FLOWERS AND MORE FLOWERS

MONDAY:
I didn't sleep well last night again so things are rough today.  But I walked outside and looked at our patio and pool area and it is absolutely beautiful.  All the work over the last few days is a big payoff.  I can't wait until the water (now at 45 degrees) is warm enough to go swimming.  What a treat!  We have it all.  Life is good.
 
I just read an interesting article on face book about "captions" under photos.  The man's instructions were; don't tell people what they can see-tell them the background that made the photo.  Interesting concept.  I always thought the caption was to get readers to look at the photo.  

OUR BEAUTIFUL POOL!
OPTION: THE POOL IS STILL VERY DIRTY.  
BOB HAS SPENT ALL MORNING BRUSHING THE BOTTOM AND SIDES.
OPENING THE POOL IS ALOT OF WORK.

 

Cinderella

 Our gentle, loving, beautiful puppy is suffering.  We think she had a stroke.  For the last three days, she has been holding her left paw up and walking very, very slow.  She did not recognize Betsy on Sunday morning.  Now we are carrying her up and down the stairs and out to the lawn and bringing her food to her.  She seems very weak.  It's so hard to watch.  If this is it, I hope God is kind to her.  Who knows how much she is suffering.  I wanted to bring her to the Vet's but Betsy said, "why subject her to more trauma?"  I guess that would be true.  She was 12 years old in February.  We are cuddling her in blankets.

 

TUESDAY: 

I've had this rhodendrum plant for 3-4 years and this is the first time it has  had blossoms.  Nice to know it's pink!  I have two others that are white.
We went to the grocery store today.  I'm hoping the meat purchases help me to plan a meal better.  At least, I have more choices.

It was really hot out today.  We need the predicted rain to cool things off some.  We made our after supper coffee and went out to sit under the gazebo in the breeze; not too long and it started raining.  So much for that.

I've been working on my photos from our Washington, D.C. trip.  My new pic folio album was delivered yesterday and I put the photos in it after supper, today I'm adding some journaling.  Later in the evening, Bob helped me pick out photos of Sarah's Masters graduation to add to her Bryant pic folio.  Along with those, I picked a few more photos to get developed of Ride For Roswell 2012.  One is never caught up with so much happening.

We cancelled our room reservations for the wedding this weekend as Bob does not feel good and he doesn't want to put on a suit.  He is still wearing loose fitting shirts.  Most of the shingle blisters have shed their scabs and the bright red is turning an amber color; similar to a black and blue mark. 

We called our grandson, Alex, on Face Time to see if the tornado's were anywhere near his location at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma.  They were not; thank God.  Our prayers go out to all those people who were in the path of it.    

 
WEDNESDAY:
 Betsy came home from work and took Cinderella to the Vets.  She had a 10:30 appointment.  About the same time, one of her work associates came to pick up the PVC piping from the solar heating unit that we had taken down.  (Get that junk off my patio) This young man is 6' 9" at least.  He has to stoop to enter our garage over head door.  He makes a Haunted House each Halloween and he wanted the piping to blow fog thru to different locations.  He even has a techno (something or other) electric chair in the display.  We had also asked if he wanted the last of our wall dividers that we had used for craft shows.  It's been 13 years since we quit crafting and haven't thought of a use for them so get rid of them.  Bob and George loaded up his truck! 

Betsy returned about noon, Cinder had a dislocated shoulder.  They popped it back in place and sent her home with meds for the week.  No problem with her heart.  Yeah!  
THURSDAY: 
I forgot to write.  I paid bills in the morning and allocated the debits.  Not to exciting.  The afternoon was head to Lockport for a perm at the beauty shop. 

Debbie and Annalynn prepared a great supper for us on the Bar b-q.  Roast pork loin, vegetables and salad.  Yummy.  I had brought my scrapbook as I had questions for journaling about the DC race.  I also brought Debbie's birthday present as they will be traveling in Europe on her birthday.  Rocco is on a Board of Directors whose meeting is being held there somewhere.

Now you all have to know; when Bob is in the presence of our family nurse (Debbie) out pours all the ailments.  Ha!  It's true, he would tell you himself.  Anyway, all the meds for shingles has been long gone and Bob is still clutching his rib cage.  Debbie said,  you ought to take some of that nitro that you carry on your hip when that happens.  Unknown if that is the answer he wanted to hear but he has promised to tell me if he does use the nitro.  Maybe a hidden problem sticking it's ugly nose out again, time will tell.


