Welcome to your new home!

[ladysail2]

Oh darn..forgot to say.....I'm sure that Bella has spotted another turtle, Sharon.....I hope there's a good fence so the doggies can't dig it out. And, yes, you did tell us the Turtle story...it was very interesting. Our pets sure do like to bring us 'gifts' !!

Okay...that's it...for good this time!!!!

[ladysail2]

....for about a week now...the geese have been flying overhead......another sign that summer is ending...not too soon...but eventually. It's so much nice to see them in the Spring!!!!

That's it...

[SEPyle]

I'll tell you what...I had another crazy busy day today and booked a Med cruise in June 2012 for a suite...a total of over $11,000 for two people! Then a man who called in Saturday booked two staterooms, and other one, so today was a very good day. I am tired though!

Very interesting that Cameo hasn't gone back in his favorite window. Well I mean ex-fav window! And about Bella...I have been a bit worried that Bella will dig out. Hopefully she doesn't know it's possible to go UNDER!

Sweet dreams to all and stay cool

[themirsk]

Hey guys .....been busy catching up on your posts. Before you know it, we'll be back to a million pages ! What will CC do then ???

That's really interesting about Cameo, Joyce. Instinctive behavior ? Or a logical or willful behavior ? Hmmm..... Sometimes I wonder. If only our little ones could speak to us ! I know they do with their expressions and their posture, but come on.......somehow we animal lovers know there's something more there ! Anyway, glad Cameo isn't taking any more chances......for now !!!

Sharon, you must be so excited. How long will you be staying in Maui ? I know however long it is....it's really never enough. I know you'll all treasure each and every single moment you're together. No need to tell you to take photos ! So what will be in your little bag of goodies for Skye ? Spoil her.........who cares !

John, that picture of Gracie was so precious. I told you then, but I didn't mention to the girls........wouldn't we love to have those naturally beautiful highlights of hers ! About the orchid pics.......really didn't have the time or the inclination to snap them in their glory, but the catalayas were spectacular even though our long dry spell didn't produce as many. I could send you last year's pics, but that would be cheating !!! Orchids love humidity and they're getting plenty of that. But they can't take the hot sun. So Matt has the ones that aren't in the trees in our front vestibule. There's plenty of light and they can even get watered through the front screen door when the wind drives the rains our way. We should be getting some rain this weekend with Emily. Hope it stays "sweet" Emily, not Hurrican Emily !!!

Made those chicken tenders again last night. This time I breaded them. So tonight is our favorite chicken salad. Yum....

Have a great day, ya'll.

[KSTAZMAN]

Well Monday`s high was 109F!!! Pretty hot. Yesterday`s was 112F Hottest temp since 1936.Sure glad I don`t work outside anymore.

We saw Harry Potter last night. They finished the series in great style.Theatre was darn near full. Don`t usually see that on a Tuesday night.Shows there are still plenty of fans.

If Gracie spied a turtle she would for sure be going under our fence. She tries when we are just walking around.I would like to see how she would react true be told.

Sharon that was a super sale. 11K for just two people. They better enjoy. But it looks good on your pay slip.

Poor Cameo. So much trama in his life. I am sure he will recover.

Have you all ever notice Gracie`s lashes? They must be close to 2 inches long. Think that must be to keep hair out of the eyes.

Happy afternoon to all.

John

[SEPyle]

John, temps so high...just not right! I hope cooler temps and I do have to admit...I hope the next stop is NOT the Carolina's for your HOT temps!!!

Mel, I don't know...we can always get the hairdresser give us highlighting, so I'll have to go with the 4" lashes! Oh what I would give..................

