We made it through Election Day! It was such a long day -- we started at 5:00 am and went until about 11:00 PM. Dad and I set up the machines the night before after moving tables and chairs out of the way. We also put up some indoor signs. This all took us about an hour. The next morning we arrived back at the polling place at around 5:45. We started by putting up the outside signs while we waited for the rest of the people to show up for work. We do get paid for this but it isn't a lot. I think I get $75 for the day and Dad gets $100.
The polls are to open at 7:00 am but we started having people show up at 6:30. I guess they were hoping to get in early to vote before going to work. We can't even open the polls until 7 even if we were ready. We had a big rush at the beginning but it would die down. We were expecting a lot more people then we did get. The amount of people just came in waves but not the crush we were told to expect. The one problem we did have were with the Non-Partisan voters. They thought they could vote for anyone on this ballot and were surprised when they couldn't do what they wanted. All they basically had were the propositions to vote for so we had to go through a lot of paperwork to change them to another party so they could vote. It did keep us busy.
We all were so happy when 8:00 PM hit. We could announce that the polls were closed. We went to take down signs and to prepare to put things together to drop off. (Continuance) We did have one person show up after the polls closed hoping to vote. Too Late!!
I was wiped out the next day. I was so tired. I could not concentrate on anything. Dad was fine as he went to work and took care of me when he got home. I had to go to bed early which was very unusual for me. We will have to do it again in June and then in November for the general election for president. That day should be very busy.
Dad and I had to leave our house for 4 hours today because of an open house. We had many lookers but most of them wanted a 3 bedroom versus a 2 bedroom. Oh well, if it is meant to be it will happen. I have always said that but you still hope.
Very warm day today. In the 70's and sunny. Beautiful view of the mountains and especially the snowcapped ones. Very pretty! What a day ...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
We have the house on the market
Well, we have signed the papers to put our house on the market as of this afternoon. On Tuesday there will be a walk through from the realtor's office and then on Thursday will be any other real estate agents from other companies. I will need to be out of the house on Thursday from 9:30-1:00. What will I do, I haven't a clue right now. We will have the house advertised until the end of April. Here is hoping that something good will come of this!
We will be going to the Garth Brook's concert tonight. It is suppose to be windy and rainy so I am hoping that it won't be a big problem. The snow on the mountains is unbelievable! So pretty... I will try and get a picture to post.
With the house on the market comes house cleaning. What a way to purge things! I am so anal about this house anyway that you give me a job of straightening and cleaning and I'm there! Now I just need to make sure I don't overdo... We will have many options for rentals if this house does sell and we will want to cut things down anyway so it is a win win situation.
Now I have to make sure the house is straighten before I leave anytime and the lock box is out. What fun......
We will be going to the Garth Brook's concert tonight. It is suppose to be windy and rainy so I am hoping that it won't be a big problem. The snow on the mountains is unbelievable! So pretty... I will try and get a picture to post.
With the house on the market comes house cleaning. What a way to purge things! I am so anal about this house anyway that you give me a job of straightening and cleaning and I'm there! Now I just need to make sure I don't overdo... We will have many options for rentals if this house does sell and we will want to cut things down anyway so it is a win win situation.
Now I have to make sure the house is straighten before I leave anytime and the lock box is out. What fun......
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
WE ARE SELLING AGAIN
We have decided to put our house on the market AGAIN. We are going to try and have it advertised for about 3 months to see if we can get any buyers. If we do sell we will be renting another house around the area. We wanted to do this because it would give us a chance to buy something if we decide where we are going to live... boy, is that still undecided.
It is raining here in California today. I guess that song is wrong about it not raining in California. It is cold and wet - yuck!
Oh, we are going to redo the master bathroom. We have marble in there now but we are going to change the vanity top to granite and the shower to tile. I think it will look really nice. The change of the second bathroom really got us to think about changing the master. We are hoping that it will be a quick change and not have us in too much destruction for very long. I will be on it so I think things will move ahead.
We can never just stay quiet.
It is raining here in California today. I guess that song is wrong about it not raining in California. It is cold and wet - yuck!
Oh, we are going to redo the master bathroom. We have marble in there now but we are going to change the vanity top to granite and the shower to tile. I think it will look really nice. The change of the second bathroom really got us to think about changing the master. We are hoping that it will be a quick change and not have us in too much destruction for very long. I will be on it so I think things will move ahead.
