Hola

We got to San Juan, Puerto Rico Thursday afternoon. It's been mostly cloudy since then. So, no sun bathing. I return to Atlanta tomorrow, 4/1. Bill is staying until Wednesday for AIGA business.

We are staying at the Normandie Hotel

Just a few pictures


The hotel from the outside hotel bar.


View from our balcony.


San Juan cruise ship port


One of the public squares in Old San Juabn

Ramona Elenore Christian Wilson

Ramona "Mom" would have been 78 on the 30th. She was born in 1929. She always mentioned the big crash in 29 when she talked about her birthday.

She made us eat liver once a month. Although, a lot of ketchup was permitted.

She was a great baker and always made me an angel food cake on my birthday.

She gave.

I miss her.

Happy Bithday Teri Arrington

March 30th is Teri Arrington's birthay.

I don't know if you read the blog, but happy birthday from the blogosphere.

Sunshine in Seattle!

Just a quick note to let you know I am reading your posts and I did a great posting a couple of days ago, however, it was late and I hit signout instead of send! I was so disappointed I did not have time to re write it! So... Jim, did you get our rain? We have a beautiful day today. I have tried all day to get through work to get home and outside, not going to happen today. Being the weather has been so unforgiving this spring, I have planted my flower containers on my front porch with lettuce, parsley, and chives. Our farm, where we roast the coffee, is going to be featured on the county "Farm Fall Festival" tour in October. We have 14 acres with a 4bd home and a cottage, and a fabulous large barn. We plan to plan and plant. When I have a better grasp on posting photos, I will do it. One learning curve at a time! Love to you all! Georgean

Rain Please

Dry. Dry Dry. We need a good soaking Seattle rain.

The Bernard family (all inclusive)update

Since all the Bernards have been pretty quiet I'll try to update on anything exciting i know.

1) Theone quit smoking. One week and counting. She's afraid to go to the grocery store due to the temptation, but hopefully she continues the fight.

2) Not sure on anything from the Blubaughs. I think Jim had laser eye surgery, but got that third hand from Theone and she was a bit foggy on the details

3) Lara and Rick continue with the new house project. Think all is going well.

4) Donald and Barbara. Here is big news for those that don't know: Donald works on the North Slope. He is in Prudhoe Bay for 3 weeks and then home for 3 weeks. He has some stories...maybe he'll share some time when he gets on the blog. Barbara is busy writing an online elder care column of some sort and traveling for speaking engagements around her book "The Secret Gift"

5) Know really nothing of what is happening for Hans and Steffen.

6) Bob and Tonya are doing well. No flooding it seems for this year, so that is good. Staying close to home for a while. Tonya just finished co-leading a big 4 week project to create a demo (building the prototype of the product included)to be shown tomorrow to MS execs (yes, Bill and Steve). February was a bit stressful

Spring has Sprung

Here are a few pictures from the garden taken today. Pollen season has officially started. The cars will soon be covered with a yellow powder. I think the entire South is on Allegra.


Looking West from the back porch. That's Rosemary on the right and Leucothoe on the left.


This is the path at the West end of the house. Black bamboo and Astilbe.


Azalea in the back yard. This Azalea was here when we bought the house in March 1997. Yes, it's been 10 years this month.

Ed Christian - March 24th

Ed "Grandpa" Christian was born on this date in 1901. He died in 1974. This photograph is from Ramona and Ted's wedding June 7th, 1951. From left to right Dorothy Wilson Larson, Edward "Ted" Wilson, Ramona Christian Wilson, Ed Christian (Grandpa Ed).

What happens in Vegas comes back from Vegas

Tim went to Vegas this weekend, he was so excited to watch 72 hours of non-stop NCAA basketball, however he got food poisoning his last night. He's still down for the count. I had to stay home from work yesterday to watch him. Vegas Tip: Don't have a Reuben sandwich from Mandalay Bay hotel. On a much lighter note, Tim made his sales goal this week so we are going to Puerto Rico in May! I just made banana bread, only to realize that I used 1 cup of sour cream versus 1/2 cup the recipe called for. Georgean, why do I always mess up my recipes???? Grrr...Tim's comment "well at least it will be moist". He's always looking for the positives.