Yes, John...I'm looking forward to that commission; and today I booked another great cruise. A 15-nighter from Stockholm to Istanbal. Great itinerary; but such a good rate it isn't that good for me. They booked an Oceanview GTY, and the rate was only $799 including port! It was a call-in and I do think I have great new clients so I'm not complaining. Oh yes, I had a very elderly man (91 years old) hold a stateroom on one of the last available cabins to Alaska for this season at a good rate. I put in red on the face of the quote: This is held as a QUOTE and final payment is due by Saturday, July 30th. I was so busy Mon and Tues I didn't get a chance to call him back. He called today and thought it was booked. I felt so bad...I think a little bit of memory challenges are coming into play. He was real nice but said he was sure it was booked. Thankfully I had him look at the quote and he saw the writing in red. But I found another rate; only somewhat higher. He said he will call me tomorrow. Trust me...I'll call him! The joys of a travel agent!

Hey John, at least Gracie couldn't pick the turtle up in her mouth! Actually, I think Cinder and Bella's turtle was just about bigger than Gracie!

Mel, we will be in Maui 1 day less than three weeks! Yes, we will spoil her rotten! Well, I mean in love and giving her everything we can...but we do believe in boundries and would never undo all the work Sarah and Tommy do to disclipline her! Oh just a little funny story. Today is Sarah's B-Day and I called as they were on the way to a beach Birthday Party for Sarah. I talked to Sarah for a second than Skye got on the phone while Sarah was pumping gas. She talked and talked and then said: Well Grandma, I have to say goodbye now, but I will call you back and you answer the phone, OK? YES MAM!!!!

With that, have a great evening...this Grandma is sitting by her phone!

[KSTAZMAN]

That Stockholm cruise sounds very different. Would not thought of that combination.Which line is that with?

I admire the 91 year old man. Way to go!! No sitting at home.

Good news on the weather front. Only 90F for the high. And we had rain. It was still H&H. But we will take it.

Went to IHOP and had breakfast for dinner. No diet food there.

Jean had to go to the doc for a sore hip today. A bit of bursitis flare up. She is going to get a cortisone shot to see if that will help. Doc told her no more Jazzercise. Just as she was about to go back.But she has some DVD`s that she is going to work with. It`s a small correction in the scheme of things.

Three weeks in Maui! That is a hard thing to take. LOL! Don should have Skye good and spoiled. Know you will have a great time.


Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!!!

John

[teedee]

Hi Guys - It's been way too long since I checked in. I thought this thread had been deleted, but Sharon directed me to it.

I hope you're all doing well. I read the last few posts and it seems like you are. I'm doing pretty good. I had a knee replacement in June, I'm still recovering from, but the recovery is going well so I can't complain.

My biggest change is I've gone back to work, retirement and the lack of income involved didn't agree with me, so I've gone back to work. I was definitely not looking for anything in my previous field though, too much stress, so I took a job as an elementary school secretary! I absolutely love it too. Especially all the time off! The only bad thing is this means I have to do my traveling in the summer or school holidays. I haven't cruised in well over a year, I've done a few all inclusive resorts in the caribbean instead and really enjoy those.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and say hello. I think about our cruise and how wonderful it was. The best bunch of people I ever met on a cruise, and the fact that thisthread is still going on is a testimony to that! I'll try not to stay away so long, I do enjoy seeing how you guys are doing.

Terri

[SEPyle]

Yea...Terri's back! So glad you found us Terri! And thanks for checking in on my new thread for the 5/20/12 Century...It's always a challenge to get a thread started, and we know staying on page one helps! So a big thanks!

Gosh, your career change is a big one and I KNOW how much stress you had in your previous job. In fact the Quality Manager who works for the company I used to work for is now on a cruise with his family. He was so stressed (even wondering if he would have a job when he returns) so is really enjoying a week AWAY from the challenges of work!

Most of all, I hope you come back and visit more often...and you're so right; it's amazing that we're still going strong after all these years! We do feel like family...and I must say, a family w/o baggage. Oh did I just say that? Guess it's because I have one brother, and yes, I do love him, BUT I am very glad we don't live in Michigan.

