Embark on an epicurean adventure as the 13th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival showcases the flavors of the world. Explore marketplaces featuring regional foods and wines, learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe. Plus, be sure to savor the sizzling sounds of the "Eat to the Beat" concert series that stars a stellar line-up of popular musical acts!
Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando
6 months ago
Monday, September 07, 2015
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Friday, August 21, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Monday, August 03, 2015
Sunday, August 02, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Monday, March 09, 2015
Monday, March 02, 2015
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Old Friends. It is amazing how you maintain contact with friends through the years and the ones who are always there when you are going through struggles. They are the ones who send emails, cards, special packages that arrive in the mailbox and even phone calls to make sure all is well.
I often wonder if I am as good a friend to them as they are to me and remember each of them in my prayers each night. So where are they, none of them are next door, some are in the same city I live in and many are as far away as Japan but in my heart they are all so very, very close.
I often wonder if I am as good a friend to them as they are to me and remember each of them in my prayers each night. So where are they, none of them are next door, some are in the same city I live in and many are as far away as Japan but in my heart they are all so very, very close.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Warrior and I continue to survive. This past year has been one of fear, courage, family, friends and support. It is amazing how hearing the word cancer mouthed again after over 20 years of surviving can strike fear right down to the marrow in your bones. It is something in the breast that must be identified and so once again facing surgery becomes reality. Wondering about the outcome, the stress of knowing all the implications of anesthesia and the fact that I live alone and have a hard time asking anyone for support.
But support was what I received. My youngest son Tom immediately started planning on how he would get home from Indianapolis to ensure he was with me for the surgery. Tim made plans to interupt his life to ensure he was with me once the surgery was complete to provide support and assistance while I was home. A friend Cathy Allman, RN jumped in whenever the boys could not be with me and was a god send through the different stages of this battle.
My employer PWC was amazing and provided support in so many ways including disability, recovery and accomodation so I could work from home.
I am now recovering from the second surgery and am now back in balance...physically..something I have not been for over twenty years. It is strange to have breasts and not have to deal with a prosthesis slipping, sliding and requiring adjustment...or floating out when swimming. You do have to maintain your sense of humor in all of this.
Recovery will continue as the implants settle in and the surgery heals but each day improves both attitude and physical well being.
What does all this mean to anyone else? Well it means that no matter how old you are giving up is not an option, fighting the good fight is always worthwhile, and you have more internal strength than you ever imagine. There is no question in my mind that I am given strength to make it through each day and the things that are challenges are provided to give me the opportunity to demonstrate that strength.
What are some of the things that surface when you are fighting Cancer? Family strength and support, friends who are there that you can count on, work goes on and you can contribute something of value even when in the midst of the fight, being old is a challenge and an opportunity. Look at each day through different glasses when you recognize how terminal we all are.
But support was what I received. My youngest son Tom immediately started planning on how he would get home from Indianapolis to ensure he was with me for the surgery. Tim made plans to interupt his life to ensure he was with me once the surgery was complete to provide support and assistance while I was home. A friend Cathy Allman, RN jumped in whenever the boys could not be with me and was a god send through the different stages of this battle.
My employer PWC was amazing and provided support in so many ways including disability, recovery and accomodation so I could work from home.
I am now recovering from the second surgery and am now back in balance...physically..something I have not been for over twenty years. It is strange to have breasts and not have to deal with a prosthesis slipping, sliding and requiring adjustment...or floating out when swimming. You do have to maintain your sense of humor in all of this.
Recovery will continue as the implants settle in and the surgery heals but each day improves both attitude and physical well being.
What does all this mean to anyone else? Well it means that no matter how old you are giving up is not an option, fighting the good fight is always worthwhile, and you have more internal strength than you ever imagine. There is no question in my mind that I am given strength to make it through each day and the things that are challenges are provided to give me the opportunity to demonstrate that strength.