FRIDAY:
Bob and I did a marathon today.  Well, it felt like it.  We went shopping, right here in Batavia, from one store to the next.  I wanted some new gold & silver pens from Michael's as mine are all kaput.  Bob needed stuff at Home Depot again so I checked out the flowers on sale.  88 cents a piece.  (Debbie had bought some Thursday) They are so small, I hope they flower before fall gets here.  Then to the pool place, then to supper @ Denny's, and then BJ's.  Oh, I forgot Target.  Every where we went, we looked at grills.  Bob wants one with the ultra scoring, or some such thingie.  Okay Bob.
I found a different type of raft in the pool place.  It's thick plastic  and doesn't need blown up.  Bet Bob was sorry he asked me into that place.  I could have had a piece of jewelry from Michael Kors' for that price.  I see it, I need it! 

After getting home and storing everything, I picked up an old book as I'm out of reading material again.  It's the third time that I have read it.  SEA BISCUIT-a small horse with a big heart who became famous when he beat War Admiral in 1938 and about his owner who became a millionaire when he finally sold Buick's to end the horse driven era.  It's enjoyable.

 SATURDAY:
A heart breaking morning.  We have been watching a deer out back in the field; there was one last year that had her fawn there.  We hadn't seen the fawn yet.  I was up early (6:00 am) and I watched a confrontation between the deer and a coyote.  She was determined and walked right at it.  Then walked away to mislead it, maybe.  The coyote laid down and stayed nearby.  I went back to bed.  When I got up, Bob was gone and had left me a note.  The coyote was chewing on something in the field.  We will never know for sure but I'll bet he got the fawn.  Breaks me up. 
We hung around the house all day. yesterday was enough shopping. 
SUNDAY:
I think we are done planting.  I have done enough.  Hope it looks good in a couple weeks.

 

 

 



OUT BY THE SHED.

Eric was here to pick up a hitch for his car so he can rent a U-Haul and take furniture back to Utica.  He and two others have found a new apartment.  It will  be his Senior year.  We had a great visit and enjoyed lunch together.




I'm tired from working outside in the wind.  I'm also having trouble with the pictures jumping all over but where I want them.  I have little patience for this.  I'll take a break.



AZALEA FULL OF FLOWERS

 

We have had supper and are ready to sit in front of the TV for the rest of the night.  Thanks for clicking in.  Hope you have a great holiday weekend and think and pray for all our veterans. 

GOLDEN GRAM

GRADUATIONS AND HOUSE BEAUTIFUL (OUTSIDE)

 

MONDAY:

Back to regular routine for me.  Laundry and computer.

Our friend, Judge Jae needed to take a driver's test to get the "R" on his license for his new motor home.  It's required if your driving a vehicle over 26500 pounds.  It's called a Recreation Vehicle Endorsement.  It's a law that someone with the "R" has to ride with an applicant until they pass.  Judge Jae had invited Bob to go along since Bob has taken the test and has the "R".  Judge Jae passed the first time.  We are happy for him. 




DMV TESTER ANNOUNCES JUDGE JAE PASSED HIS RV ENDORSEMENT..



TUESDAY:

NO BIG HURRY TODAY!   I took my time about the morning duties. 
Annalynn sent the YouTube of her graduation to Bob.  (He was home with Shingles)   Bob fiddled around with the program and he was able to put it up on the big TV.  I saw more of the speakers and students than I did sitting in the auditorium.  Bob worked with the tape and was able to take pictures of Annalynn actually getting her diploma. 
I was doing some posting and Bob kept calling me-"look at this!"  Is it any wonder that I screw up the checkbook. 

ANNALYNN

WEDNESDAY:

After breakfast and morning duties, I called the Rite Aide pharmacy to see what time they wanted me to come for my Shingles shot.  Their answer was now or anytime.  So I told them I would be right down.  It was painless.  He put the shot under my arm in the fatty area!  It doesn't go in the muscle; just under the skin.  So now I hold my breath in wonder as to what reaction I will get from this. 

