offered no objection when my Grandparents stepped in. One day she swooped back down with a new husband and wanted to reclaim me. She would never let them adopt me so my Grandparents had no choice. Well, it only lasted a year maybe two and I was back "home". My other Uncle (not the one I normally speak of) was married and had a son....John John, he and his wife were very unfit and allowed my Grandparents to adopt him which they did, pretty much why I always refer to him as my brother. We grew up together.


As a parent. ....I wonder, how the generations turned out so differently..how did John John and I take such different parenting than my mom and her two brothers did? I do realize...they are all English, straight from England and lived in Minnesota when they first came to the US. I think there may have been many adjustments...I don;t know!

My Grandad worked for Jacobs Engineering....and he was truly a gentleman. Even when I was older, every year he sat me on his lap and asked if there was anything I needed to tell him whether it was horrible or not. I think that is why I stayed out of real trouble for the most part. I couldn't bear the thought of disappointing him.

Back to the point....my mom is more of what I would call a "friend" Or I should say, I am her friend. She has no adult friends. I truly feel sorry for her, but know she has brought it on herself.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Wow Deb - that's great! You are going to have a fantastic time on your cruise....who watches Angel while you are gone? That is one thing we have to consider if we got a puppy for Xmas....

The only thing missing will be no pool and no hot tub for me because of the right leg not being fully healed. John will still have to do a new wrap daily so we'll have to bring supplies. Then the Dr. told me no sun on either of the legs...so I'll be half covered up while sunbathing. At least I get to go and have fun!!!

Usually the family helps out with Angel if we're gone, but since the whole family is going....Angel will stay with my neighbor, Mike, who raises and breeds exotic pets for a living. He does education, breeding, hollywood stunts, etc. He has one lion, tiger, bear, panther, jaguar, etc. He has big cages....like a zoo....in his yard....he has 10 acres. Angel will be put in a large pen outdoors. They will take her out and put her back and let her visit in their home. We left our previous dog, Gandalf, with them once when the whole family did 2000 at WDW. Gandalf loved being outside the whole time. Not sure how Angel is going to like it, but she will be fine and well cared for.

Other options are boarding or having a pet sitter.

 

[lillygator]

wow - way to spill out my life story on the internet!

 

[birkner]

Noel: My parents went there for their first trip on there 25 anniversary and then back many times since. I have to chuckle, we keep finding things in common between us...we may have some other cosmic connection, huh? I've always heard stories of Kona from my mom (and dad when he was here) they loved it. Your story made me think and visualize what they found so appealing thanks for sharing in your way of much info, it gave me a great picture in my mind.

It's amazing the connections we have through Paul's Dad's old law firm, Lake Almanor and now the Kona Village and I am sure as time goes on we will find more and more!!

 

[lillygator]

The only thing missing will be no pool and no hot tub for me because of the right leg not being fully healed. John will still have to do a new wrap daily so we'll have to bring supplies. Then the Dr. told me no sun on either of the legs...so I'll be half covered up while sunbathing. At least I get to go and have fun!!!

Usually the family helps out with Angel if we're gone, but since the whole family is going....Angel will stay with my neighbor, Mike, who raises and breeds exotic pets for a living. He does education, breeding, hollywood stunts, etc. He has one lion, tiger, bear, panther, jaguar, etc. He has big cages....like a zoo....in his yard....he has 10 acres. Angel will be put in a large pen outdoors. They will take her out and put her back and let her visit in their home. We left our previous dog, Gandalf, with them once when the whole family did 2000 at WDW. Gandalf loved being outside the whole time. Not sure how Angel is going to like it, but she will be fine and well cared for.

Other options are boarding or having a pet sitter.

WOW! Lions, tigers and bears in your neighborhood!!

 

[birkner]

I really like cooking and entertaining, I just wish I had a nice kitchen and you guys were closer!!!

You know when one remembers a great holiday, the people are what you remember, not the kitchen!!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

wow - way to spill out my life story on the internet!

What happened to your sister? Where was she when you were growing up?

