One of the culinary highlights of our trip to Ashland was a visit to Moe's Southwest Grill. We don't have one in Vero. That's a whole 'nuther story for a different post. But the title does not refer to the fact that there are No Moe's in Vero. Oh no! The title refers to an adventure similar to a roller coaster that resulted from our visit to Moe's in Ashland, KY.
See, we had the five of us, Nanny, Papaw, Betty, Tom, Terri, Brad and Amber descend upon Moe's mid afternoon on Wednesday, December 28th. Coats and purses abounded, and all were gathered up except for Emily's purse. Now, Emily isn't used to carrying a purse, but with her driver's permit, family pictures, school ID, and about $48 in Christmas money inside that purse, it was pretty cool to be able to lug it around.
Like I say, Emily's purse never left Moe's. Emily didn't realize that fact until Thursday afternoon, when suddenly she couldn't find her purse. Having stayed at Terri & Alvin's house some, and at Nanny & Papaw's house some didn't help the search any. We looked everywhere. Emily insisted that she had her purse Wednesday evening at home. Not so much. Despite her protestations, we took her to Moe's Thursday afternoon to talk with the employees there. Lo and behold, they had indeed found her purse right after we left Wednesday, and put it on the desk in the back office. Only problem was, it wasn't there now. No worries, the night manager probably put it somewhere, and he would be in at 5:00 PM, so we could check back with them then. We did, but to no avail. Joe (Moe's night manager) had never seen the purse. Adam (one of Moe's managers) saw it on the desk as of 5:00 PM Wednesday, but now, the purse had magically disappeared. Alvin knows Randy, the general manager for Moe's in Ashland, and a conversation with him brought about a more intense search, but alas, as of our departure from Ashland at 11:00 PM Thursday, December 29th, no purse had been recovered. I understand that Adam even dug through the garbage in search of the wayward purse. Kinda bums me that they don't have a secure location for lost and found items, and I would hate to think that a Moe's employee decided they like the purse (or the contents) and took it for themselves. Anyway, Emily takes full responsibility for leaving her purse there to start with, and while not thrilled about having to get replacement ID's (nor at the thought of losing $48, all her makeup, family picutres, etc.), she is doing very well. Much more mature in her response than I would have been. I always keep my purse close to my side, though, and that is a story for another post as well.
There are plenty of pictures from our Ashland visit up on my FLICKR site.
More excitement and a final overview/wrap-up of our visit will come in my next post which probably won't happen until next year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sweet 16, part two
When Emily first met Ethan Amerine at Old Orchard Church of Christ, they were in the nursery. Ethan came up to her and said, "Hi my name is Ethan, do you want to slide?" So, what better activity for Emily's Sweet 16th Birthday than to go to Charles Russell Elementary School's playground and slide? The FLICKR site has many more pictures from the playground and from our visit with Gran on Emily's birthday.
As previously stated, we ate lunch at Texas Roadhouse with the Amerines, the Reeves, Sahib, the Parkers, the Dixons, and the Bellomys. Great lunch, including throwing the peanut shells on each other. The ice cream cake from Dairy Queen was enjoyed by all over at Nanny & Papaw's house afterwards, along with lots of laughs (and no gasses).
After the party broke up, we went to see Gran. It was a nice visit, and Gran was having a good day. He enjoyed being around us all, and we had a great time visiting with him. These daily visits are the highlight of our trip to Ashland.
Then, we were off to pick up Ethan and head for the playground. After many slides, monkey bars, and fun (some of which I am not allowed to show, but ask me about the picture of Peggy on the "monkey slide"), we headed back to Nanny's house for Apples To Apples.
Elliott, Ian, Emily and Bradley went to the Ashland Invitational Tournament to see the Tomcats' victory over Letcher County. The rest of us just hung out here at Nanny's. The evening was topped off by a visit from Cheryl, Whitney and Chris. I've been asked to perform Chris and Whitney's wedding ceremony sometime in October 2006 (the date hasn't been set yet). Of course I will do that!
