Castaway Cay

Today we docked at Castaway Cay. While I did technically sleep around nine hours, they were not the same nine hours from last night. Molly is trying to get me to drink more water, which means I got up several times to relieve myself of said water. My masseuse says my body will get used to all the extra water, which I hope it will, since last night it did get used to the extra sleep.

Last night we did go to our assigned dining location, which was Tiana's. It's what used to be Parrot Cay. During the Wonder's recent dry dock, they remodeled the restaurant to be themed on "The Princess And The Frog." And they did a splendid job! The room is light and airy and Tiana walks around greeting her guests. There's a three-piece band that plays during dinner, and I understand that at some point there's a parade (did I mention we got Mardi Gras beads from our server?) which we skipped out on (we can handle only so much fun). The food was really good and it's a fun place to dine.

We also saw the new stage show, "Frozen." It's based on the movie of the same name and follows the story. Some of the story is done with puppets (Olaf the Snowman would kinda be hard to keep up with the stage lights) and the special effects are pretty awesome. And of course, it's Disney quality, so it's absolutely a delight.

But back to today. Molly and I decided to stay on the ship and not venture out to the island. We decided to enjoy the quietness on the ship. We sat on the deck and read awhile before having lunch. We then returned to the room to watch a movie, read, and get caught up on a few blog posts. Now, about those catch-up blog posts ... They are pretty much all photos - but at least they're something! There may be hope for a total catch up after all!

Tonight is pirate night, which means fireworks. I'll try to get a couple of photos - if I'm still awake, that is!

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Blessings today include; reading and napping on deck; shrimp for lunch; getting caught up on blog posts from December 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 17, 20, and 22

Nine Hours and Nassau

After closing the curtains and trying to close out every possible crack where light could come through, we slept. And slept and slept, finally waking up at 7:00am. By my calculations, that amounted to 9 hours of sleep – possibly the most sleep I’ve gotten in ages. And was it wonderful? Quite! Maybe I should make this a habit …

Anyhow, today we dock in Nassau. I’m sure it’s a great place, but after many cruises that have docked here, it just holds no appeal for me. One of these days I’m going to get over to Atlantis, but not this trip.

We went for breakfast and then to the lounge and sun deck. It was a bit windy, so after a short nap we returned to our room, which was being cleaned. We had picked up the DVD list and spent some time picking out DVDs, then I had a decision to make – the outside hot tub or the whirlpool tub in our room. After careful consideration (having already carefully considered the DVD list), I opted for the in-room. Mainly because I could not have to worry about strangers sitting with me, and I would have to take a bath anyway.

By the time I had finished, Molly had procured the DVDs and popcorn, so we started watching “Thor” and I worked on updating the blog. I know – I’m on a cruise – why aren’t I out on excursion or sitting in the hot tub or lounging by the pool? Well, it’s because on a cruise, everyone has all the opportunities of doing whatever the heck they want to (without having to worry about where to eat) – and I want to watch movies and sleep and eat and blog. And so I am!

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Blessings today include: chatting with our host and his Roomba; getting DVDs and watching a few; catching up on blog posts February 21, 22, 23, 24. 25. and 26

Non-Starting and Embarking

Today was the Princess Half-Marathon. Although I did manage to complete the 10K yesterday, I knew at the finish that doing the half marathon today would be a ill-advised idea. Molly had decided with her foot issue that her participation would also be a poor idea. So instead, we both slept later than 3am (although I did get up to tell Katie and KB good luck – they are the runners today). Once we got up, we packed up and headed for Port Canaveral – we’re going on a cruise!!

Actually we headed for the airport. First we had to turn in the rental car and get on the cruise bus. When we dumped our bags, we thought was saw KB’s already on the truck – but alas, she was instead finishing up the race. We managed to get all that accomplished and soon we were on our way – along with a cranky toddler (not ours – just a few seats ahead of us). In no time we were at the port – waiting to get on the ship.

And then we were!! We’re cruising fancy on this trip – concierge – so we headed to the brand new concierge lounge, which was super nice. Molly had a few of the free glasses of champagne (and maybe met a new friend). We decided to go have our traditional first-day meal (shrimp and mashed potatoes/gravy, among other things) before going to our room. We took our post-first-day-meal nap, and then it was time for the muster drill.

