I'm Back!

Our wireless net is once again working thanks to a new router. So now I can sit at my desk and work at my laptop. It's great! I'm off work til Friday so lots of little projects are on the schedule. Got my desk cleared off and a new window shade installed in the office. I would also like to paint the bathroom and decorate it.
My boss will travel to market in Atlanta next week so I'll be working all week while she is gone.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy and safe New Year!

Patrick Update

Patrick made it back into Texas and should be making his way back home tonight. His bus gets into town sometime Thursday a.m. His Dad is waiting for him! He has a big mess to sort out to get his life back on track. Please continue your prayers - for all of us!

Patrick

We could sure use some prayers as we are a family in crisis right now. Some of you know that Patrick ran away over 2 weeks ago. He has contacted us- he is in Mexico. We are trying to get him back to Florida. We don't know many details yet - but hope to get him on his way in the next 24 hours. Pray for him and us!

Still moving...

My days consist of walking back and forth across the street with my arms loaded with stuff to put in the new house. My breaks are picking up a paint brush to paint another wall somewhere... or maybe another trip to Home Depot or Target. But I am having the time of my life! This is like the ultimate home fix-up project.

I am just about through with the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Next up are the bedrooms. I will post some pics soon.

It is funny to see the big house empty out...

CSI

Early this morning McGee and I found my car door ajar and papers scattered across the carport. Someone had broken into my car! Although nothing appeared to be taken, the inside was trashed and the door lock was broken. We continued on our walk and on approaching the alley from the other end noticed an entire side car window popped out and laying next to the car. I decided to go home and call the police! Was I mad! The police arrived and took my report. They dusted for prints and came up empty. But calls were coming in from others in the area with similar complaints - seventeen in all! I was lucky - a broken lock can easily be repaired.

Please remember to ALWAYS lock your car and never leave ANYTHING valuable inside. My car is parked less than 20 feet away from my bedroom window and I never heard a thing.
You can never be too safe!


Point of entry. Screwdriver to front door lock.


Inside trashed. Nothing taken.



Dusting my car for prints. None were found.


This broken car window at the other end of the alley is what caused me to call the police.


Neighbor lady in navy top another victim

Good Times

The St. Petersburg Times is doing an article about me fixing up our new rental. A photographer showed up today to take "before" pics -- and will come back later next month to take the "after" shots. The writer who will interview me is a dear neighbor that I met while walking my dog.

I am really excited about this whole precess! Talk about getting your house in order! Right now I am busy painting in interior and planning what to put in each room. We will have to get rid of lots of stuff and really downsize. But it will be worth it!

We will really have a nice new home once this is complete!


Still painting!


Painting inside wall


Allan shot this from the front bedroom - I'm in the kitchen

Kitten Rescue

This cute little Persian kitty was wondering around alone in our new front yard yesterday while I was showing the house to a friend. I had seen it alone a few days before but thought it belonged next door. But no one was home and no one appears to be looking for it. It is sooo adorable and is just a baby. It eats like a truck driver and uses the litter box. It wants to play with McGee. However, McGee doesn't want to play with it. We are not sure if it is a boy or girl. If nobody claims it, it will be available for adoption.


Full body shot


Close up


Sweet little face


Kitty on the prowl

Favorite Things

McGee's official birthday is unknown. We use August 1 because we adopted him on that day. So he is now three years old. His favorite outing appears to be to PetSmart to pick out a new toy. (He loves soft squeaky toys best.) He really gets into it and always comes away with a new favorite. Happy birthday, McGee!


His favorite aisle - the toys!



Oh! Let's see that one over there!



What about this one?


So many choices! Sniff-Sniff!


The final selection -- had the best squeaker!

Family Fun Together!

Mom, Dad, Lois, Mary Jo, and I had a fun weekend run to Jacksonville. Although it was quick, we enjoyed seeing and playing with 8 kids and Kristin and Brian. We brought new (and old) toys and treats, enjoyed yummy meals and story time around their dining table. Mom and I even think the twins remembered us from our time spent at their house in April!

We got to see Kristy and Harry's beautiful new home and Kristin and Brian's land and new house plans.

All five of us got to play with the twins while Kristin & Brian and the older 6 went to church together.

