Pirate Plunder Marathon 2 miler

John and I participated in the Pirate Plunder marathon 2 Miler tonight. We laughed when we were at The Mansion afterwards for a bite to eat and the young lady asked
"Oh, Did you guys run in the Marathon?"
 "Yes...yes we did."...hahah I told her it was actually only a two mile race...but I don't think she heard me.
We decided to participate after L.J. suggested it a few weeks back. This was the 3rd annual race...but the first time it was hosted by Meg O'Malleys. Meg's was a perfect spot for a Pirate themed race to start and finish. Some of the staff dressed up, the local radio station had their "Pirate Ship" on site and many racers dressed up for the event. The best I could come up with was a black and white striped shirt...haha. As usual...I walked the route...but I walked two miles in 27:12.1 minutes. Not bad. I had the usual walk/runners trying to beat me...but I made up my mind to get past two different groups of them and finally left them behind... with a bout 1/4 mile to go. I had fun watching a family in front of me ,haha the little boy was being urged on by mom and dad...they were ahead me, behind, ahead...(ultimately finished ahead of me)...so I got to watch the kid. He stopped to examine a piece of trash...which was part of a light from the nearby construction barrier...his mom scolded him...he dropped it. Next stop...a big puddle...haha...he was having fun...till his mom noticed....he almost got into another puddle a little further along...but it was too far off the "path" to be able to get to it un-noticed.. He'd run...stop, walk...etc...looked to be about 4 or 5 years old...he did it all himself...unlike some of the other little kids who got piggy-back rides or had someone carrying them by the end. I believe they said there were 959 people registered....so that was a great turn out for a good cause....The MORGAN Project.

They had food and drinks afterwards...but rather than hang around for that...we opted to head down the road to The Mansion for a tasty Roast Beef and Horseradish Cheddar sandwich. It was a good evening. My day started out with a bike ride that came to a sudden end when my chain popped off and I could NOT get it back on. I gave up when I cut my finger trying...blood dripping, greasy black fingers and one frustrated person (me!). I called David (I was riding to his house when I broke down)...he picked me and the bike up and delivered us back home. I parked my bike, adjusted the seat on John's and rode HIS bike instead. I think I just need a tune-up...the chain popped off last week, but that time I got it back on pretty quickly.

In other news...the wedding plans are coming together. The dress is in...ready to go, hair and make-up scheduled, David finished making us a poster for the "Photo Booth"...it looks great! RSVPs are coming in...and while  there are some disappointments...there are  plenty of yeses to keep us excited....and we are now only 5 weeks away form the big day!!

Happy Easter!

Earlier this week the sky was clear and the moon was setting as the sun came up

 This morning we got up EARLY (for me anyway). Had to get up at 5:30am to make it to sunrise mass at 6:30am. Luckily it was right down the road...so I could wait until the last possible minute to be out the door.
For once it was me...convincing John...to get up and go. (he is a little sore from fishing yesterday...coming in against the wind was tough!)

 We went to Holy Name's mass...it was nice. The regular priest was there...also a seminarian who is going to be ordained May 25th. He gave a nice sermon...
The regular priest joked  "No pressure...Easter sunrise mass with thousands of people in attendance")
It is a beautiful day...a little chilly to start...but it's warming up nicely. Blue skies...nice sunrise. The usual flyover by a few planes and one helicopter...one comes by every year with JESUS SAVES painted on the bottom of his wings.

 I didn't take any pictures at the beach or at the brunch that followed at the Hogg's house. As they called it "The Hank and Tracy Spino Memorial Brunch". I just snapped a few pictures of my flowers in my yard...not too many yet...but I have my regulars...haha

 Brunch was great as usual...all the family friends who have been getting together for MANY years...We started the sunrise mass tradition back when I was in High School...a small group of my parents and their friends...we had our own, with one of our priest friends. Over the years the church had their mass...and I don't remember when exactly the brunch afterwards started...but it's been at least 30 years. It's always nice to feel like part of the gang again.

 This year there was lots of discussion about our daughter Megan's wedding this May. Everyone wanted to hear about the plans...and offer congratulations. My parent's friends of course have children and grandchildren...so they've been through this stage of life. ...but everyone was excited for us.

