A Boy, A Girl and Twenty Years
A Reflective picture memory of our trip
By JT Pilaf
We were given the label for embarking as Zone 5 but our new friends, VIP'ers Stan and Patrick, insisted that we join them in line. Always accomadating Sandra could not refuse their polite insistance.
So being newbies to the whole cruise-thing we explored.
We soon discovered an adults only area and dismissing our love for ALL children spent most of our time there.
Well, we had to buy 1 picture. Sandra had a CVS coupon and they had to match all specials.
John from Philly took very good care of us...
as did our new friends. Stan's (on the left) an ol' Buffalo boy.
Day Three: We got up early for breakfast and joined the rest of our excursion goers. We were off to Tulum, the Mayan Ruins.
It was was just beautiful there. Sandra to it to "heart" and was a little nervous that they still might sacrifice virgins there. I assured them I'd be okay.
We could have swam, instead we followed our Mexican Tour Guide Juan around like little puppies, soaking in everything he had to say.
95 degree weather... you'd think I'd be used to that. Needless to say, I needed a beer.
We were always greeted by a beautiful sunset at the end of the day.
Day 4, we went to Belize... ummmmm, I think we'll use this picture. Pretty isn't it? This way you can't see the security, military men and barb wire on top of the chain link fences.
Day 5: Roatan!!! It's a shame we had to spend a day in Belize.
We enjoyed the beach, swimming, walking, exploring...
and then I needed a beer.
Day 6: Grand Cayman, it was very nice here. I almost got Sandra to go snorkleling.
But...
So instead, I went and got a few beers while Sandra shopped.
Day 7: A Fun Day at Sea. That it was,We had a wonderful time.
Oh, here's the guy that was serving me all week. "Mr. Jeff, would you like another one?" You know the answer to that Sy.
Until our next trip.
69 comments:
Hey! First one. Sweet!
Zach is doing well playing soccer and everyone is healthy.
We have to wait until 430 for the Bills game... The first time I yell at the tv will be at 445.
Awesome blog! Great pictures! So glad you both had a great time. Mom and I had such an amazing weekend in Atlanta. Thank you Kristen, Eric, and kids for the hospitality. Unfortunately I listened to the game. There's not much to say but what an embarrassment! Go Sabres! Oh wait they aren't playing.
Great Job Jeff on keeping our blog chugging along! The pictures and captions are awesome! It looks like you and Sndra had a great time, in a beautiful paradise! Can not wait to see more pix and hear more about it! Congrats on 20 years, coming up.
It is a cold rainy monday, and the bills got annihilated.
Just a deeply heartfelt thank you to the hosts with the mosts! Our 72 hours in Hotlanta was stupendous!
Sorry we missed your game "J", but it was good we left when we did as, #1, we could barely get out of the parking lot, #2, we could not figure out how to open the gas tank and #3, the traffic to Hartzfeld was bumber to bumber, and I had to navigate! Its a good thing that daughter has managed to drive 70 and read her cell phone at the same time!
Missing my Hotlanta family this AM, very very much!
Hope you get home safe and sound Adm, we had a great weekend! Dont know how you do it AP & UC!
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Back in WNY. Great blog. Loved seeing all of the palm trees, sun and surf. Felt bad for all of the poor people on a plane who did not get the chance to really "see" the Bills game. Adam got it on his computer and it was good that he recently purchaSEd the computer so he could not throw it across the room. I guess when I made my 13-3 prediction I was under the illusion that the Bills were going to play 11 on defense. Obviously a few are not getting out there in time for each play. Great weekend. Next family field trip is to Sweetwater Brewery. Tough to leave after such a fun weekend. Thanks to everyone
Talked to Mom and she was happy to celebrate sunday on monday. FYI: I do not plan on 1. picking up the prep. G or anything else like it and 2. pushing her thru Tops in the fire engine shopping carts. There ARE limits. By the way, Auntie B. sprung for gift certificate treats for all of Jefferson's team mates. I only wish she had been there to see the sprint from the field to the refreshment stand after the game was over. It was a true stampede. And yes, getting out of that parking lot is a bit of a challenge.