What are some of the things that surface when you are fighting Cancer? Family strength and support, friends who are there that you can count on, work goes on and you can contribute something of value even when in the midst of the fight, being old is a challenge and an opportunity. Look at each day through different glasses when you recognize how terminal we all are.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Someone reminded me today that it has been a long time since I have posted anything on my blog. Seems time zips by and the busyness just overcomes us. The warm weather is here in Florida and it is Football Season for Kelly. That means every Saturday morning at 10 Grammy is sitting in her lawn chair cheering for his team. Hard to believe he is getting so big. Hunter is also growing like a weed and of course, the prettiest girl in town. I am attaching their chicken dance videos so you all can enjoy them as much as I do.
I am working from home for a few weeks and not having to travel all the time is a nice respite I also get all the medical stuff done, PET scan, ECHO, Stress test etc. Sort of like getting a car overhaul once a year.
Talk with my sister Ann in Big Fork and they are still having snow. Tom, my Indy son is planting their garden and Mitch, my Seattle Friend is enjoying tulips, daffodils and all the wonderful flowers we can't grow in Florida(unless in pots).
Planning a trip to Orlando this week so may have some updated Park pictures. Epcot is having the flower festival which is always awesome.
I am working from home for a few weeks and not having to travel all the time is a nice respite I also get all the medical stuff done, PET scan, ECHO, Stress test etc. Sort of like getting a car overhaul once a year.
Talk with my sister Ann in Big Fork and they are still having snow. Tom, my Indy son is planting their garden and Mitch, my Seattle Friend is enjoying tulips, daffodils and all the wonderful flowers we can't grow in Florida(unless in pots).
Planning a trip to Orlando this week so may have some updated Park pictures. Epcot is having the flower festival which is always awesome.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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A Saturday morning game. Nothing like winning, a green mouthguard, new football shoes and a sunny day in Florida. It doesn't get any better than this.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Ayn Rynd Atlas Shrugged
The following quotes are from Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This book has resurfaced and is being read more than ever. I read the book while in college working in the area of Philosophy. The quotes that follow depict values that were prevalent the many years ago when I was in college and again are prevalent now as we look at the economic and political situation in our country.
“I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men who are willing and able to buy it. . . . we deal as equals by mutual consent to mutual advantage and I am proud of every penny I have earned in this manner.”
“My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.” Productive achievement is a value that is critical to a philosophy of success. Producing a product that is needed and sold to another is a fundamental to value of self. To sit idly by and collect, live on and bask inthe achievements of others is of no value.
“Whoever you are, you who are hearing me now, I am speaking to whatever living remnant is left uncorrupted within you, to the remnant of the human, to your mind, and I say: There is a morality of reason, a morality proper to man, and Man’s Life is its standard of value.”
There was a gasp, not of indignation, but of astonishment, in the crowd behind him and silence from the judges he faced. He went on calmly:
"I am rich and I am proud of every penny I own. I made my money by my own effort, in free exchange and through the voluntary consent of of those who employed me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, the voluntary consent of those who buy my product. I shall answer all the questions you are afraid to ask me openly. Do I wish to pay my workers more than their services are worth to me? I do not. Do I wish to sell my product for less than my customers are willing to pay me? I do not. Do I wish to sell it at a loss or give it away? I do not. If this is evil, do whatever you please about me, according to whatever standards you hold.
Ayn Rand advocated a system of capitalism, by which she meant “a full, pure, uncontrolled, unregulated laissez-faire capitalism—with a separation of state and economics in the same way and for the same reasons as the separation of church and state.”
“I have held the same philosophy as I hold now, for as far back as I can remember. I have learned a great deal through the years and expanded my knowledge of details, of specific issues, of definitions, of applications and I intend to continue expanding it—but I have never had to change any of my fundamentals. My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute."
“I trust that no one will tell me that men such as as I write about don’t exist. That this book has been written—and published—is my proof that they do.”
Ayn Rand was both a novelist and a philosopher. She developed a full philosophical system, which she named Objectivism and it had a big impact on those of my generation who read it.
