A complete meltdown at Orlando Airport 6:30 am 1-4-09

This is the line to check-in at US Air at 6:30 am.  None of the self-serve computers were working today. 

People were at risk for missing their flights; the line wasn’t moving fast enough.  Then the team of helpers showed up and started picking people out of the crowd to help them make their 7:45 am flight.  We were worried my son wouldn’t make his 8:20am flight with all the confusion and chaos.  In the end, he did make his flight on time.  Deep sigh of relief!  US Air was doing their best to correct the meltdown.  But it sure shows what can happen when technology stops working for us.  There sure are a lot of people that are moved through this busy airport.  What would happen in a real disaster?

After all was said and done.  All flights were made, all connections were made.  School starts tomorrow after Christmas break.  Wishing all travels a good week returning to their business. 

Christmas 2008

Hi All,

Merry Christmas!    That’s me on the left!  Hope your holiday started out with gentle words and caring family.  We started our Christmas out last night at Midnight Mass at the local catholic church.  It was a beautiful service, filled with musicians, music, all kinds of Christmas decorations and a beautiful mass to boot.  Here’s a pic for you.  We were treated to much good music, including Handel’s Messiah.  In this pic you can see the choir and the altar in the background.  The slide on the wall tells us what the soloist is singing “O thou tellest Good Tidings from Handel’s Messiah.  Very beautiful.  The entire family went to midnight mass.  We sat right next to the choir as we usually do.  That was we can always hear them.  A good time was had by all.  When we arrived home at 1:30 am, we had a sandwich and a cup of milk and headed to bed.  Opening presents had to wait till the morning.  The only person really disappointed by this edic was Brody.  He decided to stay up all night in order to open his presents as soon as possible.  When I checked on him again at 3 am, he was thankfully asleep!

Brody models a new pair of jeans for Christmas in the morning.  Everyone received a lot of Christmas presents, except for the cat “Cleo”.  We did serve her Tuna for breakfast which seemed to make her happy for the moment.

At 9 am preparation begins with the Turkey for Dinner.  The Turkey is cooked on the outside  gas grill, Dinner will be at approximately 5pm.  Christmas presents were opened after the dinner was prepared.  The rule this year was to keep Christmas simple and not buy a lot of gifts.  Somehow, this rule was forgotten.   Every one had Christmas presents under the tree.   Grandpa found a wool hat from Ireland, to help him stay warm.  Brody a flash drive and mom a new purse.  Everyone was thrilled with their gifts.  It was a good day with little to no arguing.  God is Good. 

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Day. 

Some where my Love, there will be songs to sing…

Although the snow covers the hope of spring
I got the call, Brody was going home to San Jose, California.  Today was spent doing laundry, packing bags and goodbyes.  We took Brody to the airport today to meet his Dad.  Grandpa cried all the way home after dropping Brody off at the airport.  “Why didn’t you tell me it was Brody’s last day??”  “I didn’t get a chance to say good bye.”  Dad you said good bye to Brody two times with a hug.  “Why didn’t you tell me it was Brody’s last day??  I didn’t even get a chance to say good bye.”  Dad, Brody will be back again soon.  Don’t worry…

Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
We had eaten dinner at Beppo di Bucco’s and enjoyed a mostly pasta meal.  Dad’s blood sugar would be very high and cause him to feel greatly disoriented and add to his memory loss. 

And there are greens all that your heart can hold
We  took his blood sugar when we got home.  It was 293.  Dad had gone off the reservation for at least an hour or two.  When he got his insulin, he became stable and seemed to function better. 

Someday we’ll meet again my love
I spoke to my DBL and we agreed that from this point forward, we couldn’t risk Dad eating foods with a lot of sugar in them.  We’d have to make sure Dad had a more balanced meal, to insure his blood sugar would remain stable.  We’ve notice that when his blood sugar is high this condition adds to his senility.  We usually do manage his diet anyways, but when we eat out we let him order what he wants.  We’d have to manage this more carefully from now on.  DS agreed. 

Someday whenever the spring breaks through
We’re going to miss Brody around here.  Playing with Keep away with Hanna (chocolate Labrador).  Long discussions with Grandpa (Brody doing most of the listening).  Lots of swimming in the pool.  Going to Disney’s Epcot.   It will be a los lonely Boys with out him. 

