Tuesday - June 2

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   RYAN

Our "baby" is 41 today!    What a joy he's been and so proud of all he's accomplished!

Mark got a haircut with Gina and then we had a very productive day moving our stuff - Blair helped and more hands make lighter work for Grandma and Grandpa.    We walked downtown for lunch at Coffee Express and then back to work!   

Blair in a field of daisies

 Our friend Bob came in the afternoon - so good to see him, but sad that "So Blessed" (he and Donna's beautiful yacht) may be selling.    Geez, things are a'changing with my boat sisters - Chris and Michael are selling "Journey" and Teri fell in March and broke her hip and still having some major issues with pain, walking, etc.    so, it could be a totally different summer without my sisters???

 

Blair and I went to Bassett's for groceries this afternoon and stocked up Catrina's cupboards and fridge.   It is a gorgeous day here in Port Clinton and so good to be back on Catrina but been a big day and we are tired.

Connor and Anne visited U of I today for orientation of transfer students this fall in the school of engineering.   They had a big day but enjoyed it all.

We went to Doc's Beach House for dinner    And then Blair beat me in two games of RummiKub

Some stretching exercises

I

Monday - June 1

Congratulations to Mark who retired TWENTY years ago today - June 1, 2006.    Wow, we sure have packed in a lot of memories and fun times with our travels.   Sooo blessed!

Catrina's Captain

We slept in a bit this morning....Mark and Blair had waffles downstairs at the Hampton Inn.   I went less than a mile down the road to "Chocolate Moose Coffee" for a latte and then we were on our way at 9.

Stopped in Marietta, OH at a very nice rest stop only 3 years old - wow, was it nice!!!    Had lunch at Wendy's in Cambridge, OH.    Mark did most of the driving and just a little bit for me before lunch.

Blair is a great traveler - never hear a peep from the back seat...we arrived at Superior Marine at 3:15 and good to see Flo and Big Red + Catrina who was launched this morning. 

   Blair helped me make the beds and unload some of our stuff - there's always tomorrow and we've had a big day.    We'll start transferring from Flo to Catrina and s l o w l y get settled.    Gotta have some fun, too!

Catrina's Crew

Blair and friends have a bracelet business going - "Beaded Bliss"

She brought all her supplies onboard.    Will show off her creations soon!

Liam started his summer internship today in Hopkins, MN.    Connor is in training at Lowe's.  Brady and Millie are holding down the fort at Lake James.  

 Our NC kiddos (except Erin) are all in Munich tonight and tomorrow will start their European river cruise.    Hope they enjoy it as much as Mark and I did in 2012.    Erin is home with Karen (dog) as she's not a big fan of the water or boats.

Philip and Annette in Munich

Sunday - May 31

 Busy day....starting with the 4 of us going to Black Mountain (Mark and Blair in one car; Brady and me in another).    First stopped at Dripolator for coffee/pastries, then drove around and showed the kids, Givens Highland Farms where we plan to live someday.

Then to 11:00 mass at St. Margaret Mary in Swannanoa.   And finally to My Father's Pizza and Pasta Pub for lunch - yummy!     Said our good byes to Brady as he headed back to the lake and we drove to Morganton.  

Mark, Pat, Blair, Brady

  At 3:00, Blair had a private session with Chase from the University of Cincinnati (sophomore on the cheer squad).    It was fun watching her do her thing - very proud of what she's accomplished and she loves it!!!

Wow.....impressed with her gymnastic skills

At 4:15, we left Morganton and "Port Clinton here we come"....well, that'll be tomorrow.    We had dinner in Wytheville, VA at Cracker Barrel and are staying overnight in Beckley, West Virginia.    Mark caught just a little bit of family zoom.    Blair and I had trouble getting into our room with the keyless entry (phone)....again just like last time.   Apparently they've changed something?    ARGHHHH!!!!!    Mark to the rescue!

Have a great week.....bye bye May!

Saturday - May 30

 Rained some in the morning....very humid but the sun came out at 10:30.

Mark worked on installing the last 2 thermostats.   I did 3 loads of laundry and started packing up our stuff for the trip (with Blair) back to Port Clinton tomorrow (part way).

Brooke called from Lucerne - they are having a ball in this beautiful city.    Michael said it's probably the most beautiful city he's visited (and he's been to a lot)!

Brady got home around noon - he and Davis had a great time at the hockey game last night and very excited their Hurricanes are going on to play Las Vegas for the Stanley Cup.

Mark, Brady, Blair and I left on the boat at 12:30.   We dropped Blair off at the Camp to hang out with her friends and we went onto Bear Creek for lunch.   We all enjoyed our lunch and the pretty scenery - we've not been on the lake for at least 3 years, so a big improvement to Bear Creek at the marina just this year....

Captain Brady

Brady, Grandma, Grandpa

Bear Creek

Blair had a fun afternoon with her friends - she's packed and ready to roll outta here tomorrow after her cheer stunt lesson

Friday - May 29

 A beautiful summery day.    We were off at 7 AM with Blair to Liberty Middle School for her last 1/2 day of 7th grade.

Mark and I went to Waterbean Coffee for coffee and shared a bagel.  Then back to school for her 7th grade awards ceremony.   Blair got straight A's for the school year and a few other awards.   This timeframe (9:30-10:30)_was for the 7th graders (6 classes)  

We ran a few errands as Blair stayed at school till 11:30 dismissal.    Back to pick her up and onto Town Tavern to meet judy and Bob (Brooke's parents) for lunch and a fun visit.   

Blair with her grandparents

Our rising 8th grader

Brady left at 3 to visit brother Davis near Winston-Salem.   They drove to Raleigh to see the hockey game and Brady is spending the night with Davis.

We had leftovers with Blair and also enjoyed a trek down to the dock/water - beautiful evening.

Anne got her stitches out this afternoon and Dr. Su said "no melanoma" and she is good to go1    Very thankful for this news!

Enjoy your weekend!