Lobster Monday

Glenn and a student flew up to Boston for the afternoon on a training flight and brought back fresh lobsters! (For $13 each!!!)

Stella wasn't so sure what to think, but Glenn and I thought they were delicious. The perks of having a pilot hubby aren't so bad!

Summertime

Summertime means a lot of things, unfortunately not summer vacation and a break from school/work, but this summer I am loving having my hubby around. It is the first summer we've spent together (minus a few weeks here and there) since 2008. That seems crazy, but it's true. I'm thankful we get to spend this summer together.

So far, summertime has meant a garden. I've never had much of a green thumb (unlike my mother and father), but my little garden has done pretty well. My tomato plants are literally 10 ft tall. The have surpassed the railing by the door! My first success was a yellow squash. Although, it has been my only squash because the plant got too heavy and broke. Oops. Glenn and I like to say that this year is a learning year. That is definitely true. Basil has been a huge success. I don't know what to do with all the basil. The cilantro, not so much. That went to seed almost immediately. The mint has also been a big success. Lots of mojitos!

Before the unbearable heat rolled in, we had several bonfires. I can't get enough of that smell. I just love having a patio and fire pit now. I missed it so much in Japan.

Garage sale-ing! I love a good garage sale. A few weekends ago, some friends and I hit up several garage sales and thrift stores in the area. I love a good deal. I walked away with a few books ($3.25), a bucket of buttons ($1), a 3-tiered fruit stand ($5), 35' metal tape measure ($1), c-clamp ($1), wire metal basket ($1) and a peg-hook thing for the closet ($3).

I'm sure I could have found several more things, but we ran out of time in the day. Glenn promised me we could go again in a few weeks as long as he got brunch out of the deal. I think I can handle that. :)

Relaxing! It's been nice to have visitors come see us in Virginia and just take it easy the rest of the time.

I think Stella likes having Glenn home too. And sleeping. I love my tiny puppy.

Happy summer! Can you believe it's almost August? I love summer and all the fun things to do, but I'm even more excited for the fall. Bring on the leaves and boots.

Mom & Dad Visit Norfolk

We've been busy around here! I've got so many things to blog and tell you about. A few little projects, a few big projects and lots of visitors.

Let's back track a bit. For the 4th of July and the weekend after, my parents came to visit. It is there second trip to Virginia, their first being in 2008 when we lived here before. It was there first visit to our new house though. I had to work a few half days while they were here, but Glenn had a 4 1/2 day weekend so he kept them busy entertained!

We spent the actual 4th with our friends, Chris and Gizelle, and her family. We had some some bbq and then headed downtown to watch the fireworks at town point park. There was a breeze by the water so we got a little reprieve from the crazy heatwave we had that weekend. We were having flashback to their trip to Japan last July when it was equally as hot.

We watched a lot of Wimbledon tennis, checked out the zoo (have I mentioned we can hear the elephants from our backyard in the evening and at night? Must be dinner time. The zoo is crazy close to our house.)

We mostly just relaxed and enjoyed each others company. Oh, I suppose I did have one house project on my Daddy-Do list. He and Glenn installed a utility sink in the basement. I can't wait to wash my paint brushes in this guy instead of the kitchen sink!

Thank you for the house-warming present, Mom and Dad! Also, thanks for the plumbing lesson. Glenn is feeling confident to tackle the installation of a double vanity in the master bedroom now! That will be wonderful to have in the future!

It was nice to have them in town for a bit. I can't wait for them to come back in the fall when it won't be so hot and we can see more of the area. Miss you!

Visitors!

Our marathon month of visitors continues! Cheryl, my MIL, left today and my two besties arrive on Thursday! Emily and Laura were my maids of honor and haven't been able to visit me before. I can't wait to see them and catch up and rub on Emily's new baby belly! I can't wait.

Ohthankgoodness

I've been MIA for a few weeks, haven't I? We've been busy with visitors the last week or so. My parents came to visit over the week of the 4th so between working 1/2 days and spending time with them in the miserable 100+ degree weather, I never got around to blogging. I've got a few pictures on my camera that I need to upload and post from the 4th of July. It was nice and relaxing and wonderful to get to spend time with them. I think this retirement thing is going to work out alright for them.

The title of my post has to do with an important text message I received from Glenn today though.

"no afghanistan for me"

A couple of weeks ago, Glenn was pulled aside at work and told that he was on a short list for an IA. An IA is an Individual Augmentation where he would actually work for the Army in Afghanistan for 9-12 months. Leaving in September of this year. Glenn seemed confident that he would not be going. Every E2 squadron had to put 2 names on the list so there were at least 10-12 people. I knew he was probably right, but it never left back of my thoughts for the last couple weeks. Ohthankgoodness, he's staying home!

I've done deployments, I've done him being gone, but never to a war zone and never for that long. I know it is going to happen some day, but not for a couple years!

Today is a good day!

What's the capital of North Carolina?

 Washington DC!

Glenn and I went up to DC a few months ago to visit my friend Hillary, but I don't think I posted any pics except from karaoke. It's so nice having her close by although we'll have to make another trip to see her soon.

While we were in town though, Glenn and I also visited the Natural History museum and saw the WWII memorial. It was beautiful spring weather though and probably many schools' spring break though, because everywhere was packed!

It was nice to see Hillary, catch up with the Rohrings and see our nation's capital. I'm sure we'll be making another trip up there in the future. As long as traffic isn't bad, it's only a 3.5 hr drive!

Harborfest/OpSail 2012

A few weeks ago, Norfolk hosted OpSail 2012 as well as Haborfest. Unfortunately Glenn missed it, but I headed down there with Cara and the Morans. Ships from all over the world sailed in to Norfolk for the 4 day festival. We got to tour boats from different countries and listen to Colbie Callait live from downtown. It was perfect weather and a great night!

We each ordered a deep fried treat: oreos, twinkie and a funnel cake. The oreos were my favorite!

Norfolk always impresses me with their festivals. I love that we live so close (and the Morans even closer!) to downtown that we can take advantage of all of summer fun. Did you notice my hat lights up? Maybe I should have bought it!

What was I thinking?

Why do I start these projects while Glenn is gone? Well... I know the answer to that, but when I envisioned beautiful striped curtain panels for my living room and dining, I didn't know how painful this would be. I am currently almost done seeing the first panel of the first window!

Only 11 more to go!

Party Peeve

I've gotten a few invitation for showers, both baby and bridal, recently where I was asked to bring food and/or drink. Has anyone else experience this? I find it strange that I am not hosting or co-hosting the event, yet I am asked to provide for the party. Am I the only one who friends this strange?

"Hi, thanks for coming and partaking in your own food."

Does this mean I don't have to bring a gift? I am sure I would get more than a few stares if I showed up without an appropriately themed tissue paper filled bag.

When I host a party, I rarely ask people to bring something unless they volunteer it first. In one invitation it said, "Here are the details and here is a list of what you must also bring." I found it a little off-putting but at least informative. The other invitation had no details whatsoever. Should I bring a cake? Should I bring a steak? Who knows? I don't even know what other people are bring or how many people are coming.

I know that hosting a shower can be expensive. A friend and I co-hosted a shower in March and we both spent several hundred dollars. I know not everyone can afford this, but then I ask, why did you volunteer to host a shower?

Perhaps I am wrong. Please tell me if you disagree, but I am already spending money on a gift, now I have to feed myself too?

VAW-120's 642

Glenn's off again for a few day, but this time he's going in style- his own personalized plane!

They rotate names as people leave the squadron and new people come, but in Japan it wasn't until just before we left that his name was added. I guess it helps when there are 5 times as many planes.

See you soon Mr!