We can never just stay quiet.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
What a Day!
It is such a beautiful day here in California. The temperature is about 75 degrees, blue skies, and a gentle breeze. Dad is watching football with the windows open. It wasn't too long ago that the heat was on and we were wearing sweaters or sweat shirts. Dad has been so busy at work that to have such a wonderful day, and on the weekend no less, is such a bonus.
I wish I could bottle this and send it to everyone.
I wish I could bottle this and send it to everyone.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year!
We have welcomed another new year - 2008. The time has just flown by since the big issue of turning over to the year of 2000. Nothing happened and we are still going about our business.
Dad and I had a quiet new year as we went to bed very early. This was a first for us, to miss bringing in New Year's. We both are fighting off colds. I seem to have it a little worse than he but we are both taking the same medicine. We haven't gone to the doctor's as it isn't that bad. We will keep track of things as we were around some sick kids and adults on the plane and for our visits.
Chester was glad to see us after we had returned. It has been hard to give him the attention he wants when you aren't feeling good. We will work through it ...
We haven't taken our tree and decorations down yet. It is one of those chores that require energy which we don't have right now. By this weekend, by this weekend. We will do the deed. It is a good thing we don't have a real tree and have to clean up needles.
We are expecting three major rain storms starting Thursday. It might be 5-7 inches. I don't think it will be on us but more into the desert region. Rain will be good as things are so dry around here.
Dad and I had a quiet new year as we went to bed very early. This was a first for us, to miss bringing in New Year's. We both are fighting off colds. I seem to have it a little worse than he but we are both taking the same medicine. We haven't gone to the doctor's as it isn't that bad. We will keep track of things as we were around some sick kids and adults on the plane and for our visits.
Chester was glad to see us after we had returned. It has been hard to give him the attention he wants when you aren't feeling good. We will work through it ...
We haven't taken our tree and decorations down yet. It is one of those chores that require energy which we don't have right now. By this weekend, by this weekend. We will do the deed. It is a good thing we don't have a real tree and have to clean up needles.
We are expecting three major rain storms starting Thursday. It might be 5-7 inches. I don't think it will be on us but more into the desert region. Rain will be good as things are so dry around here.
Monday, December 31, 2007
WE ARE HOME!
We had a great time traveling but we are glad to be back home again. The trip started off well. We were able to get everything packed into our suitcases with out going over the weight limit for the airlines. We were making our first stop in North Carolina. Dad had wanted to see a development called Ford's Colony in Rocky Mount. We did not check the map very well as we had landed in Charlotte at 4:30 PM and Rocky Mount is about a 4 hour drive north. As we were still on California time, it wasn't too bad getting there. Dad did all the driving, as I have a tough time driving at night.
We had a great hotel room at the Residence Inn. More room than we actually needed. It had a small kitchenette and breakfast bar to eat at if needed. We didn't. We did spend a full day at Ford's Colony looking at their model homes and at lots available. Even though we did find a couple of lots of interest to us, I think we are going to pass. The question of where we are going to be once Dad retires is still up in the air. Dad has decided not to worry about it anymore until the time is closer.
We left a day early from Rocky Mount to make our way to West Virginia. We were able to get our room a day early so that made our decision to move-on that much easier. Again, the drive took us about 5 to 5 and 1/2 hours. The drive was uneventful. We even stopped along the way for lunch.
We finally arrived around 4:30-5:00 at the hotel. The Clarion Hotel was tucked away from the road so you did not see it right away. Once you do, you are amazed at the site. It is a very large hotel. It was now our home away from home for a few days. We saw Jon and family that evening for dinner. We visited some the next day but we also needed to visit Tony and family too so we split-up the day.
Dad wanted to do the Farmer's Market with Tony on Saturday but was talked out of it by Tony. Dad did not want to disappoint him but was told that it might be too much for Dad to do. Dad listened. I helped Abby make the fruit cake cookies and Gabe and Sophia and I put gingerbread houses together. We thought the houses were the best ever!
We tried to get together as often as possible to see everyone. We hoped we spent enough time visiting but we know that it is not the same as if one is available every day.
We did attend Christmas service on Christmas Eve which was very nice. We opened gifts with Tony and family before the service and before Jon and family arrived. We had decided to do this as the gifts were quite large. It made it easier to leave the gifts home the next day.