Tomorrow's agenda includes a grandkid portrait, visit to The Mustard Seed Christian Bookstore, and to Ashland Sporting Goods. Yeehaw (Junction)!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Sweet 16
This picture captures the day quite well. I'll post more on the events of Emi's Sweet 16th birthday later. Suffice it to say that she spent some time with her husband, Ethan, and that's all you need to know for now.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Sweet 16 Eve
Day Two of the Ashland Trip, and we have rested up in order to feel almost human now. I slept like a rock, and Peggy talked about the dried drool on her face when she awoke. Elliott spent the night with the Parkers, while the rest of us stayed at Nanny & Papaw's.
A visit to the nursing home with Gran was a hoot. We had 11 of us around a table for four in the dining room. Gran grinned from ear-to-ear the whole time, and we spent lots of time laughing and enjoying each other's company. Most of the discussion around the table centered around bodily functions and gasses (imagine that)!
Papaw, Ian and I went back home while Peggy, Elliott, Emily, Terri, Amber and Brad went shopping for some University of Kentucky t-shirts to be used in a family photo of the grandkids scheduled for Wednesday.
Jim & Debbie Reeves came by for a visit, and we spent more time around a table telling funny stories, exchanging bodily function (gas) stories and just enjoying a good time together.
Of course Emily has been beside herself all day long, the last day of being 15. Yes, tomorrow, our baby turns Sweet 16. We are meeting the Amerines for lunch so Emily will be able to see her "husband" Ethan. Yeah, they got married when they were three and four years old. Oh how funny!
Tonight, we will watch some football, since it is the LAST Monday Night Football Game on ABC and since Emily's "man" (Tom Brady) is playing. Then it will be off to bed so we can be ready for the big birthday celebration tomorrow. Yeah, it keeps getting better each day we are here.
A visit to the nursing home with Gran was a hoot. We had 11 of us around a table for four in the dining room. Gran grinned from ear-to-ear the whole time, and we spent lots of time laughing and enjoying each other's company. Most of the discussion around the table centered around bodily functions and gasses (imagine that)!
Papaw, Ian and I went back home while Peggy, Elliott, Emily, Terri, Amber and Brad went shopping for some University of Kentucky t-shirts to be used in a family photo of the grandkids scheduled for Wednesday.
Jim & Debbie Reeves came by for a visit, and we spent more time around a table telling funny stories, exchanging bodily function (gas) stories and just enjoying a good time together.
Of course Emily has been beside herself all day long, the last day of being 15. Yes, tomorrow, our baby turns Sweet 16. We are meeting the Amerines for lunch so Emily will be able to see her "husband" Ethan. Yeah, they got married when they were three and four years old. Oh how funny!
Tonight, we will watch some football, since it is the LAST Monday Night Football Game on ABC and since Emily's "man" (Tom Brady) is playing. Then it will be off to bed so we can be ready for the big birthday celebration tomorrow. Yeah, it keeps getting better each day we are here.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
The Long And Winding Road
We have made it to Ashland, KY, safe and sound and now can call it a night. We left at midnight Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and arrived in Ashland at 2:20 Christmas Afternoon. We went out to eat at Ponderosa with Peggy's parents and then visited some family before coming back to the Dixon Palace on Chessie Dr. in Beautiful Westwood.
Peggy's sister Terri and her clan came over and we exchanged gifts topping off the wonderful day known as Christmas.
Our drive north was relatively uneventful, although Elliott got the short end of the stick on the driving shift deal. He drove from Charolette, NC, to Wythville, VA, getting to experience the dense fog of the Appalachian Mountains, and drivers who could get out and walk beside their car for all the speed with which they were driving. Oh boy, did we almost have to change our shorts after coming upon those cars, not being able to see them until the very last second.
Anyway, topped off the day with calls from Ed and to Dad to discuss the Blount University t-shirts we sent out to everyone in the family. More details coming soon, it's late and I am dead tired! Merry Christmas!
Peggy's sister Terri and her clan came over and we exchanged gifts topping off the wonderful day known as Christmas.
Our drive north was relatively uneventful, although Elliott got the short end of the stick on the driving shift deal. He drove from Charolette, NC, to Wythville, VA, getting to experience the dense fog of the Appalachian Mountains, and drivers who could get out and walk beside their car for all the speed with which they were driving. Oh boy, did we almost have to change our shorts after coming upon those cars, not being able to see them until the very last second.