Unfortunately, our assigned muster station was on the sunny side of the ship. We were at the front of the line, which meant the sun was directly on us. Then for some reason, there was a long pause, which mean it was getting warmer. Eventually Molly changed places with me, eventually they did the whole “this is how you put on your life jacket”, and eventually some lady in the back of the line offered her seat to me. There were a few moments of fun when we eavesdropped on the family beside us. They had to be from Louisiana with their accent, and the tween-aged son was asking about how the Titanic split in half. To which the dad replied that it split when it hit the ocean floor. Then the boy wondered why there was no oil spill. I wanted to tell him that was because the Titanic was powered by coal, but I decided to mind my own business. I am learning that (a) I don’t have to share all the knowledge lodged in my head (because sometimes it ain’t all that correct), and (b) people don’t necessarily want to know all my knowledge.

Anyhow, once the drill was done (and since I was sitting in the back of the line, the drill leader felt sorry for me and let me go early), Molly headed off to get a manicure and I headed back to the room. Our bags were there so I unpacked us. By the time Molly returned from her pampering, we decided to order room service. Which was sooo good. We opted out of eating in our assigned dining room for tonight.

Eventually we knew we would have to leave so our room steward could clean our room/turn down our bed/make us all comfy, so we decided to go to the shops. Then we went to the bar where the Oscars were on. We watched for awhile, then decided to return to the room. Once there, we realized that the Oscars were also on the room television. We watched as long as possible before passing out.

All in all, a good day!!

That looks like KB's suitcase - but where is she??

Oh yeah, she was running 13.1 miles ...

Guess we'll go ahead and board the bus ...

Molly has some champagne, peruses the info, and perhaps makes a new friend??

Embarkation comfort food - yumm!

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Today's blessings include: KB and Katie finishing the race: Chelsea doing me a big one; getting on the bus and then the boat; having a great stateroom; Oscar watching

10K!!

Last night I was still a bit unsure as to whether I would do the 10K today. I asked God about it, even threw out a few fleeces, to which He answered with directions to do it. And so I got dressed and met up with our roomies (KB and Katie) and headed for the bus. Well, KB and I headed for the bus – Molly and Katie lagged behind find some sustenance. Did I mention it was 4am?

When we got on the bus, Chelsea and Emily (Laura’s girls) were on the bus. They said that Pam, Laura, Bethany, Ainsley, and Haley had already left on an earlier bus. We all eventually ended up at the same spot and made a few photos. Soon it was time to start.

We were all in different corrals, so we parted ways. Molly, Katie, KB, and I were all in the same corral. Once we crossed over the start, Molly and Katie took off and left us. KB slowed her pace and stayed with me throughout the entire race. As you can see, we had some fun…

Unfortunately, just after the start, Molly’s food started giving her problems. She said at one point she had to sit down, and at another, she just wanted to throw up. After she finished, she went to First Aid and got it iced. She got on the bus to return to the hotel, where she found Laura and Pam and all the girls. Meanwhile, KB and I were finishing the race.

Once everyone was finished and back at OKW, Pam, Laura, and I got a photo. They were headed to Animal Kingdom while my group was headed for the couch/bed. Katie went to eat lunch with friends, and the rest of us watched movies (and took naps).

That night, Molly, KB, Katie, and I decided to go to Shake Shack for dinner. And it was great – for a bit. Then somehow the grease bomb that was our burger seemed to form a large lump in our stomachs. While no one got grossly ill, we all agreed that perhaps it wasn’t our best idea. We went to the outlet mall where nobody really bought anything of importance (except swim trunks for a Steve project) and then we headed home.

We all went to bed, with Molly and I considering skipping the half marathon tomorrow. We also started packing up, because there’s a lot going on tomorrow!!

Sometimes you have to go slow because your friend is slow ...

And sometimes you can go faster if you pull your friend along ...

And sometimes you just do what you have to in order
to drag your friend across the finish line!

The only thing worth wogging for!!

Fun times!!

Three Friends - then, now, and forever!!

