Monday

Thanks again for all the effort everyone put into the reunion. It was wonderful to reconnect even though there are so many of us now it was hard to spend enough time with each one. We made it to Niagara Falls today and walked around some. Traffic was light but we did go through some rain. The Pitts family gathering was rained upon, too, but the conversation was good and it was nice to see everyone. Eric & Joni got back to Dayton safely with Jason and Mozart. Jason flys home tomorrow. We plan on staying here for 2 more days. Lots to do and the Falls are amazing. After that, who knows.

SO excited for this weekend, though it just occurred to me that this means I should start thinking about packing. Not as easy as when it was just me throwing some clothes into a bag. Anyway...

We could definitely use some hugs this weekend. I'm going to give an update here so maybe we can avoid the subject altogether at the party because it's a sensitive one, especially for Scott. We've decided to take our house off the market and sell our property. While we were very excited about the prospect of building our dream house (and garden, and having a pole barn, etc...etc...), it just isn't coming together.

Without going into details, this is a better economic decision for our family for certain, and though we're sad to "give up" on some of the features of the new house that were really appealing to us, we're going to use some of our savings (to be used for a down payment) to make some changes to our current home, including remodeling the kitchen level, adding a half bath in the basement so we can put a guest room down there, and finishing off our garage. We're also going to put in new windows and carpeting on the bedroom level.

I am not altogether unhappy about this scenario, because I was worried about having such a big house and property (and mortgage) while Scott travels so much for work. I liked our "old" house, and our neighbors, and our neighborhood. I'd lived there for 7 years, which is longer than I've lived ANYWHERE. But Scott is not as relieved, so I feel for him.

As Candi said on Facebook, it's not the space that matters; it's the memories and the love.

Anyway, that's the scoop. Can't wait to see you all!

Reunion FAST approaching!!!

Getting excited about the upcoming reunion...Jason arrives a week from today and then the four of us (Eric, Jason, me & Mozart) will head north on Friday. Greatly looking forward to seeing everyone!

Sprucing up

New shingles have been going on the house in between rain days. Hopefully next week we'll get a few days in a row & that will be done. Then new vinyl siding to replace the wood & new gutters. Phew. I'm tired just thinking about it. Good thing all I have to do is watch.

A Record

That's right, 3 successive days of swimming and no nap. Dad/g'pa and I got a new microwave oven in the house(a sight for two old folks)and installed. Phew! Now pay bills online and do dishes. Fun!

WHATTA WEEK!

The only bad thing about vacations is the amount of work you have to do to catch up. Since I was already behind when I left, I'm even further out in left field now! I have a new staff and I've felt guilty about not being able to spend much time training her but we'll catch up on that somehow, too.

Ray and I bought hanging flowers last night (we're late this year) for the deck. They are so pretty and I don't have to spend hours planting and weeding. Hang 'em up and you're good to go.

NL coming soon so I'll save some chat for then. Can't wait to see everyone at the reunion!

HOME

Guess I'm catching up as only 1 nap does the trick now. I started exercising in the pool today(EARLY)when the temp is less than 80.
G'pa's cold seems some better and the antibiotic will continue for 4 more days. Starting to seriosly think about our trip to MI and hope the weather stays under 90 for us. NO plans yet.
Cathching up on mail, laundry and e-mail. Enjoying talking to you folks as you phone.
You are right Tracy, it is easy to take what we have for granted. That was never more evident than when we were in Europe.

Just posted a lengthy post on our family blog, so I'll keep this short. Welcome back to the world travelers...you have been missed! G&G, no advice on jet lag. In my younger days I powered through and forced myself to adjust to the time change, but I know that's a lot easier at 30 than it is 40, so can't imagine how you guys are feeling.

I sure missed being able to pick up the phone and call my mom whenever I wanted. I'd think, "well, I'll just call Gram then." DOH! Guess I take you guys for granted!

Another gorgeous day here, and we have plans to meet friends at the park this morning. Tonight I get a girl's night out with my golf partner from last year. Not sure if we'll golf or just gab, but I'm looking forward to it regardless.

Can't wait for the McQ reunion in just a few weeks!!! We're working on containment units for the tots as we speak.

Tuesday

Welcome back to the USA, M, D, & S. Jamie, so glad you and the children are ok. It's the end of the school year tomorrow for kids. I plan to work as many days as possible over the summer but look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it at the reunion.

Welcome back weary travelers...

Hang in there G-ma & G-pa...it gets better. Jet lag is one of those things that can't be rushed - it will run it's own course.
Glad to have you back on this side of The Pond! xoxo

SLEEP

Again today I'm having trouble with jet lag. Gads, what would it be like if I had to make a living flying?
G'pa is trying to have a cold that was spread by someone on our trip. Sandy had/has the cough too and I'm worried about the end results. Antibiotics were needed to help the gal and she got quite sick before Fr.David made her go to the doctor.
Temp today at 5a.m. was 83degrees.

HOME SLEEP

Today has been a sleep day. On and off. This time up I did feel like doing the dishes but meals are get your own, so far. All unpacked and laundry finshed. Odds and ends to put away, then get started on trip to Michigan.
Jamie, how fortunate you are. That happened to me and I was going about 5mph, just over a railroad track. Scarey.
To all others have a wonderful summer. Our temp. is over 90 degrees as I write.

virus

For non-Facebookers, there's a virus loose in my electronic communications. Delete anything unusual from me. Guess I caught it opening an email attachment from Jason, of all people.

posts

Marc, your grandmother religiously keeps an eye on this site. Ask her upon their return if she remembers your posts. On my occasional visits, I've seen 2 posts by you, 1 the most recent. The NL mentioned some things about the reunion, too. Personally have not noticed random deletion of comments.
BTW, went to a concert at DTE music theatre Sunday night. Watch the NL for details.