You’ll come to me out of the long ago warm as the wind soft as the kiss of snow
Brody we wish you well in School and with your friends.  We know you’re going to do a lot of good with your dad.  We wish you the best!!  Hugs and Kisses!!  xxoo

 

Many Thanks to Hank Snow for the use of his Lyrics “Somewhere my Love”.

“Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it… ”

Another day in Paradise…  Today, Monday, we started the day out as normal for a week day.  Dad was off to the Senior Center. 

I had heard some rumblings that Brody’s Dad may want him to return to California earlier than previously thought.  So, we began preparing Brody for his return trip.  Our visit with Brody had gone really well and we were going to miss him.  Later in the day, we mused about what to do on Brody’s last day here in Florida.  And guess what we decided??   We went to Disney’s Epcot. 

Naturally, by the time we got Epcot it was raining buckets.  Fortunately we had brought our Rain Ponchos.  As it was dinner time, we stopped for Dinner on the Boardwalk.  We ate at the “Big River” Restaurant on the Boardwalk.  We ordered some salads and burgers.  Dad and I split a burger.  Overall we really enjoyed the meal. 

The appetizer was a Cheesy Jalapeno Nachos

After dinner we debated about if we wanted to see the Fireworks show OR see the show at the American Adventure Display.  We voted for the later.  We all loved the Fireworks show, but lets face it, we had seen it at least six (6) times already.  

The American Adventure Show sounded very interesting.  And with Brody along, we thought it’d be important for his education as well. 

There was a small museum in the first part of the American Adventure Show.  There were pictures of Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, Cesar Chavez, along with a few small historical touch points behind glass.  Like Mark Twain’s’ humidor or a chair from Benjamin Franklin’s home.  In addition, on the walls you could often find great quotes from famous Americans.  Like the one (above, right) of Cesar Chavez.  I thought this is important because Cesar Chavez is from San Jose, California and we have a number of memorial statues of Mr. Chavez in San Jose.  He is well-known for his work in human rights. 

Later, the American Adventure show began.  Being Disney’s Epcot, one shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the story of America was told by these Anamatronics or Animated Figures, dressed and designed to look like actual historical figures.  The show opened with Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain marveling over the growth of the country.  And admitting that our fore fathers had no idea that the country would grow so quickly and additionally credited our constitution for the tremendous strength of our country despite the changes.  The show was very well done and enjoyable.  But I worry how much of it was understood by my son.  Our history as a country is so very important.  And I realize that many of our young people today, are not getting a good education where our history is concerned.  This is important to me…  That our future generations understand our history and the price paid for their freedom.  “Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it… ” (unknown).

Anyway, we returned home about 11 pm and were tired from the walking and most of us (present company accepted) went straight to bed.

Another Sunday, Come and Gone…

Sunday, took Dad to church.  A lovely service at the local Catholic Church of Divine Savior.  They have a really great music ministry and a wonderful Father Carl gave the sermon.   I enjoy Fr. Carl’s sermons because they are good and also because Fr. Carl is from Ireland and he usually has an interesting way of looking at things. 

Dad found his way around the church during communion.  He sometimes gets lost and can’t find his way back to our pew.  I told Dad- Good Job!  He smiled, knowingly. 

Dad decided to supervise the work from the patio with Kaitlyn (above, Left). 

After wards we arrived home and every one else was busy cleaning up the yard after Tropical Storm(TS) Fay So Dad and I changed our clothes and starting helping too.  Dad and I stuck to the light work, picking up Palm leaves and carrying them up to the front of the driveway (see pic to right).  DBL and Brody did all the heavy work.  Like mowing and repairing the screens around the pool.  After wards my shirt was wet with sweat and I headed too my room for a nap.  Every one seemed to wrap up their work in short order. 

Later after a short break of watching the Olympics and other movies/ shows, we went as a family to a local restaurant called “Coconuts”.  It’s right off the beach on a deck.  We noticed right away that they have a lot more sand now after TS Fay.  Grandpa and Brody ordered the same dish “Fettucine Alfredo with Shrimp (on Left).  DBL

got the Buffalo Shrimp Salad, DS got a Chilpote Chicken salad, and I ordered the Grilled Tuna Salad.  Sorry no pics of the Tuna Salad or the Chilpote Chicken Salad.  They were very delicious!

