Blog Bug!

Well, as you can see the Blog Bug has hit me also. I'm still experimenting with the software and redesigning my site so there will probably be more changes before I am satisfied. Please feel free to make comments or suggestions, as long as they're nice. :-) The links for the picture galleries and other pages are on the sidebar.

The only effects from Alberto were a little wind and some much-needed rain. Believe it or not we're still more than 10 inches below normal. I'm still trying to get the lawn and flower beds in order and then I can tackle my other projects. I'll probably run out of time before I get them all finished.

New Pictures

New pictures have been added to the picture galleries - my Chicago trip, our new motorhome, the Charlotte race, and Sarah's dance recital.

School is out and I've been keeping busy. I have a huge list of projects I want to complete and the first one is trying to get the landscaping back under control. It's amazing how fast weeds grow even without rain!

We took our new motorhome to Charlotte to the races over Memorial Day week-end. I actually drove it and survived. It sure is bigger and more drivable than our first Class A. Bob is in seventh heaven with his backup camera, slides, and leveling jacks. Check out the pictures.

Sarah is spending Mondays and Tuesdays with us for the month of June as Mindi is taking a summer session class. We enjoy having her and she enjoys the pool. I need to take some pictures and post them.

It's less than a month to our 06 vacation trip. Gotta get busy and get everything and everyone prepared and organized.

Summer Plans

We have finalized our summer vacation plans! We're traveling to Pennsylvania to visit with family and friends and then on to New Hampshire and Maine. I've never been further north than Massachusetts so it will be uncharted territory for me. We hope to be able to use the Travel Blog to post our adventures and pictures.

Our Itinerary:

7/3 - 7/6 Tioga PA

7/6 - 7/8 Twin Mountain NH

7/8 - 7/11 Bar Harbor ME

7/11 - 7/12 Middleboro MA

7/12 - 7/13 Atlantic City NJ

7/13 - 7/14 to home

14 people came to our house for Easter dinner. Check out the pictures in the Family Photo section. Mike is still working the bugs out of the Gallery software so I haven't kept up to date on my pictures.

Next week-end (April 30th) I will be flying to Chicago for the International Reading Conference. Another new place to explore! Our school is sending 12 teachers and I was lucky to be chosen as one of the participants. I'm going to have to put some thought into my packing as Chicago weather is going to be very different from our current 90° weather.

Home!

:( Well, we're back home and everyone is a bit depressed that our vacation is now over. Our flight back was uneventful though we were concerned about Hurricane Dennis as we were flying from Las Vegas to Atlanta and then on to Tampa. We got in and out of Atlanta with few problems (we must have timed it just right!) and the weather in Tampa was clear. Bob and I have decided that an entire week spent in just Vegas is too much. Two or three days and then on to some place new seems to be a better option. We just didn't feel that we had gotten in enough sight-seeing so we'll have to remember that for next year. Now if Bob could only win the Lottery . . .

More sightseeing!

Yesterday, the 7th, was a "visit the attractions in Vegas" day. Mindi, Chris, and Sarah went to the Stratosphere so Chris could ride the 4 rides located at the top of the tower. The rides managed to impress Chris who considers himself a connoisseur of thrill rides. Then we all went to the Mirage to check out Sigfried and Roy's Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden. The dolphins were fun to watch as they were quite playful.

Today, the 8th, we went to the Valley of Fire. We left very early to try and beat the heat (106 degrees). The rock formations and petroglyphs were very interesting and we saw a jack rabbit, some eagles, and lots of chipmunks. We took the scenic route home through the mountains.

Hoover Dam

Today we saw the Hoover Dam from the Lake Mead side. We took a cruise aboard the Desert Princess which took us up the Black Canyon to the dam. Very scenic with the contrast between the stark rocks and the bright blue water. We were surprised at how much lower the water was than the last time we visited the dam. Any sight-seeing really needs to be done early in the day due to the excessive heat so the rest of the day was spent lazing around. Bob tried the casinos again but still didn't have any luck. He decided that the nickel slots at least give you more play time before you lose your money! Tomorrow is another stay around town day. Friday will be Valley of Fire.

Happy Birthday, Mindi!

Another "take it easy" day. Mindi celebrated her birthday with a Swedish massage at the spa. Bob and I cruised the Strip via the Monorail. The only one with any luck at the casinos was me. Unusual! We went to the dinner show at the Excalibur in the evening to see the Tournament of Kings. Sarah enjoyed the horses but didn't like the cannons. Tomorrow we're going to do some real sight-seeing. We're going to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. My idea of a vacation! :D