“Man has been called a rational animal, but rationality is a matter of choice—and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice." Do you take responsibility for your choices?
“A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality.
“Whoever you are, you who are hearing me now, I am speaking to whatever living remnant is left uncorrupted within you, to the remnant of the human, to your mind, and I say: There is a morality of reason, a morality proper to man, and Man’s Life is its standard of value."
“All that which is proper to the life of a rational being is the good; all that which destroys it is the evil."
“Man’s life, as required by his nature, is not the life of a mindless brute, of a looting thug or a mooching mystic, but the life of a thinking being—not life by means of force or fraud, but life by means of achievement—not survival at any price, since there’s only one price that pays for man’s survival: reason."
Ayn Rand wrote “I am not primarily an advocate of capitalism, but of egoism; and I am not primarily an advocate of egoism, but of reason.”
—Ayn Rand
The following quotes are from Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This book has resurfaced and is being read more than ever. I read the book while in college working in the area of Philosophy. The quotes that follow depict values that were prevalent the many years ago when I was in college and again are prevalent now as we look at the economic and political situation in our country.
“I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men who are willing and able to buy it. . . . we deal as equals by mutual consent to mutual advantage and I am proud of every penny I have earned in this manner.”
“My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.” Productive achievement is a value that is critical to a philosophy of success. Producing a product that is needed and sold to another is a fundamental to value of self. To sit idly by and collect, live on and bask inthe achievements of others is of no value.
“Whoever you are, you who are hearing me now, I am speaking to whatever living remnant is left uncorrupted within you, to the remnant of the human, to your mind, and I say: There is a morality of reason, a morality proper to man, and Man’s Life is its standard of value.”
There was a gasp, not of indignation, but of astonishment, in the crowd behind him and silence from the judges he faced. He went on calmly:
"I am rich and I am proud of every penny I own. I made my money by my own effort, in free exchange and through the voluntary consent of of those who employed me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, the voluntary consent of those who buy my product. I shall answer all the questions you are afraid to ask me openly. Do I wish to pay my workers more than their services are worth to me? I do not. Do I wish to sell my product for less than my customers are willing to pay me? I do not. Do I wish to sell it at a loss or give it away? I do not. If this is evil, do whatever you please about me, according to whatever standards you hold.
Ayn Rand advocated a system of capitalism, by which she meant “a full, pure, uncontrolled, unregulated laissez-faire capitalism—with a separation of state and economics in the same way and for the same reasons as the separation of church and state.”
“I have held the same philosophy as I hold now, for as far back as I can remember. I have learned a great deal through the years and expanded my knowledge of details, of specific issues, of definitions, of applications and I intend to continue expanding it—but I have never had to change any of my fundamentals. My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute."
“I trust that no one will tell me that men such as as I write about don’t exist. That this book has been written—and published—is my proof that they do.”
Ayn Rand was both a novelist and a philosopher. She developed a full philosophical system, which she named Objectivism and it had a big impact on those of my generation who read it.
“Man has been called a rational animal, but rationality is a matter of choice—and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice." Do you take responsibility for your choices?
“A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality.
“Whoever you are, you who are hearing me now, I am speaking to whatever living remnant is left uncorrupted within you, to the remnant of the human, to your mind, and I say: There is a morality of reason, a morality proper to man, and Man’s Life is its standard of value."
“All that which is proper to the life of a rational being is the good; all that which destroys it is the evil."
“Man’s life, as required by his nature, is not the life of a mindless brute, of a looting thug or a mooching mystic, but the life of a thinking being—not life by means of force or fraud, but life by means of achievement—not survival at any price, since there’s only one price that pays for man’s survival: reason."
Ayn Rand wrote “I am not primarily an advocate of capitalism, but of egoism; and I am not primarily an advocate of egoism, but of reason.”
—Ayn Rand
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Buy Four, get three free.
Plan a vacation that's as affordable as it is memorable.
