Piper Loves Abe the Racing President

Some of you may know my daughter has decided to back Abe in the racing president's at Nationals games. I have choosen George, as I continue to point out, he did start out #1. That leaves Brad with Tom and of course you should never cheer for Teddy, he never wins. Teddy did give us a scare on Memorial Day, he almost won the day before and he kept hinting that Memorial Day might be the day he finally wins one. But as you can see, Piper's President came through and won again!

Ahh yes...Barbados...

As I have said previously, Brad and I went to Barbados. It seemed like the thing to do after 10 years of marriage. Many of you know with Brad and I, every day is a holiday...right?

It was easy, relaxing and we made a few new friends as well. One night it rained and we just hanged out at the pool bar and enjoyed the local beer, Banks...pretty good. One night there was karaoke, there was a gal who worked there that was as good as any contestant on American Idol.


We did enjoy a tour of Mount Gay Rum, sans the actual distillery, so it was a big sales pitch...with lots of rum shots at the end. Win-Win for me. (Brad may not have been ready for rum shots after the night before).

Oh and the guy in the green tank top behind my shoulder was a total 'Spiccoli' think Fast Times at Ridgemont High. So, with that day trip out of the way we hit the beach for some fun and sun. I also got a swim in at the pool.




We love the Hilton! The hotel had a Managers Rum Punch cockail hour, which was also a perfect time to dress up and enjoy a fancy dinner!

Brad and I had the entire restaurant to ourselves, a fabulous private dinner.

On our last full day on the island we took a partial day tour; aptly called Da Island Tour.

Turned out to be kind of fun.

We hit an obligatory super old church, then followed up with the 'must have item' if you buy anything while visiting, (Earthworks Pottery and it was the must buy items)saw a beautiful surfing beach, a gorgeous botanical garden and then something we weren't expecting at all.



Well, besides the surprisingly delicious maccaroni lasagna at the roadside lunch stop, we ran into wild monkeys and turtles that must spend every afternoon singing the "Afternoon Delight" at the Wildlife Center.

Brad made a great movie of the turtles, they sound like pigs snorting and oinking then there is a 'clank' and the top turtle literally sticks his neck out. I will also say that all around the sanctuary you hear this sound "Help, Help" and it turns out its the peacocks!

Oh and then we saw this little creature, very cute and yet a little odd. Yet, didn't make a 'help' noise and didn't hump any other living creature around it, at least while we were there.

Good trip, great 10 years, and looking for the adventures the next 10 plus will bring. Isn't he the best??

Mom's Day Mass and Brunch at St. Bernadettes

I just got back this morning from a wonderful Mother's Day mass with my very sweet daughter at her school, St. Bernadette's. I had an idea what to expect, but this far exceeded it. The mass was said by Father Richardson, and there was a lot of music from Mrs. Doyle and the choir.

Afterwards we (all 60 of the mom's of kindergarteners) were led to the cafeteria, it was decorated with artwork by our children and tables set with decorations made by them as well. The first grade mom's completely outdid themselves with the food, drinks and cake, this will be our job next year. The children sang 3 songs accompanied by Mrs. Doyle and a guitar, it was very sweet.

Piper then gave me a beautiful and colorful pin and a picture that she drew saying what she likes to do with me. She said she likes to plant, which is awesome. We are planting again this weekend, time to colorize the deck and backyard. She is the best.

And I love her so much! This school year has been such fun for her and for me and I have so enjoyed being a little part of her kindergarten class. I have been able to make wonderful new friends, and so has Piper, plus we have been so blessed with fantastic, caring and smart teachers. Can't wait to see what happens next year!

Is a Beach Hotel in Barbados a Good Investment??

Brad and I recently went to Barbados. For a much needed trip alone and for some rest and relaxation. We took a somewhat scenic walk along the beach...in some rain...trying to find the 'boardwalk' and this is what we stumbled upon.


A lovely, formerly lovely hotel, right on the beach and it was complete with a beautiful swimming pool, well at least the tile was still beautiful, the water in it didn't look very refreshing anymore.

I noticed there were a few broken windows as well, and maybe it needed a coat (or 10) of paint. there seems to be a lack of parking area and then of course there is cleaning, dusting, staffing and wait...need for furniture in each room and lobby to consider.

Then there was the side lot to think about as well. Perhaps a nice beach garden or I don't know a weed whacker and more sand??
But wait, what about the lovely home across the street? Should we pass that up too? Ha ha, you bet, money better spent on rum and pottery! Fun to dream though isn't it?