Did anyone hear about our crazy weather in Charlotte yesterday? I worked a 1/2 day yesterday and Don and I went to breakfast and as we walked in, there were a few drops of rain. Bye the time we left it was raining big time. We went just a few miles to pick up a pair of Teva's that I want to have for Maui. This is a tax free weekend and I had a $20 off coupon, so it was worth the trip in the rain...Now for the rest of the story: By the time we got to the shopping center, it really started raining big time and of course no umbrella. I ran into Target to get one and let's just say, my hair was drenched (and me too) just walking in from the car where don let me off RIGHT in front of the store...

Later on in the day I heard CLT was on CNN. Then Sarah called from Maui becuase she just saw it on TV. One death; possibly two. A mother and daughter were in a discount store and were caught shoplifting. They ran out and tried to jump a creek. They have recovered the mother; but so far not the daughter. You know it's sad: When I looked at the scenes on TV this am, everyone shown seemed to be in the minority demographic. It's interesting that the poorer areas of town are the areas that are more prone to flooding. No flooding in our neighborhood, but Don was sitting in his chair and the loudest clap of lighting and thunder practically bolted him out of his chair (Sarah said he was probably sleeping). When he left the house a while later a house 4 houses from ours had three fire engines out front and it was smoking on the back side. Not sure how serious it was but that's pretty close for comfort!

OK, that's our excitement for the day...and at least it's a bit cooler!

Happy Saturday everyone!

[ladysail2]

Hi Terri....how nice to see you again. I'm glad that you have found some 'fun' employment!! I know all about the 'too much time on your hands' scenario. We look forward to retirement...but are so well organized that everything gets done so quickly. Good for you for finding a job that pleases you!!
How's that little grandson doing....I bet he's older than that picture now!!

Sharon..that sounded like a terrible storm. We get those around here too. Those 'cracks' of lightening can scare the skin off a lizard.....especially if one is sitting outside. I was sitting in a car a few weeks ago when a mighty crack ripped through the sky.....I was afraid to touch anything metal....LOL...oh boy..I sure know how Don felt....!!

It's a warm day here, cloudy though. It's a nice relief from that sun....my flowers won't wilt so quickly.

Hi John....any cooler down your way? How are those car lot cats doing? I bet they're inside in the A/C, or out under a tree somewhere.

Mel....I hope you're in the A/C keeping cool too!!!

Hope everyone has a nice day!!

[teedee]

Wow Sharon, that was some horrible weather! We had some scattered thunderstorms, but nothing too bad. Duchess didn't even get upset. It sure cooled down the temps here, which is a wonderful thing.

Joyce, my little man is 4 now! Hard to believe, isn't it. I need to update my avatar. I did just download a new album from our last vacation on facebook if any of you want to see it. He's about to start Pre-k, seems like he was just born yesterday.

My cousin Deb is going to be a grandmother in a few months. Her daughter is expecting a little boy, she's due in January.

Terri

[teedee]

Ok, that was easy. I love this pic of Carter, even if it is a little harder to see his face for the shades!

Terri

[SEPyle]

Terri, isn't it amazing how fast they grow up! When you said Carter is 4 now I thought to myself: Wow...it seemed like yesterday. Then I remembered he is just a little older than Skye! I'm looking forward to checking out the pics on facebook! Oh how I love facebook!
That's so exciting that Deb will be a grandmother soon!

It was a bad storm for sure...and about the mother/daughter who were caught shoplifting: They found the body of the daughter today.