Buy a discounted 4-day/4-night package, that includes select Disney Value Resort accommodations and Theme Park tickets, and get three additional days and nights, with tickets, free.
Stay in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort--for stays most nights May 22-August 8, 2009 for:
$1421* For a family of four. That's like paying $51 per person, per day for this 7-night package.
AND RECEIVE A $200 DISNEY GIFT CARD FREE**
Book through March 29, 2009. For rated for travel February 15-March 8, March 22- April 4 and August 9-August 15 2009. Ask Destinationsinflorida.com and tell them I sent you:-)
* Price based on two adults, one junior and one child. The number of packages allocated for these offers is limited. Magic Your Way Base Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. NO group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations are required.
**One gift card per reservation provided at check-in. Disney Gift Card valid at select locations in Walt Disney World, Resort, Disneyland, Resort, Disney Cruise Line. U.S. Disney Store locations and Disneyshopping.com. Not redeemable for cash. Will not be replaced if lost or stolen without proof of purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Disney Gift Card Program. Issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. gift cards may not be used toward the purchase of Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Card. Other restrictions may apply. Use of card is acceptance of its terms and conditions.
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Five years ago today I watched a little baby with feet kicking and arms waving penetrate the very depth of my heart. Today he is five years old and continues to hold that place in my heart and has all the love possible from his Grammy. It seems five years have gone by so fast and he is growing into a very special little man. He still loves to come and visit at Grammy's house and I hope that will continue forever.
I am so fortunate to live close and see him and his little sister Hunter often. What a blessing to be a Grammy with close proximity to the grandchildren. Kelly has learned to walk, run, play tennis, swim, read, paint, and give love. He is the best there is and of course, I will always think just a little bit better than anyone else. That is a Grammy's view and you will not change it. My heart just swells when I hear the little voice on the phone.."Grammy, where are you?" and the happiness when I say I am at home so he can come over and visit.
Five years have gone by so fast and it is hard to imagine how strong love can grow in such a short time but he has my heart, love grows each day, and I am truly blessed.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The minute I stepped off the airplane in Indianapolis, I knew this was not the time of year to visit the North. I could see my breath as I walked down the jetway into the terminal and the weather deteriorated from that point on. I had left New Orleans on an alternate flight as the one I was scheduled on with Delta was so late I would miss the last connection in Memphis. They moved me from a first class on Delta to a middle seat on a US Scare and then to a bullet shaped object that resembled a toy airplane. One seat on one side and two on the other. I was fortunate as I was in the side with two seats, on the aisle and had enough knee room to keep my kneecaps out of my front teeth. As I said, it was cold when I landed. My son Tom, met me at the plane and we proceeded down to the luggage retrieval area to find my bag with my hat, coat, gloves and all the warm clothes I had packed.
Guess what, US Scare could not find my bag...of course, they blamed Northworst and the saga started. Tom had the foresight to bring me a jacket, gloves and a hat so we proceeded to the parking lot. OMG(Gosh to those of you who think I would say something bad), it was COOOOOLLLLDDD. Memories came rushing back of North Dakota and Minnesota...the frost on the windshield, the cold seats, the necessity to warm up a car, not pleasant memories.
The rest of the visit was wonderful, a visit to the Indianpolis Children's Museum with trains, dinosaurs and my favorite, Chihuly Glass was a great part of the trip.
We went to a USA swim meet to see Nora race in the free, fly, back and breast stroke and had some great dinners, did a little shopping and just hung out together. It was great seeing Tom and hearing of all his achievements but I can't help but wish he were closer to us in Florida.
What do I miss most when I travel, Kelly and Hunter of course. I am anxious to hear the little voice say to me.."Grammy, where are you?" and I will know I am in their thoughts too.
And the airplane book you ask? Gitomer this time with wonderful advice. I have read this before and probably had it on this site, but recommend several reads of any Gitomer book.