 We ate and talked...the young kids had their Easter egg hunt....with the now older kids assisting. It was fun.
                         The youngest child this year was Beth Spino's grandson...2 1/2  weeks old!

 After we got home...we took a nice bike ride....and I'm sure at some point today I'll be taking a nap! :)
                              Happy Easter! 42 days and counting till Megan and Marcus's big day!

Spring weather

The weather here has been really nice. We've had a few late cold fronts moving through...keeping the weather perfect. I've been taking my usual walk or bike ride everyday...and lately John has been going along with me. Some evenings I meet up with Karen for a short walk down to the river front park in Indialantic. Tonight it was windy and pretty chilly...but also clear and the moon is almost full. A good night for a walk.

 I tried to take a couple of pictures right at sunset...but I didn't have the setting right. But...I kind of like the way the lights on the causeway  look.

Lots of birds are around these days. I  have spotted the usual woodpeckers, doves and mockingbirds recently. This morning a heard, then saw a cardinal. I have my spring "flag" out...and just above where it sits...

                         a mockingbird is building a nest. We can watch it through the front window.

                                    I never realized what a messy job it is to build a  nest.

                         The birds are making progress.

             Now I just have to stay clear of Mama bird...so she doesn't attack me when I come out the door.
Today she was packing in the bottom of the nest. We'd look out and see her tail feathers sticking up in 
                        the  air....then she'd be off again in search of more building supplies..
We also   have to be on the look out for the neighborhood cat that is always lurking around here....can't let it get to the babies!

Mug malfunction

 So this is how my day started. I selected a mug, filled it up and was all ready to go. When I picked it up off the counter all of the sudden the only thing left in my hand was the handle....I guess we have banged it one too many times or something. I've never experienced anything like this...haha. Thank goodness it fell onto the edge of the rug...so it cracked but did not shatter into a million pieces.

 Coffee went flying....a few chips of the mug...but not too bad all in all. Of course in the coming days  I will probably find coffee stains in places I never thought to look....
it's also a good thing that I am off today...I can only imagine if I had been running around trying to get ready AND clean up the mess.
We got some much needed rain this  morning...it's been awhile. I don't like gray skies...but the rain is good. I had arranged to go read to Amy's class today...and what better day for it than a rainy morning with no recess. Her class is pretty well behaved (as far as I can tell from my visits ...that is...haha) They seem receptive to just about anything I bring...so I had a variety of books in my bag today.

Janet Stevens and her sister Susan wrote this book. I love the illustrations in Janet Stevens' books...

like this close up of the dog's face.....when he's tired of naps...hahah

Find a Cow Now! was about a restless herding dog...with nothing to herd...and he was driving the other house pet...a bird...crazy. The bird tells the dog to go find a cow! He finds lots of animals...finally finds a cow...and herds it...but not exactly the way you might expect. Silly...but cute.

An old favorite by Leo Lionni. I probably have  mentioned this one before. Three frog friends...one finds an egg. The "Know-it-all" Marilyn (who has never seen a chicken) decides it is a chicken's egg. I love Leo Lionni's stories...cute little tales that teach a subtle lesson.

I'm not sure if this is a new book at our library...but I know I have never seen it before. The illustrations caught my attention.

when 999 tadpoles turn into frogs...as father frog puts it "We have a situation." Cute story about the dangers in the world for frogs...and how they manage to make it to their new home. The kids liked this one.

Farmer tries unsuccessfully to outsmart the rabbits.

And lastly a St. Patrick's Day story...with a good message about figuring out what's really important. Winning the contest....or giving it up to help someone in need......and a cute leprechaun too.
As I said...a gloomy morning...turned out to be not so bad...because I had something fun to do. It's always nice to go read and watch the kids enjoying the stories... and watching their teacher enjoying a few minutes for a break...haha And my day is about to get even better...because I am heading out for a massage in a few minutes..... Happy Tuesday!

For my next party...

