Closet Time!

Things are progressing quickly now at Molly’s house remodel. Her closet is ready for rods and shelves and such. But rather than have the builder design and install, Molly called her bestie The Container Store People, and they designed and ordered all the materials necessary. Of course, they would also install it, but Molly decided she would rather do it herself. My job was to pick up the materials and deposit them at Molly’s house. And therein was the extent of my participation – I can only stand so much fun!!

****************************************************************

Blessings today include: managing to load all the closet stuff in Maribeth's van and unloading it at Molly's; accomplishing a few tasks on my neverending list

Manners, Or The Lack Of ...

Clearly, someone has not attended the Southern School of Eating Manners (there’s got to be one somewhere). Of course, it doesn’t help when Lala encourages someone’s less than stellar manners!

****************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: spending time with Emmatha; cleaning up stuff

Bath Time!

Today Emmatha decided to do one of her favorite things – take a bubble bath (bikini compliments of “paint” on the computer). In another house, another bath was being considered. Molly’s new bathtub was installed, and she decided to take a test drive. Looks like she will have plenty of soaking space!

*************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: quiet day at home; fun with the girls

The Womens March

Today, in response to yesterday’s event in DC, womens marches are going on all over the world. Of course, there are many detractors. Many who want to put down this representation of women and rights and solidarity. But there are many who want to make sure that the rights of groups that are dismissed by this new administration are heard.

Unfortunately this election has brought out the worst of many, including some of my friends. Some of their posts on facebook made me very sad. Unfortunately, some of their posts include today’s marches. Certainly, some of today’s marches have chosen slogans and signs that maybe I wouldn’t have used. But the bottom line is that we’re all here to stand up for the rights of those who might be dismissed.

Sam, Molly, Lindley, and I went to today’s march in Nashville. I tried to explain to Lindley why I was marching. I tried to explain that when I was her age, things were different for women. She lives in a world where opportunities are abundant for women. Today she will understand that she can also stand up for those whose rights might be in peril. She is also blessed that her mom Lynnette is in DC, marching with the tremendous group there.

The crowd was amazing in Nashville. I saw several friends there, and many others with like minds and purpose. It was a great day, and I’m glad to have been a part.

**************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: marching with all those in Nashville; lunch with Sam, Lindley, and Molly

Friend Day

I understand that things are going on in Washington, DC today, but I cannot bear to watch it. Luckily for me, my friend Elizabeth is in town and coming over for a visit. That will certainly make today a better day for me!

********************************************************

Blessings today include: visiting with Elizabeth and her new iphone; dinner with Elizabeth and Molly

Happy 7th Lindley!

Lindley and Lynnette flew down Thursday night to Disney World to celebrate Lindley’s birthday. Since our cruise was arriving back at Port Canaveral today, I decided to drive over and spend the day with them. We went to the castle to eat and have a little fun. I left them to have more fun and I headed for the airport to head home. See ya real soon!

Fun on the lazy river at their hotel!

Barnstormer fun! (LaLa takes the photos)

Chatting with Snow White in the castle for a birthday lunch!

Looks like it's time for dessert!

Happy Birthday Lindley!!

**************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: dropping off Molly, Katie, and Jessica at the airport in time to catch their flight to CA; surprising Lindley at the MK; lunch at the castle; safe, smooth flight home

Cruise Day!!

Need I say more about our cruise activities?

***********************************************************************************

Blessings today include: loading up the van with Molly, Nancy, Jessica, and Katie and heading to the port; checking in and finding our room; seeing Danny again

Marathon Day!!

Today was an early start. It was also a cold start, so Molly suited up in her warm outfit we purchased at Wal Mart yesterday. I loaded up my backpack with her supplies and headed to the Magic Kingdom. The first place I will see her is outside the Shades of Green resort.

Of course, I get to my spot way too early, and end up sitting in the cold for way too long. I had several ponchos in my bag, so I looked quite the sight. Of course I could have returned to the Polynesian (across the road) to sit in the warmth while I waited – but what fun would that be?

Soon the front runners (and I do mean runners) came along, followed by the thousands of others. And soon there was Molly! She was doing well, and didn’t need any supplies, so she soon was on her way.