Our temps were down a bit too today, but Kristie and I went to an outlet mall in Gaffney; which is about 1 1/4 hours between us and Atlanta. The temps might have been somewhat cooler, but all I can say...it was so hot walking from shop to shop since it's not a covered mall. People were crazy. I went to get in a line at a childrens store and I though I was at the end. Come to find out it wasn't the end, and a lady (I'm using the term loosely here) just about ripped me apart. I so wanted to tell her what I thought of her 'people skills' but I know she would have attacked me...can you imagine. I went to the end of the line and a lady in front of me congratulated me on my control. She said something about how I would be getting brownie-points with the guy upstairs. I said: No, I think he heard me call her a B*&#H...under my breath of course! And are you ready for this. There were really NO bargains. People just thought there were because of the Tax-Free weekend???? I bought two little things for Skye...no clothes. Before we left Charlotte I did find bargains at Layne Bryant. I bought three tops at 60% off. I was hoping to be able to take advantage of a $25 off coupon, but my purchases didn't add up to the magic $75 total to be able to use the $25 off coupon. We were talking to the mgr and she asked if either of us had the 30% off coupon which was an E-coupon via a cell phone. Kristie had it so she said I could use it too! Bottom line: Two tops orig. for $19.99 each and one jacket-type top: $39.99. Final price: $22.40! Bargains for sure!

OK, enough!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

[Carol Anne]

Oh wow so glad I found you guys. I know I don't post but always check in my my Hurricane Jeanne friends.

I had been sick over the last few months with tests surgery and all that nasty stuff and was off the boards. Well back I came can it took me time to find you.

I have to go back and read and catch up. Even though I don't post much I still hold all of you and the awesome memories of that cruise. Were we a group that knew how to have fun or what.

Well for now so glad I found you all , Luv Carol and Bob

[KSTAZMAN]

Wow! Our new home is attracting old friends.
Good to hear from you. Hope you both are on the mend.

Lost track of Terry when I was banned from another forum. Still don`t know why. Those are some cool shades on your grandson. Hope you have plenty of fun with the new job. At least it is one you want and less stressful.

Carol how is Bob doing? You all doing any travel? We aren`t this year. Too much family business to do.

Been quiet couple of days. Around 100F both days. The cats were smart enough to find the office at the car lot and stay cool. Won`t be going there on Saturdays in September. My friend is having the same back surgery I had. Plus a fusion.We knew it was coming. He had been putting it off most of the summer. But this past week things went sour. He could hardly stand yesterday. He is going to tough it out until the 27th when they can get him in.

Gracie is still enjoying her box of birthday cookies. She only gets them when she is being very good. She hasn`t gotten too many today. Been pretty loud and rowdy.LOL!! Maybe it`s the terrible twos coming on.

Have a good evening all!

John

[SEPyle]

So glad you found us Carol Anne; however sorry to hear you've been having medical challenges. Hope you're on the mend now! You mentioned it took you time to find us...it took us timetoo! We went to post one day and our thread simply wasn't there. It wasn't until Mel sent an email to Laura and Host Andy that we were granted this home. We've been together too long and glad you and Terri have joined us...Please post...we love staying in touch! And Terri, please ask Grandma-to-be Debbie to come and say hi. I'll call Deb from Tallahassee so she won't have to wonder where we've gone.

Today was a crazy busy day, my friend Debbie, (who was on our cruise) had a cook-out. Key word: cook-OUT. There's a lot of shade in her yard, but trust me we all felt the 95-humid degrees! I made a hashbrown casserole. One of Kristies's friends made it for her 4th of July cook-out and it was SO good, I asked her for the recipe. I found out the reason it's so good - one word: butter! Oops, not a calorie conscience dish; but Valerie did say the calories don't count if you keep your eyes closed! Yea, right.

I hate to complain of the heat when we had a mere 95 vs your 100+ days John. It was intersting though. Deb's son spent time in Iraq during the miserable hot summer. He said it was every bit as miserable today as it was over there. That sounds a bit crazy to me, but maybe it's like childbirth...you forget the pain! I don't know why I didn't ask him if it's a humid heat over there. I know what I'm going to google next! On that note...........

I best say bye for now...a good week to all!

[teedee]

How nice to see Carol Anne post! I will try and get cousin Deb over here too.