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Blessings today include: finishing the 10K and KB staying with me; watching movies with KB and Molly; Shake Shack (kinda) and outlet shopping

Princess 5K!!

Today was the 5K – for just about everybody. Last night I was up all night going to the bathroom every hour. Not Montezuma’s Revenge – just bathroom things. Anyhow, waking up every hour didn’t make me feel so well, so I decided that the 5K would probably not be a good idea. Molly took charge and she, KB, and Katie met Laura, Chelsea, Emily, and Pam at the bus stop. From the looks of it, it appears that they had a good time

They all went to Akershus for breakfast with the princesses (joined by Bethany, Haley, and Ainsley). Afterwards, some stayed at Epcot while KB, Molly, and Katie returned to our room.

Tonight was DVC after party. That means DVC members were getting into the Magic Kingdom for free from 8-10pm. The rest of the crew went – I was still feeling the aftereffects of my night in the john, so I opted out. Unfortunately, when they arrived, the MK was crowded beyond belief, so their night was short-lived.

Anyhoo, it would seem that today was a busy day. And for most, it’s just Day One!!

The 5K people - I think I was back in bed ...

A well deserved breakfast

Now that's a lot of princesses - Belle looks a bit dumstruck ...

Molly, Katie, and KB - and the elbow knock-out!!

The DVC party - And a fraction of the crowd.

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Today's blessings include: safe arrivals for everyone (some early this morning); 5K fun; breakfast and Epcot

Arrivals

Today the rest of our vacay crew will be arriving. First one up was Laura, who arrived just after lunch via Magical Express. Their room was ready by that point, and Pam was busy getting things ready. She and I met Laura at the bus stop and we all had time for a visit before Laura and I left in the car to pick up KB and Emily - only skipping the airport exit once. Once we loaded them up, the four of us headed for the expo for them to pick up their race stuff. We had about five minutes to spare before the expo closed, but we got there in time.

By the time we got back to Old Key West, Molly and Pam had ordered dinner from Giordanos. We all feasted on pizza and such, until KB, Molly, Katie, and I excused ourselves to return to our room. Chelsea, Haley, Ainsley, and Bethany are arriving tonight – like around midnight – so I won’t be able to meet them until tomorrow. But soon all the gang will be here – tomorrow is the 5K!!

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Blessings today include: safe arrivals (albeit some very late in the night) of the rest of our crew; Molly ordering dinner and she and Pam having it ready

Old Key West

This morning I got up to head to Disney World. Several months ago, Southwest was having a sale, so I booked a cheap flight – at 6:10am. After getting up at 4am so I could take my car to KB (she’s going to take my car to the airport on Thursday in order to leave it for Lynnette’s folks to pick up when they arrive on Thursday evening), and get to the airport in time, I have decided that early morning flights no longer need to be a part of my travel plans. In fact, for a flight in May which was an earlier one, I promptly changed while I was waiting for this flight to board. Maybe it was the early hour or that the antibiotic I am on is doing a thing with me, but I didn’t feel so great. And so, here on out, I shall be travelling at a better hour.

I got to Orlando, boarded the Magical Express, and was soon at Old Key West. Our room was ready (we have a 2-bedroom for our group) so I went straight to the room and ordered Shipt. Soon our bags were delivered and then the groceries, so there was a bit of unloading before Pam arrived. Once she got there, we had some lunch and waited for Molly and Katie to arrive. Pam’s group’s reservation doesn’t actually start until tomorrow, so she’s going to bunk with us tonight. Molly got to Orlando, picked up her rental car, waited for Katie, and headed for Old Key West. Once there, Pam and I got in the car, we went to Publix (because we didn’t have enough groceries), picked up some Chick Fil A, and headed back to the resort. After dinner and much talk, we all headed for bed. Tomorrow the rest of the crew arrives!

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Blessings today include: safe, smooth ride to Orlando; changing May flight; Pam, Molly, and Katie arriving and Publix fun

Time to Count The Underwears!

