Push it......push it real good....

I titled this blog entry with a few lyrics from the song, "Push It," by rap duo, Salt-N-Pepa, because it actually defined what I did - I "pushed it real hard." Oooh, baby, baby.

Due to conflicting and busy schedules we only had a weekend to pack in some quality time and I'm pleased to say that we were able to squeeze a lot of fun things into that short time span.

Our first stop was to Sweet Spoons, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop. I witnessed several gummy worms, crushed Reeses bar, hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts being sprinkled over different flavored yogurts, but I stayed with my favorite - Salted Caramel Pretzel - sans toppings.

My Sweetie with Papa George.

Cooper

Summer

9/22 "Triumph - "umph," added to try. How appropos.

On Saturday, 9/22, we took a trip to "Go Ape," a ropes/adventure/zip line course. Although we opted for the Junior Course, it was still a challenge for my old and out-of-shape body. We all made it through and my fear of heights was averted, because instead of looking down, I kept looking ahead at how the kids and Joan were doing. For me, walking off the edge of a platform in the trees was the most difficult part, but the (too short) zip line ride was worth overcoming that "drop-off" fear. Like George warned me, the kids would have no fear. They ran off the platform...I hesitated, grabbed my rope tightly and slowly slid off. This is something I had been wanting to try and I'm so happy I pushed myself past my comfort zone to accomplish the deed.

The "Zippers" minus Summer (hiding behind the mascot).

Savannah and mommy, Joan

Monkeying around before the course.

I followed Joan throughout the course and was encouraged by her shirt! 

"The Bird" and I.

Getting harnessed up and instructed.

Each checking our rope and pulley.

First victim, uh, participant, Summer.

Low, practice run.

Cooper starting off.

Joan and I thinking, "We got this." But forgot to look up at the real course.

Does anyone else see "What's wrong with this picture?"

Getting higher into the tall trees.

Jumping off the platform.

Joan, with me, bringing up the rear. Getting higher each obstacle.

One step at a time and two-stepping each board.

Our official certificate stating that we completed the course.

George holding a coupon - He was our photographer.

For Sunday, I had booked an Escape Room at Cipher Escape. Neither George or I had never done an escape room, but the kids have done a couple prior to this one. We were not successful in getting out of the room in time, but we solved several difficult clues on our own and got three hints that helped us get further, but in the end, it was too difficult of an escape room for us. Some of the clues were quite obscure and I don't think it was meant for their age level. But, it was a new experience that I will probably attempt again.

She loves to bake. Peppa Pig Cupcakes.

On Sunday night, we regrettably bid our farewells. Hurricane Florence caused schools to be closed for two days the week before, so instead of having a scheduled break, the kids needed to make up those missed days. We weren't sure of the route we would be taking home at this point either, because Interstate 95 southbound was closed from the exit we needed to access it well into South Carolina.

Luck was in our favor, because after planning an alternate route that would have added a whole extra travel day, I-95 reopened in the morning. We had smooth sailing the entire way. George got to "push it real good" on the ride back to our FL home with only one overnight stop.

We arrived safe and sound at Elite Resorts to find weeds bursting though our pavers and stones. With temps in the 90's, we will have our work cut out for us.

Deep thought for the day:  When push comes to shove, I'd rather push myself - it's easier.  ~vc

Raleigh, NC - Pushing It

Florence as it approached Willimgton, NC

We arrived in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, September 20th with no problems to speak of, which was fortunate since we headed down in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. We were lucky to get a site at the Raleigh State Fairgrounds as it was already packed with Coastal Evacuees, First Responders and Insurance Adjusters. 

This detour on our journey south is to get in some much-needed "Grand kid" Time with our North Carolina Crew. These kids are always doing fun and wonderful things with their family and friends, so I tried to think up some exciting things to do together with them. I chose two experiences I have never done, but have wanted to try. The first one is a visit to an "Escape Room." For those of you who don't know what that is, it's similar to the game, Clue, where you need to g a bunch of clues to solve the mystery that will get you the "Key" to get out. You get an allotted amount of time to accomplish the task in order to "Escape," or "Survive." They have done escape rooms before, so I feel quite confident that we will survive.