Its Tuesday, and the grind cont.
Sipping my coffee from my all purpose beverage cup provided by our Hotlanta Hosts, it is not the same as sipping by the pool, I am just saying! Yes had mom over last night for pot roast and a whirlwind trip through tops in which she was pushed in their grocery cart wheelchairs, and she insisted we start in the candy aisle! I think I would rather chase 14 mo olds, than deal with a 95 yr old trying to find peanut M&M's!
Oh well it looks like a busy at work, and hey at least the jets lost!
Is everyone back to work? Yeah, me too. A let down to be sure. At least the sun is shining on what was a chilly start this morning. Off tomorrow so I won't even tell you what is in my plans but it rhymes with yawn. Work hard everyone!
Each time that I look at the blog, I find more pix that include beverages. Seems that was a central theme of the trip, at least for nphw jff. Walking outside this morning, I could use a little of that sunshine to warm my bones. My weekend starts at 2:30. Hurray for me.
Usually my posts are first thing in the morning at work, but I have been traveling from site to site and have not had a moment to goof off! So on the presicpise of the yankee game, just wanted to wish everyone a happy friday, even though it was a short week at work it felt longer! Gets dark way to early!
I am sure most of you are watching the baseball game. But, I am all ready with popcorn in hand gearing up for the VP debate. I know some of my family members will disapprove of me but GO RYAN! It's hard to think that one week agao from today I was packed and ready to go to the airport. :(
So... on the edge of my seat, who won the debate???? No really, who won? (yawn)
So while at work today, the idea came to me that we needed to have a "yankees must win" party so I quickly called everyone I could think of, Gramma and Jill and Gary. Jill and Gary had plans, so Gramma attended our first ever Yankee's Must Win party, and you know what they won! I might be on to something here.
Oh and Tonawanda lost to NT
Oh my goodness, what a weekend!
Lets recap, Captain done! Bills win in OT, sunny and warm, back to work.
Yup that just about covers it.
I did hear that John Henry was offering a stake in the sox, I am thinking pirate gift!
Hope everyone enjoyed there 48 hours off!
Boy the house sure seemed empty this weekend! We missed you, especially at the baseball game. The Mighty Bulls beat the Hot Rods 8 to 6. It was a nail biter in the 6th with the Hot Rods at bat, and it was probably good that the ump called the game on account of time when he did. Our boys were looking fatigued. I think their focus is turning from Baseball to Halloween prep!
Caroline had a special get out and go day with just mom and dad on Friday. We went to an exceedingly overpriced but picturesque pumpkin patch. When we got home, I counted that we somehow ended up with seven pumpkins instead of six. Hmmm...think eric is subtly messaging me that he wants another baby? Yeah, probably not. :)
How could anyone ever doubted our valiant bills for a minute yesterday. In all our numerous phone calls yesterday, my son and I never questioned what the ultimate outcome might be. Should I go back and revisit my prediction? can they run the table for 13-3? since everyone knows what a gentleman I am, I won't even mention baseball.
Kind of a nice day. Sunny, but a little cool
I am thinking the success of the Bills can be attributed to the fact they were not intown all week! I am always far more successful when I am not around!
Yes, brother you are the consumate gentleman! But seriously who is not pulling for the Yankees! the captain is in the hospital and Joe Girardi just buried his father!
Go Yankees!
Happy thursday! funny how the week goes, Monday drags, tuesday drags, wed picks up the pace, thursday you realize its thursday, so you need to get everything done that you have slacked off on since Monday. So lets recap. Crazy baseball nite, I have to admit rooting for the Giants, no other reason other than they were a NY team at one time and Buster Posey has the best name in baseball!
and my beloved Yankee's, just to painful, I do take solace in the fact that we can all remember how George Steinbrenner would have reacted to a 250$ payroll, going 3-36. Hank and Hal could care less!
This weekend, lets see Chowder at Niagara Hose on Saturday, so that means its a hot dog and chowder weekend! Yum Yum!
