Sunday, September 15, 2013

4 months

Valerie brought Chloe over which gave us another excuse to take pictures.  She is now 4 months old.



Why do you have to have that flash on the camera?



Oh, there's that camera again.



I LOVE when Mommy interacts with me!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Happy Grandparents' Day

I didn't realize it was Grandparents' Day.  It was a wonderful day to spend with Valerie and Chloe.  She will be 4 months next week.  Just a few poses of our bonding time with her.



We were trying to get her to pose with Grandma.  Instead she's wondering why I'm not looking at her!



Chloe likes to be outside.  Grandpa took her out so she could watch Grandma grill the pork chops.
Why are you taking a picture Grandma?  You'll burn the food!



We're back to this posing stuff again?  Yes, we need one with both Grandma and Grandpa.
 Enough already!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Resident Cat

Last month, I decided to repaint our Blessed Mother statue.  It was completed by her Feast Day of the Assumption, August 15.  I noticed a black cat periodically laying by it.  When I told Clif of my observation, he says the cat is there everyday when he comes home from work.  After much effort of trying to capture a picture without it knowing I was doing so, I finally got some shots...from our bedroom window no less as each time I went outside to take it, the fellow jumped the fence.








This explains why the white lattice is cattywampus!

Labor Day Weekend

I'm finally getting around to posting our Labor Day happenings.  First of all, Clif and I tackled another Peek Season puzzle.  This one was even harder than the last.  These puzzles are very similar, so we were surprised it took us a whole week to complete it.



On Saturday, we ventured for a 11.25 mile bike ride on a completed portion of the Spring to Spring Trail in Volusia County.  We thought we'd park near Blue Springs State Park, head north, and then return.  However, they don't have parking there!  We were told they are planning on extending the trail east of Blue Springs entrance in which there will be parking.  This is supposedly going to be completed in 6 months.  We didn't see any construction taking place, and wondered if it'll be done at that time.  Next time we camp at Blue Springs, we will be sure to take our bikes because the trail starts right outside the main entrance.  Anyway, we headed north into DeLand and parked at Lake Beresford Park.  The park is quite small, but well kept.  The ride was tranquil, but it is very secluded.  I wouldn't ride here by myself.  The trail had very subtle hills, so I was glad we only did a short distance as my knees would have been very sore.  At least it was shady which helped ward off some of this humid summer heat!



   A quick shot looking north from our picnic spot (which was just a bench in the shade).



We weren't they only ones out to enjoy the Florida sunshine.



First view of the subtle hills.  This is on the south end of the trail which is sunnier than the north end.



The northern end provides much more shade.



Then we decided to bike down to Lake Beresford.



The lake was bigger than we were expecting.  It appears there is a hiking trail along the rim.  We tried to bike it, but it became to narrow.

On Monday, Clif and I went for another bike ride on the Little Econ Greenway.  It was 12 miles roundtrip from Goldenrod Road to Alafaya Trail.  I had to laugh because I had told Clif on Saturday that I am needing a break from these 20-25 mile bike rides.  Who knew he would break it down into 2 separate days!  He still got in his miles.  I guess I can't complain.  At least it wasn't all in one ride.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Back to School

I am ready for the school year to begin.  All was accomplished during the summer that needed to be done.  So with a weekend open with not much to do in the scorching humid heat, Clif and I decided to tackle a Peek Season Puzzle.  These are challenging as the colors are so similar, but we finished it in just 4 days.



I was excited that I had work everyday this week, Pre-K kids Mo-We and 2nd graders Th/Fr.  It's great to be able to dive right in the first week of school.  The honeymoon period for the students is still in session!   Now I have to adjust to my school schedule because I no longer have the luxury of doing housework during the in-between times throughout the day.  Not only that, visitations and chatting with friends are adjusted to accommodate our work schedules.

Thursday night was a busy night for us.  Stephen decided to come to visit as well as Valerie and Chloe.  I seized the moment to get a picture of Uncle Stephen with his niece as that has yet to be done.



I don't know about you, but I see a striking family resemblance.   As a matter of fact, when Valerie and I took out Stephen's 3 month baby picture, Chloe looks like him!



Then of course Grandpa had to have his turn.



And Grandma gets her when she's all worn out.



 She took a short fiesta while we played Thurns and Taxis.



Just an added picture on her "3 month" birthday, Aug 14.  Valerie brought her over so we could lavish her with hugs and kisses. :)

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Family Time

Many of you have been wondering when I will post more pictures of Chloe.  Surprise!  Here are a few.

Today I was pleasantly surprised that Michael, Valerie, and Chloe decided to come over after lunch.  We had a fun afternoon playing Ticket to Ride and interacting with Chloe.  It's always a treat to kick back and enjoy family fun.



Chloe's eyes just pierced into the camera.  She'll be 3 months old next week...already!



She's smiling more and more everyday.  We're waiting for the laughter to come out!



Haven't had a picture of myself taken with her in a while.



Spent some time talking to her while waiting my turn.



She'd rather look at my Wi-Fi picture frame.

What a wonderful timeless day.  We need more of these. :)

Monday, August 5, 2013

Pinellas County Bike Trail

Saturday, Clif and I got an early start so we could be on the Pinellas Bike Trail before the heat set in.  Well, we didn't quite get there as early as anticipated, but close enough.  We started in Dunedin and traveled the northern section of the trail to Tarpon Springs.  What a ride.  We started at 9:00 and finished at 11:30.  By the time we finished, we had biked 24.5 miles round trip.  I was famished!



A gorgeous view of the bay from atop the bike overpass above Alt 19.



We rode through the town of Palm Harbor.  I thought it was neat how each city is labeled with a railroad sign.  After all, this is a rails to trails.  I have to agree with the comments on the webpage that the north end of the trail is the better end to travel.  We didn't have so many overpasses to go over.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/



Then, an unexpected Primate Sanctuary.  http://suncoastprimate.homestead.com/index.html
I was surprised because being born and raised in Clearwater, and traveling Alt 19 to the Sponge Docks several times, we would have passed this.  I didn't even know this existed!  This was a welcomed break to get off the bikes and watch as the primates entertained us!



Let me out, let me out!  Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!



The trail is shady before 10:30, but as the sun comes up, the shade disappears.  My 1 1/2 quarts of water wasn't enough.  I needed an additional 1/2 quart to have stayed properly hydrated.  I was glad to have had Gatorade and watermelon in the truck.  I chugged and consumed once back!

When we were finished, we went to my dad's for lunch.  Clif finished the patchwork on his porch he started a few weeks ago.  I was lazy and enjoyed relaxing on the couch until Clif was finished.  It was a wonderful day. :)