Time to Catch UP!

It has been ages since I blogged something, so I really think it is time to do a little writing.

I have just returned from 2 weeks with my cousin, Peggy Carty, in the Tampa/St. Pete area. We had so much fun, house sitting for her son Scott...and his wonderful African spiked tortoise, Bucky. We enjoyed lots of time with other son, Doug, and his family while Scott and his family went to Costa Rica to do some surfing.

Peg's grandson, JT, did some going with us...like to the Tampa Aquarium and to the Bird Sanctuary at Redington Shores. JT is going into 3rd grade this year...he is a sport. He is fun having around when you are visiting places like the Aquarium and the Sanctuary.

Peg and I also spent 2-weeks playing cards...Spite & Malice...at a penny a point. We have "banks" of 50 pennies each. When someone wins all the pennies, we declare that person WINNER, and split the pennies out again. So far, she won one; I won one; and she is 59 to my 41 ahead on our third game. I takes lots and lots of hands to get to where we are right now. We'll pick up where we left off on Saturday.

We also ate lots of fish...none that we caught fishing, though. We found a great place down in Belleair...Wards, it's called... that sells fantastic She-crab soup and smoked mullet. I even brought mullet home for Fred to try; he likes it, but not nearly so much as I do.

But, my really BIG news arrived last Dec. 31...We have a new granddaughter, Scarlett Skye Hardin. SHE IS ADORABLE! At 6 months old, she is full of smiles and giggles. I spent her first 4-weeks in Chicago in January, and I became so attached to her.

Max and Ash still have a huge part of my heart. They are growing into such wonderful little boys. Max was 4 last October, and Ash turns 3 on July 11. They are so much fun...and they love going to play-school at the Crown Center. They are so quick to learn everything that is put before them...and I do love MY Boys!

Then, at the end of March and beginning of April, I spent time with them at their condo at Disney World. I go down to enjoy the world during the day so Greg & Kelly can go out at night...a great exchange. Next year, Grandpa Fred will be joining us at The World next year.

In April I had a lap band put in at the top of my stomach to help me lose some of my tonnage. So far (since April 18), I have dropped over 40 pounds. My clothes are getting very baggy and my self-esteem has risen many notches.

I still love photography, and I take pictures of everything! I love to "shoot" birds and bug and sunsets. On the trip last summer out to the National Parks in the Rockies, Fred shot a bunch of photos, but I took over 5000 that I am still editing.

Fred retired in May, so we are now ready to travel and see some of the country. Right now Fred is scalp-deep in directing Warner Robins Little Theatre's Treasure Island. It will open July 8 and run for 3 weeks.

The post card I posted was designed by our younger son, Jeff. His work is so beautiful. Jeff is such a talented artist. He has been doing his Dad's play posters & post cards. His magic touch produces such outstanding pieces of art.

Jeff was married a year ago this past May 2. He married a real sweetie...Deanna...and we are so thrilled to have another daughter in our family. They live in Atlanta where Jeff works on his art. He also goes to art conventions all over the southeast. Deanna is a busy worker also, managing a condo/apartment complex just north of Atlanta.

Fred and I stay busy. He has been working to beautify our backyard, putting it back into order after we had a stone patio and stone walkways added. He has arranged plants and added a brick and stone sitting area out by the azaleas. It does look nice. I have sprigged the open area with grass, and, if I stay home a little more, I will get some other things done also. Our pond looks great, and Fred has also added a fish-spurting fountain.

So, that sorta catches up on all our doings. Perhaps I can be a bit more attentive to my blog...I sure enjoy reading the blogs of other.