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Archive for June, 2009
Wisconsin Visit
Jun 25th
We arrived in Chicago on Saturday and was met at the airport by our friend Jay who took us back to his place in Wisconsin. We finally got to meet L who really does exist. Jay has talked about him for so long that we were beginning to think he wasn’t real. L joked that his real name was Kevin and was hired by Jay to play the part of L
Monday morning we boarded an Amtrack Train for Chicago where we spend a wonderul day. We saw the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum. I guess we weren’t too far from Harpo Studios and thought we could walk to it, but it was a long way to go for a picture, especially without Oprah! It was a very hot day and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the city and the beautiful lakefront. Considering the amount of time we had to spend there, we saw a lot. The trip home on the train wasn’t so pleasant. The car we were in had issues with the AC and it got very hot!
We arose Tuesday morning for our trip to the Wisconsin Dells. It was nice to see some of the countryside during our drive there. We checked into the “Gables” Motel, a 50’s style property and the owner Glen made us feel right at home. We had ground floor rooms right in front of the pool, which we used a lot. It was very hot during out time at the Dells. The four of us went to the Wilderness Lodge for a fabulous meal that night, and even celebrated Jason’s birthday. Jason and Jay went to the casino later in the evening.
Wednesday morning we took a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks through the Dells by land and water. These WWII, 7 ton vehicles are amazing. One minute you’re wizzing along a beautifully tree -lined path, and the next you’re driving right out into the river. The scenery was amazing. Rows of granite figures stand along the water. It could have been a relaxing trip, however, a couple with 4 VERY young children had one who was terrified by it all and screamed at the top of his lungs for the first part of the trip. This triggered the small baby the mother was holding so she picked it up and turned it toward us so we could enjoy it to the fullest. Eventually they settled down, but it was a slight bump in what was an otherwise beautiful Duck tour!
Wednesday afternoon, we went to Mount Olympus, a theme/water park. It was mid-week so it wasn’t crowded, but it was SO hot! Jason got a bad sunburn after forgetting to put some lotion on his back. We played in the wave pools and Jay and I went down one of the flume rides. I’m still trying to get the water out of my nose. All-in-all it was a great way to spend at hot day in the Dells. The guys went shopping last night and I was too pooped from the heat so stayed at the hotel and enjoyed the pool. Jason and Jay went to the casino again.
We got up this morning and drove back to Milwaukee where we have spent the day recovering from three fun-packed days where we hardly stopped long enough to catch our breath.
We’ll be heading to Chicago on Sunday after lunch where Jason and I will spend the night at the O’Hare Hilton before heading home Monday morning.
We aren’t finished yet, but I had to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to Jay and L for making our visit so wonderful. You guys are truly the best!
Happy Birthday Jason!
Jun 25th
Today Jason celebrates his 36th birthday. We’re in Wisconsin with our friends Jay & L. It’s going to be a great day! Thanks Jay & L.
MAC & our Blog
Jun 18th
We’ve changed the look of our blog. I found a neat theme called “Mad About Mac” and it reflects the changes we have made. For many years we have been PC people and suffered numerous “crashes”, blue screens and cryptic error codes. We’ve reformatted, reinstalled and re-jigged. But no more!
A couple of years ago I edited video for my business on a custom-built PC. It was coming to the end of its life and started acting weird. The backup drive, which I had captured a lot of video on simply disappeared, then on reboot, appeared again. Not very dependable. So… I took the plunge and bought a Mac Pro. Wow! It’s like day and night. What seemed SO complicated on the PC was simple on the Mac. I fell in love with it immediately. I had been told for years that I should try a Mac for editing because it was by far the best. They were right.
Last year, I retired my desktop DELL PC and replaced it with an iMac. I love it! And the support from the people at Apple (should you be an idiot and not understand stuff) is incredible. I have NEVER experienced such friendly and knowledgeable employees. The extended warranty is worth every dollar.
This spring, Jason’s old HP Desktop went beserk and we ended up trying to reformat it to factory. I THOUGHT everything seemed ok after I downloaded the tons of Windoze updates. I donated the computer to my Mom so we could leave it there to use when we visit. While trying to do a couple things on it, something locked up and it wouldn’t reboot. I couldn’t get into it to even restore it to factory. So it went to the junk pile.