Have a great day
Believe they can win the next 4!
everyone can rest more easily, Mom now has her "whoopee" cushion after a stop at Rite-aid. There was bfst at Athena's and a replenished supply of bananas so all is well. No classes for me today so I think that I will "pull a pilaf" as they say, Who knows, I may pass him on Delaware on "business". Enjoy the day
Buster Posey DOES have the best name in baseball. IN fact, Caroline has a stuffed animal named Buster Posey the dog!
sigh... guess I was wrong about winning the next 4!
I have limped into Friday, just barely. Was not aware that mom needed a whoppee cushion?? Glad that you took care of that! I keep getting calls re political survey's, am I the only one? I thought so! It is always such a sad day when BaseBall ends, wish I was in Hotlanta as I know Jefferson is still playing! Will finish my coffee and then its off to Buffalo General! ugh!
For the record, I am a pretty early riser, definately get my best done early and am useless after 7PM! So this AM, as it is Chowder Saturday, I walked my chowder kettle over to Niagara Hose at 6:15AM, still dark, but have no fear as it is the COT.
As I get closer to the hose house, I see some of the volunteers out in the parking lot, as I am walking up the parking lot, this group of men start laughing and walk away. So I said to them what was so funny? The one guy says to me, they just saw a figure in the dark, carrying something silver. So apparently I resembled a potential threat! So note to all, carry all chowder kettles in a bag, you do not want to scare the volunteers! Sun is out, enjoy!
Not even 630 am and my sister is involved in an incident. I am just glad that you weren't shot. Yes, the sun is shining and I need to do something productive. Hope that everyone has a productive weekend. UB and Bills both home. What a re the chances for 2 wins? No, I didn't think so either. enjoy
There is no joy in Muddville, or WNY either this monday. I feel in some way responsible since I made the mistake of pointing out that both the Bulls and Bills were home. Silly, optimistic me. Last full week in October.
A few interesting factoids, our family Blog is 7 years old! Ryan Fitzzzzpatrick only threw one bad pass, per Chan Gailey, Happy Birthday to Cookie, yesterday, and the donut that Gramma carts around with her to sit, periodically needs to be blown up. that task was assigned to George yesterday.
Other than that, the sun is out, Gods in his heaven, the bils lost, and all is right with the world.
Did the reinflation of the donut require the donut being given to UG? It's more challenging when she remains on top to get the right inflation.
there was some trial and error to get it at the perfect pitch.
But geo was up for the task, I could not see asking her to move!
She is 95 for gosh sake!
I see a pirate gift!! A donut carrying case, as the garbage bag is really kind of tacky!! And confusing as her laundry is in a garbage bag, her donut, and whatever tupperwear she is returning!
Seeing the age direction that this family is moving, I think that Auntie is on to something. And the donut itself was only 19.97 and I didn't have the Rite-aid bonus card to reduce the price. Don't tell Uncle Gary. I could see a battle shaping up come xmas morn over the donut.
Article in this mornings paper or why not to golf in East Aurora!
"10. Back to East Aurora (it's as creepy as Cambria). A siege, a bloody battle, and many deaths took place long ago, all in sight of the East Aurora Country Club.
apparently the East Aurora Country Club golf course is haunted!
So part of cookie's BD gift was dinner and Shea's for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, on opening night. Of course you have to get the tickets through TicketMaster, and pay that ridiculous handling fee. So as of yesterday I still did not have Cookies birthday gift, so last night at the ungodly hour of 8:30PM we get a phone call from a total stranger who live's at 431 Adams St in the city of Buffalo and she has my tickets! Turns out her husband works at BGH and will be bringing them to work today!
See the world is still a good place to live! And Justin Verlander was very un justin like last nite!
Enjoy thursday, as I quess the weather is about to change and not for the better!