Anyway, topped off the day with calls from Ed and to Dad to discuss the Blount University t-shirts we sent out to everyone in the family. More details coming soon, it's late and I am dead tired! Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Oh yeah madness
Oh yeah...2 billion points for the correct reference to the title of the previous post. Obviously we are going beyond the reefs on our Caribbean Cruise in June, so ya gotta do better than that.
Peggy's oral surgery went very well yesterday. She is a little swollen this evening, and is taking pain meds accordingly, but is doing very well indeed. The doc seems pleased with the procedure which took less than an hour! I didn't finish all the work I brought with me to the waiting room while she was back there!
Ian's rib cage is getting re-aligned, and he has one more visit to the chiropractor this week (Thusrsday) before we head out for the Christmas Break. Elliott and Abi have returned to Kissimmee since she has to be at work in the morning, and he has to go on to Taveres tomorrow afternoon. Elliott will return to Vero Beach on Thursday. It has been an interesting visit, and one that I hope has been pleasing for Elliott and Abi. Let's just say that Peggy and I laid our cards on the table, eh? Oh well, Peggy's meds are kicking in, so it must be time to go snuggle with her in the bed. Sweet Dreams everyone!
Peggy's oral surgery went very well yesterday. She is a little swollen this evening, and is taking pain meds accordingly, but is doing very well indeed. The doc seems pleased with the procedure which took less than an hour! I didn't finish all the work I brought with me to the waiting room while she was back there!
Ian's rib cage is getting re-aligned, and he has one more visit to the chiropractor this week (Thusrsday) before we head out for the Christmas Break. Elliott and Abi have returned to Kissimmee since she has to be at work in the morning, and he has to go on to Taveres tomorrow afternoon. Elliott will return to Vero Beach on Thursday. It has been an interesting visit, and one that I hope has been pleasing for Elliott and Abi. Let's just say that Peggy and I laid our cards on the table, eh? Oh well, Peggy's meds are kicking in, so it must be time to go snuggle with her in the bed. Sweet Dreams everyone!
Reef Er Madness
So, I'm sitting at the dinner table having just fixed a good ole sketti dinner for the six of us (yeah, Elliott and Abi were still here), and the phone rings. It is the President of the VBHS Choral Parents' Association calling to see if we would serve as chaperones for the chorus competition cruise to Cozumel and Beliz next June. Can you say 25th wedding anniversary cruise? Can you say one that we can afford? Can you say "YES!"? We did! Words do not adequately express our excitement!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Chirstmas Program/Open House Madness
Whew! Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity, and man is it good to have it behind me! We did our children's and youth Christmas program yesterday morning. Our children (ages 3-10) served as our "Angel Choir" leading the congregation (sometimes) in Christmas Carols. Having 20 children up on the platform in church is always an adventure and they did not disappoint. They sang beautifully, and some of the younger ones danced, rolled around on the floor and talked to Mommy from the platform. It was precious, and lots of fun even for the director (me). Three of our teens: Ian Blount, Alison Bartolucci, and Katie Huntsberger performed a four act drama and they were amazing! The church auditorium was packed, and a good time was had by all. Special thanks to my stage crew who took care of all the set changes in between acts and while the children were singing. Things went as smooth as silk.
Then, we Blounts raced home to eat some leftover Big Apple Pizza and to put the finishing touches on the house. I swept the pool deck, vacuumed the pool, dusted furniture, ran the sweeper in the house and whatever else Peggy told me to do, while she was working feverishly as well. Elliott and Abi arrived about 4:15, just after I had returned from picking up the party trays of chicken, subs, and smaller sandwiches. Then our brothers and sisters from VCC started arriving shortly after five o'clock. We counted at least 60 who came through the doors of the Fabulous Blount Mansion yesterday evening, and the fellowship was sweet indeed. Thanks to all who came by, and thank you for the kind comments about the house and the spread. It truly was our desire to say thanks and Merry Christmas to our church family in this way.
So, today, Peggy has her oral surgery for the third time this year. Yep, they're gonna take a piece off of the roof of her mouth and attach it around the gum by where her root canal was done to see if they can finally cover up those still exposed roots! We travel to Stuart, FL, to a periodontist this time, and I am confident that this will FINALLY take care of the situation. Oh yeah, and Ian goes to the chiroprtacor this morning as his rib cage has slid out of place again. Lovely times for sure!