Guess what, US Scare could not find my bag...of course, they blamed Northworst and the saga started. Tom had the foresight to bring me a jacket, gloves and a hat so we proceeded to the parking lot. OMG(Gosh to those of you who think I would say something bad), it was COOOOOLLLLDDD. Memories came rushing back of North Dakota and Minnesota...the frost on the windshield, the cold seats, the necessity to warm up a car, not pleasant memories.
The rest of the visit was wonderful, a visit to the Indianpolis Children's Museum with trains, dinosaurs and my favorite, Chihuly Glass was a great part of the trip.
We went to a USA swim meet to see Nora race in the free, fly, back and breast stroke and had some great dinners, did a little shopping and just hung out together. It was great seeing Tom and hearing of all his achievements but I can't help but wish he were closer to us in Florida.
What do I miss most when I travel, Kelly and Hunter of course. I am anxious to hear the little voice say to me.."Grammy, where are you?" and I will know I am in their thoughts too.
And the airplane book you ask? Gitomer this time with wonderful advice. I have read this before and probably had it on this site, but recommend several reads of any Gitomer book.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
JOHN CHOW IS HAVING A GREAT GIVE AWAY!!!
OIO Publisher Direct Give Away
written by John Chow on January 5th, 2009
Make $5,000 per month from home!
OIOPublisher is the best solution for bloggers trying to sell direct advertising. Before this awesome piece of software came along, I would always recommend new bloggers use 3rd party ad networks instead of selling ads directly because you need to concentrate on producing content when you’re starting out.
What OIOPublisher automates the ad buying process so you can concentrate on blogging instead of selling. By using OIOPublisher, advertisers can order, pay for and upload their ads directly to your blog. The only thing you have to do is approve the ad. If you get a sale, then great! If not, then OIOPublisher will run ads from the ad networks or your own house ads until you do. Some of the other features include:
* Possible to integrate the ad platform with any website that uses PHP
* Purchase / account pages are now templated, editable within the admin area
* Text links are now controlled via zones (like banner ads)
* Works with PayPal and PayPal Subscription
* Full javascript ad display support
* Entrecard Payment option integrated
The software will work on any website that use PHP. Wordpress users get an easy to install plugin. OIOPublisher Direct sells for $47 and is worth every penny. However, I have two copies to give away.
How To Enter
To enter for a chance to win one of two copies of OIOPublisher Direct, simply reply to this post. It doesn’t get easier than that! You only need to reply once. Replying multiple times won’t get you more entries. However, if you blog about this contest and link to this post, I’ll give you five more entries. I give you three more entries if you send the following tweet to your followers.
Win a copy of OIOPublisher Direct from @JohnChowDotCom. It automates ad sales for your blog. Enter here! http://xr.com/lnf
The contest deadline is Friday, January 30. The winners will be drawn on Saturday, January 31 at Dot Com Pho. Good luck and enter now!
Download OIOPublisher Direct
OIO Publisher Direct Give Away
written by John Chow on January 5th, 2009
Make $5,000 per month from home!
OIOPublisher is the best solution for bloggers trying to sell direct advertising. Before this awesome piece of software came along, I would always recommend new bloggers use 3rd party ad networks instead of selling ads directly because you need to concentrate on producing content when you’re starting out.
What OIOPublisher automates the ad buying process so you can concentrate on blogging instead of selling. By using OIOPublisher, advertisers can order, pay for and upload their ads directly to your blog. The only thing you have to do is approve the ad. If you get a sale, then great! If not, then OIOPublisher will run ads from the ad networks or your own house ads until you do. Some of the other features include:
* Possible to integrate the ad platform with any website that uses PHP
* Purchase / account pages are now templated, editable within the admin area
* Text links are now controlled via zones (like banner ads)
* Works with PayPal and PayPal Subscription
* Full javascript ad display support
* Entrecard Payment option integrated
The software will work on any website that use PHP. Wordpress users get an easy to install plugin. OIOPublisher Direct sells for $47 and is worth every penny. However, I have two copies to give away.