Jason needed a new computer and although a bit nervous about making a change, decided to try the Mac Mini. In less than a day, he loved it and felt right at home. It has worked tirelessly without fail and its amazing how they can cram all that stuff in such a small package.
We still have two HP Laptops which we bought a couple of years ago. We use them when we travel. But as soon as they reach the end of the line, we’re replacing them with Macs too!
I have been toying with the idea of getting an iPhone, but unfortunately I’d have to deal with Rogers and I have had bad experiences with them in the past. Their rates seem pretty good, but it still a company I don’t like dealing with so I’ll keep my Blackberry thank you very much.
WI Here We Come
Jun 17th
In only three days, we’ll be beginning our long-awaited trip to the land of cheese! I could eat cheese all day, and I just may. Our friend Topper has graciously invited us to visit him and L and see the area. We’ll fly into Chicago then drive to Milwaukee.
Topper has a fun-filled week planned for us. I hope we can stand the pace. He likes to take afternoon naps, so hopefully we can catch our breath while he does. Neither Jason or myself have ever been to WI, or IL. If we’re lucky, maybe we will run into Oprah or Jerry Springer at the airport.
Topper sent us tourism brochures showing all the neat stuff there is to see and do there. The Dells looks like a beautiful spot and we will spend some time there. We’re just looking forward to seeing a part of the world we haven’t seen and getting to spend it with our friend and his partner. We’ll take some pictures and post them here on our site.
Look out WI…. here we come!
The photo below is NOT Topper, but an incredible simulation!
Jason Gets A New Job!
Jun 17th
After too many years working in a call centre, Jason finally got a new job. The stress from the CC was unbearable and had an effect on his health. This week, he received a call from the Provincial Government asking him to come in for an interview for a job in records management. There were several applicants, but Jason was chosen as the successful candidate. He begins July 2nd!
Jason celebrates his birthday on June 25th, so what a birthday present! We had such a positive and happy day of celebration yesterday. We went out to lunch at our favorite restaurant (Racines) after Jason went in to the CC and put in his notice. He’s one happy camper. And it still isn’t officially his birthday yet. There’s more “surprises” to come!
Birth Mom Passes
Jun 13th
I was saddened to receive the news that my birth Mom (Charlotte), passed away on Saturday, June 6th at an area-nursing home. She was placed there by one of her sons and his wife. She didn’t want to be there and had to be sedated to keep her from trying to leave. It was a very depressing and noisy environment. I knew it would just be a matter of time before she was gone.
Charlotte was a wonderful woman and I’m so glad we got to meet and spend the time we had together. She accepted me (and Jason) unconditionally, unlike a couple of family members who were afraid that we’d be an embarrasment to them.
The obituary which appeared for Charlotte read: “Charlotte is survived by: two sons: Dxx and Gxx.” They didn’t even mention me as if I didn’t exist. Of course the family members who disliked us were the ones who made the funeral arrangements. Charlotte was so happy when we found each other that she told all the family and her friends about me, even showing them my picture. So it’s not like the family secret anymore. There were some family members we met that were wonderful people and we were fairly close with, her brother and his wife for instance. There are lots of cousins and an aunt out there who we haven’t had a chance to meet you, but who want to meet us.
I know Charlotte loved me and was happy to have found her first born son. I’ll always be that, and have wonderful memories of her. Rest in peace Mom!
Update on Mom
Jun 13th
It was just over a month ago that Mom had a mini-stroke and we took her to the hospital. She really has only been home for just over three weeks and has been making an amazing recovery. We have found some excellent ladies from the area who are with her round the clock. Mom is making a good recovery for a 90 year old woman. She gets around the house with her walker and still fusses over my uncle, making sure he takes his pills and changes his clothes! He’s 87 and has problems with his short-term memory and forgets a lot. When my aunt died, Mom felt my aunt would want her to look after my uncle and she has done that. But its a lot for a woman of her age to worry about and stress over. And nobody worries about everybody more than my Mom. But that was the way she was brought up. She is an amazing woman who, despite a heart attack and three mini-strokes, doesn’t look her age! Glad you’re getting back on your feet Mom!