Monna's Update

Each of up probably thinks that we have nothing of interest happening in our lives to anyone else. But it is not in the content but in the contact. Winner! Since Sept I have been captain of our club's tennis team. We played 21 other teams and came in 1st place. That is a big deal for us over 50 competing against youngsters from the Eastside Clubs. We do have a nationally ranked 75 year old ringer tho! Also a high school tennis mate of Jill's. Can hardly wait for the luncheon to accept the trophy.
This weekend is the NW Women's Show where I have a booth to sell all my great new handbags, shoes and accessories. It will be a grueling weekend, but it will be fun and hopefully successful. My booth is adjacent to McDonald's. Not sure if that is good or bad.
Rain again here today. Last week I was in LA where it was in the 90's. I look forward to my trip to S.C. to see my Dad and then to Atlanta to visit Jim. Hopefully Spring will be there.

The Relatives are Quiet

What's up?

St Patrick's Day

Bill and I are going to see Lucinda Williams tonight. She is amazing. Some might say she is an acquired taste, but once you do you can't get enough. Her new CD is West and it's brilliant. She likes to swear a little, but don't we all. Enjoy and support true artists!

Pool Party - Summer 2007

We are opening up our pool this summer after a one year hiatus. It's a long story. Anyway, our 50 year old pool will be spotless for summer swimming. First, a new ladder that won't rust and then an acid wash. Acid wash isn't as environmentally nasty as it sounds. You are all invited for a swim. That means you Theone!

E Main Street

Our local CherokeeTV has a story about our zoning battle. For a slice of Cherokee County life, click

Thanks to Jim!

If this works I will be a part of the now famous Warroad Roots Bloggers. So... I have a meeting to go to tonight, but just wanted to give it a try. It was a great birthday party for Jill's 30th! Monna served a fabulous brunch, which we all enjoyed. I'll be around again soon, Jim, I did get some great photos, however, that learning curve is next! I can only learn a little of this at a time!

Jill Randall at 30!

Monna - March 11, 2007

The consumate chef and host. Great brunch Monna.

Brandon Maddy - March 10, 2007

Seattle March 2007

I am back in Georgia from my non-stop visit to Seattle. I didn't have much time to post during my visit as it was a jammed packed weekend. The schedule:
3/9 - 9:30pm Arrive at SeaTac
3/9 - 10:30pm - Dinner at Norm's (great fish & chips)
3/10 - 9:00 am Breakfast at the Hi-Spot - great food - spaced out service
3/10 - 10:00 - Shopping at U-village
3/10 - noon - Jill, Tim and Jim get manicures and pedicures at Frenchy's
3/10 - 2pm - Lunch at Specialties
3/10 - 4pm - Jill get's her hair cut at 7 for the big party
3/10 - 5:45pm - leave for Luau for the party
3/10 - 7pm - party begins in the Bora Bora room
3/10 - Midnight - Jim, the designated drive, drive us home. "It's a straight shot" says Tim
3/11 - 10am - kashi waffles at Jill and Tim's
3/11 - 10:30am - "Are you ready yet"
3/11 - 11:00am - Arrive at Monna and Brians
3/11 - 11:30am - Monna's Martha Stewart brunch begins
3/11 - 4:00pm - Leave for Vashon ferry boat
3/11 - 5:20pm - Visit with my good friends - Shafel and Shelley on Vashon
3/11 - 8:50om - Back to Seattle on ferry boat
3/11 - 10:00pm - Arrive back at Jill and Tim's
3/11 - 11:00pm - brief blog update and bed
3/12 - 9:30am - breakfast at 5-spot always one of my favorites.
3/12 - 11:00am - Arrive back at SeaTac
wait wait wait
3/12 - 2:07pm - leave for Atlanta
3/12 - 9:30pm - Arrive Atlanta
3/12 - 10:30pm - Arrive in Canton

It was a great weekend. I can't believe Jill turned 30. I was glad I could be in Seattle to help celebrate.

On a sad note, The Longshoreman's Daughter is no longer in business. It's now a vegan restaurant. Change. Change. Change.

So, now it's back to work. A few pictures will be in a separate post since blogspot is not very user friendly for formatting. One has to get into the html to fix things. The next thing to learn.

Jill' 30th Birthday

Here are a few pictures from Jill's Luau party and family brunch.

We had a great time visiting with all the relatives... Ryan Maddy & family, Debby Gines & family, Sharon & Al, Georgean & Ted, Brandon, Grandpa & Grandma Maddy. The menu included Blueberry French Toast, Sausage & Egg Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoe Casserole, Chicken Florentine, 3 leaf Salad and Chocolate Cake. We were able to get Georgean signed up as a blogger and we look forward to her posts.