Tomorrow I head to Disney World for Princess Weekend. There’s a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon – none of which I am certain that I will do. With this lovely infection and the resulting antibiotic, we’ll just see how things go. Meanwhile I have to pack, which means figuring out what to pack. I know what will happen –I will just start flinging things into the suitcase, hoping something makes sense when I unpack at Disney.

But back to Princess Weekend. Here is the list of characters:

     Group 1 – Luanne’s group: Luanne, KB, Molly, and Katie

     Group 2 – Pam’s group: Pam, Bethany (Pam’s daughter), Haley and Ainsley (sisters who are  Bethany’s friends and Pam’s honorary daughters

     Group 3 – Laura’s group: Laura, Emily (Laura’s daughter), and Chelsea (Laura’s daughter in law)

Naturally, everyone is arriving on different days and at different times. Some are coming from Alabama, some from Georgia, some from Tennessee, some from Virginia, and some from North Carolina. Some are single, some have kids, some are married, some are in school – in other words, there are a lot of differences. But for this weekend, we’re all getting together for one thing – Princess Weekend! Some are doing the 5K, some are doing the 10K, some are doing the half-marathon. And some are doing them all!

Pam and Laura and I were childhood friends (and Laura and I were bridesmaids in Pam’s wedding) who recently rekindled our friendships. We decided to get together with whichever daughters could this weekend to have some fun. And so we shall!

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Blessings today include: finishing details for Princess Weekend; visit with PA Jasen to check on infection - things are not worse so the are better

Monday

So, here's how it happened. Yesterday I was tired of this small little bump I had on my upper abdomen. I thought maybe I could "squish" it out (like a massuse did or at least try to a few years ago). Well apparently I tried to squish it the wrong way, as it decided to squish the other way - like inside instead of outside? Anyhow, the result was a very angry red area where the bump used to be. I hoped it would go away, but since it was tender to the touch, I decided that if it was still an issue today, I would go to the doctor (I have a trip starting on Wednesday and I didn't want it to be an issue then!).

This morning it was still an issue, so off I went to the local non-emergency care clinic. They were not busy, so I got right in. After showing/discussing with the nurse, I waited for Jasen, the PA. He came in, gave my angry spot a look, and said we needed to do something about it. He stuck a needle in it but really didn't get much of anything out (the angry spot was also tender to the touch and puffy). He then told me how the squishing had sent the infection inside and made the angry spot. He said he would treat it like a staph infection (I guess that means it is a staph infection?), which meant I would get a shot in my rear-end and a 10-day supply of antibiotic. And he wants me to come in tomorrow to make sure that the angry spot is chilling down a bit and not so angry and big. I also got a DPT shot, since I couldn't remember when I had last had one (now all I need is that dang shingles shot - just a few more months!).

So, all day I have been reading up on staph - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I prayed that God would heal it, and He said He would - I just have to quit obsessing about it (and take my meds as directed). Of course I keep wondering if I have a fever (I haven't and don't), if it's spreading (Jasen marked where the angry spot was, so he/I could check it tomorrow), and if it's going to get worse (because I want it better - like now!). I feel gross and germy and like I have the cooties (since it's contagious if I were to rub my angry spot on your open wound). I couldn't wait to take a shower in an attempt to get the staph washed off.

And yes, I have read all about it. And not just from wikipedia. I know all the facts. And I have looked up my pills (Sulfameth/TMP 800/160mg) which are pretty powerful. I am confident that Jasen and God will clear this up. I just wish it were cleared up now.

Patience is a hard lesson to learn when you're almost 60!

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Blessings today include: clinic receptionist, nurse, and PA Jasen; getting my desk cleared a bit; texting with Pam and Laura about our toes and upcoming Princess weekend; picking up Lindley at camp

A New Breakfast Place

Today Molly and I decided to try a new breakfast place. It's called "Holler and Dash - A Biscuit House." It's a fairly new chain, an offshoot of Cracker Barrel. Anyhow, we decided to give it a try. And it was pretty darn good!

As is our habit this weekend, we did eat too much. I ordered the "Hollerback Club" which had Bacon, guacamole, fried green tomato, and Hollerback sauce. Molly had "Kickback Chicken" which had fried chicken, goat cheese, green onion, and sweet pepper jelly with a kick. And of course we had to share a "Grit Bowl" which had McEwen & Sons grits, bacon, cheddar, fried eggs, and a shot of hot sauce (on the side for me). You go to the counter and order and pay, they give you a table marker, you choose a table, and when your order is ready, they bring it to you. The decor is country and cute, and it was quite a nice place to start the morning.