 

[birkner]

Why does it have to be so stressful? I love my mom and no matter all the things that have happened between us, admire her and don't want to upset her. But I just can't continue to have to plan seperate events for the family, she is the only one with the problem....!

She is choosing to be upset. You must choose what is best for your and the majority of your family. There comes a point in all of our lives when we just have to accept that we can't change the person. If she will make the holiday unpleasant unless it is her way, you may have to choose to have the holiday without her.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

WOW! Lions, tigers and bears in your neighborhood!!

YUP, real ones....whenever we have parties we always take the kids up to Mike's house to see the mini zoo....they love it!

 

[gouodux]

This is so very very sad.



'Girl, 4, Dies of Fall Into Grand Canyon

Wednesday October 10, 2007 3:46 AM


GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) - A 4-year-old girl was killed Tuesday when she slipped off the edge of the Grand Canyon and fell several hundred feet.

The girl's father immediately scrambled down the cliffs and started CPR with the help of a park ranger who rappelled into the canyon, National Park Service spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge said.

The child's body was 400 to 500 feet below the rim, Oltrogge said. The area where she fell is a combination of sheer drops of 30 to 50 feet, then slopes leading to more drop-offs.

The girl is from Arizona, but her name and hometown weren't immediately released. '

Just home late last night from our Western. Small world, my first case back to work this morning . . . . . . . . . . !

Trying to catch up, will post about our trip in the next few days.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Just home late last night from our Western. Small world, my first case back to work this morning . . . . . . . . . . !

Trying to catch up, will post about our trip in the next few days.

Welcome Back Leslie and family....I'm on a ten day countdown until I leave for my halloween cruise. I can't wait to hear all of your stories....tell us everything!

 

[nskjerven]

How was the camping trip? Sounds fun!!

thanks for asking, it was fun, but it was camping...okay I'd rather be at a spa/hotel. I actually think Molly would too, is that a good thing to say about a 10 year old?

Can you tell us about Mousefest or was it called something else, mouseadventure?

It's amazing the connections we have through Paul's Dad's old law firm, Lake Almanor and now the Kona Village and I am sure as time goes on we will find more and more!!

pasadena too, are you from there?

 

[birkner]

My mom had me when she was 20 and was really in no state to have a child...she offered no objection when my Grandparents stepped in. One day she swooped back down with a new husband and wanted to reclaim me. She would never let them adopt me so my Grandparents had no choice. Well, it only lasted a year maybe two and I was back "home". My other Uncle (not the one I normally speak of) was married and had a son....John John, he and his wife were very unfit and allowed my Grandparents to adopt him which they did, pretty much why I always refer to him as my brother. We grew up together.


As a parent. ....I wonder, how the generations turned out so differently..how did John John and I take such different parenting than my mom and her two brothers did? I do realize...they are all English, straight from England and lived in Minnesota when they first came to the US. I think there may have been many adjustments...I don;t know!

My Grandad worked for Jacobs Engineering....and he was truly a gentleman. Even when I was older, every year he sat me on his lap and asked if there was anything I needed to tell him whether it was horrible or not. I think that is why I stayed out of real trouble for the most part. I couldn't bear the thought of disappointing him.

Back to the point....my mom is more of what I would call a "friend" Or I should say, I am her friend. She has no adult friends. I truly feel sorry for her, but know she has brought it on herself.

You and I have similar grandparents. My mother was a recent college graduate when she got pregnant with me. She was not interested in being a parent so my grandparents took over for her.

When my father was offered a better job in northern California when I was almost 9, both sets of grandparents pressured my mother into giving up a promising career and follow my father. Remember this was 1959 and the women's career was not typically considered important. The result of her following my dad to northern California was that her career never recovered its momentum. She became very bitter over the years because of her giving up her job at JPL.

I lived mostly with my grandparents during my most formative years so I am very different from my other 4 siblings. They had a profound influence on making me believe in myself and taught me to love unconditionally.

