Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Taking a Break For Awhile!

As you all can see, I've been on a break from journaling.  I just wanted to let you all know that I am fine and all is well in my world at the moment.  I will be continuing this journal, but must take a break from journals for at least the first half of this summer.

With all the price increases in fuel, who would have thought that the marina is busier than it has ever been in it's history?  I think the high price of fuel may be causing folks to stay home instead of taking trips this summer, so they are using the money saved to fuel their boats.  At any rate I have my hands full at work.

On the good news front is the fact that our Grandson Trenton will be arriving by plane this afternoon around 5 PM for a visit.  We will be able to enjoy his company for six weeks before sending him back to his father.  I can't possibly tell you how excited we are and how much preparation we have been doing leading up to this visit.

Trenton is now nine years old and he has never been to Disney Land or Disney World.  We plan to remedy that by taking him to Disney World in Orlando later this month.  If we survive the trip, LOL, I'll have pictures to post when I resume this journal again in July.

We also joined the commnity pool association so that Trenton will be able to go to the swimming pool while he is here.  I just found out that he still does not know how to swim.  As a former competitive swimmer, I will not let him leave here without knowing how to swim this summer.  It could save his life!

  It was really tough for me to get some time off in the summer because its our busiest time of year.  I'm lucky that I have a very understanding boss and that I was able to hire enough help this summer to cover for me while I am gone. 

I'm going to be taking advantage of those two factors again in late August when I fly to New Orleans to attend my sister's 60th birthday party.  I haven't seen Jan in at least six years and I am really looking forward to the trip.  By the time I arrive she will have retired from the Army Reserves as a full Colonel and will be enjoying a much deserved period of rest in her life.

So, that's that!  I am fine, the family's fine, but I'm outa here for a while longer.  I can't bring myself to shut this journal down, it still means a lot to me to be a part of this community.  So, please bear with me and my eccentric writing schedules for yet another year.  I look forward to spending a great fall and winter sharing photos and news and just being here with you all once again.

I had to turn my alerts off sometime last month because my mailbox topped out a few times at 999 and I hate to just delete Journal Alerts from my friends.  I'll try and get around from time to time during my hiatus to read and comment if I can, but those instances may be sparse, so please forgive! 

I wish you all a great summer and I pray for everyone to be safe and sound until we can meet up here again.

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

we understand, Sam

Anonymous said...

Have a great summer with the family and grandson!!
You are right-every child should know how to swim.  I hope the lessons go well.
Have fun at Disney World   : )

Tracie

Anonymous said...

A lot of folks are kind of sketchy right now - as they should be.  It's summer and everyone wants to take advantage of the nice weather.  Enjoy your grandson.  I am looking forward to seeing your photo's later in the summer.
Joyce

Anonymous said...

You sure filled us in pretty well though!  And boy oh boy...what a great summer you have to look forward to.   I'm sure you'll have a blast.   You are great grandparents indeed.
I'll miss you (again)...

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam, good to hear from you.  I was afraid that maybe you had floated out to sea.  I understand it's the same here.  People are staying home and launching their boats in local waters, rather than traveling.  Have a great time with your grandson.  I'm sure it will be a vacation he'll never forget. Looking forward to your return...Linda in western Washington state

Anonymous said...

Nine years old is a fun age & perfect age for him to spend 6 weeks with his grandparents.  You will enjoy each other's company.  It's also a fun age to go to Disney, he'll be able to do probably anything there with no age or height limits.
AND YES, it's time to learn to swim....I am sure you will be a great teacher!  Look forward to seeing your pics of his visit!

Enjoy your trip to N.O. & your sister's B-day....Glad to hear that your life is full at the moment.....

Enjoy life, jland will still be here~
Marie

Anonymous said...

Have a great summer Sam. Enjoy it with your family doing different things, that is when you are not working. Helen

Anonymous said...

Yes, I hear boat fuel costs a fortune, so it's interesting that you're so busy this time of year.  Have fun with your grandson.

Mrs. L

Anonymous said...

Sam. good top hear form you, I have missed you. Let's not taalk about the price of gas. $4.19 today.
Enjoy your time with Trenton. I have four grandchildren and three of them will be swimming by the end of the summer.
Keep them boating, Bill

Anonymous said...