How To Enter
To enter for a chance to win one of two copies of OIOPublisher Direct, simply reply to this post. It doesn’t get easier than that! You only need to reply once. Replying multiple times won’t get you more entries. However, if you blog about this contest and link to this post, I’ll give you five more entries. I give you three more entries if you send the following tweet to your followers.
Win a copy of OIOPublisher Direct from @JohnChowDotCom. It automates ad sales for your blog. Enter here! http://xr.com/lnf
The contest deadline is Friday, January 30. The winners will be drawn on Saturday, January 31 at Dot Com Pho. Good luck and enter now!
Download OIOPublisher Direct
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Merry Christmas. What a beautiful time of the year in Florida. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Kelly and Hunter, Tim and Allison. Tom will be in Indianapolis with Brenna and Nora. They are having weather that is much worse than ours. I've been making fleece hats to keep us warm at night here in Florida. Yes, it does get cold in the evenings this time of year. We had to wear hats and jackets to St. Augustine last night to view the lights and visit Winter Wonderland. After a great dinner at the Columbia restaurant we wandered through Elf Village and Candy Cane Lane.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Great fun at Mousefest 2008. We had an opportunity to go on a tour with Steve Barrett who wrote the Hidden Mickey guides for both Disney World and Disneyland. I had no idea how many hidden characters, mostly Mickey's, are in the parks. Steve suggested there are close to 1000 so finding them could be a really fun challenge when visiting the parks. If you plan to visit the parks don't forget to go to Destinationsinflorida.com to find tickets, hotels, food venues, and other information. The owner of the site lived in Orlando, did her residency at Disney and is now one of the top agencies for Disney.
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| Make a Smilebox postcard |
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I spent three wonderful nights on a Disney Cruise recently with my oldest son and two grandchildren, Kelly and Hunter. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation and one that I could recommend to anyone. It would be especially great for consultants who work Sunday through Thursday as you can leave Thursday from Port Canaveral at noon and return by Sunday at 7 am in time to fly out to your next engagement. The cruise went to Nassau in the Bahamas and then on to Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is the Island that Disney owns. It had a pirate ship, beautiful beaches and a great bar-b-que.
Disney has fantastic attention to detail and the customer service is incredible. Everyone stopped to make sure our cruise was going as planned. They also stopped to talk with the grandchildren and every character on the ship stopped to say Hello to them. They also stayed in the children's area one night while we went to an adult dinner. The caretakers provided regular messages so we knew how the grandchildren were doing in the play areas.
My cabin was on the outside of the ship with a very large port hole window which gave me the opportunity to lay in bed at night and watch the waves and other ships go in the opposite direction. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets added to the enjoyment. To see all the pictures from the cruise, go to my flickr site.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Working in New Orleans at the National Finance Center. We stay downtown at one of the Renaissance Hotels so we are within walking distance of many wonderful restaurants. It is hard to diet in New Orleans.
I have been learning a new skill and am now a pretty good UPK developer. We have a very small team so it is easy to get to know one another.
The flights are not bad and certainly better than the coast to coast flights on the last few projects.
The pictures are some of the destruction that has not been addressed. Bourbon and Royal are pretty much as usual with the smells on Bourbon and the Antiques on Royal. Still lots of music and street people.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Working In New Orleans again and noting some of the changes. There are many buildings still in a state of disrepair scattered among those that have been totally rebuilt. We went down to Jackson Square last week and Royal and Bourbon have changed very little. Still dirty, smelly but lots of activity.
Kelly and Hunter are preparing for the upcoming Halloween Party. They are such a joy and truly give life meaning. They had sleep overs at Grammys and we went to St. Augustine, rode the "Red" train and played miniture golf. What a great day.