This week sees the Christmas Eve Communion Service (most of which is planned out already), and me doing some sermon work for New Year's Day, before we head out to Ashland early Christmas Morning.
May God bless you and your family in this Holy Season of Christmas.
Then, we Blounts raced home to eat some leftover Big Apple Pizza and to put the finishing touches on the house. I swept the pool deck, vacuumed the pool, dusted furniture, ran the sweeper in the house and whatever else Peggy told me to do, while she was working feverishly as well. Elliott and Abi arrived about 4:15, just after I had returned from picking up the party trays of chicken, subs, and smaller sandwiches. Then our brothers and sisters from VCC started arriving shortly after five o'clock. We counted at least 60 who came through the doors of the Fabulous Blount Mansion yesterday evening, and the fellowship was sweet indeed. Thanks to all who came by, and thank you for the kind comments about the house and the spread. It truly was our desire to say thanks and Merry Christmas to our church family in this way.
So, today, Peggy has her oral surgery for the third time this year. Yep, they're gonna take a piece off of the roof of her mouth and attach it around the gum by where her root canal was done to see if they can finally cover up those still exposed roots! We travel to Stuart, FL, to a periodontist this time, and I am confident that this will FINALLY take care of the situation. Oh yeah, and Ian goes to the chiroprtacor this morning as his rib cage has slid out of place again. Lovely times for sure!
This week sees the Christmas Eve Communion Service (most of which is planned out already), and me doing some sermon work for New Year's Day, before we head out to Ashland early Christmas Morning.
May God bless you and your family in this Holy Season of Christmas.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Kentucky Madness!
Kentucky 73, Louisville 61
I was conducting a funeral service this afternoon, and didn't even set a tape up to record the game. Bummer, man! But I have read the early write-up at Kentucky.com! Oh yeah, baby! Kentucky madness is reigning this week. Go Cats!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
December Madness
Why wait till March, when you can start the madness now? Just the typically way over-busy season leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This year, the assault on Christmas seems to be more open, but the response to that assault seems to be more firm in resolve. I make it a point to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone, everywhere these days. There is no "holiday tree" up at my house, it is a Christmas Tree. Speaking of which, we finally broke down and retired our old tree after nearly 20 years of service. We loved that old tree, but it was truly time to move on. So, we got a pre-lit 7 1/2 foot artificial tree that makes life much easier on the decorating and tear down situation with the tree. Because we wrapped each branch of the old tree in lights, just putting on the lights alone took a couple of hours. Now, open up the tree, plug in the electric cords, and you are ready! I'll take a picture of the tree in a few days, and post it so you can see the beauty of our new tree.
We actually have our Christmas Cards and a few gifts that we needed to mail already out! I took them to the post office yesterday. They were already out of the "religious stamps" (as the postal worker called them), so I had to settle for holiday cookies stamps. That stinks! But, the bottom line is, we have already mailed out our Christmas Cards. This has to be the earliest we have ever gotten them out!
Emily is going out on her first official date on Friday. She is excited, and it is a very big deal around here. The guy who is taking her out is a good friend of hers (and she has had a crush on him much longer than she wants to admit). We know the family through the high school chorus, and they are very actively involved in their church. It should be a fun time and a big night for my baby girl. Oh boy. I am so NOT ready for all of this!
Ian just got his class ring a week ago. It is beautiful (and it should be for what it cost!), and he proudly wears it. He has been extra busy with show choir over the past couple of weeks, not to mention the holiday concert that Emily and he were in with the full chorus last week. The same show on two different nights. Oh yeah, and we worked the Exchange Club/High School Chorus Christmas Tree Lot on several other nights during the past two weeks. Did I mention that we were in the middle of December Madness?
Elliott and Abi will be here on Sunday. Abi is going to stay with us for a couple of days, and then Elliott will go to her parents' home a couple of days after New Year's. Elliott has officially finished with finals at school now, but has to stay to teach guitar lessons at the Community Music School through Friday. He then heads to Traveres for his weekend ministry at Mid-Lakes, but should be home Sunday mid-afternoon.