Oh enjoy your summer with your grandson...just think how many marvelous memories you will create for him...I think it's wonderful. I used to spend time with my grandparents when I was young and it was the best part of my life that I remember. Teaching him to swim is great and you are right could save his life. I taught my kids how to swim at an early age and people thought I was nuts back then...but they have done that with their kids too. Safety matters. Don't worry about us, we will miss you - come on back when you can...love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Sam, please don't ever feel pressure to get by on any kind of schedule.  I think 'we all' have changed our writing habits a bit.  Journals appears to be here to stay and we have all found our own rythms -- the ebb and flow of life has great affect on our writing time and the stories we may (or may not) post.

Rest assured we're here and ready to read when you come back or you have time.  

So ... please ... have an absolute BLAST with Trenton.  I know you have missed him and I've often wondered but not wanted to ask.  I am so very happy for ALL of you!

Kathy

Anonymous said...

That's the nice thing about journals, we can add an entry when time permits, there's nobody behind us saying we're behind schedule! I'm not journalling so much now although I'm doing a few entries on Italy where Andy and I have just been.Take a break and enjoy Trentons' company. Knowing what a wonderful host you are I know he's in for a great time this summer. I bet he's grown some too since you last saw him. I'll be looking forward to hearing all about his visit later in the year. Have a great time and come back when you aren't so busy. Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/  

Anonymous said...

I've missed you. I am so happy that you and Paulette will get to have Trenton for a long visit.  Just have FUN and lots of it.............then come back when things slow down and show us pictures.  Anne

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear from you.....  exciting news about Trenton so glad you have 6 weeks with him....   you and Paulette both will need a vacation after cuz if I know you the both of you will be going non stop.  Maybe that is another reason for the trip to Jan's :)~   Enjoy the time....
hugs
d
PS sometimes the high road is good..........

Anonymous said...

Well, Sam, good to hear from you when you do journal!  I had my grandson for over a week so I know how excited you are!  Have a wonderful summer!

Sam2

Anonymous said...

Busy is Good, Welcome back

As Always Peace

Anonymous said...

Sorry wrong link, I was just reading love from Iraq and added to my favorites

Anonymous said...

Sounds like great plans for a wonderful summer!! I -totally- understand "real" life getting in the way of blogging as I have been having a large dose of that myself. Come back when you can... AND bring pictures! LOL!!

Anonymous said...

999?  Darn, I thought I got a lot of comments in email!  If I saw 999, I'd have to delete this name & start over :-).  I am very pleased to hear all is well, & at this time of year I realize, quite busy. We'll all be here when you get back, no journal pressure. ~Mary

Anonymous said...

alright go on vaction and take pics and enojy yourself, and when you come back let all of us know, me to going fl. in aug. disney/ do not shut the journal down we all need you to keep it,lol lol take a break is alright, you haev permsssion.lol lol keep healthy this summer,a nd stay out of trouble, and, wear your sunscreen too, and pack well don;t forget nothing. sorry not bben psting comments ahs much has i liked to, life goodness, ups and downs, lol check back with us when you arrive home,

Anonymous said...

Have a great summer and enjoy your time with your grandson!!!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

Its good to hear that even in spite of the cost of fuel ,you are so busy ,I can imagine how excited you are anticipating Trentons arrival,what fun you are all going to have ,have fun at Jans retirement party,See you when you get back ..love Jan xx ...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

glad to know you are ok. sounds like a verrrrry busy summer for your family-enjoy!!  barb

Anonymous said...

Sam just nice to know all is well with you ~ enjoy your break and your time with Trenton ~ and your Sister Jan's 60th Birthday party ~ don't stay away too long though as you will be missed ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

     Thought about you lately. Missed you. Will miss you again. But enjoy your summer and enjoy Trenton's visit as much as you can. You're right about swimming. Best way to stop a drowning to teach someone to swim.
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

Anonymous said...

Nice to see a post from you Sam. Glad all is well in boatman world. :-)

Becky
ryanagi.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

HI Sweetie,  I can't believe it's been 2 months!  I'm a bit behind on journals myself...I've taken up doing some graphics.  Mostly water and beach stuff, what else?  I hope you plan on spending a lot of time at Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach when you go to Disney.  the lines are long this time of yr...Go early in the morning, leave about noon...hit the pool or Typhoon Lagoon, then back to WDW after 6 when all the kids from So. America go back to thier rooms.  Don't try to do the 3 pm in parades...it's too hot!  I used to be a Ticket and Reservationist there at Disney (taught dance and chorographed parades)  Have fun and carry your own water and little misty fan machine.  Have fun!  hugs, Bethe

Anonymous said...