My beautiful inspirations. Cooper, Summer and Savannah.

The second adventure is  a trip to a zip lining - ropes course. This is a "pushing it" activity for me as I'm afraid of heights. I booked the "Junior" course that is geared for first-timers and kids figuring that if a 5-year old can do it, so can I.  George reminded me that 5-year-old kids have no fear, so I'm questioning my decision...but I will give it a try anyway. My three NC kids inspired me to go on a very high water slide on a Carnival Cruise Ship, so I'm depending upon them to help push me to new heights once again.  

I've started a new "bucket list." This one consist of things I want to do before I collect Medicare - things that I may regret not trying before I'm too old to do them. I did see where a man jumped out of an airplane for his 100th birthday, so I guess it's never too late to attempt fate, but I can guarantee you this - skydiving is NOT on my bucket list.

Here is a link to the places we will go...("Oh, the places you will go...")

Cipher Escape, we're doing the "North Carolina Photo Hunt Escape."

Go Ape, We're signed up for the Junior Course."

Here's a link to a YouTube video of the course.

So, let the fun begin with three kids who are growing up way too fast. Another item on my bucket list, "Do a third daring challenge with these three before they are all taller than me."

Deep thought for the day: This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Whenever I read it, I get chills:

“Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, we're afraid!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, We will fall!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
And so they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.”

― Guillaume Apollinaire

Raleigh, NC

Once the huge horse show ended, the remaining time spent at the Raleigh State Fairgrounds was quiet and peaceful. The weather was quite cooperative, as were the mosquitoes, who failed to make an appearance throughout our entire stay. By Sunday evening, the park thinned out to about ten RV's around us, which provided the opportunity to meet some of the other campers. 

Stock photo of the Outlaw.

There was one particular RV that caught our attention, first for the make and model, of which I had never seen in person, the Thor Outlaw Toy Hauler, and second, for the two cats who lazed around outside it without restraint. Seeing cats exhibiting this type of behavior was something I've never previously witnessed. They needed no leashes to keep them close to home, out of trouble or out of harm's way. 

It was interesting and fun to watch them roll in the gravel, laze in the sun and run for cover whenever a vehicle drove anywhere remotely near them. The cats, named Callie and Mango were accompanied by their owner, Denny, who was a nice fellow-full-timer who, along with his wife, work out of their RV. They also make use of a blog to document and share all of their experiences. It was nice chatting with another full-timer who has dealt with "cat" issues and who was willing to chat about travel and life on the road.

The main focus and reason for our stop in North Carolina was to visit my son, daughter-in-law and their three remarkable kids. It had been almost nine months since our last visit and the passing of time was quite evidently displayed through their growth and maturity. We spent as much time together as possible, considering their work/school schedules, and absorbed as much of them as was possible. Besides a wonderful Mother's Day, we fit in several other meals together, pedicures, lunch and shopping (for some), a nice lunch with my son, a school carnival, dinner and a movie with the kids, shopping, barbecuing, scary movie night, board games, and more. It was a whir wind 12 days.

Lucy was quite accommodating this visit by allowing herself to be petted by all three kids on two different occasions. She surprised me all the time.

Buddy and "escape artist," Tucker....check out all the locks.

A few photos below show the 4-legged grand dogs, the results of the school's annual fundraising carnival, swimming, campground time, fun days and love. 

Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Clockwise from left, Cooper (wearing the hat I knit him), Savannah and Summer.

Fun times at Moo Moo's and Pop Pop's pool and watching scary shows!!!

Girls' day out.

Hunter Elementary Gifted and Talented Magnet School where all three attend.

And the winner of the 5th Graders' Fundraising Basket was......a very happy girl!

Dining at the campground.

Poor Coop, smiling, even with a fractured foot.....