As for me, I'm glad it's the start of a new week. All this eating too much has been too much!!

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Today's blessings include: breakfast with Molly; getting kinda packed for Princess weekend; getting the house kinda cleaned up; taking Maribeth, Mathieu, Everley, and Emmatha to the airport for their Montana trip

Toe Time!

Since my toenails were getting long enough to scratch my leg, I knew it was time for a pedicure. And with Princess Weekend on the horizon, it was seriously getting time to get my toes all prettied up. So when Anne suggested we get pedicures, I was ready!

Molly came along and soon we were in our chairs, relaxing and getting our toes presentable. They had some new "treatment" where you got to choose a package of stuff (soak, cream, oil, lotions) for the techs to use. Of course, we each had to try one. I chose the lavender because it was supposed to be relaxing. My verdict? It was fine, but not quite the experience I thought it would be. Maybe I needed a lavender sachet to put over my eyes...

Anyhow, once that was done, we headed back home to load everyone up (John, Anne, Sam, and Lindley) to head downtown to meet Michael and Mathieu and the girls for lunch. Where Molly and I ate too much again. After lunch, everyone headed back to their own agendas and finish their Saturday. Another fun weekend day!

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Blessings today include: pedis with Anne and Molly; lunch with the family at Demos' ; Lindley and Everley and Emmatha time

Bloodletting Time Again!

A good thing about donating blood with the Red Cross is that they will call you when it's time for a needle. And so they did, and so today I went in for a pint - to donate, that is.

Now that they utilize Rapid Pass, the check-in procedure goes pretty quick (Rapid Pass means you can answer the health questionnaire at home, print it off, and present it to the nurse at check-in). It was a fairly quiet day, so I went straight to my chair (facing the television, which is good). The actual donation went pretty quick, although the techs didn't think it was going fast enough and had to fiddle with the needle a couple of times to "gitter-goin".

Anyhow, soon it was all over, I had my snacks, and headed home. I gave John and Anne an outside tour of Maribeth's and Molly's home remodels (the inside tour would be later tonight).

John and Anne were going to have lunch with Mathieu, so Molly and I decided to have lunch at Puffy Muffin. Where we ate too much.  Maribeth, Mathieu, and the girls came over for a dinner from Whitts. All in all, a pretty good Friday!!

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Today's blessings include: A great check-in lady at the Red Cross; giving my pint; lunch with Molly; Everley and Emmatha time; John and Anne providing dinner

Danger Baby

Granted, Emmatha is growing up and learning new tricks. She is 11 months old, and while she is not walking by herself yet, she has no problems getting around. Tonight she and Everley were over visiting, and Emmatha decided to crawl over to her rocking chair. And then crawl up on it. And then stand. LaLa needs a drink now!!

Even though the chair is probably 60+ years old, it is very sturdy.
And it seemed like a good piece to practice one's standing.
Sure, it might slide a bit, but Emmatha had it all under control!

All was fine here. She crawled up by herself for a little sit-down.
Or so I thought ...

And then, what seemed like a split-second later, she was up on the chair.
Standing. And beginning to attempt rocking.
LaLa saved the day. And an expensive ER visit!!

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Today's blessings include: Two miles with KB; replacing smoke detectors and toilet flapper; finishing laundry; Emmatha and Everley visit; safe trip to Nashville for John and Anne

The Cats

This is Maggie Cat. Her favorite spot (some of the time) is on my desk by the window. Unless she is behind my monitor or attempting to walk across my keyboard while I am attempting to read my monitor or type on my keyboard. She also likes to hide under the bed during the day so that it looks like my bed has a tumor.

She does not like very many people and is not a social cat like Minnie Cat, who believes anyone who walks in the door is her new BFF and is waiting to pet her.