Severe wind storm around 1:30 today.  It wrecked our canvas on the gazebo.   We had to take it all down so it wouldn't rip anymore.
Looks like it lifted the frame and pushed it up against the fence.  Man, Bob poured cement down in the pillars so that wouldn't happen.  Still not enough weight; I guess.

41 MILE PER HOUR WINDS!

WICKED WIND

That evening, Bob and I worked in the garage using the sewing machine to reinforce and reconnect tabs, seams, and Velcro.  It was running late so we decided to finish in the morning.

MY HELPER  
 SEWING THE VELCRO
AND TABS ON CANVAS OF GAZEBO

THURSDAY:

We hopped out of bed about 6:30 am to say good by and safe travels to Betsy.  She is driving to Boston, then back to Providence with Sarah for Sarah's Masters graduation. 

We worked another hour or so patching the canvas for the gazebo.  It is still windy so we aren't putting it back on the frame yet.

While digging the furniture out from under the deck, we found some more wine bottles that hadn't been drilled.  They are all light colored ones.  So Bob had moved them into garage and today he drilled the holes.  I squirted the anti-freeze mixture.  Now to peal the labels off and make the corks fit then send to the girls to decorate.  They will probably kill us as they needed them long ago and we thought we had used them all.  Of course, no one will admit who put them under the deck. 

We put the canvas back on the gazebo. 

Well, I've had enough of store bought cookies, time to make some.
I used chocolate chips and butter brickle crunch and they are toooooo sweet.  At 4:00 pm with our coffee, we can pig out and then get ready to watch Sarah's graduation at 5:00pm.  After that I will make supper.  

SARAH AT THE CEREMONY

SHE GOT IT! 
 SO PROUD OF YOU SARAH! 

We watched the whole graduation.  What a thrill, not to miss it and we didn't have to travel there.  Technology has come along way.  We spotted Sarah in the procession; the only girl with sun glasses on.  Bob took several photos off the TV but they didn't come out as good as Annalynn's.  Wonder why?  Now Sarah belongs to the hood!

While making the cookies, Bob had a guy come who was connected with the Office For The Aging.  Bob had been there to inquire about the handy man availability.  They hadn't called so he had given up hope.   He wants help getting the remains of the solar piping off the deck roof.  It is so ruined now and full of pin holes, it's useless.    Bob just doesn't feel good enough to go up on the roof; the man promised to come tomorrow.  We'll see.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:

The handyman was here at 10:00.  He had all his own tools and preceded to go on the roof.  All the solar tubing is down now and he patched the holes that were left.     What a relief to have that job done.  Bob and I rolled it up and it's ready for the trash pickup.

REMOVING THE SOLAR PANELS



 

THE PANELS


And we have one more graduation to be happy about!  David and Donna went to see Erin's (Alex's fiancee) graduation and sent us some photos.

 



ERIN IS A GRADUATE OF BROCKPORT UNIV. IN THE SCHOOL OF NURSING. 
CONGRATULATIONS ERIN!



 





DAVID, ERIN AND DONNA
SO HAPPY FOR YOU ERIN!.


(And for all my relatives-Alex and Erin have set a wedding date!  Please write down June 27, 2014.) 

 

 



WE REMOVED THE POOL COVER.

Back to my story of house beautiful!  So it's been work, work and more work. 

We pulled all the patio furniture out from under the deck and built the tables.   



PLANTING WAS WORKED IN ALSO. 
 I HAVE MY SIX POTS PLANTED FOR AROUND THE POOL AND MY IMPATIENTS IN ALONG THE FILTER SPACE. 



Since rain is predicted, Bob hopped on the lawn tractor and cut the grass.  What else for a weekend?  At least I didn't have to cook today as we picked up Clor's bar b que chicken dinners.  They cook for different fund raising groups.  We ate that at lunch time so now it's time for some cereal.

Time to post and wish you all a good week ahead.  Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM  






 

SHINGLES, are painful, Annalynn's graduation.

 MONDAY:

Well, with the weekend past, it's time to settle down to normal and hope for a quite week.  I usually start the wash and work on the computer but Betsy had purchased the ingredients for Southwest Stuffed Peppers so I decided to make them up this morning before I get tired. 

Bob was outside using the weed whacker while it was still cool outside.  Once it gets hot, he can't stand it.  The Shingles blisters look like they are healing. they have scabs. 

