Di and Bri in Italy 
May12
Category Archives: Brian
May12
Orlando trip continued
So on to Monday. We were ready to leave by 10 am and found a McDonald’s for breakfast. I mailed off my postcards at the hotel and put my questionnaire in with the speedy check-out card.
We headed down to see the Titanic exhibit. I have seen one down in Atlantic City about 6 yrs ago. The Philadelphia Art Museum had a exhibit going on for a few months and we missed it.
A nice young lady dressed in a 1912 outfit greeted us and lead part of the tour. She had handed out cards with 3 passengers names on them and we were asked to check out the names later in the exhibit. The cards pretty much matched us-my lady was 38, Sean’s young man was 21 and Brian’s was around 50. All 3 of our passengers perished. Not thrilled with that since we were about to get on the plane. I would say that all the cards they give out didn’t have the people survive to make the exhibit more meaningful.
The replica of the Grand staircase was beautiful. There was a ‘hunk’ of iceberg in one room which was really cold. We also went through a door and it was like standing on the deck with all the stars in the sky and very cold similar to the night it happened. It wasn’t in the 30s (I can tell from where we live), but it was chilly.
I loved seeing the items from the ’97 movie. The costumes that both Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio worn and the diamond ring that Kate worn.
Even though those poor people died like that, they are still being remembered by so many people.
We drove around this area a little and Sean went into his favorite store ‘Old Navy’. We didn’t buy anything as our suitcases were jammed packed. We headed to Hertz about 1:30 or so. We just drove into a lane and got out and that was it! The bus took us to the airport quickly too. Everything was running smoothly until a teen in the line in front of us suddenly fell forward-I think he fainted. The metal pole holding the rope made a terrible noise, but his mom screaming scared the crap out of me! He was alert, but they did call an ambulance. Last we heard was that he did something to his hip-maybe it was out of the socket. Poor kid.
We had lunch and then picked out some magazines before heading through security. It wasn’t as involved as it was in Philly. Sean had a mini Cranium game, so he and I played that until we were called to get on the plane. The flight was fine except for one boy who was about 2 fussed the entire 2 hours.
We were the first people to get our baggage and we called the parking lot bus to come get us. It took us about 2 hours to get home (we stopped for a quick roast beef sandwich at Arbys also).
Cosmo was glad to see us. He still had a lot of food left. I figured he slept a lot. He’s been watching me like a hawk for two days. He must have been off and on my lap about 15 times yesterday.
We did have a great get-away. We really needed to see something different. I am planning another trip up to Martha’s Vineyard someday so I can stay in Hugh Taylor’s place (James Taylor’s brother). I’d like to see Maine and New Hampshire too. Then the west coast and some states in between. Nothing is as good as home though.
May10
Happy, tired and crazy
We got home last night from Orlando. The trip went way too quickly. Here’s a recap of the last few days:
Friday morning:
Sad-leaving my kitty down the basement-he had three beds, two litterboxes, two big bowls of water and we left the radio on.
Queasy-I was dressed for Florida weather, but it was like 40 or lower here. We found the off airport parking well, but being so cold gave me a coughing attack. The bus driver went about 80 to the airport and I had to sit down when we went through the doors there as I felt close to hurling.
Funny-Seeing Brian and Sean being frisked at security. They had to take off their shoes, etc. I wish I had a video camera that day! Also saw local interest reporter Don Polec from ABC-6 at the Orlando airport and said hello. He was wearing a safari hat with a tag hanging off the back. BTW, Brian did great on the plane after not flying for 16 yrs. Sean felt a bit funny going down.
Awesome-the Orlando airport is beautiful-like a mall with air service. We got right on the bus to Hertz (after we found it) and got a ’05 white Monte Carlo with a sun roof. We had to have help with directions but found the Hard Rock Hotel in no time. Check in took a while, but it was a cool place with one of the biggest pools I have ever seen. We saw outfits belonging to several musicians including Elvis and Jimmi Hendrix.
Stinky-obviously a dog had been in our room-we had a definite pee odor near the bed and one of the chairs. This is a 4 star hotel! We never changed rooms, but we complained about it on the questionnaire form. We were so tired and had already unpacked, so I used some strong perfume to try and mask the smell.
Fun-we walked to the City Walk free part of Universal after dinner at the hotel. Sean wasn’t feeling too great. We took the ferry back and continued to use it the rest of our stay.
