Sun Power

Ok, let's talk about power bills. Oh, yea. I know that makes the heart go pitter patter as in stroke mode, especially in the summer. Well, check these babies out.

This array of solar panels is located smack dab in the backyard of our house in Fairview. I am pretty sure that not everyone knew just how to take these babies or liked them in the back yard as indicated by how long this house was for sale, but let me tell you just how much we like them. Our first electricity bill in many months was $4 and our August bill is $80. As the weather cools off again, the panels will send electricity into the grid and give us credit to build up for the months ahead. I like looking at them myself. I guess we are one of these folks:  Tennessee Solar Power Users

When I look out the back windows and see the grid, I don't just think of power and electricity. It makes me think of sunshine and how much we need to be outside. Sunshine is one of the major ways to get vitamin D and how many of you have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency? Hmmmmm.... Light sets our circadian rhythms and keeps our moods lifted. I'm going outside right now to get some sun and some D. More power to you!

Your Typical Trip to the Beach

I think most of us can tell of trips to the beach. I certainly remember those from my childhood, in addition to the ones we took with my own children. My favorite story from my younger days is with Mom and Dad, camping at the beach I believe... unless it was in a beach house at Myrtle Beach. Nonetheless, we were swimming in the ocean, having so much fun in the waves, and it was made totally more incredible since Dad came in with us. Of course, when Dad does anything, even swim, he has to wear his glasses. And YES! Right when a lovely wave comes toward us, all the kids squealing for joy, Dad turns around to look and BAM! Wave in the face! And the afterwards picture is ... Dad without glasses!

We were so concerned about Daddy's glasses but he grinned as he assured us that some lucky shark now had great eyesight. Is that a great dad or what?

Watching the waves

You are at the beach and the first few days are amazing with trips to the pool, trips to the beach, trips back to the pool, seafood, and extra long naps if you can get anyone to take one. Then after that there are a few more grouchies, some grabbing of toys, complaints about food, general whining and grand efforts on the part of the adults at positive attitudes. And as always happens at the beach, rain. Which is why you come prepared with games, puzzles, books, and nowadays, a selection of unseen DVD's. Today was our rain day, complete with the beautiful water and waves, the view of a rainstorm approaching, and lunch at Pampano Joe's. I must say, there is just nothing like dancing in the rain.

Jim sees the rainstorm first

Running for cover!

No Heart Break Here

So, Mom is doing fab and will be going home soon from Siskin Rehab in Chattanooga. I know she is antsy to get to her own place as we all know we heal best at home. She has new medicines to adjust to and she and I are planning a September trip to the beach if her doctor gives her a go ahead. We have a lamp store in SanDestin we really like to visit. We call it our Thelma and Louise trip without any cliffs.

Needless to say, I am glad to breathe easy again, as we all are. When anyone in your family is hurting or has health issues, it is constantly on your mind and heart. With a go ahead from Mom and Dad, Matt and Meg, Vaughn and Riley, and Jim and I have trekked down to Destin for some beach fun and much needed relaxation. We rented a BIG Ford Explorer with Matt's business travel points and put a carrier on top, made sure we had plenty of books, coloring activities, and DVD's and all climbed in together for the ride. I think there was a plan, as Jim and I were in the back seats occupying Vaughn and Riley...

Why doesn't Jim look happy?

Meg, travel expert and bargainer extraordinaire, found this condo in Destin with three bedrooms and a balcony overlooking three pools, a lazy river that lights up at night and the bay. There is a bridge over the main road to the Ramada Suites where there is a pool with grotto and a rock waterfall, a fountain playground, and the beach! We can do things together or go our separate ways, but it is hard to turn down two boys learning to swim! It so reminds me of three boys swimming at Aunt NeeNee's and Uncle Ancil's.