I had a couple phone calls; how's Bob?  Then one talks for 45 minutes and the day just goes by.  I called the Rite Aid pharmacy to reschedule my Shingles shot until next week. 
1) If you have had Chicken Pox; you can get Shingles from an exposed person. 
2)If you haven't had Chicken Pox; you can get them from a person who has Shingles.
3) If you have an altered immune system; it's very dangerous to get Shingles.
From what the druggist told me, the shot is a live virus and I would be contagious from it.  The kids have a Mother's Day Brunch planned and I don't want to miss that nor expose anyone,  So next week! 

TUESDAY:

Well, since my errand runner is out of commission; I had errands to do.  I went to the bank for gift money and with a couple deposits.  Then to Wal Mart for some grub.  The refrigerator is bare.  Man that's a big store and I had to back track for a couple items.  Not fun!

After lunch, when Bob went to nap, I was going to do a few things on computer.  However, the  Internet was down so that put the kabash on that idea.   I watched a movie instead. 

That evening, Bob painted all the window seals where an air conditioner is put in.  Then he washed the windows.  I cleaned the two bedrooms really good, moving items, down on the knees.  More like a crawl on the hips and belly.  I still try not to put any pressure on the stainless knee.

The news is frightful.  Israel, Syria, Benghazi and the Cleveland situation. 
David sent a couple of photos of the fence he had installed this week. 

I THINK DAVID SAID IT WAS VINYL REDWOOD.

NOW LOOK AT IT AT NIGHT. 
 SOLAR LIGHTS ON TOP OF POST!  I'm JEALOUS!

WEDNESDAY:

The earth rattled and shook today.  Just kidding!  Bob finished the lawn and then before supper he and Betsy put the air conditioners in the windows.  I was just a whipping @ cleaning behind him.  Once the air conditioners were moved off the porch, I cleaned out there too.
The guy called about the estimate to fix the old walk behind lawn mower and Bob decided $150.00 would be better spent towards a new one.  I drove him downtown to  buy it  and they needed a day to unpack it and set it up.  

THE BAGGER IS SMALLER.
 GOOD SIZE FOR OLD GREY HAIRS TO EMPTY.

THURSDAY:

More taxi cab driving!  Bob called to see if the lawn mower was ready, it was and he wanted to pick it up.  They loaded it up and we started home.  At the first red light (I hit the brakes to hard because I heard the mower moving ) the mower moved forwards and something hit the inside of car and the lawn mower starter was working to start it.  Bob had just started to light his pipe.  The fumes filled the car!  I'm yelling-"tell me what to do?"  (I'm in the middle turning lane)
He yells back-"I don't know.  He fumbled around and found something to hold to stop the grinding of starter.  When I could pull over, he said to go home.  Okay Bob.  I was nervous to say the least.
Bob needed more codeine pills (guess my driving is too hard on his nerves, ha)  so he called his doctor and they would do a script.  So I drove him up to Lockport to pick it up.  While there I bused thru Bon Ton, my favorite store while he waited in the car.  He was asleep when I returned to the car.
We arrived home at 5:00 pm. and couldn't wait for our 4:00 clock coffee.  No excuse needed, we called for take outs from Miss Batavia once Betsy was home. 
Later I asked Bob to help me order the photos of our Washington, DC. trip.  He wanted to try and use the program on the APPLE IMAC.  We did and he thought it much easier than sending them to WalMart or where ever.  They were .12 each photo.  My plans for 4 pages of photos expanded to 15 pages in A pic folio scrapbook.  I just couldn't cut back and have the full story.  Sign of a true scraper!

I'm tired now and going up to read.  Nightie, night!

FRIDAY:

Yesterday, Donna sent photos of their trip to NC for her nephew's wedding...Ti's the season. 

DONNA AND HER FAMILY
DAVID SAID HE WENT SWIMMING AT THE HOTEL IT WAS SO WARM.

Sarah had a ride home from Boston.  I was told she would get here about one in the morning so I put my Jamie's on and wasn't waiting up for her.  Low and behold, she came in about 9:30 pm as they left before noon.

