Things Have Changed

We can't help noticing how things have changed around Sarasota.  Before we left for our adventures, a new huge mall was beginning.  The economy put a halt to that.  Behind the mall was an old quarry lake and after months of excavating and expanding Nathan Benderson Park, there is now 2,000 meters of straightaway to host official rowing sprint events from around the state, and if all goes to plan by 2017, the World Rowing Championships.  The $315 million, 880,000 square foot mall is going forward with a planned opening in October of next year.  [not planning to be here].  Guess the economy is picking up. 

We didn't sell our house this weekend, but that's OK.  We have a great realtor, it's a cute house, and is the only one for sale in the neighborhood.  Fingers are crossed.  Thank you all for your wishes!

Meanwhile, Graham wore us out.  He received his new boat and couldn't wait to get it in the water.

That went on for a couple hours.  Then we went to the movies to see "Brave" and then out for ice cream.  We're supposed to spoil them, right?

The next day we went to Michael's Arts and Craft store to get some Advent tree decorations for school and found another boat for him to paint and put together.  Dove into that project:

Then while that was drying, Poppy took him fishing.  Oooops, shoes got wet.  Oh, well...

Dad came to pick him up for his friend's birthday party, so we packed him off and fell into the lawn chairs for a rest.  Only the young should have young.  I so applaud those grandparents that need to raise their grandchildren by themselves.  There is definitely a place in heaven for them!

Messed around on Sunday and Monday with chores and today we drove to Tampa to spend Grandparents Day with our oldest grand, Lance.  They served a fabulous cooked breakfast (the principal was the chef) and then Lance gave us a tour of his school introducing us to his teachers. 

Spent a while at his house before heading to the eye doctor to adjust Gary's contact prescription, then home for lunch and more arranging of days. We will get everything done, because we always do. 

In the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We surely do have a lot to be thankful for, right?  Amen.