Vero Beach - Thursday

Our mornings are usually spent lounging around the house and preparing for our day.

Our pick for lunch was The Lemon Tree - a beach side restaurant located in the heart of the Oceanside shopping district. They have a very light fare lunch and serve complimentary sorbet for dessert.

Sonia noticed a "sidewalk sale" at the shop next door and couldn't help stopping to browse. But even the sale prices were astronomical. 

We did walk across the street to gaze at the ocean before heading back to the mall. I lost my earring the day before and needed to check out the dressing room to see if I could find it - no luck.

After a quiet night in we headed to bed early in anticipation of a day at the beach on Friday.

Vero Beach - Wednesday

Today was the first day we ventured out on our own without Sam chauffeuring us around. Vero Beach may only have a population of 15,000 but it covers over 600 square miles and no matter how easy everyone says it is to get around, we still got lost several times. I can usually find my first location but then I get turned around and I'm lost. But I can find my way to the beach so we met Sam for lunch at Bobby's.

Bobby's is located in the Reef Ocean Resort and was the popular restaurant and bar hangout for the Brooklyn Dodgers during spring training. Bobby's is also noted for serving the best burgers in town and it didn't disappoint.

Ocean Drive runs along the ocean and is full of cute boutique shops. So Sonia and I decided our afternoon would be spent visiting those shops. Most of the clothing, shoes and accessories are designed for the glitzy and glamorous customer - $325 for a sweater - well beyond our price range. We couldn't find even one souvenir shop - no magnet for Karen! We must not have been dressed appropriately because we went into a nail salon to get our nails done and the lady made excuses about being extremely busy and quickly ushered us out the door. So we headed out for our favorite spot - the mall. I haven't had enough shopping yet!

It took us awhile to remember how to get to the mall but we eventually found it.

There we found the usual mall nail salon and had our nails done. 

Using our handy phone GPS we eventually made our way back to pick up Sam and headed for the local tavern to play Bingo. O'Conchs is a small local pub that serves only wine and beer. Apparently a liquor license for hard alcohol is very expensive in Florida so most bars serve only wine and beer. 

Wednesday night is Bar Bingo night. This place is "so" local that the owner, Momma Conch, uses one of those bingo cages with a hand crank that spits out the balls. Sonia won the first game, $21, and I won the last game, $28, although my prize pot was split three ways. 

Sonia was the designated driver but from the looks of this picture, I'm not sure if she wasn't sneaking a few beers. But since this is the only picture I have for our Bar Bingo night, I'm posting it. With my sense of direction here, I'm not sure if I could find the place again to take a better picture.

Sebastain Florida

We took a trip about 15 miles north along the intercoastal waterway to Sebastain, Florida.

This is actually the river you're looking at, the ocean is on the other side. There's many small islands where people take a boat out to have picnics. Parts of the town are very old but there are also some very expensive mansions connected with golf courses - what else. But the foliage is so dense you can't get a good picture of the houses.

Of all the places to stop for lunch, we chose the most touristy of all - Earl's Hideaway Lounge. Just an open air "biker" bar that was out of almost everything on the menu due to the amount of people they had over the Memorial Day weekend. This reminded me of my old Harley days - chuckle, chuckle!

Next we stopped at Crab E Bills known for their great fresh seafood. We bought jumbo shrimp and scallops to cook for dinner. Couldn't have bought a better meal in a restaurant although I had to help cook but even being on vacation you get tired of eating out all the time. Besides Sam is a great cook, Sonia loves to clean up and I love to watch!

Before dinner though we did our usual walk on the beach. A lot more deserted today due to higher winds but still beautiful.

Expressions

So many expressions for one tiny baby.

 

 

Melissa is keeping me posted of Violet's changes while I'm gone. I personally think she thinks this might make me come home earlier. Nice try Mis!

Vero Beach - Monday

We took most of the day to rest today so nothing much happening at the beach.

I asked Melissa to take a picture of Violet for me since I haven't posted a picture of her for several days.

Melissa told Violet she needed a picture for me so I like to think she remembers who I am.

Then I heard it was storming in Kansas City. Khloe and Lola get a little scared when it comes to storms.