SATURDAY:

Betsy, Sarah and I drove to University of Buffalo for Annalynn's Masters graduation at 1:pm.   It was held in a beautiful building with a very nice auditorium.  They left me off near the door and went to park the car. (4 parking lots away)  I went into the building to get out of the wind.  Then decided to look for the family.  I couldn't find them so I hunted for seats for 3 and I ended up in the balcony which was straight up...I don't like heights!  After some texting, Rocco's brother came to find me and take me to the seats by the family.   OMG, now I have to crawl down these steep stairs. Now, Betsy and Sarah was lost as they went to the wrong building-another graduation was being held right next to the Center for Arts.  So more texting, and finally they came to the seats.

ANNALYNN ENTERING.



ANNALYNN AND HER BOSS, KEN.

 



THE PROUD GRANDMA.
ALL THE PHD GRADUATES WERE CALLED DOCTOR;
THAT'S ANNALYNN'S NEXT GOAL. 
THE MASTER'S DEGREE COLLAR HAS A HOOD,
 SO NOW I TEASE HER ABOUT BEING IN THE HOOD!

ANNALYNN & SARAH.
 

Sarah will receive her Master's degree this Thursday night.  Betsy will drive up to attend.  We are watching the dog and will see the ceremony on line on the computer by way of some kind of "technology!"  The ceremony will be streamed on line at a link on the main Bryant page.  www.bryant.edu

After the ceremony for Annalynn we all drove to Lockport for a reception at Deb & Rocco's house.

Our congratulations to both granddaughters! 

SUNDAY:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY   Today there was even more pressure to get ready to go to a brunch...it was earlier than yesterdays event.  It was planned to go there and try out the Wilson Boat Harbor restaurant as Annalynn's shower will be held there in June. 

ROCKY AND HIS FRIEND, KATHRYN

SARAH & BETSY
COLD AND WINDY THERE.
IT SNOWED IN BATAVIA THIS MORNING!

RESTAURANT FACING THE RIVER.

After leaving here, we went on a fast and furious shopping trip to the Niagara Outlet Mall, then to the airport to let Sarah off and we headed home.  Exhausted, I fell asleep on the way.

So much for our quite week.  Again lots of blessings bestowed on us.  We are thankful! 

Bob missed the last two days and I missed him taking the pictures. 

Thanks for clicking in and hope your week ahead is a good one!

GOLDEN GRAM

BOB HAS SHINGLES, MEETING JESSIE, VISITING ALEX IN OKLAHOMA

MONDAY:
We arrived home from our trip to Washington, DC on Monday, about 3:30 pm.  No place like home!
Then the cruddy jobs of unloading, doing the wash, cleaning the car etc., and putting my legs up as my calves ached from all the walking.
I put neosporium on Bob's bug bites on his back that showed up while in Washington, DC.
I started the washing but I had to take a nappie.
 
TUESDAY:
I had a telephone message from the daughter of my dear friend in the nursing home; telling that Gen had passed away from pneumonia in the Medina Hospital.  Gen was 86 and the sweetest person I have ever met.  Gen was the payroll clerk at work.  Everyone loved to see her while delivering the pay checks.  (The Eagle shits)  I made more phone calls to tell other friends.
More catch up, mail, paying bills. 
WEDNESDAY:
 Bob and Joe went fishing.  He came home tired and hot!  He pulled up his shirt and asked me to look at his bug bites.  The bug bites have spread, there are now two more red spots on his back. He chest is peppered with tiny red dots around the ribs.  I thought Bob should go to the doctor's but of course he didn't think it was necessary.  Okay Bob. 
I worked on the computer while Bob mowed the lawn and then came inside pooped. 

THURSDAY:
This morning I woke up and noticed ice packs in bed with us.  Must be something aching. Toast A dee da or how ever it's spelled.  (Bull head)  Bob finally decided to call the Doctor.  All three bug bite locations are bright red and much larger.  I told him it looked like Shingles, from what I've seen on TV.  Naw!
So he calls Dr. Haroon-who is out of town for the rest of the week.
I said, then go to one of these emergency care places.  Bob was gone downtown for a long time.  I was starting to worry but still I know he does every thing in one trip.  He made about four stops including the ECare unit.  It's shingles folks!  He dropped off a script for an  antibiotic, and aspirin with codeine.
I needed greeting cards so I offered to pick up the meds while I was out.  As I also wanted to inquire about the vaccination shot for shingles.  All "grey hairs" should have one.
As soon as Bob started taking the antibiotics, he developed pain under his rib cage on his chest.  Now what!  He wouldn't call the ECare unit.  He slept most of the afternoon. 
Some photos have been coming in from Donna while they are visiting Alex.  Donna also sent a video of the dog; she is getting very good with that new telephone.

