Happy Birthday Carrie!

Today is my oldest daughter's birthday, Happy Birthday Carrie!!!  Dad and I wish we could be with you to celebrate your birthday but we will celebrate when we come visit in July.  I know Daniel will make sure you have a wonderful Birthday.  Dad and I love you so much and we are so proud of you.  It is so special that you get to celebrate your birthday in your very own home!  So enjoy your day Carebear and remember we love you very much.  Happy Birthday Carrie!

Oh No, The Crops Were Attacked!

That is correct, the crops were eaten by the neighbor cows that broke down a fence, went into the Orchard and ate most of the corn and also ate some beans and sweet potatoes. I understand that their were about 5 cows that did the damage.  George did manage to corral the cows and return them back to their farm and the farmer did repair the fence but still, the damage has been done.  The rabbits decided if the cows can do it so could they and ate the lettuce, cabbage and broccoli.  So, not good news for some of the veggies in the garden.  Lisa and George did have some success with their roma tomatoes and harvested their first one.  They are also thinking about replanting the corn.  So, some excitement at the orchard but I hope that will be it.  I am hoping to get a taste of all the goodies that are being grown!

I Have A Fitbit

Jenny and Nate gave me a fitbit for Mother's Day and it is great.  I have actually had it now for three weeks and it has really helped me to see how active I really am and it also helps monitor my water intake.  I know the goal, according to the American Heart Association, is 10,000 steps a day but I am starting my goal at 6,000 steps a day so I can work up to 10,000.  What really surprised me is how much water I actually do need to drink a day and so I have altered what I drink so that water makes up about 90% of what I drink a day.  I do feel better just drinking more water.  So, now that I have the fitbit I can begin to do challenges with family and friends which I have already started to do and I even won one.  Thank you Jenny and Nate for a gift that will keep on giving and also get me into better shape! If you have a fitbit please friend me so we can do some challenges together.

I Am Not A Hockey Fan But...

I am not a hockey fan but when you are staying at your sister's house and she is a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan who just happen to be playing in the Stanley Cup then you kind of have to watch the game.  That is exactly what we did and had a party to boot.  Pam has already converted her God Daughter, Peyton, to be a Blackhawks fan and they even have matching Blackhawk outfits for the games.  By the way if you don't follow hockey the Chicago Blackhawks are playing against the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Stanley Cup.  We had lots of snacks, pizza, salad and homemade ice cream sandwiches.  All was good but the best part is that the Blackhawks won the first game in the series.  So, with all that said, Go Blackhawks!

Dealing With Jetlag

We got in on Monday at 11:30 pm but since we were in Hawaii for almost three weeks we were totally aclamented to Island time.  Needless to say our first night back on the Mainland was a sleepless one for a few hours.  It won't take but another day to reaclament ourselves.  While we were lazy our first day back (unpacked and did laundry) Jenny became very enthusiastic and headed out early with Rory to go back to Sand Island to look for more sea glass.  She went during low tide and she found a lot including some rare sea glass.  I was so surprised when she sent me the pictures of what she got.  The best part is that is was just Jenny and Rory and Rory was so good for Jenny while hunting for the sea glass.  Jenny's sea glass collection just got 100 % better.  I told her before I leave California I will try to go to La Jolla to look for some sea glass.  If I find some I will send it to her. So our first day is complete and we are finally getting use to Pacific Time. 
I have posted our next trip's itinerary up on my Travels With Ruth blog:
travelswithruth-ruth.blogspot.com
So take a moment and check out my travel blog.  We will be on the road for another week once we leave Carlsbad.  Today we are headed to Laguna Niguel to visit my Mom and have lunch with her.  I want to see my more a couple of times before I leave California; Mom here we come!

Aloha Hawaii Via Alaska Airlines

We had the best time in Hawaii and we are sorry to bid Aloha to Hawaii.  However we are using a great Airline to leave Hawaii with. Alaska Airlines is now my favorite airline and it is basically because they have figured out a way to make coach very comfortable.  The seats have been redesigned to create more room in the same space as all the other airlines.  They also have plenty of leg room and plugs for every seat.  I was able to charge my ipad and my iPhone at the same time.  The food was good, we bought Huli Huli Chicken for $7.00 each.  They serve beverages at least three times during the flight and on the way over to Hawaii they serve all passengers, 21 and over, a free Maitai.  It you get the chance to use Alaska Airlines for you next flight please do it; you will not be disappointed. Thank you Jenny, Nate and Rory for a wonderful time and thanks Brian for picking us up at the airport at midnight!

Traveling Back To The Mainland

Today we have to leave Hawaii and return back to the mainland and eventually get back home to the farm.  Our itinerary for our travels back to the farm will be posted on Wednesday on my Travels With Ruth blog (travelswithruth-ruth.blogspot.com)  I am hoping that you have been following Travels with Ruth.  It has just celebrated its fourth anniversary.  In a couple of months this blog will celebrating it first anniversary.  Our flight today takes off at 3:30 pm and we will arrive at midnight in San Diego.  We have had a wonderful time here and I want to thank Jenny and Nate for allowing us to stay so long.  We have enjoyed every minute and, of course, spending time with Rory has been great.  Rory is full of life and so much fun.  I know every grandparent thinks their grandchildren are brilliant but Rory really is.  Jenny, Nate and Rory, thank you and we love you and we will miss you very much; thanks for everything.