Okay...so it won't be anytime in the near future...since we have the wedding coming up and then my nephew's wedding in August...but I have plans for my next party. Ever since I read The Paris Wife and saw the movie Midnight in Paris last year; I have have wanting to have a "Roaring Twenties" party. I have seen dresses here and there that would work great for the theme,  but most were too expensive and I didn't want to spend too much money on a costume. Well...yesterday when I was at the mall allegedly looking for a necklace to match the dress I'm wearing to the wedding. I didn't really see anything I couldn't live without...and then came  my last stop of the day...the Petite Department of Dillard's. I spotted a dress too perfect to pass up...and the fact that it was on the 65% off rack...I had to try it on. Now I can't imagine this dress for anything other than a costume party...maybe that's why it was on super clearance...but I had to get it. I felt compelled to explain WHY I was buying the dress...because it was kind of  embarrassing to be seen buying it...haha.( Kind of like when I bought my dress for our White Trash Bowling Bash. )
The clerk thought it was perfect for a flapper costume. It's dark pink with tiers of  ruffles...with a row or two of black ruffles on the bottom. The straps...about 1 inch...are covered with "jewels"....

All I'll need is a headpiece and a wig...and I'm ready! I saw an ad for a remake of The Great Gatsby...which got me thinking...
 I told John I was ready for my next party....he looked at me and said "Your next party? We have a wedding in May...that's your next party." Reminds me of myself getting nervous when he is planning our next trip when we are still  driving home from a trip! haha
I assured him I was in no rush...but sometime this year...I am going to have this party....just wait.

More from the wedding

 The entrance to the reception area. There was an old ,/strike> antique desk with the guest book. There were sparklers and matches for the end of the party.

"Love" seat

 Mother of the bride and her son-in law.

                        Laura...the bride's sister...and we think the Best man was Marc's bother.

     I had to chuckle...Lindsey had three bridesmaid; including the Matron-of-Honor....and Marc had  five     groomsmen....usually it's the girls that have all their friends included in the wedding...actually Marc's dad mentioned 4 boys (or was it 5?)  so that might explain the extra guys.

Lindsey and Art

Aunt Jeanette, Marc, Lindsey & Uncle Joe

the bride's family

 wondering how this slipped in???...haha. There was a restroom for the women...but this was the Men's room

 Anne, Glenn F, Lindsey, Kathy F and John. John has known Lindsey's dad since they were in first grade together. Glenn and Kathy lived next door to the Topp's for many years while the kids were growing up. We all had fun talking about camping trips to Fort Wilderness, Long Point and more we all enjoyed together when the kids were growing up.

                          Doesn't she look happy! I enjoyed Lindsey's wedding. Things didn't go exactly as planned...but she didn't seem to mind. She had a lot of nice touches...that she did herself. You could tell much time and thought went into the planning. It was elegant... (at Target they call it "Shabby Chic" yet relaxed...and very comfortable. Everyone felt welcome and at ease from the moment they walked up to the venue. We didn't stay till the very end...but it looked like Lindsey, Marc and their friends were having a fine time when we left.