Donna and David are visiting Alex out in Enid, Oklahoma.  This is Alex's new dog, Jethro!  Alex volunteers at a shelter for animals and he fell in love with this one.
FRIDAY:
I went to the wake for my friend.  I met other friends there.  We went to the Miss Batavia for coffee afterwards.  I had a hard time convincing Bob that he shouldn't go as he thought the world of Gen.   He was advised not to be with infants, toddlers or anyone with an irregular immune system or anyone who hasn't had chicken pox.   I have to wash his clothes separately. 
By late afternoon he was miserable and went to bed.

We watched the movie Lincoln" in the evening.   
SATURDAY:
The funeral mass was at 10:00am.  As Gen belonged to the Rosary Society the group was there in her honor.  They carried candles to their seats.   There was eight people there from work.  Some of us went to Denny's afterwards for breakfast.  We had a catch up coffee clutch. 

I hurried to the grocery store to leave something for Bob to eat while Betsy and I went to Lockport.  We were to meet Annalynn's transplant donor and there was also a birthday celebration for Joe. 
Debbie, Rocco, and Annalynn had gone to Niagara Falls to show Jessie.  They also did the Maid of the Mist boat ride.

This is Jessie! Annalynn's donor.  She had photos of all her family to show us.

 

Then Annalynn called Grandpa Bobby on Face Time, so he could introduce himself to Jessie.   After that Jessie called her parents in Georgia so we could talk to them on Face Time.  I asked Jessie what she had to do as a donor.  It was wonderful to meet her and tell her what a great gift she gave our family.    God Bless!  

We walked over to Christianna and Joe's house.  Time for more celebrations! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!   CHRISTIANNA HAD A GREAT MEAL FOR THE FAMILY. 

FOLLOWED BY HIS ICE CREAM CAKE
 IT WAS SO GOOD.

  That was a busy day for me; Betsy and I got home near 9:00 pm and we went to bed.

SUNDAY:
It was beautiful outside today.  The three of us put the gazebo canvas on the frame so Bob would have some shade to sit outside.
A couple of loops were torn so I brought the sewing machine outside and stitched them right up.  It's a start.  We didn't open the pool and won't until Bob feels better.  The antibiotic is causing him some grief.

That's our week.  Hope you all  have had a happy, healthy one. 
Thanks for clicking in.  It's time to read the Sunday comics and cut coupons. 

GOLDEN GRAM

NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON WASHINGTON, DC

We have been reading over the maps-many times.  Last week while up in Buffalo area, we stopped at AAA for a better city map of DC.  Bob was not happy with the one that they had sent in our package.  It looks confusing once close to the city; it won't be the first time that we went around the outside loop many times!  Ha! 

While there we asked if they had a Metro train schedule.  They did not so the young attendant went on line an then sent us the web site.   We have looked at it and have a concern; the Metro train from our hotel does not start until 7:00 am and everyone is suppose to be at the start gate at 7:00 am.  Hoa, Hoa!  Hope they have a shuttle!

Debbie and who ever is busy making t-shirts for all to wear to the Saturday night dinner.  Oh, I'm so relieved as I won't have to pack a suit for Bob.  Easy Peasy!  

We have our rooms booked for driving down and back.  We will leave for home following the race.

ON OUR WAY:
First stop is for lunch!  Over the years we have enjoyed stopping at the TURKEY ROOST RANCH on Route 15, just before Trout Run.  Always a delicious meal and very reasonable. 

We drove to Frederick, Maryland and stayed over night there.  Very nice accommodations and a mall right across the highway.  We ate over there and went thru several shops.  Beautiful spring colors in CHICO'S. 

The next morning we had 2 hours to go.  Traffic was something else; with a couple of "round abouts."  We arrived about 11:30am.  

FLOWERS AT HOTEL WERE BEAUTIFUL.

