Spring Break was Fun

It has been a lovely week and as vacation weeks go - - - it went by way too quickly!  Kindermusik still met though so Benjamin's mom brought him into town so she could attend, too, and see how much he enjoys his class.  We took turns interacting with him. 

 

 Bill usually comes home every day at lunch because I cook for us.  However, after Kindermusik, we meet him at Captain D's near his work.  I do NO frying of food at home so this is a 'treat'.  Benjamin LOVES eating there - - - not just the fish and fries but really likes the cole slaw and steamed broccoli.

The next day I had some appointments in Chattanooga.  Bill went with me so we could have lunch at Cheddar's.  It was our first time eating there.  We enjoyed it and plan to make a return trip or few.

 On Friday, we went to Mercier Orchard with Amanda and Benjamin.    It is always fun to go there.  Merchandise is displayed in appealing ways so just walking through is a feast for the eyes.  Of course there are many, many food items to buy as well as a sandwich/dessert restaurant if you are hungry before you leave.  Pop Pop was great to wander the store with "The Boy" so Amanda and I could get the things on our list.

The tractor inside was new since last time we were there.  Benjamin alternated with being fascinated with the vehicles and talking about all the apples that were in baskets on both sides of him.  They are one of his favorite foods.

This was a display in progress.

Today we had lunch with our older daughter at Fuji Teriyaki Express.  It is located in the small plaza across from Cooke's Grocery Store.   We had been told it's delicious and also economical and those reports are correct.  It's very clean  with themed decorations.  Once again, this was another first visit to a restaurant with plans for return visits.

With all that eating, exercise is definitely needed and Dolly is more than thrilled to lead the way.  Do you like the color we picked for her collar and leash?  I wanted something that a "girl" could pull off for fashion but didn't want it to be too feminine since Bill walks her at least half the time.

Enjoy your week.  Most likely it will be at least next weekend before I can write again.

Puppy Love

When you've been married for 37 years, do you still call it puppy love?  Some call puppy love shallow and temporary - - but it also carries the connotation of adoring, worshipful admiration given by a young dog to its owners.  Bill and I still adore each other but also have seen many stages of love and we think where we are at now is wonderful.  We appreciate each other more and recognize that you have to be thankful for each day God gives you together.

 

If you're fortunate, God gives you additional blessings and allows you to live nearby so you can see them often.

These pictures were taken in the fellowship hall of the church where Amanda and Joshua and Benjamin are members.  Josh is the youth pastor there.  That is in addition to his full-time job during the week.  This was a fund-raising luncheon on Valentine's weekend.  It was a lot of fun.  Their church is very welcoming and loving.

 

However there is a new dog in our lives.  Her name is Dolly.  She was a stray who was not claimed or reported.   Dolly is one of the best-behaved and gentle canines we have ever owned or know.  She is great with the grandson, too.  Our vet acts like we won the dog lottery when we got her!

 This critter LOVES to ride in the car and does NOT understand why she can't go every time we go.  The one ride she knows is hers though is in the morning when I go to get Benjamin from Monday - Friday.  Since we are coming right back home, she is able to take the trip downtown, too.  You will probably see more pictures of her in the future!

Spelled WRONG!!

I can't believe I spelled the name of the restaurant wrong!!!   It is Ocoee Dam Deli - - - - like structures that hold back water - - - because it is located by the TVA Dam #1 in Ocoee.

All the sandwiches are named for different dams around the United States.  I am so embarrassed for my mistake - - - because it misrepresented them - - - and because I rarely spell anything wrong.  I have fixed the previous post.

http://www.ocoeedamdeli.com/#&panel1-1 

Old(er) People

You are about to see some "old news"  The first two were taken January 4 at Amanda & Joshua's home.  We were there to celebrate a couple of birthdays.  Mine was one of them.

 

The other one was for Josh's grandmother who turned 79.  The family surprised her by inviting all her siblings to attend.  (When the cake is turned 180 degrees, the ages are correct!)  This is just one of three celebrations.  Some of my friends gave me a yummy nacho party with some really unique gifts.    Our family also had dinner at Ocoee Dam Deli on the actual date.

 

Last September, Bill had a milestone birthday.  He turned sixty!  He keeps trying to catch up to me but hasn't yet.  The Sunday before his date, we were volunteering in the church library.  Friends came in to give him cards and wish him Happy Birthday.  Amanda brought Benjamin to visit us for a surprise.  (Her husband is a youth pastor at another church and had obligations there that morning.)

Bill, too, had mulitple celebrations.  At his work, one of his bosses made him sit in a wheelchair for their weekly staff meeting.  He was rolled around the room and introduced to the others in the "Sixty-Plus Club".  Bill and Joshua shared a birthday luncheon with Joshua's Family.  A couple of days after that, we went to Ocoee Dam Deli.  They are one of the restaurants that still gives a free meal on your birthday.  We like to eat there at other times, too.

As the saying goes, "Better late than never" (for posting).  And now I have it for my Scrapbook!

Spring Break

Don't you love springtime?!! 

The time of year when beautiful colors bloom 

against the brown landscape of the leftover winter.

 

The additional beauty of it is that we did not plant any of these.

They were here before we moved in 18 years ago.

Here's another pretty thing.  When you shop at Bi-Lo, you get fuel perks.  Ours had accumulated to an eighty-seven cent discount per gallon of gas for the car.  Then Publix had another incentive - - - a $50 gas card for $40 (when you spent $50 on groceries).  We saved $26 on our last fill-up!!!

 

 The items below are favorites of ours, too.   At least they were last week - - - when we were VERY SICK with a bad coughing cold virus.  Bill, Benjamin, and I all had it.  PRAY you don't get it.  It makes you super tired while you cough with every few breaths.  Plus it took my sense of smell and taste for four days.  The interesting thing is no fever accompanied it.    We both agreed that it was about the sickest we have been in a long time.  It was a rough week but life is about back to normal.  We occasionally need "not normal" to appreciate routine.

 

Schools are on spring break this week so I may get a chance to do some blogging.  I have about decided that there is not time to post on the weeks I am babysitting our precious grandson.  So I have not made it a priority.   Life is flying by too quickly with him as it is.  We don't want to miss a minute of it.  I have read most of your posts - - even if I haven't had time to comment.  I will not be offended if you don't leave comments on mine.  Summer is right around the corner and there will be time once again to enjoy visiting with each of you!