 

DBL is a member of the “Clean Plate Club”.  ( – :

After dinner DS and Brody chased down a hermit crab with my camera and watched it dig a hole, by crawling down, digging out the sand.  turning round and pushing the sand out of the way.  Any way quite a process.  Sorry no photos, too many photos already! 

And then we headed home.

Yo Ho Ho Ho, A pirates life for me,

We pilage, we plunder, we rifle, we loot,
Another interesting day.  Since child hood, Saturday has always been a cleaning day for me, and my family.  It’s the same with the family here.  We all pull together and clean the house.  We usually have it done by noon.  Today, being no different, Brody was given a number of tasks to do too.  Which he did very well, for a small price of course. 

Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Today, DBL and DS were having a board meeting at the house for one of their groups.  Brody and I prepared to take Dad out in the afternoon.  Dad a successful business man all his life has a hard time not being in the center of attention when there is business planning going on.  Dad will often “overthrown” business meetings held in the house, trying to be the man about town, all over again as in the days when he owned his own business years ago in the town of Chicago. 

We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot,
When we were leaving the house, Dad started protesting that we were going to miss the meeting.  I tried to change the subject, but Dad really wanted to be at that meeting.  I was sad.  I felt like I was being mean to Dad.  I witnessed Dad during the last Board Meeting and was shocked when he started to yell at everyone…”You’re doing it all wrong, I’m telling you that is not the way to conduct business.”   Everyone at the meeting sighed.  DBL, DS and I, decided that it would be best if Dad was not at the meeting in the future. 

Drink up me hearties, Yo ho!
[a careless Authors’ creative meandering:  Secretly, in a past life I always thought my family and I were pirates.  This all started one day, when in San Francisco, a historic sailing rig (from the 1900’s) was docked.  Brody and I boarded it to see it.  Brody was about six (6) years old.  I noticed Brody found a little corner on the deck and sat down, and for the longest time he day-dreamed about the ship.  Not a word left his lips, but the careful gaze of a dreamy young captains’ mate remembering all the pirate battles that he’s fought, defending the ship’s booty.  Jumping from rigging to rigging with his stolen cutlass.   I tried to shake him from his vision, but he continued to dream a world gone by.  It was hard to imagine what could have captivated him for such a long time.  Until I sat down and began imagining myself as a pirate, enjoying the sea breeze and the crisp cool air with my dreamy pirate lover, Ahoy!  -as we rode the waves of the ocean in this bountiful beauty of a ship. 

We extort, we pilfar, we filch, we sack,
The other reason I thought were we pirates is because of the way we used to answer the phone at home.  “AAAARRRGH, What do you want??  OR for breakfast in the morning… “ARGH! Where’s my coffee.”  Or our dogs when they find a cat to tease, “Ohoy there matey! Behave yourselves or you’ll be making a visit to Davie Jones’ Locker you will.”  Authors’ musing ended.]

Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Again I digress…  Dad  forgot all about the meeting soon after we left the house.  Any way, we were on our way out of the house with Dad and our plan was to take Dad to lunch and a movie.  So we went to TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday) and ordered some burgers.  After wards we went to see a new movie called “The House Bunny”, rated PG-13 a comedy.  Dad and I enjoyed the movie.   I’d give it four or five stars out of five.  I say four because there were some off colored jokes in the movie, unsuitable for teenagers;  …Five, because it was really funny.  After the movie, we took a ride over to the library, which was already closed.  And then stopped at a local retail store, to pick-up some school clothes for Brody, who decided to join us later.   Understanding Brody’s teen-age inclinations, we held back and let Brody lead us.  Brody went straight to the teen boys section and pulled all the cammoflage clothes he could find.  We made Brody try everything on and model for us, to avoid problems later when the clothes didn’t fit right.  Which he happily did. 

Maraud, Embezzled, and even high-jack
In the end, we walked out of the store with six (6) shirts, two (2) pairs of jeans and two (2) pairs of jean shorts.  A new backpack, and one base ball cap.  Not much in the way of clothes, but just enough to cover the floor of his bed room…Or wear to school his first week, which ever he wanted…  We could pick up some more clothes during the labor day sales. 

Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Any way, Dad was thrilled to be out shopping for Brody.  He enjoyed making comments like:  no those pants are too big.  Those are a little tight.  Turn around again, so I can take another look.  Now that’s a good look for you.  He even got a little emotional once and said he was glad he could help me help Brody shop.  We soon left the store with our “booty” in hand, and wouldn’t you know it, The weather ran afoul again with torrents of rain.  Dad and Brody waited at the store, I went to get the car.  Got soaked as is the norm these days.  And we headed home.

Many thanks to Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean for the use of their lyrics.

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can touch the sky
Today, was another crazy day.  No schools today because of the flooding.  No senior care for Dad for the same reason.  I finally made a dash out of the house in the afternoon to run to the library.  Needed to return some books.  The library was closed, so I dropped off the books I’d finished and kept the ones I wanted to renew. 

I think about it every night and day
In the evening we made a trip to Disney’s Epcot.  We had reservations for 6:10 pm.  We were a little late and they sat us after a short wait.  Dinner was at Tokyo Dining.  We had a very nice dinner.  Started out with a tuna roll as the appetizer.  I also had miso soup, my favorite!  And then we all had different entrees.  Mine was shrimp tempura.  It was delectable, the veggies and shrimp.  But it was delicious, and very relaxing.    The prices were reasonable.  They didn’t seem any higher than a similar meal in Mountain view, California (for those of you who remember I just moved here from California).  

Spread my wings and fly away
The only bad news is that Fay had dumped water all over Disney’s Epcot during dinner.   We all decided on a Disney’s rain ponchos for our after dinner-attire.  It was raining hard.  We don’t get rain that hard in California.  It’s truly amazing.  You get drenched down to the skin.  And then we walked around the park awhile and stayed to watch the fireworks show.  Which was as rewarding as it is every time we go to Epcot.  The rain finally ended right before the show.  And we headed towards home. 

I believe I can soar
For Dad this entire event was just another day in our vacation.   When he’s walking in the rain, he think’s he’s back in Korea during the war, marching in the mud.  And when he see’s the Fireworks with his family, he is grateful that we all can see such beauty.  And so am I.

I see me runnin’ through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly

Many thanks to Disney and R. Kelley for the use of their lyrics. 

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep

I count my blessing instead of sheep
Another busy day.  Today, we watched Tropical Storm (TS) Fay move away from us.  The rain finally stopped and it seemed that all the major flooded out areas started to recede somewhat.  I’m sure those whose homes are flooded can’t see it happen fast enough. 

And I fall asleep, counting my blessings
Additionally, after dialoging with Brody’s father, my ex-husband.  We agreed to allow Brody to visit here a little while longer and even try out the schools here.  My Ex-Husband’s Mom is very ill with colon cancer and he wishes to spend more time with his mother.   We’ll see how it will work out, and consider this time a test period; to see if Brody will fits in here well with the family in Florida.  

When my bankroll is gettin’ small
I wish my ex-husband and his family blessings as they prepare to release a loved one back into the hands of God.  I know my Dear Former Mother in Law (DFML) has a very special place in the hereafter with all the angels and saints. 

I think of when I had none at all
Brody is only 15 years old and is challenging to parent at times.

And I fall asleep, counting my blessings
DBL helping a distant neighbor was caught on three side by flooding.  It took him over two (2) hours to get home.   It was kind of unnerving for all of the family knowing he was out there in the weather.  We had a breath of relief when he got home. 

If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
I think I learned that it’s better to count your blessings in times like this instead of count your losses.  Here’s a favorite song that reminds me of this principle.  Actually I made a list of all the things I’m grateful for as well.  I wrote all my lists of gratitude’s , wrote them all on post-it-notes and stuck them to a wall in my room.  I believe that when ever you want more of “something”, you just need to Thank the Universe for it, and that something  will increase in your life.  Wishing you all abundance!!

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessing instead of sheep
And I fall asleep, counting my blessings

When my bankroll is gettin’ small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep, counting my blessings

I think about a nursery
And I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds

If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.

So if you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.

Thanks to Diana Krall for the use of her lyrics.

