Florida 2012 for James and Pat

At this writing, Kathleen and Nick are anxiously watching the Weather Channel for news of Tropical Storm Isaac to determine their immediate future plans.  I am glad we are safe and sound in New York State as we keep Kathleen and Nick in our thoughts.

We had a grand visit to Belleair Beach soaking up sun at poolside.  Oh, yes, and the shopping.  There's a little Irish store I'll be visiting again!  Kath and Nick shared many of their stories of the Italy trip which only made us ache for the day that we could do the same.

Then it was off to Disney for a few days at the Happiest Place on Earth.  James was able to fully participate in a NASCAR Driving Experience despite a slight rain delay.  He had a grand time:

We also made a little game of taking some of our pictures from previous trips so they could be recreated circa 2012.  This project turned into great fun, especially with the complete strangers we asked to take these pictures after we explained what we were doing.  They took the job very seriously and these were fun little encounters.  James took on the mission of finding the original picture locations with all the seriousness of planning his next band trip.  I've take the old and morphed them into the new for your viewing pleasure.  I hope this works.  It will require your computer to have Adobe Flash Player and you may need to allow blocked content for Active X controls (gibberish I realize but that's what you'll likely see when you click to view).  Here's hoping this works for you. 

Florida or Bust

We'll be on our way to Florida tomorrow morning for a long awaited vacation trip.  We'll be visiting Kathleen and Nick as well as Mickey and Minnie.  Anticipating this trip has given me time to reflect a little bit on past trips to Florida and Disney.

My first trip to Disney was 25 years ago on a senior class trip. 

I took some abuse from James and my fellow chaperones for taking pictures of flowers on this trip.  As I go through those pictures, I am happy to note that I believe my picture-taking skills (and equipment) are much improved in the ensuing 25 years.

1996-the first trip with the kids.  Epic trip because we got to spend time with Kathleen and Nick, my sister Kathy as well as our friends the Hamiltons who also took their first trip with their children in 1996.

This was our dinner at Tony's which I remember for being so NOISY! 

2000 marked our designation as the "Millenial Family of the Week" at Disney.  Our room was decorated for us and we got some nice little gifts including beach towels I still have.

I remember this trip especially because all the kids seemed to care about was the pool and TV.  I vowed that any future trips would only require a pool and ESPN!

2004 it just so happened that our trips fell 4 years apart.  This visit was rich with character sitings--including these guys:

Three Stooges

2008 was timed so that the four of us could have one (probably last) big trip together before Amy left the nest and it was WONDERFUL!  Absolutely full of wonder.  I'm a sucker for Disney!

How happy do these guys look to you?

2012 promises to be epic on its own as it will be our first trip without children (either school children or our own!).  Stay tuned and I'll catch you up on the other side. 

Visit Report

Robert and Bobbie were able to come for a visit this past weekend and we had a grand time. I can't remember when they were here last, but it's been a while and it's always nice to have one-on-one time with siblings.

James was supposed to entertain us at the Binghamton Mets game along with two of his buddies.  He's been "chosen" to wear the spiedie outfit and race down the sidelines between innings with a hot dog and a bottle of mustard.  Yes, you read that right.  It's a between-inning amusement for the spectators and he'd been "lucky" enough to score a chance to participate.  Again, yes, you read that right. 

So, against our better judgement, Bobbie and I accompanied James and Robert to the game.  Who could miss such a highlight?  Alas, it was not to be because the DealChicken budged his way into the race earlier than planned.  DealChicken won.  (still reading it correctly) So, even though Bobbie and I lost out as witnesses to this pinnacle of a True Met Fan Experience--we were all surprised by the following:

Yes, 27 wonderful years--many of the most recent spent in these very seats. It was nice to spend it with Robert and Bobbie. (Thank you for dinner!)

Bob said he'd never been to Cooperstown so off we went!  We went to the Farmers' Museum and to the Fenimore Art Museum.  Although it was the hottest day of their visit, we spent most of it outdoors.  Bobbie also experienced a first---

Bobbie and I worked on some genealogy and neither of us can say for certain what the guys did during that time.  Before I knew it, they were getting into the car so they could visit with the Bulman clan. 

Next week, we'll be visiting with Kathleen and Nick.  We hope Ernesto stays away.