I crossed the street and headed for the bus to the Animal Kingdom, which is the half way point of the marathon, and where I would see Molly next. By this time, the sun was up and things were warming up a bit.

I set up where I usually see Molly – at the front entrance. Several runners who were scheduled to do the cancelled half marathon yesterday decided to do half of the full today. So I saw any of them as they pulled off the course and went in search of a bus back to their hotels. When doing the marathon, Molly always stops to do the Expedition Everest roller coaster, which she did today. And then soon, she came trotting along. She took a few refreshments, and then headed along for the last 13.1 miles.

I caught a bus and headed for our last meeting spot at Hollywood Studios. We decided to meet at the exit of Tower of Terror (she didn’t ride that one). By this time, the sun was up and people were looking a little hot. Soon Molly came along and took some refreshment, and maybe a little siesta. But soon she got up and headed for the finish, just a few miles away.

I caught a bus and headed for the finish at Epcot. I managed to catch Molly (eating her Mickey bar) as she rounded the corner for the finish line. Another Dopey in the books for her!

I think it's 4am. And cold. And Molly is stylin'!

At the half-way mark. And after riding Everest!
She looks pretty good!

At Hollywood Studios. Around Tower of Terror.
And time for a little rest before the final big push!

And she's almost there! Energized by her Mickey Bar!

Post race poutine at Canada.
Cuz that's how we roll!!

************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: finding Molly at all our spots; watching all the runners and their costumes; lunch at Le Cellier; naps in the afternoon!

So as it ended up, the RunDisney people made the right call yesterday. The weather was indeed a bit stormy this morning, with lightning and rain. Of course, some people still were angry that the race wasn’t held – whatever dudes!

We got emails about what RunDisney was going to do for those who were supposed to do the half marathon today. If you had only registered for the half, you could go to WWOS and get your medal and two one-day park tickets or a gift card or a deferment to a future race. I chose the tickets (and of course the medal). Since Molly is doing the Dopey, she got a gift card.

I went to WWOS to pick up my stuff, and they had quite the celebration going on. There were people doing caricatures, people making balloon animals, and lots of characters for photo ops. They did a great job in trying to make up for missing doing 13.1 miles.

Another fun thing today was how many runners decided to go ahead and do 13.1 miles in some way today. Molly decided to do hers on a stationary bike in the gym (mainly because all the treadmills were taken). Other people were running around their resort. At some resorts, other visitors would stand around and cheer them on, or have water stops, or even a finish line. Truly an example of the running community!

Anyhow, tomorrow is Molly’s big day – the marathon! Since I am her course support, I have to make sure she has her stuff – whatever that may be!

**************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: sleeping in; all the fun things at WWOS

10K!

Today was the 10K. I decided to opt out, so Molly and Katie took the bus to the start. The course goes along the boardwalk, which is where we are staying, so I went out to cheer them along. As you can see, it’s a little chilly, but eventually they came along and a kind bystander took our photo.

The bigger news is the half marathon tomorrow. The weather forecast is for bad weather – rain and thunder and lightning. The rain can be dealt with – the thunder and lightning, not so much. The big thing is that the volunteers who have to be out hours and hours before the start (which is 5:30am, so you do the math) and would be in a lot of weather danger.

Speculation ran rampant about the race all day, until finally tonight word went out that tomorrow’s race was cancelled. Of course, there are a lot of opinions out there about whether this was a good decision or bad, but for the good of everyone, I believe it to be the right decision. There was no good way to decide – if they waited until tomorrow there would be a lot of people (especially volunteers) who would be inconvenienced, to say the least. Anyhow, I was registered but hadn’t planned to do the race, so I guess I can feel good and not too guilty about not planning to do tomorrow.

The best news? Everyone can sleep in tomorrow!!

On The Boardwalk! It's a bit chilly ...

Somebody's excited about the half marathon news!
And it appears so is Christina Applegate ...

**************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: seeing Molly and Katie on the race; chatting with other bystanders; news about the half marathon; more naps

Today Molly and I did the 5K. We got up, got in the car, got to our corral, and took off (took off being a relative term). We finished, got our medals, picked up our usual Chicken Fil and headed back to the room. Naptime!!