Now that is a great story. Being the eternal pessimist, I would have assumed that anything with potential monetary value that went into the city of good neighbors would be like something sent into a black hole in space. good to know that I was wrong on this. I hope that the playis as good as theysay it is. Lovin' the weather today and can't wait to get out and soak up some sunshine.
another beautiful day! Enjoy
Hope everyone has fun things planned!
baseball maybe over more sononer than later, and will no bills to kick around this weekend, I hope everyone has projects to keep themselves busy!
Enjoy
Glad to hear Sandy is passing through sooner rather than later. Gary and I are headed to Ft. Lauderdale next Friday. Nothing like a wedding on the beach during a hurricane.
So thursday and friday while I was at work was beautiful, and now for the next two days it is non stop rain???
Such the luck
Batten down the hatches!
Least stressful sunday in the last two months. We have batteries, candles, water, duct tape and toilet paper. Let nature do her worst! Stay dry out there.
Heard from my daughter that she thought the banter between her UC and her Mom re: GG's inflatable donut, was the funniest she had seen in quite awhile, good to know!
Update from yesterday, there was no donut to haul around, and no laundry, according to my sister we are taking turns, so that would mean I am up next week!
No bills game to agonize over
BB is officially over
The hurricane is coming
And I only got gramma 8 banana's !
Hold on tight!
Listening to the wind and rain pound the windows. Luckily I have all the staples too; Gummy bears, fritos, beer, twizzlers, and okay I picked up toilet paper.
The only mishap at our house was Geo and Jenna bumped into each other on the way to the BR in the middle of the night, it was probably 10:30!
Off to Jekyll and Hyde tonight thanks to my good samaritan!
Gray gloomy hurricaney day, get through it best as you can!
Is everyone out there OK??? It was SCARRRR--EEE, I tell yu. There is a puddle in the front yard and what appears to be a 2 ft. long branch down on the side. But me, even in my advanced years I still get excited when schools close, no matter how unjustified. Stay dry
Happy Halloween! Hope your trick or treat bag has more treats than tricks! Had a very fun evening last night. Had dinner at Bambino's, very good! Jekyll and Hyde at Shea's was very good! a little dark and spooky for me, but amazing voices, and lots of fun!
Glad you enjoyed a rare day off, brother! I know they are few and far between
Enjoy Halloween all!
HBD tomorrow Sndra! Have a great birthday!
Happy bd Sandra! Anything special on tap for your special day? Is it me or did October fly by? Happy November and it's almost Friday eve. Jenna
A big Happy bday, belated to nc jll and relatively on time to sndr. Hope that your day was/is great. Back to work today after a week. Actually it was worse this morning than tuesday when schools were closed but it is a day with shortened classes. 61 days remain in 2012. Wow.
Hope everyone survived Halloween
we had our obligatory 50 kids, but I fear I am getting to old to have my light on, as I am getting thouroughly annoyed with the kids who tramped all over my flowers! And every tricker treater was accompanied by said parent!
rumor has it LM had 57 ghosts and goblins stop by, and you all know anastasia counted them all! Maybe she should work for the census bureau??? DMH was offering Beef Stroganoff on there cafeteria menu, offered to takes some to GG, but my sister beat me to it,with her chili!
So this was weird, I have 2 short cuts on my work PC to the blog, one is blocked by the Kaleida firewall but the other is available?
Thoughts?
Almost friday, hip hip hooray!
Great pics of all the kids in their Halloween garb! From quincy to hotlanta! Jff, what were you this Halloween? Your best costume I remember was your cowboy costume, do you still have it??
Just curious.
So today,my boss scheduled my job evaluation at 3PM, 3PM on a Friday, who does that???
So leaving early is out!
The Everetts will be getting to Florida today, but not through Laguardia, through Atlanta, not to worry about putting the coffee on K, they will not be stopping by!
So who thinks that Tori Hunter will be signed by the Yankees??
Thoughts on the weekend? I want to be productive... will see how that works out!
Have a great Friday, and even better Saturday and Sunday
Because in 72 hours we start it all over again!
Do I dare waste my time today from 1pm-4pm hoping for the Bills to shock the world today? Austin and I will be driving around applying at various places. Wish him luck! Stay warm everyone! Okay, I will say it. GO BILLS!