John - I didn't know you got banned from the other forum. I cannot imagine how in the world that could have happened. I know you have always stayed away from controversial issues. If it's the forum I'm thinking of I haven't been over there in years. I didn't like the direction the thread I posted on went. It got to be more about "Look at all the expensive things I've got" than about cruising. Of course that's just my opinion.

I've already booked my vacations for next year, and a cruise is not in the mix. Going to Disneyworld with my little man, took him for the first time last year and he absolutely loved it, just like his Nana. Then the whole family is going to Myrtle Beach. Cindy, Carter and I went immediately before my surgery in June and we loved it. Seth couldn't get off so we're going back next year. The resort had an amazing kids pool area that Carter had a great time at. It had a submarine in the middle of it that the kids could get in and shoot water out and Carter wants to show it to his daddy, so that's where we will be. I'm hoping for a cruise in 2013. I'm thinking either the med or maybe Hawaii. Sharon - do you know when 2013 rates will be out? I know it will be expensive because I'll be going in peak season so I want to book as soon as the bookings open so I'll have plenty of time to pay it off.

Sorry your trip to the outlet mall didn't turn out so well Sharon. We have a Tanger Outlet near us, but I don't think their prices are all that great. I usually do better at Ross anyway. Good deal at Lane Bryant though.

Our weather warmed back up from the one day of cooler temps. We've had heat advisories out for the last two days now. I've been trying to get out and do a little walking around the neighborhood, but even in the mornings it's been too hot for that.

Well since I've rambled on and on I'll stop now. I'm off to send Deb an email with this thread's address. Hopefully we'll hear from her soon.

Terri

[KSTAZMAN]

Know what you mean Terry. Same thing with me. Got to meet some of those in person. Same thing.One couple sat around and got plastered while we were there.

Bad thing about working school schedules. No leisure times with smaller crowds. Bet you and the family will still have a blast.And Carter will be so happy to show dad.

Sharon don`t all the best dishes have lots of butter in them. I made mac and cheese tonight. Had to have butter to make it the best. And dijon mustard for that extra bite. Had chicken tenders to go with it.

That shopping sounds like the best. Good show. You aren`t the only ones going to Alaska. Our TA friend is going at the end of the month. They are flying to Anchorage and renting a motor home for 2 weeks. They like to do that kind of thing. They have a truck and camper that they use here.We on the other hand are still waiting for a super deal to book our cruise for next year.

Joyce how many days now til you cruise again? Can`t be too much longer.

Today was a lot cooler. Only 90F. Well the 90% humidity doesn`t make it any more comfortable. Kind of like visiting the M&M`s. But without the pleasure of their company..

Have a good evening everyone.

John

[SEPyle]

An early morning check in...last night we came home to a HOT dark house. No power. There weren't even any storms, but for some reason the power went out. Wierd part was that only our side of the street. Bottom line, 15 candles gave us a little light; but the heat was NOT fun. I really felt bad for Cinder...she was miserable! It came back on about 11:30 so at least we were able to sleep well!

John, I know your friends will have an amazing time exploring the interier of Alaska! Have they done the interier before? So many options and can you tell I'm missing it about now? By the way, Bethany is having a great time this summer. She is so glad she went back this summer!

Terri, what cruise line are you looking at for 2013? I know Princess rates are out and I've even booked a couple. Please say hi to your cousin Deb for me!

Better go...

[KSTAZMAN]

Know that was no fun. I keep a lantern that uses batteries ready just in case. Also a battery pack that we can plug a lamp into. Also useful if a car needs jump started. Know Cinder was glad when the AC came back.

Good news about my car. It is in the paint shop now. So maybe I will have it at weeks end.

My friends have been to Alaska on cruises. Don`t know if they have toured before.They like the campout thing. So it is up their alley. Should be an experience.

Temps here are cool today. It`s just 77F right now. Know it won`t last though. But really like it for today.

Keep the lights on!

John