We arrived at Jon's house on Christmas about mid-morning. We started to open some gifts and Katelynn was very excited. She wanted to keep opening presents when we stopped to take a break to have some breakfast. It was a good way of doing things as it made the morning's excitement last for awhile. We think everyone received what they wanted.
Tony and family arrived later in the afternoon for dinner. Jon cooked a large turkey with all the makings. Some dinner rolls and cranberry sauce were forgotten but no one seemed to mind. It was a fun time for everyone. Afterwards, the Wii game was used and everyone had a lot of fun. Gabe, Tony, and Dad seem to have a rivalry going with that game. Tony and Jon do so also. We need to get one so we can practice for the next time. Now, we just have to find the game system...
After returning to the hotel, we went down to the lobby to use the hotel's computer. We wanted to print out our boarding passes for the trip to Denver. It was a good thing that we had tried because our flight had been CANCELLED. United said they did not have a crew to fly the plane. (We found out later that United had let a number of crews off so they were short handed. The cause was two major snow storms that had caused many flight delays. No pilots - no planes) We had not been notified and at the time we did not know what was going to happen. It took a long phone call from Dad and some very strong conversation to get us on a flight. There weren't flights available from Dulles Airport or Ronald Regan. The only flight we could get on was out of BWI at 8:00 am. This meant we had get up and moving by 4:00 am in order to arrive at the airport on time. We did make it and even had a quick breakfast. We weren't even finished eating when we thought our flight was being called so anything left over was thrown away. It was a false alarm but we rather had been safe than sorry.
We had to call Jennifer when we had the flight change. They were picking us up originally in the afternoon but it had to be changed for the morning. Luckily Mark was home and could do the job as Jennifer had a haircut appointment for the kids. They had also received 3 inches of snow on Christmas Day so it was a pretty sight. On Thursday, they received another 6 inches. We definitely experienced snow this trip. Noah and Madilynn loved playing in the snow. There were drifts that were a little deep and hard for both of them to manage but it usually did not slow them down. It was hard at times to get Noah to come inside as he was having so much fun.
We had a great visit with the Colorado group. As we were getting ready to leave, we checked on our flight several times to make sure it was still on time and flying. It was and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time. The only problem we did have was a gate change. It wasn't a major problem but you start to wonder whether there would be anything else.
The flight was a little bumpy but not all the way. We had our small packet of pretzels and one drink of water or soda. It was a short trip, only two hours or so. We were finally in Orange County. It took awhile for the bags to be found but that was a minor problem. We at least had the bags. We then loaded up the car and away we went. Boy it is good to be home.
Now the laundry, ironing, going through the mail, and on and on.
Happy New Year to everyone!!!!
We had a great hotel room at the Residence Inn. More room than we actually needed. It had a small kitchenette and breakfast bar to eat at if needed. We didn't. We did spend a full day at Ford's Colony looking at their model homes and at lots available. Even though we did find a couple of lots of interest to us, I think we are going to pass. The question of where we are going to be once Dad retires is still up in the air. Dad has decided not to worry about it anymore until the time is closer.
We left a day early from Rocky Mount to make our way to West Virginia. We were able to get our room a day early so that made our decision to move-on that much easier. Again, the drive took us about 5 to 5 and 1/2 hours. The drive was uneventful. We even stopped along the way for lunch.
We finally arrived around 4:30-5:00 at the hotel. The Clarion Hotel was tucked away from the road so you did not see it right away. Once you do, you are amazed at the site. It is a very large hotel. It was now our home away from home for a few days. We saw Jon and family that evening for dinner. We visited some the next day but we also needed to visit Tony and family too so we split-up the day.
Dad wanted to do the Farmer's Market with Tony on Saturday but was talked out of it by Tony. Dad did not want to disappoint him but was told that it might be too much for Dad to do. Dad listened. I helped Abby make the fruit cake cookies and Gabe and Sophia and I put gingerbread houses together. We thought the houses were the best ever!
We tried to get together as often as possible to see everyone. We hoped we spent enough time visiting but we know that it is not the same as if one is available every day.
We did attend Christmas service on Christmas Eve which was very nice. We opened gifts with Tony and family before the service and before Jon and family arrived. We had decided to do this as the gifts were quite large. It made it easier to leave the gifts home the next day.