Thoughts

I've always thought that the only way to truly appreciate how well something is done....is to do it yourself and find out what is involved. The first thing that comes to my mind is music. Growing up I learned to play the violin sort of . I was never very good at it...mainly because I never invested the time required to practice and really learn to play.  I was young......but still...when it came to practicing...I wasn't very dedicated.  However....since then I appreciate good music so much more! When I listen to an orchestra, particularly the strings section....I can understand what it takes to play music well. I love listening to music...even if it's not my particular genre...to hear music played well...it's amazing.
Another example is American Idol. I've never really watched the show...it just doesn't interest me...I find myself being critical...when the reality is ALL of the contestants can sing better than I ever could! I'd rather not watch...because I know I'm not being objective...I think it's impressive that they are willing to get out and perform, take a risk, whatever...but I don't feel the need to watch I guess. And art shows...my brother is an artist...not everyone "gets" his art...I happen to enjoy it. And as I stroll along any show I attend...I try to keep an open mind....some media I just don't care for...other times you see art that's not that great...but to each his own...again I appreciate the fact that the artists are confident enough to put it out there for everyone to see.
Soooooo...that brings me to my point finally!
Planning Megan's wedding...or helping to plan it...has made me look a little closer at other weddings. You can't compare one to another...because if it's done right...each one should be a reflection of that particular bride's (and groom) personality. I've been to some very casual weddings, some very traditional, some unconventional......but each one was good in it's own way. I always try hard to appreciate the celebration for what it is...and not get caught up in comparing details to what I would've done, or what I've seen done, etc. I've been at receptions and overheard guests (mostly women I hate to say) making negative comments about various aspects of the wedding/reception. Maybe about the bridesmaid dresses...maybe the food...the venue...you get the idea. That always annoys me...if you are lucky enough to have been invited...then why not just appreciate that and enjoy the celebration. I'm not saying I've always been the perfect guest...I've been to a couple of interesting ones...at one the groom got pretty drunk and was a little too "friendly" with some of the female guests...which resulted in a fight...(great way to start your marriage...haha), one was a very formal reception...for a very informal couple...and the groom's friends in particular...looked completely ill at ease the whole time. The older woman pouring the tea....with a very stern look on her face didn't help...haha You could tell...the bride's mother had planned the whole thing and I don't think anyone really had a good time at that reception. (however 35 years later the couple is still married...so Mom may not  have approved of her daughter's choice...but I hope she had enough sense to come around after a while)
Now there is so MUCH info out there...on the Internet..Pinterest, Blogs, etc....that it can be helpful but also a little overwhelming. You start looking at different photos, ideas, etc...and and you get inspired but intimidated too.
I had a moment a couple of weeks ago...looking at pictures from one bride's lovely reception. All the details...you could tell it had been very carefully planned out and I kind of panicked. I thought to myself...oh my gosh I'm not doing enough...I can't do all that. I started thinking maybe I was getting carried away ...and not in a good way...with my ideas for decorations, etc. And I didn't sleep well that night. Then when I got up  the next day....I had to stop and remind mind myself...that I can't do all that...but I also don't need to do all that. I LOVE parties.....and as far as I know no one's ever complained about a party they've been to at our house. We have FUN!...and it may not be perfect...but it's enough for us....and honestly I think I do a pretty  good job. 
Yesterday at our friend's wedding...there were moments when things didn't go according to plan....and you could see some people getting a little "restless"...but you know who wasn't concerned at all....the couple. They never looked distressed...they never looked frazzled...they looked like they enjoyed EVERY moment of the afternoon...so who cares! And when the temptation might have been to think "Oh my...I'd never do that"...I just thought...you know what that's not how I would like it...but it's not my party.
I was curious to see how this celebration would be different from the bride's sister's wedding (last year). They are close as sisters...but their personalities are very different. Laura's wedding was a little more traditional...the reception was at a nice hotel. Lindsey's venue was much more relaxed....down to earth...much like the bride and groom. Laura's reception was handled by the staff......she didn't have to set anything up...etc....Lindsey got to the site early in the day and added decorative touches to the existing decor. She made it feel like it was" her" party. You could see she had spent a lot of time preparing in advance. She set it up...and as far as I could tell...once she did that, she wasn't too concerned about if everything was exactly as she had hoped it would be . It was done...and she enjoyed the day.
Kathy and I compared notes as we sat back and enjoyed the festivities....trying to determine...what's going to work for us....we weren't critiquing....  we just had  fun. We have both known Lindsey and Laura since they we babies...so we we knew each would have their own way of doing things...and we enjoyed seeing how it all turned out. The ONLY thing I couldn't help myself from thinking was about the DJ and the music...hahah I don't think I heard one song I liked...haha I try to be good...I just can't help myself hahah ...or would play...but you know what...I didn't expect to...and it didn't matter to them that I wasn't up there dancing....they were having fun.
If you know me...haha you know I tend to analyze things...sometimes more than I should...but I just do. (I should have been an Anthropologist or something...studying people...haha) I guess because of the wedding we are planning...I've thought about  all this a little more than usual lately..... and  it's kind of fun...
Meanwhile...plans are moving along for Megan and Marcus's big day......and my hope is that they will have a great time and everyone who celebrates with them (us) that day will think about it it afterwards  and say... "Now that was fun! What a great celebration!"