Both cats like to go outside - sometimes. When Minnie Cat is ready to come back in (which could be in the time it took to put her outside, close the door, and turn around), she will go to a window and claw the screen and meow until you either open the window or go to the door and let her in. Maggie doesn't go out that much, so usually when she wants in, it's when you are going out the door you previously put her out of.

Sometimes at night I toss them both outside. And refuse to let them in until the next morning. I realize some may think that is bad cat-parenting and mean. Well, so are their habits of jumping on my bed and lightly clawing my face (Minnie) or attempting to open my dresser drawers and yank out the corresponding clothes (Maggie). It is also mean when they choose to jump on any surface that is filled with stuff and give no care to knocking it all off. So sometimes they need to seek joy elsewhere - and when they can't find it, they return.

I have probably bought around 947 litter boxes in an attempt to find the perfect one. That is, one that they will (a) do their business in, (b) cover their business up, and (c) be content about having and doing their business in. I am still looking for such a litter box. Recently when I was rearranging my laundry room (where their litter boxes are located), I found several deposits behind my washer/dryer. To say the least, they spent the following night outside.

Anyhow, the reason I even mention them is that I keep thinking that they will be the last cats I will ever co-habitate with. They are getting old, as am I, and while we do have our moments of mutual love and enjoyment, we also believe that the other is very high-maintenance.

So anyway, one night if you happen to see Maggie at your door, do let her in. Apparently she's found joy elsewhere - at your house!

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Today's blessings include: an hour with Irina at Massage Envy; cruise planning; answering emails; paying bills; security system fix and nice repairman; Lynnette bringing lunch for MB and me

Happy Valentne's Day!!

 Almost, but I had to take Steve to the airport, so I had to at least look presentable. So the rest of my day was spent walking past the mountain of girl scout cookies in my kitchen (Lindley was selling them and PawPaw went a bit cray-cray). And let's just say at the end of today, the mountain was a little shorter. Because it's Valentine's Day, and I aim to do my part!!

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Blessings today include: mall-walking with KB; airport run for Steve; arranging to get the house alarm system worked on; brief visit with Molly; princess weekend planning

Back To Business

It was a great weekend, but it's time to get stuff done at home. My goal for this year is to get rid of a lot of unneeded stuff - you know, Marie Kondo and all. And I have a lot of stuff.

Today's job was to attempt to clean off my desk. There's a lot of stuff on and in and around my desk. I think the only way to get started is to get a shovel and go at it.

I did manage to call Lazy Boy to get them started on figuring out what's wrong with the power recliner. Of course, it's a process, so we'll see how long that takes.

I also managed to call Massage Envy and get a massage scheduled (I have too many that I haven't used, so this is a start).

Last night I replaced the handle on Steve's toilet, so I'm counting that as something done today.

I managed to wade through a lot of old emails and cut my inbox in at least half.

I paid some bills that are due this week - that's sobering enough for a Monday.

And I might even have something figured out for dinner tonight - but I don't want to get too ahead of myself!!

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Blessings today include: catching up on blog posts from June 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 4, 21; Amazon subscription delivery; Princess weekend planning

Race Day - For Some, Anyway ...

Today was the Donna 26.2 (or 13.1), of which I did neither. It was fully covered on one of the local stations, so I watched some of it. I kinda wished I was in the middle of it, but also knew that it just didn't work out this year. Hopefully next year will be better (and Southwest will return their later afternoon flight).

Anyhow, after packing up our stuff and loading the car, Steve and I decided to go have some breakfast. The actual start of the race is very close to our hotel, but by the time we headed out, everyone was pretty much gone. Of course, our first thought was going to Metro Diner for breakfast. But as we drove up, we noticed many people waiting outside. So we decided to breakfast elsewhere. And after a looky-look on the internet, we discovered that on the weekends, Barbara Jean's (where we had dinner with Kitty) serves breakfast.