Saturday-
Coolness-We went to a breakfast buffet at the same in house restaurant where we ate dinner the night before and it was yummy! It was also cool to see Hulk Hogan and his family eating there too. He was doing something in the park.
Cattle herding-so it began-we already had paid for the tickets, but had to wait in line to get the tickets for about 45 minutes. I think they do this so they can get more money out of you to go to the other park ‘Island Adventure’.
The best for first-we read that Men in Black was a must (and I was told this too). We put our stuff in a locker that was activated by a finger scan. We had an express pass because we were staying within Universal, so we could go in a shorter line. What a blast this ride was. I ‘zapped’ up to 74,000! Bri and Sean only had half that. At the locker, Brian couldn’t get his finger to scan and someone at the park had to open it for us. Other rides we did: Back to the Future (not good for my tummy), Jaws, Twister and Shrek 4D. Missed a few here, but we got really tired before we headed to ‘Island of Adventure’. This was not the best move to make. It was crowded with teens and most of the rides were closed down for the day or something. So we missed Jurassic Park, Spiderman and a few others.
Cute-Sean bought me a ‘Puss n’ Boots’ from Shrek for a Mom’s day gift. : )
We went to a restaurant called NBA Restaurant and had an appetizer and huge salads.
Sunday-Mother’s Day.
The guys got me a muffin for breakfast and we decided to head to Epcot as we all had slept well. We had gorgeous weather the entire trip. We got to Epcot in no time, but had to wait again in line. Sean wanted to see the different countries rather than the other part. We happen to catch a flower show there and saw some gorgeous landscaping and florals.
We stopped in the Canada exhibit first and saw a presentation on a surround screen. Also saw a couple who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Geez.
We ate Japanese food for lunch which was fine inside a beautiful pagoda. We headed to ‘The America Adventure’ which is a neat show with audio animatronics (thx W) of Ben Franklin and Mark Twain among others. That was a must see on Sean’s map. Also a must see was Norway and we went on a Viking ship ride there. The last thing we did was go up into the Epcot sphere ride. We were hustling to get to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and Sean was paying for mine. I had NY strip steak which was great. The waitress liked us and took us up to see memorabilia from the late John Lennon’s apartment in NY including his white piano. Each piano key was signed by different musicians. We saw a white suit of John’s plus some drawing he had done. They use this room for special parties. We also went up stairs to see the stage. Dummy here went up to a higher seat section and tripped coming down and I hurt my ankle a little.
That night was a nightmare. I was so tired and achy and stuffed up I couldn’t go to sleep all night. I ended up crying around 5 am and Brian finally rubbed my sore legs. I sure felt like I had the flu.
Monday tomorrow.
Apr30
Taught him well…at least at some things…
What a dreary day here! I did a little flower planting late yesterday-some snapdragons, the mini-marigolds and some chamomile in the fairy garden. It looks colorful and sweet.
Sean went to the ‘after prom’ event from 11 pm-5 am last night. He didn’t attend the prom, but the after prom event is open to all juniors and seniors. They started this about 6+ yrs ago so the kids had something ‘fun’ to do after the prom. They have door prizes, including a car. Sean didn’t win the car. I had trouble sleeping as I was wondering how he was holding up. No problem-he came right home and crashed until lunchtime.
So in my subject line I am talking about Sean-he is so neat and tidy with his clothes. His father is the opposite! I asked Brian to come back in the bedroom to pick out some shirts, etc for our trip. I dumped about 40+ shirts on the bed. He said he didn’t have that many clothes before I did this! He forgets what he has! They were stinky, like they needed a good airing out. So I washed half of them today though I wasn’t really up to it. He just wants to wear t-shirts and shorts. Surprise-he’s taking a couple of polo shirts to wear out to dinner. I folded all the shirts ‘just so’ and separated them (I am a perfectionist to some degree) by color and design. I can guarantee you that they will be all messed up in a month’s time. This is what happens when you marry someone whose mom was still washing his undies at age 27! I just inherited all the stuff she use to do for him. And he doesn’t really care if he looks clean and polished at all. Sean does. I found a steamer that gets the wrinkles out of clothes and he used it today. At least one cares, and the other is a lost cause.