Be careful driving around nc jnn, there is snow in the air this AM. Hey, the Bulls won yesterday, the Sabres stay undefeated so there is hope, especially with mario's repaired wrist. I am sure that he will make those Texans wish that they had never gotten rid of him. Enjoy the day.
Oops, and good luck Astn in your search today.
Can you be done with the bills when the season is half way through?
Just wondering?
So yesterday it was laundry, lunch and groceries sunday with Anastasia.
She and Austin had an interesting conversation, as he was explaining to her his saving up for his car!
And Gramma proceeded to tell him about her first car, a 1934 Ford Sedan, that she bought for 100$ in 1939. She then told him it was a 6 cylinder engine, with some get up and go! And Austin, said mmm I thought they did not make 6 cylinder's til much later. So Austin of course had to google, and of course Gramma was right!
These weeks just plod along til we get to Thanksgiving, dont they?
Did not listed to the post game show just curios if Ryan Fitzpatrick is still the Jack Kemp of his time? And Dave Wannstadt, still a defensive guru?
Its Monday, get throught it best as you can!
Just sitting and watching an occasional flurry drift by the window and thinking that it wasn't so long ago, although it was after a few adult beverages, that I was insisting to all in attendance at my sister's labor day get together, that the bills were going to be a playoff contender. I think that I had the "3" correct, just in the wrong place.
Wow! It's tough to remember to join the fray when I get blocked at work. Howdy everyone.
Big day tomorrow, I'm practicing bringing out my ID. Sandra's telling me to knock it off.
The cowboy outfit. Ahhhh yes, Sandra politely asked me to throw it away... She said it was unflattering. Something bout trying to squeeze 10 lbs. of taters into a 5 lb. bag... Yes, Sandra says taters.
Busy Busy day at the Koch household! Jnna's unbridled enthusiasm for Politics is endearing! No cynism for greedy lying politicians, just an overall appreciation for the process and how it runs! We should all be excited! So lets hear it for Election day!! HIp HIP Hooray!
me, not so much. Glad it will be over!
Yea my nephew is back!!! it gets pretty lonely out here when it is just me and my brother, I suppose we could eliminate the blog and just call each other, but then all of you would be deprived the riveting conversation regarding our mother's hemerroids!
Many apologies for all my misspelled words in the previous blog! sloppy and unexcusable!
Enjoy the day all, vote for the candidate that you believe will keep social security solvent, just saying!
Ah yes, election day is finally here, and not a moment too soon. Love some of the news stories already circulating. Seems that there are phone calls in certain places telling people that A. they can vote over the phone B. Because of the east coast storm the election has been changed to Wed. or C. Some combo of the above. The U.S. long tradition of political tricks continues. Remember, as they have always said in Chicago: vote early and vote often.
Mullen School Polling Place Update:
Some woman is trying to set up Jenna with her 55 year old son, who's wife passed away 3 years ago!
The voting chairperson, is trying to convince Jnna to buy her lunch from Mullen school cafeteria, now we all know that is not happening!
Jnna told her it looked like an appetizer.
Nothing on voter turn out, or a gauge how people are voting, its just dating and lunch option texts from said daughter!
How come I don't get any proposals when I'm voting. I just get harrumphed and sneered at. It must be my voting commentary as I color in the little circles... Ssssssssssss explosion noise. Or "yeah, I'm done. I win!"
Happy post election day! Does everyone feel energized and hopeful about the next 4 years! I know gramma does! Just an FYI, voter turnout at Mullen school in the COT was 60%!
As usual, every single person I voted for did not win...
Well at least it is Wed, and only 2 more days to go...
Enjoy it
2 years of annoying political posturing, $6 billion spent trying to get jobs that pay a max of $200,ooo per year and we are, as a country, in the exact same place we were 2 years ago: A democrat pres. a democrat senate and a republican house. As Jimmy Breslin said many years ago after running for office and losing in NYC: "The people have spoken: the bastards" It's time to move on. The sun is shining, but it's cold, and I am off today. Hope that everyone has a good one. AB is right, only 2 more days and then it is hopefully for all, a long weekend.