Kelly and Hunter are preparing for the upcoming Halloween Party. They are such a joy and truly give life meaning. They had sleep overs at Grammys and we went to St. Augustine, rode the "Red" train and played miniture golf. What a great day.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
I went back to New Orleans this week. It was an interesting week and Metairie really hasn't changed much. The drive to the NASA building brought visions of empty homes, broken windows, damaged buildings and in many areas just general disrepair and destruction. It is hard to believe that areas still have not been cleaned out and many homes look as though they may never be rebuilt.
I read a book on the plane Which I can recommend. It is called "Shut up, Stop Whining & Get Life" By Larry Wingate. I thought it might be edgy but really had some good information. Like all books, you don't agree with everything but fundamentally it is a good book with information that can make you better. Many of the things he states, cannot be argued with and he has an approach to business, relationships, religion, money and stress that is a "get er done", results based approach. Worth the read
We didn't make it downtown so I am hoping next week our travels will take us at least to Jackson Square for a cup of Louisiana Coffee. We are working at the NASA facility which is out past the old six flags amusement park. The park is closed but the large rollercoasters and other rides stand abandoned like large dinosaurs or a forest of with large streams of metal trees and streams.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
I have a grandson who loves pirates. I thought others might be interested in the pirate cake and party as well. It is such fun to be able to do the little extra things for grandchildren, things you may not have been able to do with your own children. When my children were growing up I tried to spend as much time with them as possible, but being the primary support, this wasn't always possible. It is difficult for a working parent to do the little extra things that are such fun. I did manage to have parties for them and it was always such fun and brought them such joy. They are older now with their own children and are doing a better job than I did at parties for the wee ones. I am grateful they both have loving partners to help them provide for and give love to my grandchildren. Take some time out today to do some little thing for your children, your grandchildren, or just have a party for yourself:-).
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Having a pirate party? Celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19? Ahoy there matey, this pirate cake will be an instant hit with any budding swashbuckler. This article assumes that you already have the cake (madeira sponge); you can either make one or purchase one.
How to Make a Pirate Cake
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Having a pirate party? Celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19? Ahoy there matey, this pirate cake will be an instant hit with any budding swashbuckler. This article assumes that you already have the cake (madeira sponge); you can either make one or purchase one.
Ingredients
- madeira sponge cake
- buttercream
- chocolate sticks
- chocolate coins
- mint imperials (round mints)
- sugared miniature gems
- yellow cocktail sugar or yellow sherbet
Steps
- Add the buttercream. Cover the whole of the madeira cake in buttercream using a palette knife. This will help the chocolate sticks stick to the cake.
- Add the chocolate sticks.
- Stick chocolate sticks to the long side of the cake.
- Alternate them from side to side, as shown in this image.
- Fill the gaps by cutting more chocolate sticks to length. Repeat on the other side.
- Fill the ends with more sticks cut down to size.
- Stick chocolate sticks to the long side of the cake.
- Make "sand". Spread a rough layer of buttercream on the cake board around the chest.
- Use a spoon to sprinkle the yellow sugar over the buttercream.
- Use a spoon to sprinkle the yellow sugar over the buttercream.
- Place the treasure on top.
- Cover the top of the cake with chocolate coins, and place a few around the sides of the chest to make it look like the treasure's overflowing.
- Use mint imperials and mini gems to make necklaces and jewels.
- Cover the top of the cake with chocolate coins, and place a few around the sides of the chest to make it look like the treasure's overflowing.
- Place the characters amidst the treasure. Complete the scene by positioning a few pirate characters and toys around the chest.
- If wished, put a few bits of toy treasure in the cake. Just be sure to take anything inedible off the cake before you serve it, especially if this is for very young children.
- If wished, put a few bits of toy treasure in the cake. Just be sure to take anything inedible off the cake before you serve it, especially if this is for very young children.
Tips
- If you cannot find some of the candies/sweets/lollies mentioned above, substitute with ones that you have in your region, using your imagination to find suitable shapes.