Apr12
Lots to do
We have to get serious about getting our summer clothes out and ready for our trip in 3 weeks. I have a few new pieces, but I need my old, kick around in stuff too. Sean is really excited about this trip and I pray things will run smoothly. I am feeling really guilty about leaving the cat here by himself for almost 4 days. I can’t count on anyone to watch him either. I have a food dispenser, so he won’t starve. He has a window perch which is nicely padded. I will turn on a battery radio for his listening pleasure. He will be lonely, but he isn’t lonely that often. He was an outdoor boy when we first adopted him, so he should be use to being independent.
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I was so thrilled my niece Tori, pictured below loved her gifts from me. She even got her own tv and chair from her mom and dad and was happy about them, but went right back to the dolls. I got her these mini-dolls called ‘Shorties‘ and she played with them the entire time I was there and ignored the other toys. I’m wondering if she is playing with them today? They reminded me of ‘Little Kiddles’ from my childhood and they were really popular. I also gave her the little fairy and bunny cross stitch I turned into my first quilt square. Everyone was impressed by it. The quilt part was so-so, at least it looks handmade.
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We stopped by my mom’s house first and it looked like clothes had exploded in her living room! My brother is helping her clean out some bedrooms and I think she is quickly moving clothes so he won’t toss them. I could not believe how many clothes one person had. Now I know where a lot of her moola went. I like clothes too, but I have donated tons of them to charity within the last few years.
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Not only did we see the fox the other day, but we saw some gorgeous swans on the way to Brian’s dad’s house on Sunday. I would love to have a huge pond with swans-they are so elegant.
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Brian and I celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary on Thursday. We can’t believe it’s been that long. Goes to show you how quickly the years pass by.
Mar24
Brian’s birthday
Today Brian turned 48. He dislikes birthday celebrations, so he’ll get his gifts and we’ll go out to dinner and eat cake when we get home. I guess we are just quiet people. I think it’s nice to be surprised once in a while. Sean had his share of birthday parties, but after he turned 10, that was the last ‘group’ party for him. He has everything he needs. That’s one way of looking at it.
Sean is going to the movies with some friends soon. This is good. I am so glad they are getting together at least once this week. We still have a lot to do before August, one of which is purchasing a third vehicle for him to use for school. They really need to get busy with that. Paying college bills and waiting for aid is another thing. He got a letter that said he was getting some but we thought he’d qualify for more. Brian wants to talk to the financial aid lady at PSU.
My mom is really depressed over the tire episode yesterday. My brother can get her a tire! I know she is thinking she is getting too old to drive or she is still scared over what happened. We didn’t let my grandmom drive at mom’s age. I don’t want something worse to happen to her.
Dec28
Finally…a new desk
The guys didn’t come home with a new desk yesterday, but a new black leather chair-for giants! It can’t be lowered so my short legs and feet can touch the floor. I think Brian didn’t do something right, because this is the first chair that I felt like I was getting a haircut in which couldn’t be lowered. Thank goodness it was basically free (we had a gift card-thank you f-in-l for that) and I have a cute little stool under my tootsies.
Today we took a drive down to Wally World (Walmart) and were about to get the armoire style with the fake wood grain in brown. We saw they had the black armoire with the fake wood grain and it was $88 and missing the top portion the other one had but it was like $60 cheaper. Bingo! We were taking too long making up our minds when another customer came over and started to look at the solo black one that was left. I said really loud, well that figures and flopped down in a computer chair (where I could touch my feet to the ground!) and maybe the guy took the hint and left! Whew! So Brian got a salesman and paid for the desk while I got a new trashbin with wheels and scurried around the 50% off area collecting a few rolls of wrapping paper and mini ornaments for something I want to make and sell for next year. I found some new things for January birthdays (my brother and pal in Colorado were both born on January 8th). I love a good sale! I did hit a sale yesterday and got some Snowbabies I liked for 33% off.
Brian got busy assembling the armoire after dinner and 3 hours later it’s not all the way done, but almost. Cosmo was really marking his territory by rubbing his mouth on various parts of it.
So the room is a mess until we get it set up. I suggested we put the old one in the drive and put a ‘FREE’ sign on it, but he’d rather haul it to the Goodwill. Oh well. I have a slight headache which I am blaming on the armoire’s pressed particle board.