While Jim is Gone - The Sequel

Saturday night's dinner with my niece and cousin, Lori and Millie:

Homemade guacamole and tortilla chips
Grilled dry aged ribeye steaks (photo of knives provides proof of steak)
Baked potatoes with european butter, sour cream and fresh chives

Sunday night dinner:

Slow cooked pot roast with vegetables (featured photo)
SautÈed young organic zucchini

And a couple of more things I can do when Jim is out of town:

- park in the middle of the garage
- eat tomatoes, onions and avocados
- turn the air conditioning down very low

My first post!

This was not "EASY" I will be not be doing this at Jill's Brunch. I will be back!

Happy Birthday Joyce

Joyce's Birthday was yesterday, March 10th. We all hope you had a great day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL!

Really sorry to be missing the party, but even though I am not there - my love is alive on your 30th birthday! Hope your party is as groovalicious as this video!!!

Bill

Not So Suddenly Leo

Jim, you better hurry home before I bore Leo to death! Check it out!

Things I Get To Do When Jim Is Gone

Well, here I am: home alone on Friday night. Jim is on his way to Seattle to celebrate Jill's 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Jill! I wish I could be there, but I have been on the road for the past three weekends, so I needed to be home. It is rare that I have any alone time at home, maybe once or twice a year. Although I already miss Jim, I get to eat whatever I want for dinner! So, here is a photo of tonight's meal: a homemade, 100% ground sirloin bacon cheddar cheeseburger with lettuce, mustard, ketchup and kosher dills on a kaiser roll. YUMMY! I seared the burger in a cast iron skillet on both sides and placed it in a 350% oven to cook through. It was so juicy that I had to take a shower afterwards! On the side, I added natural organic Ruffles with French Onion dip. I have Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream for desert - later. So in addition to eating all the things that Jim hates and I love, I thought here are a few other things that I get to do when Jim is out of town...

The List:

- Control the remote

- Watch Xanadu and country music videos as much as I want

- Sleep on the left side of the bed

- Wear Jim's clothes

- YouTube without headphones

- Aggravate Leo

- Teach Calvin to roll over


To be continued...

Our Funny Valentine...

Hey Tonya,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I had to go have a margarita in your honor tonight! So, here's a little birthday gift for you...Not quite a valentine baby but, damn, you are a lot of FUN!!!

Cheers from your biggest fan,

Bill

Happy Birthday Tonya

Fighting City Hall...Continued

A stop work order was issued today on the property in question. We'll see how long it lasts. Make a little noise. Save a home.

We sent our latest zoning proposal to the Mayor and City Council today. There is a council meeting Thursday. I'll update the blog afterwards.

New House....We Hope!

The big news here is that we offered on a house today, they countered, and we are going to accept their counter. It's in Los Osos, which is about 12 miles NW of where we are now. The home was built in 1960 but has been extensively renovated. It has original hardwood floors and a great stone fireplace. It is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and is about 1700 square feet. Charlie and Sandy are very happy dogs, because it is on almost 1/4 of an acre. We have a little bit of an ocean view from the master bedroom and family room. Up the hill one block is the start of a large nature preserve with trails. Hopefully all goes well through the escrow process. Please cross your fingers for us!

Today was a big day: I also found out I'm getting a student teacher. He will be starting in April. I've never had one before. I'm super excited!

Fighting City Hall

Some of you know about our neighborhood's zoning battle with the City of Canton. The Mayor promised a moratorium on development in the disputed block. This is what his moratorium looks like. The fight with city hall heats up tomorrow. Stay tuned.

New York, New York

I surprised Tim and took him to New York City for the weekend to celebrate our one year anniversary (time flies). It was a quick trip, but we managed to pack a lot in...walked to Central park, shopped in SOHO, visited ground zero, went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, visiting the meatpacking district, and had dinner with a friend in Greenwich Village. However, I was a little bummed, we didn't see any celebrities. We think we saw a famous guy in the lobby of the hotel, because he had lots of suitcases and everyone was staring, but we didn't recognize him. We stayed at the W in Times Square, which was very cool (highly recommend) I figured we would see SOMEONE..but nope. Oh well, next time.

I had the best desert in my whole life at Del Posto (Mario Batali's restaurant). It was a chocolate flour less tort with caramel and caramelized popcorn, it was to die for.

Our pictures turned out less then desirable, but here are a few that are half way decent.

The big 30 is this weekend...Can't wait!!! Jim, don't forget your hawaiian attire!

Happy Anniversary Jill and Tim

Happy 1st year anniversary.

My first post

Hello from Aiken, South Carolina. Sunny and warm. Elsie's foot surgey is doing fine. She sees the doctor Monday.

Leo - The Scaredy Cat

Leo is really not happy about posing for this picture.

March 2, 2007 - Canton, GA

When our Star Magnolia blooms, Spring can't be too far behind.