Things You'll Need
- Clean workspace
- Palette knife
- Clean pirate figures
- Serving platter/cake stand
Related wikiHows
- How to Make a Fire Breathing Dragon Cake
- How to Make a 3D Dinosaur Birthday Cake
- How to Have a Pirate Party for Kids or Adults
- How to Have a Pirate Costume Party
- How to Act Like a Pirate
- How to Talk Like a Pirate
Sources and Citations
- VideoJug. A video of making a pirate cake; original source of article. Shared with permission and appreciation.
- Original creator of cake: expert Sugarcrafter Jan Clement-May and sugarcraft school, Squires Kitchen.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Pirate Cake. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Going to Kansas City....what a great week. The weather in Kansas City was great and the training went well. It was a time to get to know our team better and we all enjoyed the evenings out.
You can tell by the smiling faces that is wasn't all work. Colin and Bob enjoyed sitting on the Fish Bench in front of Red Lobster on Metcalf Road. Sharon provided the navigation system to get us there and we all enjoyed a great dinner.
Those of you who have worked with Bob Patti remember he was called 212 because he was from New York. New Yorkers have a certain approach to the world and work that sets them apart.
If you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, read the book 212 and see that a single degree can make all the difference. Sometimes it is not the big things that make a difference but the small steps that make the difference big. Buy it and read it on the airplane between stops. Very easy read.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I just finished reading The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn. It is a great book and a quick read. After reading it I think I want to be a Fred and follow the idea that everyone can choose to be exceptional. This is a book about Fred the Postman and I would recommend it to anyone who is building a team, managing a project, or wanting to make a difference in their lives. Some great concepts.."Measure what you Treasure", "no unimportant jobs, just people who feel unimportant doing their jobs." Go read it tonight and look at the world through glasses of awareness with a change in attitude, moving forward with action and making sure you accomplish something.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Another day in Dallas. Last night we went to dinner at a restaurant that had a slide. Yes, I did give it a try as the attached video will demonstrate. The food was excellent, and the company was fun. Too bad I didn't have my cowboy boots with me to do the boot scootin boogie as they had a great dance floor and even a band.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Flew into Dallas yesterday with only a one hour delay in Atlanta. It is Delta after all!! The location in Dallas is great and we are walking distance from the hotel to the office.
Tom is going in for surgery on his arm this morning. Brenna will be with him. They are doing twilight sleep so I am afraid he will hear some of it, but they did ensure his arm would not feel anything for about 12 hours. They will be putting an internal pin and an external pin and adjusting the external pin over the next few months to put the wrist back into position. I hope this is the end of the mountain bike urban assault adventures.
Tom is going in for surgery on his arm this morning. Brenna will be with him. They are doing twilight sleep so I am afraid he will hear some of it, but they did ensure his arm would not feel anything for about 12 hours. They will be putting an internal pin and an external pin and adjusting the external pin over the next few months to put the wrist back into position. I hope this is the end of the mountain bike urban assault adventures.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
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Friday, August 22, 2008
We are now under a tornado warning in our area. Rain just keeps pouring down and there seems to be no let up. The beaches are eroding and homes near Vilano Beach are threatened. I've put a few videos up to give you an idea of what it is like here but I am in a pretty protected area, although it is close to the intra-coastal so flooding is more likely here. The kids are losing trees and trying to keep the pool drained as it is continuing to overflow. This was supposed to end at noon but it is well past that and Fay seems to like our area as she is not moving away.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
OK, where does time go and why do the days go faster and faster as we age? Probably because there are so many more important people in your life as your children age and you become a Grammy. I have been attending tennis lessons each week with Kelly and it is just such a joy to watch all the little ones playing tennis. The heat in Florida this week is pretty unbearable as the ocean winds are blowing in the wrong direction. Minnesota was bearable however, when a bear ran across the hood of Uncle Mac's car while he was driving toward Grand Rapids, MN. Then I got a great email from a friend in the Northeast who sent pictures of baby moose running through a sprinkle as Mommy moose looked on. Are baby moose called meeses? Enough for today. Trying to improve on the blogging so hopefully you are following.
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