They like to go to their safe place in their pen in the basement.

Last but certainly not least, my baby Violet is 10 weeks old today.

Her personality is growing faster than she is. Melissa thinks this reminds her of herself. Depending on the facial expression sometimes she looks like Jamie and sometimes more Melissa. I wish I could remember that far back but I think she's too young for me to make too many comparisons. Although I only have Melissa and Michael to compare to. My guess is she'll be more like Michael - always on the go!

Vero Beach - Sunday

Sunday morning we did what every tourist does on vacation - we went shopping. Only instead of all the fancy boutiques along with beach, we went to the mall. Not very exciting but it was there. We're going to the outlet malls later this week and also to the boutiques.

I've been trying to keep up my exercising each day so we go for walks along the beach.

The beaches are extremely clean and not really crowded. But you need to watch the report for low and high tide. With the high tide you're walking in very loose sand and it's very tiring. It reminds me of years ago when Melissa and I played sand volleyball. Only once, never again. But Sunday we walked at low tide. The sand on the beach is very compressed and the walk didn't seem near as long. Although my legs are starting to "feel the burn".

Vero Beach - Saturday

Our day began with a trip over the intercoastal waterway to the beach.

We went to a place called Casey's for breakfast. You go up to the window and order sandwiches, bacon, egg and cheese for breakfast. Not anything near McDonalds style. Almost every place in Vero Beach has outside dining.

Then we headed to the Farmer's Market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fish and flowers.

I don't know the name of the type of flower but vendors put this flower in all types of crate like material - no dirt. You just need to spray it with water and put water inside the plant leaves.

Later we went for a walk on the beach then out to watch Sam play golf. While we were on the golf course, this giant bird landed right in the middle of the fairway.

It's called a Sandhill Crane and has one of the longest fossil histories of any bird still found today. The Florida Sandhill Crane is far less common with only 5,000 birds remaining today. It makes a very loud noise - almost like a turkey wobble with a trumpet. I got as close as I could to take a picture hoping it wouldn't turn and attach me. The beak is red, very long and looked like a good weapon for the bird to use to attack tourists who try to take their picture.

Back at home construction is beginning on my basement. Melissa and Jamie want to build a new house and can't start building until they sell their house. So in the meantime, they'll need a place to live.

When this is finished there will be a bedroom, bath, greatroom and storage. It should be close to being done by the time I get home.

Vero Beach, FL - Friday

The trip to Vero Beach from Tampa was a little less than 3 hours. So much better than the 7-10 hour drives the days before.

Sam took us to Waldo's, one of the few resorts in Vero Beach. Kind of rustice don't you think - but great atmosphere - at least that's what you say when you're trying to be nice. But in this case it was very nice. I wanted a fish sandwich - mahi mahi - but the only thing on the menu was cajun style. The waiter said the breading was cajun and he would ask the cook to leave the breading off. Well the cook left off the breading but still put the cajun spice on the fish. Took me several glasses of water but it was delicious. It was relaxing to sit poolside and view the beach.

Seminole Hard Rock Casino - Tampa, Fl

After an 8 hour drive along the Alabama and Florida coast on Thursday, we were within 30 miles of Tampa when we hit a traffic jam. Crawling along with the traffic for 45 minutes we came upon the accident which was on the opposite side of the highway almost cleared by this time. Our delay was caused by the gawkers. As we passed the accident we noticed the other side of the highway had been shut down. Sonia checked the mileage and determined the back up extended for 4 miles.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is an Indian run casino and much larger than the casinos in Tunica and Biloxi. It's noted as being the 6th largest casino.

Friday morning Sonia and I played "Deal or No Deal" - an interactive slot machine where all 5 machines play the game as seen on TV. You pick a case and hope your case has the most money in it. Certainly not $1,000,000, but you could win $500. Just as in the game show you are offered other deals from the "banker" to quit. Of course I accepted the banker's deal when my case was revealed showing the most money and stay to the end keeping my original case when it had the least amount of money. Such are the breaks of gambling!

After a few hours we left Tampa heading for Vero Beach, Florida. Back in Kansas City Michael arranged to have Jamie, Melissa and Violet take Dad to dinner for the usual Thursday night dinners.

