Category: Holidays

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Spring Break Means Florida

Ever since I was a little kid my family has always gone to Florida at least once a year, usually for Spring Break. I can’t imagine going anywhere else for Spring Break – it’s our family tradition.

My parents bought a condo in New Port Ritchie back in the 1970’s. It used to be a small town with less tourists than most of the Orlando area developments. Of course, after all these years the area has grown and its more crowded now. But it is still a little different feel than closer in to Orlando – less crowds, less traffic, less noise and less kids.

Last year when we went to the condo we decided to explore some of the other little cities and towns that were close by and not spend so much time in the theme parks. We had a nice time exploring the Gulf Coast, and that area is still my favorite spot in the United States. I haven’t found any place nicer.

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Inauguration Day

This morning started early for everyone in Washington, DC. This is Inauguration Day for President Obama.

There were already huge crowds of people on the Washington Mall and scattered along the transport route from the Blair House to the Capitol steps. Officials are estimating that there will be up to two million people in Washington to witness this historic event.

It is sunny but bitter cold, as is typical in the Washington D area in January, They expect temperatures to stay in the teens, and just south of the D area they are predicting snow showers for Southern Virginia. I think it is symbolic that Obama is facing very cold weather but that the sun is shining, with warmer weather ahead. I hope that sets the tone for his first few months in office.

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New Year’s Party

Heading out to the New Year’s party in a few minutes. We are going to the Lodge as guests of my brother and his wife. I know lots of the guys there although I’ve not joined the lodge. These are good people and the lodge is the perfect place for a private, adult party. They have booked a local band and a DJ so that when the band takes a break there will still be music playing. That’s a good idea, as the DJ can play some of the different types of music that the band might not be into.

It’s a BYOB party, which save some bucks. You buy the mixers there and the ticket price included a big buffet dinner with a prime rib carving station. It includes party hats, noise makers, and a glass of champagne for a group toast at midnight.

Sound like a really great deal for the price and the fact that you are among friends and family makes it even better. So let me get out of here and wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year.

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Thank you Santa

Hey Santa – you rock!

I got a new iPhone in my Christmas stocking. How cool is that?

It’s not activated yet – I have to take care of that on Monday so they will switch my number from my old Razr phone and assign it to my new iPhone. But I can read the instructions that come with it and be ready for Monday. Awesome present – wasn’t expecting this at all.

Also got a new video game for the Playstation 3 and tickets to a show downtown in a couple weeks. All in all, Santa was VERY good to me!

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Merry Christmas Everyone

This week has been record setting for bad weather and I know it has ruined a lot of people’s travel plans. I hope that if you going to be in the air or on the road for the holidays that you arrived safe and sound and can enjoy the time with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

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Ready for Christmas

Finished my shopping today. I really didn’t want to be out in the stores on the Saturday before Christmas. It was horribly crowded, but then again there were bargains everywhere and it was hard to stop spedning money! I bought a gift for every one on the list plus a couple things for myself. Santa is going to be very generous this year.

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Labor Day Celebration

Everyone at the radio station wanted to do something to celebrate Labor Day, so we planned a group picnic at the Lake. We reserved a paviliion at the state park and the radio station agreed to ante up for everyone’s parking fee, which surprised the hell out of all of us. The Station Manager’s secretary passed around a sign up sheet for the potluck food. We think about 20 people from the station will show up at some point during the day, along with spouses, girlfriends, and a few kids. So we are planning on feeding 50-60 people altogether.

For some reason, Tony and I got volunteered to cook the hamburgers and hotdogs, so we have to get there a little early and fire up the big grill. That’s fine by me – I can cook anything on a grill and have a secret seasoning mix to put in the hamburger meat that will give it a little kick and extra flavor. So I went to Food Lion last night and bought 20 pounds of ground chuck and made up the burgers. Tony’s dealing with the hot dogs and the charcoal.

I’m concerned that my snow white legs sticking out from my bathing suit trunks are going to scare small children. I haven’t been to the beach even once this whole summer and have absolutely no tan. But that’s what happens when you work the night shift – you get so pale you practically glow in the dark. But then again, my skinny white legs won’t be the only ones in the crowd.

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Picnics and Fireworks

I wonder how many families in America actually celebrate the Fourth of July with a picnic and fireworks?

That’s been the tradition in my home as far back as I can remember. My folks used to take us to  the community park  for a full day of family activities, with a parade, pie eating contest, arcade games and concerts on an outdoor stage – followed by a half hour show of fireworks as it got dark.

Of course, my dad often performed on stage with the local bands on their request. I was always so proud of him to see him take the stage and play the piano and sing along with whatever music they chose to play. He could wing it if he had never heard the tune before and he was always happiest playing the piano.