We pulled up and saw that while there were several cars in the parking lot, there wasn't a line, so we went inside. Today we decided to eat outside (Barbara Jean's is situated on a causeway) on the deck. It was a little cool, but not too cool to sit outside. We even got to see a couple of boats putter past. We studied the menu and I got the giant biscuit filled with egg and shrimp sausage (a first for me) with cheese grits and Steve ordered eggs with pot roast hash. To say the least, it was delicious. We then were entertained by the foursome that came and sat at the table next to us. An adult couple about our age, their son, and his girlfriend/fiance/wife. The dad wanted to order from the lunch menu, and when the server said that was not going to happen, he seemed to think that he could order it anyway. He was not allowed to. They hem-hawed over their order until I thought their server was going to toss all four of them in the water, but they finally chose their food. And then talked about buying a boat.

We left them with that discussion and headed to the airport. Our flight arrived, we boarded, and soon were home again. It was a great trip. We ate a lot of good food, had a couple of good races, and Steve played some good golf. But it's still nice to be back home!

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Blessings today include: watching the race on the television; breakfast at Barbara Jean's and the finicky foursome; safe, smooth flight home

Back On The Road - Sorta Kinda ...

Today was the day for the Donna 10K and 5K. Since my training has been nonexistent to say the least, I was still a bit apprehensive. But I knew I had to at least try, and so I did. And somehow gotterdun.

The 10K started at 8:00am. Steve hadn't entered it, so we drove downtown and he waited for me to finish. While my time wasn't stellar (is it ever?), I did manage to finish. My knees? Well, let's just say they made it through. By the time I finished, there were about 15 minutes until the 5K started - just enough time for my knees and legs to stiffen up, which led to an even less stellar 5K. But I managed to finish it, too. Steve meanwhile, was registered and finished the 5K, way ahead of me. By the end of the 5K, the temp was in the 70s - a bit warm for me and pretty much wiped me out. As soon as we got back to the hotel, I pretty much dove into bed under the covers. Steve took a quick shower and headed out for golf.

A couple hours later, after a recovery nap and a nice shower and some chocolate milk and Girl Scout Thin Mints, I had recovered enough to head out for some lunch. And yes, it was Metro Diner. Mainly because it was a "quick walk" (maybe for other people, not so much for me) from the hotel. Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting at the table, awaiting my Gram D's Big Fish Sandwich (okay, so it wasn't Uncle Ed's - I knew it was some family member). It was delightful and just right for the day. A leisurely 15 minute amble back returned me to my current favorite place, la bed.

One interesting thing happened at lunch. When the waitress brought the bill, I added a tip to it. As I was getting ready to go, the thought occurred to me that I had overtipped - big time. I looked at the completed bill, and yes I had overtipped. How much? Let's just say more than 20%. I generally am a generous tipper, but even this was over the top. So why did I do it? Even I can do simple math. I thought about it on the walk back (yes, I left the tip as it was) and here's what I know. I wrote down the tip that was in my head. And I truly believe that was the tip that God wanted that person to have. I don't know why - I just know that it was meant to be. Sometimes God uses us to show His love to others. And those times are truly the best times!

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Today's blessings include: finishing the 10K and 5K and all the nice folks along the route: having a nice bed to collapse into after a warm, exerting morning; Girl Scout thin mints; Gram's sandwich at the Metro Diner; texting with family and friends; gifts that finally got delivered

Metro Diner - Take Two

First, let's attend to business. Yes, I am on a roll - day two of blogging. Let's hope it keeps pace. Which, if it's on par with my race pace, does not bode well.  Oh well, whatevs. Anyhow, I am still hoping to catch up. And just so you know (and have realized for the last nine months), that makes a total of 220 missing blog posts. I know exactly how many, because I went back and made a list. And while I do like my lists, this one is a doozy (and is actually two pages long).  Anyhow, I did manage to catch up on a few - from last May. They are mostly photos (as many of the catch-ups will be), and the blessings I list will not be representative of that actual day, but I'm trying.

So, let's get on with today. Steve left early for some golf, He got back around 11:00, so we had time for some lunch before his business call. And since Metro Diner was just down the street, we went there again. And therein I made my mistake. Not the going there, but the wrong choice of food, which was the Charleston Shrimp and Grits. I've had it several times before and enjoyed it.

I kept thinking about Uncle Ed's Fish Sandwich. But it wasn't highlighted in green as one of "the specials," and so I went with the pressure (from myself) and instead went with the shrimp and grits. Was it good? Yes, but not as good as I wanted, mainly because I didn't choose what I really wanted.