My mother once said to me that she felt that her parents loved me more than any of their own children. Perhaps your question about parenting may be answered by maybe your grandparents like mine were more confident and comfortable parenting by the time you and John John came along.

I wish my mother and I could have been at least friends. She was jealous of my relationship with her parents and any success I have had in life. Perhaps if she would have lived longer we could have resolved our differences. Sadly, it never came to pass.

 

[birkner]

thanks for asking, it was fun, but it was camping...okay I'd rather be at a spa/hotel. I actually think Molly would too, is that a good thing to say about a 10 year old?

Can you tell us about Mousefest or was it called something else, mouseadventure?



pasadena too, are you from there?

I was born in Pasadena, lived there until I was almost 9 and my parents both worked at JPL in Pasadena.

 

[HollyTyler]

I'll "4th" this thought as well, I think you should just show up too!

I agree with everybody who said this, but I have no idea where his appointment is. When I asked, he told me he didn't have the info right in front of him at the time, just told me the street name. I e-mailed stepmom to ask her and she never responded. Knowing her, I'm sure she wants to stay out of it to prevent stirring the pot. I plan on sending him an e-mail shortly saying, "You forgot to mention what time the appointment is. I need to know where and what time I need to be there, since you did say the first appointment is for the parents. " I'll see where that gets me.

 

[HollyTyler]

Cool. I think this might be something we would like to particpate in. I'll keep an eye open for more info as we get closer to sailing. Thanks

Me too!

 

[lillygator]

What happened to your sister? Where was she when you were growing up?

Be prepared. I could be a Jerry Springer show!


we are 10 years apart...when my mom remarried and picked me up it was with my sister's father, he absolutley did not want children. Could not handle the diapers, baby thing. He really liked me as I was potty trained, not much work. He was a VP at Pepsi at the time but had to entertain a lot. So he was gone a lot. We were in Melbourne and one day we came home to a note that he was gone. Immediately she took me back to Grandad's and she stayed put trying to repair the damage??! I really liked him and I don't remember any fighting at all. So I am not sure what happened. We are on great terms...he is always begging me to bring the family to Texas....the fact I talk to him makes my mom mad so I don't tell her. Gosh, writing all this out, I am really on eggshells!!


Eventually she became pregnant with my sister in hopes to keep him, but it did not work. She came back home and then my Grandparents moved to South Africa...they kept their home here so I could stay and she and Amber and I lived together. I have felt I was like a live in nanny. As soon as I could drive she was with me all the time. I did go to SA for a year. Then they moved to Pasadena. When I graduated high school I was out of there.

 

[HollyTyler]

I am making my sister a "Jar of Advice"...I just need to find a nice jar. I am going to put 365 slips of paper with big sister advice on them. I am trying to do a jar of memories for my mother. Problem is, I truly cannot remember 365 nice things for the years I did spend with her. Really opens my eyes to how I want my children to remember their childhood.

Since Samantha is so into baking, cooking, etc. I am going to attempt some chocolate covered pretzel rods dipped in holiday colored sprinkles and put in goodie bags for people.
Someone posted about making a chocolate bowl with a balloon and then putting in chocolate covered oreos and wrapping in clear cellophane and giving. Sounds like it would be so pretty.

Oooooooh!! I love the jar of advice or jar of memories because I'm sure I could adapt that for a good friend of mine who is my shoulder to cry on and my endless supply of hugs through Tyler's situation (Libby). She has her own similar problems with her son (Tyler's best buddy since they were 3), so we sort of lean on each other lots. Her jar could be a jar of uplifting thoughts or messages of faith or something along those lines. Hmmm.....I'll have to give it some thought.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the chocolate bowl idea!

 

[lillygator]

She was jealous of my relationship with her parents and any success I have had in life.

for me, this is what I cannot comprehend. My mom has often commented on my Grandparents love for me, and also having a loving husband and caring father.....WHAT? As a mom, I want all I can for my girls, happiness, love, trust, family - no matter what form this comes in. Sometimes I can just hear the jealousy in the sighs on the phone and choose not to share what good things are going on in our lives.