Medals! Now for breakfast!

Finishing. Cruella DeVil gotterdun!

**************************************************************************************

Blessings today include: a good fun 5K; Chick Fil A call in and pick up; naps

And It's Already January 2

Molly and I head to Disney tomorrow, and guess what - I'm not packed! Technically I have packed my race outfits (because at Disney, if you're in my pace group, you have to look Disney-cute, mainly because your pace is so slow, you need to justify being in the race). The rest of the packing I will do tomorrow, which will be the usual counting of the underwears and tossing in black capri stretchy pants and whichever clean/non-stained/non-hole shirts I can locate.

Last night Everley and Lindley spent the night, so we all slept in the Animal Kingdom room upstairs (because it has the king-size bed). We watched "Storks" which I couldn't quite get in to, but seemed to occupy both girls - well until after 11pm (okay, so we didn't start watching until nearly 10 - that's what you get when you sleep over at LaLa's). Since nobody had school/day care today, and parents had to work, Emmatha came over and we all spent a lazy day at LaLas.

The good news is that Sam came with a workout friend and carted off the treadmill and exercise bike. Yes, I know - most people purchase these types of machines in January to start off the year with good health intentions. Me? I get rid of it!! Actually, we've had both for many, many years, and their use has steadily declined over the years. Sam's workout place agreed to take them off my hands, and in just a short while the machines and a basket of other exercise-related equipment made their ways out the door. I did keep my punching bag, because it's the only thing that I am determined to use. So does that mean I have given up on fitness? No - it means that I am ridding myself of useless stuff that clutters up my life. We belong to the YMCA, which has plenty of equipment for me to use - I just have to get my butt up there and use it. Meanwhile, my sunroom now looks more like a restful sunroom than a hoarder's delight - and that makes me pretty happy.

Anyhoo, that's my start to 2017 - hope yours is starting out stellar, too!!

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings include: Everley, Lindley, and Emmatha time; Everley and Lindley sleepover; Maribeth delivering Sonic for dinner; fun photos from Marilyn and family's WDW trip

Happy New Year!!

... aaaand I'm back. Again.

I wish I could tell you that I've been on an around-the-world trip. Or that I've been at "The Biggest Loser" camp. Or that I've been in a cave writing the next great American novel. Because if I had done any of those things, or any of another possibilities, then there might be some valid excuse from my lethargic blogging of late.

So I won't even attempt to make excuses. Instead I shall just say that here I go again, hoping to at least keep current. And maybe do a few catch-ups in between. As for now, here are the newsworthy bullet points ...

• Maribeth, Everley, and Emmatha have returned to residence in their own home. It is still under some minor construction, but is livable. Mathieu has returned from his year in Cuba at Guantanamo Bay, so the family is back together!  In a semi-construction zone, but together! Hopefully the final inspection will be in a week or so, and they can fully move into the new part.
• My knees are slowly improving. Maybe it's because LaLa has backed off Everley/Emmatha duty. It certainly isn't because LaLa has been doing the right things to get them better, but 2017 is a new year, so hopefully that will take place soon.
• My house still looks like a hurricane has been through it, but as Maribeth and Co take things back to their house, my house is looking a little better. 2017 is also going to be a year for decluttering and cleaning, so maybe I will quit tripping over things soon. Well, probably not, since if there is anything that is bigger than an atom, in a room the size of a football field, my foot will somehow find it to trip over, but a person can hope ...
• I am heading to Disney World in a few days for the annual trip for Disney Marathon Weekend. No, I'm not marathoning, but I will do a smaller race or two, and will be Molly's support team while she marathons. Then we will be doing a short Disney cruise, because Molly deserves it after four races in one weekend, and I have to go because I am her support team.
• 2016 - lots of sadness and losses in all kinds of ways. Here's to hoping that 2017 is a great year.

See you tomorrow!!  Seriously, one can hope, can't she?

**************************************************************************************

Today's blessings include: the start of a new year; Sam bringing lunch and dinner; Steve's safe travel home from GDiz's house; Marilyn and family's safe travel to Disney