My brother Ken called to say the package from our brother Don had come from Florida last night and asked if Sean was still looking for a car. We said ‘yes’. He said he had a ’98 or ’99 Ford Taurus where he worked and would check it out for us. I called tonight to see if he had and he was home sick today from a bad migraine and vomiting from it. He was sick exactly a year ago today when he was suppose to come out here for lunch and present opening. Weird.
Mom went to see her old friend Barbara who was up from South Carolina and staying at her daughter Adrienne’s house not far away. Jim is also a friend of hers. They went to an Irish style restaurant and had prime rib. Adrienne and her teen son Ryan are headed to Ireland tomorrow where they have friends and family. Cool.
Oct29
If Meme
IF you were to complete this sentence “I hate myself when…” how would it end?
I hate myself when I put down people I love. I usually don’t do this unless I am provoked, but sometimes you say things you really don’t mean. It’s not like they don’t do that to me either and Brian is really good at taking little jabs at me. Does he really mean it? I don’t know. Weight is an issue here. We are both overweight, but not grossly overweight, but to the point where our triglyerides are high, and his are really high. My mom says I look thinner than I weigh. Brian has a tummy and really big Popeye type legs. So if we jab at each other, it’s usually a weight issue. My meanies came out when that new show came on last week called ‘The Biggest Loser’-I said, Brian, your show is coming on! That could have two meanings, and that was rotten of me to say that. But sometimes he says, ‘they are fat like us’ including me in the us part. I could go on, but that’s a sore spot.
Sep30
One big ache
Darn I hurt when I woke up today (the 29th). Felt like I was run over by an out of control VW bug or something. Every joint hurt that was being overused lately-elbows and knees the worst. I had stuff to do, but put off food shopping until the evening. Sean said there’s some bug going around school and a few teachers are sick. He had a stuffed up head for a few days. I usually get something in Sept. or Oct. like clockwork. Betcha I will get it from being rundown. Brian went to the store with me and I felt so weird I didn’t really ‘get into’ it and basically threw stuff in the cart and we were home in 1/2 hour,$117 poorer. The cost of meat is making me want to switch to be a vegetarian! No way and I blowing most of my budget on two little pieces of steak & a pork tenderloin. I could go on.
I got home and out came the deep heat rub, took a Tylenol and settled in to watch tv (Lost, The Bachelor and Wife Swap) and stitch on an emergency cross stitch project. I am taking a chart and switching it around. The young lady loves flying pigs (when pigs fly) and I am taking a 3 Little Pig chart and making one of the houses a ‘wing shack’ and the pigs are lined up to get their wings. Try to picture this please. I will make a sign for the shack or whatever I call it.
Speaking of pigs, Brian ‘hogged’ the computer updating windows-it took 4 hours and at first it wouldn’t work, but now it seems to be of course when I am on here.
I still haven’t gotten my beloved plastic boxes. Maybe tomorrow. The ‘leftovers’ in the family room need to be out of sight so I can enjoy the changes in the room.
Sep28
Plastic Boxes
Ok, where would we be in this world without plastic boxes? I really need them, esp now with this ‘stuff’ sort going on in the family room. I am at a standstill because I need my plastic boxes! Cardboard won’t do! They get wet and smelly and break down to a bent up pile of nothing after a while. I want my lidded boxes that I can stack to the ceiling, see what’s inside (I try to buy the transparent ones now). I can also label them! I have two huge plastic boxes that take turns holding my summer and winter clothes. It’s a major feat for Brian to get them in and out of the attic. We have terrible closet space here. Each room has the basic closets with the two sliding doors. I actually use 1.5 closets plus an armoire and hope chest and still can’t fit all my things in them all. I do have too many clothes, but I take good care of them, so they last a while. Last year I did a major sort and got rid of about 6 bags of clothes and hung my nice tops and jackets by color-all the blacks together, etc. Back to the boxes-I remember when we were looking at houses and this one place had about 30-50 plastic boxes stacked in their basement. I was mortified-but look who is into boxes now? I can’t seem to get rid of these extra video tapes, cross stitch magazines and miscellaneous things that accumulated in this room for the last 12 yrs. Even Sean’s guitar is still sitting in front of the closet. I stuck a plastic bag over it today. Sean has had it for 6 yrs and never learned to play it and I want its former space for my magazine basket.
Guess I’ll go get some boxes in a while, even if it’s going to be raining cats and dogs.
Collages & Creative Goodness 