We left after lunch so we could get back in time to go to 5:30 Mass.
Thank You Kristin & Brian!!! We had a great time, We can't wait to come back!



Anne & Dawn



Kristin with monkeys!



Jane & Joy getting some Mom-Mom time



Grill kings Brian & Pop-Pop



The whole gang!

Done Deal

Allan and I are excited about our upcoming move into our new home. We hope to be in by the end of September. The new house will be cleaned inside and out and will be undergoing some mechanical upgrades to the heating and cooling systems. We can begin to paint the inside and slowly move in beginning in August. I will post some inside shots of the house ASAP and some after shots too.
After more than 9 years in our current home - it will be challenging just to go through everything and decide what to take, what to give away, and what to throw away. But I am up to the task! We are planning a big sale sometime in early September. Stay tuned!

New Address?

Allan and I are meeting with the leasing agent on Tuesday to put together a contract on this cute 3 bedroom house ACROSS THE STREET from where we live now! The floor plan is great for us and the rent is reasonable and it will be available in August. Talk about an easy move! We will keep you posted.

Burr Wars

I took McGee out for his evening after-supper walk the other night and my neighbor's yard proved to be a real mess for poor ole McGee. He got into hundreds of stickly hitchhiker burrs -- so many I had to get Allan to help. We eventually got most of them out and continued on our way. Tomorrow's bath will help any hidden ones remaining.



Fur and burr mess!



Hold still! Only 100 more to go!



They were stuck all over me!

Family Wedding

Rabon Smith married Kerry Watson on June 28th, 2008 at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Florida.

The church was filled with family and friends, most of us staying at nearby hotels. A rehearsal dinner held the night before was attended by over 30 guests at a favorite Japanese steak house.

The wedding reception was held at a private country club. It was fun having all four boys together in one place. Allan and I were able to spend time with each son ( and Family) either having a meal or visiting in the lobby or by the pool.

We went to Sunday Mass at the Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine with Gerr and his family. We all had Sunday breakfast together at IHOP ( including Rabon & Kerry) We even attended a cookout at the brides parents home on Sunday afternoon.

We ended our mini vacation with a special lunch (just the two of us) at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.


The happy couple with Fr. John



The Guys



After ceremony pictures



On to the reception!

POP-POPS 79th BIRTHDAY

Baseball and Golf! Can it get any better?



Pop-Pop and his birthday pie!


Mary Jo and Joe had us over for a wonderful Sunday evening birthday dinner party in honor of Pop-Pops 79th birthday. The food was great and everyone had a good time. Pop-Pop got some nice gifts and it was fun to see the new custom cabinets going up in their new sun-room. Mary Jo ordered some new furniture from me too - so those of you who visit in the near future must put a visit to their home on your schedule.



Mom and Dad before the feast!



Allan and Joe enjoying the food!



Mary Jo and Kate smile for this shot



Matt and Jesse stopped by

Nanny and the Twins

Early mornings spent in the playroom before our mid-morning walk with big sister Rose


I have enough material from my Jacksonville trip for several posts and I wanted to share pictures of the 2 littlest girls - Joy & Jane. I was so glad my Mother came to help out - especially with 2 babies. After the first 24 hours, a routine started to emerge and everything was okay as long as we stayed with the program. It was work - but it was a priceless experience too! We enjoyed all the children.


Girls enjoying their swings - McGee under enjoying catching their cheerios!



Jane wearing pizza!



Joy eating pizza!



McGee loved the buggy rides every day!



Jane and Joy love their big playroom - We love the gate!

Nannys second stop

Mommy Mel and her boys.



Bare naked cute!



Want some?



Isaiah helping with the dinner dishes



Story Time and singing Hymns at end of day


This post is a little overdue to a nasty bout from a stomach bug. I've recovered and need to let you all know how much I enjoyed my visit with Melanie, Adam, Isaiah, and Elijah. I flew into Pensacola by way of Atlanta and spent a week getting to know my new grandson. They are all looking forward to returning to Ft. Wayne in July for Adams last year in Seminary. A few highlights included a trip to the local outlet mall complete with gelato!, breakfast at Cracker Barrel, a boat ride to watch dolphins swim in the bay, a family cookout, plus numerous small trips to Target, Walmart, etc. Also story time at the Library! It was great to know about their life in Alabama. Their boys are adorable!