Back to Normal

We're finally getting back to normal. Although we didn't take a direct hit from tropical storm Fay, we've had winds all week. Yesterday, we had the first and only rain from the storm - about 2.5", which when you think of what others got, was nothing.

Aunti Vi had cataract surgery 3 weeks ago and Thursday got her new glasses. The doctor was hoping the surgery would correct her eyesight to 20/40 or 20/60. With her new glasses, she is now seeing 20/20!!

Yesterday, Sarah and I went to an all day scrapbook crop party in Tampa. It was fun to sit with 900+ other ladies and crop. We got there about 10AM and left at 6PM. I was able to get 10 pages done and ideas/plans for several others.

Because of the strong winds and possibility of storms, we've only been out twice this week biking for a total of about 15 miles. Tonight we headed out to the beach which is my favorite ride. As we were going over the bridge from the mainland to Perico Key (there are a total of 3 bridges between the mainland and Anna Maria Island), we looked out and there were dolphins feeding in Palma Sola Bay. We aren't sure how many there were, but we saw at least 6. They are so beautiful and graceful! We stayed on the bridge for several minutes just watching them before resuming our ride out to Anna Maria Island.

This week again is relatively quiet which is welcome and gives me a chance to prep for Bible study which starts September 11th. I also hope to get some more scrapbooking pages done.

Fay update

We have had no impact from tropical storm Fay at all - just some wind - not even enough to mention. Dan took the window boards down this morning and we're putting the patio furniture and umbrellas back outside. The storm took very much the same path as hurricane Charlie did in 2004 - came in on the southwest coast and headed straight up the spine of the state. Relatives in Sanford are getting pounded the same as they did with Charlie in 2004.

On another note, this week is relatively quiet - taking Aunti Vi shopping on Wednesday is the only thing on the schedule.

Fay, Fay Go Away

We are under a hurricane warning. However, from the looks of the track and radar, we should get off with just rain and some wind (<40 MPH). Last night it looked like we were going to be on the "bad" side (the northeast quadrant) but the path has changed and now it looks like we'll be on the lighter side (western quadrants). However, we are as ready as we can be - Dan put gas and oil in the generator so we will have backup power if the power goes out. It's not a whole house generator so we'll be without air conditioning if the power goes out. But it will keep the refrigerator and freezer running. It will also support some lights, a TV and fans. Dan also boarded up the windows just in case in gets windier than they're forecasting. We have plenty of nonperishable food, bottled water, paper plates and disposable silverware. We've also brought much of the patio furniture in so it doesn't blow around. Both cars have full tanks of gas in case we need to evacuate (which isn't likely for this storm). Our house is concrete block, so it's solid. Now it's just a waiting game.

A Wonderful Weekend

Last week was a relatively normal week. Monday and Tuesday were quiet. We went bike riding and did some much needed grocery shopping. Wednesday we stopped and picked up groceries for Aunti Vi as she didn't want to go out in the heat. Thursday was the next to last Bible study for this session. We finish Thursday and then will take a break until September 11th. Friday was another relatively quiet day.

As alluded to in the title, the weekend was wonderful. Saturday Eric and Sarah and his sister, her husband and their 5 children came over for a pool party. They are home on furlough from Grenoble, France (they're out under GEM). The children range in age from 13 down to 5 and all are "water rats." When they arrived, their eyes opened wide and they turned to their parents and said "they have a BIG pool. Can we go get our swimsuits on?" It was so cute (the pool isn't all that big but to them it was). They proceeded to play in the pool for about 2 hours. We finally got them in the house about 7:00. Dan grilled steaks and chicken for dinner and we also had corn on the cob and potato salad. The finish for the evening was "do-it-yourself ice cream sundaes." A good time was had by all!

Today we got up and went to the early service (Bethel has 2 services - the 8:15 service is traditional and the 10:45 service is contemporary - we prefer the early service). After the service, we went to Sunday School, then came home and collapsed! After waking up, we headed out on our bikes. We've been wanting to do a long ride, but figured it would have to wait until the fall when the temps cooled down. We left, started biking and 1 hour and 25 minutes later we had put 17.25 miles on our bikes. When we got home, we "fell" into the pool and enjoyed cooling down! Our next goal is 20 miles.

This week is scheduled to be a quiet week - shopping on Wednesday and Bible study on Thursday are the only things on our calendar this week. We're hoping to get in more biking also. We are both enjoying biking again and look forward to getting out and exploring.