They went to Longhorn Steakhouse this time and Michael even offered to pick up the check. But Grandpa came through and everyone had a nice dinner.

On the Road Again

Yesterday we had a full day in Biloxi and wouldn't you know it was cloudy and rainy all day. The sun didn't come out until around 6:00 in the evening. So we missed being able to sit out by the beautiful pool.

But Harrah's gave me a beautiful suite to stay in.

There was a four person hot tub.

And an enormous two headed shower. I turned both shower heads on thinking I'd be able to be sprayed from both sides. But finally turned one off because I got tired of jumping between the two.

There are a lot of blooming flowers and foliage in Mississippi.

This plant was by the pool and in various other locations around the hotel.

We took a walk down the coastal highway - our main destintion was another casino. But we marveled at the bare and destroyed structures along the coast. The Mississippi Gulf Coast became known as the "Poor Man's Riviera" but after hurricane Katrina hit the coastline in 2005, several of the "floating" casinos were torn off their supports and thrown inland. Rebuilding of the casinos is now on the north side of the coastal highway offering a little more protection against future hurricanes. But Biloxi is implementing plans to allow redevelopment of commercial properties on the south side of the highway.

Adventures of Thelma and Louise (Aka Sonia and Jan)

I left Kansas City bright and early Monday morning heading to Sedalia to pick up Sonia. As soon as I turned south on 65, it started raining. So I hurried down the highway, picked up Sonia at Sacred Heart, and headed to Tunica, MS.

When I got back to I-70, the skies cleared and it was smooth driving to Tunica. The 8 hour drive wasn't bad but it was getting rather long. I didn't think I'd ever get out of Missouri. The drive through Arkansas seemed rather lengthly too but then we hit Tennessee, we blinked and crossed the state line into Mississippi. Then it was a short drive to Tunica. So what did we do once we hit Tunica?

Why had a drink of course. Now those that know me pretty well might have said gambled, but that was shortly after the drink. This picture is a little dark and fuzzy. Sonia blames it on the lighting!

Tuesday morning we leave Tunica in the rain heading for Biloxi, MS. About 20 miles out of Tunica the rain stops, the temperature rises 15 degrees and the skies are once again clear. But if I thought Missouri was a long state, try driving straight down through Mississippi. Now Sonia claimed she didn't feel well, so she hopped in the back seat for a short nap. I became rather bored with the endless highway, but was amazed at the tree lined highway.

In the meantime, Lola was up to her old tricks at home. 

She found another toy of Violet's and proceeded to leave her own special mark. Melissa is beginning to accept the fact that Violet is going to have to share. If you have a chance, take a look through Melissa's diaper bag. There aren't too many things in there that haven't been christened by Lola! 

Michele and Violet

Michele was able to come by and see Violet before heading back to St Louis.

Violet is very interested in grabbing on to her toy rings. She hasn't quite figured out how to get the rings from her hand up to her mouth.

Melissa didn't have Jamie's help taking this 2 month old picture so the pose isn't as good as her 1 month picture. But now at 2 months Violet does have more head control.

Melissa is trying to compare pictures as Violet grows up but she forgets how far away from the chair she needs to stand. Violet is definitely growing and filling out. Some days she looks more like Jamie and other days she looks more like Melissa. But most days she acts just like her mother. A good thing???? Ask her Dad!

Dinner with Michele

Michele came to visit after her long month trip to Paris. She missed seeing Melissa and Violet today since they were in Sedalia but we have plans to get together tomorrow.

Dad, Karen, Michele and I went to Salty Iguana for dinner. We left when the 2 year old behind us started screaming. I'm sure Violet will never act that way in a restaurant - at least not while she's out with Great Grandpa John!

Violet - 2 Months Old

Violet had a big day today in Sedalia celebrating her 2 month birthday.

She wore her new romper, bow and sandals.

Crochet Baby Sandals

Melissa called me the other day and said she found a pair of crochet sandals on Etsy for Violet and she wanted me to make her a pair. So I searched the internet for pictures and free patterns to design a pair.