We arrived at Jon's house on Christmas about mid-morning. We started to open some gifts and Katelynn was very excited. She wanted to keep opening presents when we stopped to take a break to have some breakfast. It was a good way of doing things as it made the morning's excitement last for awhile. We think everyone received what they wanted.
Tony and family arrived later in the afternoon for dinner. Jon cooked a large turkey with all the makings. Some dinner rolls and cranberry sauce were forgotten but no one seemed to mind. It was a fun time for everyone. Afterwards, the Wii game was used and everyone had a lot of fun. Gabe, Tony, and Dad seem to have a rivalry going with that game. Tony and Jon do so also. We need to get one so we can practice for the next time. Now, we just have to find the game system...
After returning to the hotel, we went down to the lobby to use the hotel's computer. We wanted to print out our boarding passes for the trip to Denver. It was a good thing that we had tried because our flight had been CANCELLED. United said they did not have a crew to fly the plane. (We found out later that United had let a number of crews off so they were short handed. The cause was two major snow storms that had caused many flight delays. No pilots - no planes) We had not been notified and at the time we did not know what was going to happen. It took a long phone call from Dad and some very strong conversation to get us on a flight. There weren't flights available from Dulles Airport or Ronald Regan. The only flight we could get on was out of BWI at 8:00 am. This meant we had get up and moving by 4:00 am in order to arrive at the airport on time. We did make it and even had a quick breakfast. We weren't even finished eating when we thought our flight was being called so anything left over was thrown away. It was a false alarm but we rather had been safe than sorry.
We had to call Jennifer when we had the flight change. They were picking us up originally in the afternoon but it had to be changed for the morning. Luckily Mark was home and could do the job as Jennifer had a haircut appointment for the kids. They had also received 3 inches of snow on Christmas Day so it was a pretty sight. On Thursday, they received another 6 inches. We definitely experienced snow this trip. Noah and Madilynn loved playing in the snow. There were drifts that were a little deep and hard for both of them to manage but it usually did not slow them down. It was hard at times to get Noah to come inside as he was having so much fun.
We had a great visit with the Colorado group. As we were getting ready to leave, we checked on our flight several times to make sure it was still on time and flying. It was and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time. The only problem we did have was a gate change. It wasn't a major problem but you start to wonder whether there would be anything else.
The flight was a little bumpy but not all the way. We had our small packet of pretzels and one drink of water or soda. It was a short trip, only two hours or so. We were finally in Orange County. It took awhile for the bags to be found but that was a minor problem. We at least had the bags. We then loaded up the car and away we went. Boy it is good to be home.
Now the laundry, ironing, going through the mail, and on and on.
Happy New Year to everyone!!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
California's Winter
We will be having rain and cooler temperatures this weekend. Now you may think what is the big deal ... well, this is winter for California. Our snow is the rain. This is rain that we so desperately need. We have been so dry for so long. It will mean snow for the mountains which will help the ski season and also to provide water for the state. We are expecting temperatures during the day to be in the 50's and overnight in the 40's (temperatures in the mountains will be colder). Snow may be down as far as 5,000 feet, These temperatures won't last long but for now it is a big deal to us Californians'. We are having high surf at the beaches with the surf being as high as 15 feet. Rain will be starting tomorrow night into the weekend.
We have had to leave our cars out of the garage because the "apron" of the garage had to fixed. They dug up some asphalt and put down concrete in its place. We were told to not drive across it for 2 weeks. That is a long time to not be able to use your own garage. The concrete has had time to dry some so the rain shouldn't do anything to it.
I guess the colder weather is for us to get use to our trip that will be here soon. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate and we won't have big problems. This is a first for us to fly to one place and then drive to another. We can't wait though. We have all the arrangements made and they have been checked.
We will see everyone very soon.
We have had to leave our cars out of the garage because the "apron" of the garage had to fixed. They dug up some asphalt and put down concrete in its place. We were told to not drive across it for 2 weeks. That is a long time to not be able to use your own garage. The concrete has had time to dry some so the rain shouldn't do anything to it.
I guess the colder weather is for us to get use to our trip that will be here soon. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate and we won't have big problems. This is a first for us to fly to one place and then drive to another. We can't wait though. We have all the arrangements made and they have been checked.
We will see everyone very soon.
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