And therein lies one of my food issues - choosing what I think I should choose instead of what I want. Lesson learned. I hope.

After lunch and Steve's business call, we went down to the race expo to pick up our race stuff. Since I am not going to do the half marathon on Sunday, I decided to ask to see if I could do the "virtual" half marathon and still be counted as a streaker (that means I have done every race every year since the first one). The lady at the runner relations said the virtual race (that means you can do the half marathon on your own whenever and wherever in the next month and report back to them your info) would open again on Monday, and I could enter it, do it, and my streaker streak would remain intact. Yay!!

By now, it was time for an afternoon nap while Steve went to Stein Mart to see Kitty and purchase some stuff. He got back in time for his nap, waking just in time for us to pick up Kitty and head for dinner.

Which was NOT at Metro Diner!! (It was at Barbara Jean's and I had fried shrimp, which was just fine, thank you!!).

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Today's blessings include: sleeping in; catching up on blog posts May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30; lunch at Metro Diner; picking up race stuff and hearing the virtual news; texting with family; dinner with Kitty 

Moving On ...

As in, moving on past the obvious. Or rather the obvious lack of ...

Anyhoo, today Steve and I are headed to Jacksonville for the annual 26.2 With Donna Breast Cancer Marathon. And no, as usual, I am not doing the marathon. I registered for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. And to be clear, I haven't done a half marathon since last April. And in case, you haven't been in the loop, a series of knee issues have been causing a lot of problems.

In January, I did the 5K at Disney and opted out of the 10K (which you would know, had I blogged about it). I had already decided not to do that half marathon, which ended up being cancelled anyway (and if I ever catch up, I shall tell you about that). I did manage to hobble through the Castaway Cay 5K. And since then, I have only been doing a little of this and that.

Which brings us to this weekend. My knees have been doing some better. Still not 100%, but I am hopeful that things are on the upswing. I thought if there was a weekend to get back on the half-marathon wagon, this would be it. Why? Because at this race, the half marathoners have the same amount of time as the marathoners to finish the course. Which means I could do a 30-minute mile. Which sounded doable.

Until I looked at our flight home and though otherwise. Southwest offers only one nonstop back to Nashville from Jacksonville, which is at 1:50pm. The race starts at 7:30am. I asked Steve what time we would need to leave for the airport (keep in mind Steve is a "get there early" type flyer), and he said around noonish. Which, when I did the math, would mean I needed to do a regular (which is still slow as molasses) half-marathon time for me in order to get back to the hotel and get ready to head out the door by noonish. So in other words, the half is out for me. We will still do the 5K and 10K (hopefully) on Saturday.

So anyway, after a quick and safe flight from Nashville, we arrived in Jacksonville around 12:30pm, grabbed the bags (including Steve's golf bag) and headed for the hotel. We decided to stop for lunch before checking in and before Steve headed out for golf. When we come here, we always like to eat at Metro Diner. We usually go to the one closer to downtown, but this time we decided to try the one close (as in within walking distance) from the hotel. I usually get the Charleston Shrimp and Grits. This time while looking on the menu, I saw this - The Vortex Burger. I saw no photo, but was intrigued by the description:

Half pound of Angus beef burger topped with lettuce slaw (shredded lettuce, chopped pickle and mayo) in between two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with American cheese, ripe tomatoes and our own cherrywood smoked bacon. Served with your favorite side.

Needless to say, I HAD to try it. And so I did. I made a pretty good dent in it, impossible to consume it all. And it was delicious! Once we had checked into our room and Steve left for golf, I promptly went into a Vortex-induced nap. Perfect!

And so here we are in Jacksonville. Steve has several tee times, we'll see Kitty (Steve's sister), pick up our race stuff at the expo, and wog a couple of races on Saturday.

And maybe have time for some shrimp and grits after all ...

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Today's blessings include: packing my stuff; safe flight to Jacksonville (although no beverage service due to a slightly lumpy ride); nice rental car; vortex lunch at Metro Diner; seeing Kitty at Stein Mart; dinner at Chic Fil A; solid night's sleep