Whoa the political cynicism from my dad! Yikes! don't you teach government to impressionable young minds, father?
i was asleep by 830 last night but Eric updated me when he woke me up at 5.
Nippy here in Atlanta today but the pool is still open! Just have to convince Eric to turn on the heater :)
The problem with teaching government is that requires me to read about it, think about it and worst of all try to explain something that makes no sense to inquiring minds who expect it to make sense.
Had an interesting evening working as an election inspector yesterday. Voter turnout at Mullen school was almost 70%. I had one voter ask me why Arlen Specter was not on the ballot for President. He was convinced that he was endorsed by the Conservative Party. I proceeded to let him know he was not endorsed and was not a candidate for President. He did not believe me!
One woman, 83 was voting for the very first time and said she would vote for me.
One man asked me for my phone number. At this stage in the game, I almost obliged but his two teeth and belly hanging out from under his shirt was not appealing.
Happy Friday Eve! I have to say I really am not one for politics, and probably because it does not make sense to me, and if it doesnt make sense I just dont get it...
Thanks for shining the light on that brother!
all I can say is downstate can keep the snow!
Other than that, things are fairly quiet. Just looking forward to the weekend!
News update: Arlen Specter is still dead.
Good evening everyone I have bad news. Christmas is already here at the Rices. We're watching the Grinch that stole Christmas. I'm tellin ya, it's way too early.
I hate to wish my daze away, but I can't wait for the weekend.
UGH anxiously waiting to finish up work! Some days you are the pidgeon and some days you are the statue, today I was definately the statue!
Enjoy friday nite!
Wide awake at 3:30 am and this is what I have accomplished thus far:
1. Killed 2 spiders
2. Paid some bills. Only 116 more student loan payments.
3. Shopped for Christmas gifts for myself.
4. Bought Christmas gifts for myself.
5. Thought about pirate gift shopping but quickly passed that by to shop more for myself.
6. Found 3 gummy bears at the bottom of my purse. BREAKFAST!
I am going to take a nap. Is it premature to think that the Bills may actually put up a fight this weekend?
Yikes! You get more done than 4am than I do all day...
Bulls won yesterday! Now, let's see what the Bills can do.
I won't watch it though, not with it going to be in the sixties today. Nope, I'll be outside enjoying Indian Summer. Am I allowed to say that?
LOL, can we get a ruling on the political correctness of the term Indian Summer? Maybe Barry Snyder is a blog follower? for those unaware, Barry Snyder is the reigning barack obabma of the Indian Nation. I would have voted for him, had I been allowed to vote!
Was a very nice weather weekend, not so much a bills weekend. I would like to thank the Almighty for a such a beautiful Sunday, so that we were not forced to watch one more debacle!
Did everyone see in Sat's paper,that Ralph Wilson is working with a trainer, to regain his strength. Yea, me too!
Enjoy the day, thank a Vet!
I did walk away from yesterday's game to spend some pleasant time sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine but unfortunately went in just in time to see our heroes fashion yet another way to lose. I was afraid, based on phone calls, that I was close to losing my son, but he bounced back. That is the key with the Bills. You live long enough, you come to accept anything and everything. Yes, Ralph is in training for a new competition, nonagenarian cage matches. Enjoy the windy day and the snow to come. A week from thursday is Thanksgiving? Thank God for all of this xmas music to remind us.
What a difference a day makes! brr!
Inclement weather looming, always makes for a harrowing drive into work, when the masses think things are really going to be worse than what they are! This week is kind of upside down with the Bills playing Thursday. So that means our Monday was painful and so will our Friday?? Is that really fair?
New windows go in at 431 next week, so that will be exciting. Mom is hoping she will no longer have to sit with a blanket on!
Other than that, it is only Tuesday and what else is really going on??? Take it one step at a time, and it will be fine.
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