Speaking of Sunday...the children and youth Christmas program takes place Sunday morning at 10. The children are singing several songs, and leading the congregation in several other Christmas songs. Ian, Alison and Katie are doing a four act drama that is very powerful, and other teens will help with being stage hands, to serving Communion. It should be an interesting service. Then, Sunday afternoon/evening from 5:00 until 8:00, the Fabulous Blount Mansion will be the scene of our Christmas Open House. Peggy is stressing over details of getting the house ready (we are having our garage door replaced as I type this, but that is a whole 'nuther story). She has postponed her periodontal surgery from Friday to Monday to be better able to prepare for Sunday (and to help Emily get ready for her date on Friday). Did I mention that we are in the middle of December Madness?
The Florida Christian Youth Convention has come and gone, and I am busy in the midst of preparing for next year. I serve as the President of the Convention in 2006. Whew. December Madness 2006 has already started!
We Blounts plan to be on the road to Ashland, KY, no later than 6:00 AM Christmas Morning, having taken care of Christmas Eve Worship Services in two different churches before heading out. Yes, VCC is having a worship service Christmas morning, but I have a vacation day that day, and the five of us (Elliott included) will head north to spend a few days with family. We will return on Friday, December 30th since Elliott has to be at Mid-Lakes on December 31st. Whew! Did I mention that we are in the middle of December Madness?
Throughout it all, we are focused on the Christ. May this blessed season remind you of God's great love. Tell someone you see today, "Merry Christmas" and let the atheists know that we will not kowtow to their ridiculous, shrill whining!
We actually have our Christmas Cards and a few gifts that we needed to mail already out! I took them to the post office yesterday. They were already out of the "religious stamps" (as the postal worker called them), so I had to settle for holiday cookies stamps. That stinks! But, the bottom line is, we have already mailed out our Christmas Cards. This has to be the earliest we have ever gotten them out!
Emily is going out on her first official date on Friday. She is excited, and it is a very big deal around here. The guy who is taking her out is a good friend of hers (and she has had a crush on him much longer than she wants to admit). We know the family through the high school chorus, and they are very actively involved in their church. It should be a fun time and a big night for my baby girl. Oh boy. I am so NOT ready for all of this!
Ian just got his class ring a week ago. It is beautiful (and it should be for what it cost!), and he proudly wears it. He has been extra busy with show choir over the past couple of weeks, not to mention the holiday concert that Emily and he were in with the full chorus last week. The same show on two different nights. Oh yeah, and we worked the Exchange Club/High School Chorus Christmas Tree Lot on several other nights during the past two weeks. Did I mention that we were in the middle of December Madness?
Elliott and Abi will be here on Sunday. Abi is going to stay with us for a couple of days, and then Elliott will go to her parents' home a couple of days after New Year's. Elliott has officially finished with finals at school now, but has to stay to teach guitar lessons at the Community Music School through Friday. He then heads to Traveres for his weekend ministry at Mid-Lakes, but should be home Sunday mid-afternoon.
Speaking of Sunday...the children and youth Christmas program takes place Sunday morning at 10. The children are singing several songs, and leading the congregation in several other Christmas songs. Ian, Alison and Katie are doing a four act drama that is very powerful, and other teens will help with being stage hands, to serving Communion. It should be an interesting service. Then, Sunday afternoon/evening from 5:00 until 8:00, the Fabulous Blount Mansion will be the scene of our Christmas Open House. Peggy is stressing over details of getting the house ready (we are having our garage door replaced as I type this, but that is a whole 'nuther story). She has postponed her periodontal surgery from Friday to Monday to be better able to prepare for Sunday (and to help Emily get ready for her date on Friday). Did I mention that we are in the middle of December Madness?
The Florida Christian Youth Convention has come and gone, and I am busy in the midst of preparing for next year. I serve as the President of the Convention in 2006. Whew. December Madness 2006 has already started!
We Blounts plan to be on the road to Ashland, KY, no later than 6:00 AM Christmas Morning, having taken care of Christmas Eve Worship Services in two different churches before heading out. Yes, VCC is having a worship service Christmas morning, but I have a vacation day that day, and the five of us (Elliott included) will head north to spend a few days with family. We will return on Friday, December 30th since Elliott has to be at Mid-Lakes on December 31st. Whew! Did I mention that we are in the middle of December Madness?
Throughout it all, we are focused on the Christ. May this blessed season remind you of God's great love. Tell someone you see today, "Merry Christmas" and let the atheists know that we will not kowtow to their ridiculous, shrill whining!
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