Can well understand the need to save when it comes to gas or petrol as we call it but have to be honest with you I so wish ours was a cheap as yours we pay the equivalent of $9.34 for a gallon over here so have had to not use the car except for going to work. Hope you have a good summer.
Debbie
xxx

Anonymous said...

hi sam, nice to hear from you again. Sounds like a busy time ahead for you! Have a great time with your grandson and sister's birthday, and a fab summer, catch up soon!! Take care mrs t xxx

Anonymous said...

So glad Trent is there!!! I think of the number of evenings I picked you up from swim team practice--full of myself because I could drive and had the use of the car!  It makes me teary eyed.  Teach him well--I tell all of my patients that learning to swim is one of the best protections there is!! Can't wait for August so we can visit. Evan will be there--Carrie will be deployed, Lynn and Rusty will be there and Bill and Ginny.  Should have a family reunion of sorts! Beg Paulette to come. Love, Jan

Anonymous said...

So glad that Trent will be with you! Don't worry about us. We will always love you no matter how much or how little you write. May I suggest a blogreader instead of alerts?  use Newsgator. Real easy to use then you can keep alerts off and just open that one web page

Anonymous said...

Ahh, I wondered where you have been.  Now I know!  Have fun with your grandson!  I do agree, it is very important that he learn to swim.  Don't work too hard!  Glad you are all doing well.  Wish I could say the same for our family, so many prayers needed currently.  Will be looking forward to the pictures!  Glad you are not shutting down your journal, just taking a hiatus.

Blessings!~

Susan

Anonymous said...

Hiya Sam, long time no see. I'm glad you took the time to let us know you're still hanging in there. I know things never go quite as anticipated, and it's always crazy when you least expect it! Good luck, and come back soon, ok?

Anonymous said...

Just got the link to your journal  back as I lost many of mine into cyberspace.  Enjoy your break.


http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

You have a fun filled summer, just take it all in. It will be cold and dreary again all to soon and we will all be stuck inside. So go enjoy. :) Thankyou for stopping in for a moment to say hello and let us know how you are...see you when you get another moment. :) Kelly

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the summer break Sam - we'll mosie on until you're back with news. Looking forward to your pictures of fun. Be good now!
Always, Rose~*

Anonymous said...

Yep-I'm catching up on my entry's! LOL But glad I read yours, and
hope you are enjoying ur summer, so far. Grandson, on the way?
Wonderful, and I bet you guys are having/had a blast! My grandfather
took my son Chris to Disney World, and it was his favorite memory
for always! {Loved the dolphins and Orca too! LOL} Then flying
to 'not anywhere'! To New Orleans? lucky stiff! Your sis will be happy
to see you too, I'm sure! See you when you return. ~Diane~

Anonymous said...

dear Sam,
thanks for updating us! I hope you both have a ball with Trenton!
Good luck with the swimming lessons!
love,natalie

Anonymous said...

   SAM,   BEST WISHES FOR YOU AND YOURS.   sam

Anonymous said...

Just checking in Sam to see if you'd posted, alerts have been sporadic for journals of late! I hope you're having a great time with Trenton and you got do Disneyworld, I'm sure he loved it! enjoy the rest of your summer and have fun in New Orleans, I love it there. Wish Jan a happy and long retirement from me and Andy! Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/  

Anonymous said...

Hey there...long time no....well, whatever. Finally had a moment to go to some of my favorite blogs and thought I would stop in to see if you're still around! Seems like you're as busy as I've been in life....We just returned from our family vacation...FISHING and what a nice vacation it was. Good to be home..well, sort of.

I do hope that you're summer is spectacular and will stop in another time. BTW...GREAT pics you're taking...have you won the contest yet?????

Take care and hope to see you around sometime......

Anonymous said...

BTW...that's LeAnn from Befuddled in case you're perplexed with who goes there in that last comment. :o)~

Anonymous said...

OK.........PARTY IS OVER...........Now come back to us Sam.....I've missed you bunches.  Anne