These are a little big for her feet but she'll grow into them.

The soles are two bases slip stitched together. The toe strap is a bow tacked down on the sides. The back comes up about an inch from the heel and the strap fastens around the tiny pink button. If Violet doesn't grow too fast she'll be able to wear them all summer.

Thursday Night Dinner at Zio's

Thursday night dinner with Dad and we didn't go to Ruby Tuesday or Cracker Barrel!

Tonight we went to Zio's - an Italian restaurant in Independence.

Gap Hat

Violet is growing so fast and believe it or not she doesn't have many clothes in a 3 month size. She has a family graduation in Sedalia this weekend so Melissa and I went out to the Gap Store to get her a new outfit.

This isn't her new outfit but I couldn't resist getting her the Gap hat. Now she's started her ball cap collection just like her Uncle Michael.

Starring - "Violet Taylor"

This is my first attempt at blogging a video of Violet. Melissa caught her grabbing her toys. Whether or not she meant to do it, she still did it on her own.

Grandma Afghan

I've got so much yarn in my closet I could probably open my own yarn store. My goal is to create designs and use up most of this yard before I buy any more - my scrap yarn creations.

My latest design is what I call a "Grandma" afghan. It's a little smaller than a baby afghan. Just right to cover the baby while she's sitting on Grandma's lap. I got the idea when Lesley sent me Grandma quilts. This is a variegated yarn of blues and browns crocheted in one large Granny square. Super simple and easy to make.

Professional Newborn Pictures

Hospital newborn pictures are no longer good enough for new mothers. Now they must have professional newborn pictures - kind of like a modern day version of the bear skin rug pictures.

Violet was only 9 days old when these were taken. But this type of picture is very popular. Just check out newborn pictures on Pinterest.

After the long photo session, Violet woke up long enough to have her picture taken with Mommy and Daddy.

Violet - 8 Weeks Old

Violet is 8 weeks old today. When do you stop counting weeks and only count months? Then when do you quit counting months and just count years? And then when do you start lying about your age? This side by side picture is Violet at 4 weeks old compared with 8 weeks old. What a difference. But she still likes to stare at the ceiling fan.

Violet is growing so fast it looks like she's growing right out of her duck bouncer. Melissa and Violet spent the day with me. We mailed out birth announcements, went to the grocery store and McDonald's. We practiced sitting up, dancing, blowing bubbles and a little bit of tummy time (not our favorite). Whew! We should all sleep good tonight.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the day when mom's are pampered. But for me it is the day I make a list of chores for my kids to accomplish. It's hard for them to refuse when it's Mother's Day.

Jamie power washed the deck and sprayed the yard for weeds while Michael planted peony bushes for me. Then Michael and Jamie replaced a screen on my porch. But Melissa still had the toughest job. She entertained Violet.

This was also Melissa's first Mother's Day. She's finding out just how hard it is to raise children. But I think Baby Violet is perfect. She's much more alert, smiles a lot, and likes to be pulled into a sitting position. Today we practiced our Gangnam style and ballet. Violet has also found her hair and likes to run her fingers through it. Her hair is much longer than this picture portrays.

Lola, Lola, Lola!!!!

We knew the day would come when Violet would have to share her binkies with the puppies.

But this pacifier won't be shared any more. Lola totally destroyed it. Melissa believes the rubber part is safely embedded in Lola's stomach.

Dinner with Dad and Michael

Thursday dinners are starting again with Dad and Michael.

The intention when we first started this was to go to different places for dinner. Our choice for tonight was an old standby - Ruby Tuesday - Dad had a coupon. But I love their ribs and Dad likes their crab cakes. Michael has no preference as long as they have chicken or coconut shrimp.

Busy Tuesday

My day started with a trip to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. Then off to lunch with the girls from KCP&L.

Our restaurant pick for today was Ruby Tuesday in North Kansas City. It's so fun to listen to all the gossip, complaints and happenings that I have missed since I retired. I just love these girls.

Then I decided to join Dad, Teresa and Brad for dinner.

Teresa's pick for dinner was Dixon's chili. Dad probably wonders why he's not in the picture but he can't be in every one.