Our room was not available so we walked around.  The hotel had been on "lock down" because President Obama was there for a conference.  Secret service men all about the lobby.  Bob talked to one of them, but he didn't know where the bathrooms were. 
I watched a young girl go thru the lobby with about 40 men and women following her with cameras.  At first I thought it was his daughter but then thought it was probably a press agent.  We left the hotel and walked down to the street outside.  We found the Metro (train station) and a McDonald's (in a cellar) and had lunch.  We walked the whole block; lots of Indian dress shops.   Debbie and Co. had gone to the race site to pick up their race jerseys at the Nike tent.

All that behind us, we had our room, changed clothes and met the family in the lobby.  We took a taxi down to Carmine's restaurant.  Food is served family style.  Some of Rocco's cousins who live in DC met us there.  Also, Deb & Rocco's college friends who live in Maryland.  (19 for dinner)

VEAL PARMAGINE

 

 

 

STEAK

THE KIDS TABLE
ROCKY,FRANCESCA ANNALYNN, CHRISTIANNA, DREW, CHELESA, STEPHANIE

 

Taxi back to hotel.   Plans for next day not decided yet.  We crashed.

Bob and I decided to investigate the town!  We didn't want them to think they had to baby sit us.  It was a lot of people to move!!!!
So we went to Deb's room for our Metro tickets and told them our plans and promised to meet back in lobby for 6:30 Inspiration Dinner.

We headed for the Metro station which was down a steep hill out back of hotel.  At the station, there were two sets of stairs to go down; the escalator moved slowly and I couldn't look down-the belly rolled!  Probably a hundred feet in the ground, maybe more.  We had to change trains once.

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!

 

When we surfaced, we were in the green mall. 

THE CAPITAL BUILDING WAS TO OUR RIGHT.

THE NATIONAL MONUMENT WAS TO OUR LEFT  IT STILL HAS SCAFFOLDING AROUND IT FOR REPAIR SINCE THE EARTH QUAKE.






BOB THINKS THIS IS THE FBI BUILDING.
THE CITY IS ALL CEMENT!

With the race route in our hands, we walked almost all of it looking for the best picture spot for tomorrow.  We saw them setting up the barricades on the side walk.  We found the Nike tents.   Then walked to the Metro station; rode it to a spot to catch a bus to Georgetown.  It's a big shopping area.  It was hot and crowded.  We walked some more.  Had lunch in a restaurant near the river and then had a taxi ride back to hotel. 

 Everyone in their "Team Annalynn" t-shirts met to go to the Inspiration Dinner.  When the dinning hall opened; everyone was  greeted by volunteers all dressed in crazy outfits and using noise makers to rev all the runners up.   It was something.




A VOLUNTEER 

 

 

 

ANNALYNN GIVING HER INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH.

 

 

AFTER DINNER-MISSING SEVERAL MEMBERS HERE.

AUNT BARB, ANNALYNN & FRANCESCA

SUNDAY: TEAM HEADING FOR THE METRO AT 5:30 AM






ANNALYNN GIVING A SEND OFF SPEECH-YOU CAN DO IT AND I'LL BE WITH YOU!



THE GATES OPENED AND THEY ARE OFF!

 

-JUST A BLUR!  2500 RUNNERS.

VOLUNTEERS PICKING UP JACKETS THAT WERE CAST ASIDE BY THE RUNNERS-THESE ARE DONATED TO CHARITIES.

ANNALYNN AND COUSINS-NICOLE AND CARRIE  (I THINK)

DEBBIE  



CHRISTIANNA AND ROCKY





 

BARB & FRANCESCA




OVER AT LAST.

THE TIFFANY NECKLACE FOR EACH PARTICIPANT






DEBBIE GAVE ME THIS T-SHIRT!
   I GUESS I DESERVED IT,
 I STOOD FOR 3 HOURS TO FIND THEM IN AMONGST THE RUNNERS!


A wonderful experience for us, glad we didn't stay home because of the bomb scare.  Our thanks to all the participants and all the thousand volunteers.  It was announced that the race made 6 million dollars!  Can't imagine it.   More for research.  

So now we recoup and get ready for the next thing-Annalynn is already posting information on the Ride For Roswell.   That girl is non stop!

Thanks for clicking in!  

Golden Gram