Movie Night

Well, after sitting home all day and waiting on Fay.  The rain started again in the afternoon.  By evening, our community band rehearsal was canceled.  So we ate dinner and packed up and went to see a movie at a local theater.  DBL and DS saw Mamamia.  They enjoyed it a great deal.  Brody, Grandpa and I went to see the clone wars.  I’d give it maybe 2 out of 5 stars.  I didn’t really enjoy it.  Brody loved the battles.  Grandpa forgot he saw the movie about 2 minutes after it was over.  On the way into the movie, Dad picked up a small bag of popcorn.  He only offered me some popcorn twice; not 25 times as he did the last time we went to a movie.  After our movie was over, we needed to wait for DBL and DS who were in watching the end of Mamamia.  So Brody was ready for second dinner and Grandpa (not to be outdone) ordered another bag of popcorn.  (Reminder:  Dad has zero tolerance for sugar or carbs.  It makes his blood sugar soar and adds to his senility.)  So as we’re paying for the high priced movie food, I’m trying to wrestle a bag of popcorn away from Dad.  All said and done, it added up to was a horrible, embarrassing scene.  I apologize to the girl at the counter and explained that Dad was a diabetic.  And then I added, “Of course we were only doing this to entertain you.”  She did laugh – probably out of politeness. 

I did allow Dad that bag of popcorn, temporarily, only to tease it out of him later.  I traded him the bag of popcorn (he’d only eaten the top inch of the bag) for a couple of snow capps.  He gladly made the trade.  Then I threw it away before the sugar police showed up (DBL & DS).  My diabolical plan worked! 

At that point I tried to get Dad to play some Hoops with me at the arcade or perhaps Air Hockey. Because any type of activity is good for someone with diabetes; but Dad wouldn’t play.  He just sat there and rooted for me as I played Hoops alone and later air hockey with Brody.  My first set of hoops I made 15 hoops (with out really trying) The second set of hoops (when I tried to make the hoops) I only made 2 hoops.  (The story of my life).  Later Brody talked me into a game of Air Hockey.  Which to my chagrin, Brody won 7 to 6.  I hate losing air hockey.  After that Brody talked me into the Dance machine – I’ve always wanted to try this.  I love to dance.  So I gave it a shot, beginner level.  And the machine told me I did a great job.  I laughed it off and told the machine it wasn’t too bad itself. 

Then DS and DBL showed up after their movie ended and we all braved the 30 mile an hour winds of tropical storm (TS) Fay as we ran out to the car.  We were drenched.  TS Fay  who had stalled just off the coast of Florida.  We were only experiencing the outer rings of the storm as we were miles away from the eye. 

Fortunately for us, we have not experienced the flooding that other parts of our county has received. 

Since getting home from the movies tonight, I hear a green frog (Often found in central Florida) croaking outside my window.  It sounds a lot like a duck quacking.  The frogs are bright green and a little smaller than the palm of my hand.  Very pretty.  My guess is that it’s their favorite type of weather -wet.

Upside, inside out she’s livin la vida loca

She’ll push and pull you down, livin la vida loca
Another day on vacation with Dad at Disney’s Epcot Center.  The picture on the left is of a Piano Man with a movable piano (notice bicycle wheel below his seat).  We found him on Disney’s Boardwalk, right before we enter Epcot.  He was singing “Happy Birthday” to the little girl in the right lower corner.  Followed by a Princess Medley…Someday my Prince will come…etc. 

Her lips are devil red and her skin’s the color mocha
We had another enjoyable day at Epcot.  We spent most of our time in Epcot’s France and England.  We ate Dinner at the ESPN restaurant on the Boardwalk.  It was a pleasant enough dinner.  During which we witnessed the ESPN.com radio show.  Which for me (a non-sports enthusiast) was marginally entertaining.  However, I was stung by a bee right before dinner and this raised the excitement level a good deal. 

She will wear you out livin la vida loca Come On!
Dad (at right is not laughing at my bee sting.) A rare moment when I caught Dad actually smiling on camera. 

Livin la vida loca, Come on!
While we were in France we stopped in a local bakery and picked up some Lemon Tarts.  Brody got an Apple turn over.  They were delicious!  After wards, we stopped by their information center to see a movie about France.  It was mostly pictures with a little commentary.  Very Beautiful.  We saw a balloon ride over the French Alps and took a journey down the Rivera.  After wards we each made a point of writing down in our To-Do journals “must see France in person”  And then we were off to England.  By this time it was already time for the Fireworks at evenings end to begin.  So we found a good place to view the fireworks and watch them again as if it were the first time. 

To the right a fountain in Epcot’s France.  Very wet and beautiful.