It was chilly when the sun was going down, a good reason to cuddle.

Haircut gone bad......poor "G," but I love it!

Deep thought for the day:  Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping, into the future.

Click HERE to listen to The Steve Miller Band's song, Fly Like an Eagle.

Mother's Day 2016

The "Eagle," aka Allie, landed safe and sound at Raleigh State Fairgrounds on Friday afternoon. The place was packed with trailers and RVs for a huge horse show that was taking place on the grounds. The campground for the fairgrounds is located behind the horse stables, so it was an ideal spot for all the empty trailers, contestants and fans to camp out for the week-long event. Despite the crowd, it was quiet, albeit a bit smelly in some locations - like the three big roll-off containers full of horse poop (future manure). I assume backhoes must have been responsible for the pick-up and deposits of the unpleasantries to the dumpsters.

Looking out one window at the horse trailers lined up across from us.

Looking outside the right side.

Three dumpsters in a row (hard to see last one) filled to the top!

On Saturday, "G" and I took the kids to see Disney's newest animated feature, "Jungle Book," in 3D. It was an awesome movie that grownups couldn't help but be fascinated and amazed by the advanced animation necessary to bring all the animals of the jungle to life. The movie was followed by dinner at Applebee's, then back home for showers and a few games of chess. These kids amaze me.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Me and the NC girls.

Papa G and Cooper, the Mozzarella Stick King

Nina, presenting mommy with her breakfast in bed. 

Mother's Day began with a Face Time with the three grand kids in Colorado, where I was so impressed with their gift for mommy - a breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, strawberries and coffee, prepared by Nina and served to mom in bed by all three smiling faces. That had to be one of the best gifts my daughter-in-law has ever received. Kitchen was even cleaned up as part of the present, and I saw the final results and can attest to a bright and sparkling kitchen.

Love....captured in a photo.

L to R: Me, Joan, GiGi and Moo Moo (Ronnie)

The afternoon was spent with the other half of my special loves. We enjoyed a relaxing day at Ronnie's and Frank's (aka Moo Moo's and Pop Pop's) house in the company of GiGi (the kids maternal Great Grandmother). There were dogs galore, good conversation and fabulous food. The kids spent most of the day in the pool and our seats on the enclosed back patio afforded us a front row seat to their antics and awesome swimming capabilities. 

I enjoyed a nice conversation with Gigi about the assisted living facility she lives in. God Bless her, at almost 90, she was telling be about all the "old people" who live there. I got a kick out of her referring to people her age and younger, as old. I feel the same way a lot of times, finding it hard to believe someone is my age when I assumed they were older. I have to believe it's either my mirror or my mind that is fooling me. Since GiGi looks amazing, I have to think it just might be our minds. 

A big thank-you to Ronnie and Frank for always opening your home and hearts to G and I. How fortunate for us to like and enjoy each other's company so much. 

The only photo I was able to get of me with my pride and joy - my son, my friend.

Savannah!

Cooper and Summer

The Three Musketeers - their energy astounds me.

As the day drew to a close, I began to feel ill and discovered that my insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor were not working properly. Alarms that should have alerted me to extremely high glucose levels failed to do so. Once back in Allie and feeling worse, it was decided (and insisted by "G") that a trip to Duke-Raleigh Hospital's ER was in order. So, another holiday was spent in a hospital getting myself back to feeling better and regulated. Darn those electronics!!!! Can't live with them and can't survive without them.....

Today finds me exhausted, but better. Poor "G" needs to catch upon his sleep too, so I'm sure there will be an afternoon "cat" nap on tap for us both. Life is good when you can take an afternoon nap. 

Deep thought for the day:  "Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow, why, oh why can't I."  ~ Arlen and Harburg 

The serenity of a bird's life: Soaring high, swooping low, constant fluid motion, beauty and song. Similar to my life, I guess. with the highs and lows. Gotta love it, no matter what challenges you face - face them head on and then soar. ~ vc