Summer Travels

Well as you can imagine it is summer. We have traveled from Virginia to Atlanta, then on to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Michigan City In, Lexington KY, and now home. We were fortunate to seem many new sites and visit with all of our family.The kids enjoyed all the sites, from the different Airports, to touring Alcatraz, what a lot of fun. We did not engage in the food tour like the summer of 11, instead we tried to see all we could outside. The family averaged about 5 miles a day on the east coast, while soaking up the rays on lake Michigan. Now that we are home we will try and enjoy all the sites that Virginia has to offer.

Spring time in Virginia. One day it is 90 the next it is 50. The pool is open all the flowers are blooming and the lawn needs to be mowed at least twice a week. When it rains here  it is like a water fall so all things green grow like crazy. I do have the summer fever and can’t wait for school to end. But, what will I do different with the kids this summer? I am planning on going to at least one new location a week and show the kids the heritage of this great state. Without Virginia there would not have been a United States of America. So all summer long I will be blogging from locations from across the state and the adventures that come with it. If you have a location that is a must see, let me know. Bring on June and the opening of Camp Haviland 2012

What is in a name....

What is in a name, or a store front for that matter. I was on vacation this past week and traveled back to the town in which I grew up. The biggest thing that happened was when we got an all night gas station, only the town made it close up after 11pm. While driving through the center of town I noticed that there is a  new tattoo parlor. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against new businesses, but its the name.The tattoo parlor is called " Virgin Mary Tattoos", and that is the issue i have.
Now if it is just a name, why not call it Tattoos by Muhammad, or Koran approved tattoos, how about Satin's Stain tattoos ? I think society feels its OK to attack the Catholic faith but will walk on egg shells for other religions. I think that the new Tattoo parlor needs to change its name, what do you think ?

Spring Break.. Oh NO...

So here we are in the eve of spring Break and all i can do is wonder. Will my kids remember the trip? Will the dog miss us? Will the house be OK while we are gone? All the time i spend wondering what might happen instead of what WILL happen. We will be all together. We will see our friends and family. We will make memories that will last a lifetime. Let us all stop focusing on what might and push the will's. Have a restful, enjoyable, and above all else memorable vacation.

Waiting

I found myself this week pondering how much i wait. I wait to fall asleep and I wait to get out of bed in the morning. I wait in the checkout line and wait to get out of the parking lot. I wait and i wait.. it was then that i realized that i should take these moments and reflect on what is going on around me. I lie in bed while my children are fast asleep in their beds. The dog rustles as he changes position for the 100th time of the night. I reflect on the song that i have chosen to wake me every morning. I enjoy the conversations costumers are having with the cashier as they check out, and smile as neighbors wave to me as i leave the parking lot. I guess waiting is for those who choose not to engage in their surroundings. From now on I plan on a lot less waiting..

Looking around the table this evening I see how important family is. My parents and older sister popped in for a visit on their way to my brothers in the morning. We went out for a pizza, to the school for soccer practice, walked the track, and then came home and skyped my sister in NY. It is comforting to know that no matter how long you go between visits you always pick up where you left off. Have a safe trip!

I often wonder what High School kids are thinking. I have students that hate to run, yet are state track stars. Do you think they are aware of the hurdles ahead of them? sorry for the pun,  had to do it. they come to school only wanting to leave and go home, yet when they are home all they want is to get away from their parents and go to school. What will happen to this generation once school is over? Will they find jobs and become productive members of society? I don't have the answer to this one I wonder if they are fixated on 12/2012, the end of the world. I lived through 1999/2000 and i can tell you the focus will become so intense for them as that date approaches that it will feel like the end. Thought for today...make someone smile