Look where I have been!

It was a quick trip, just overnight, but everyone should go to Niagara Falls! Its an amazing place. I went to visit the Maid of the Mist, who has operated vessels that run right up under the Horseshoe Falls, and they have been doing that since 1846. Amazing that they can learn anything from me after that long. They have an amazing history, and a great collection of memorabilia to tell their story. I even learned about the 7 year old that went over the falls after a boating accident, who was saved by the crew of the Maid, and comes back each year to visit. After you see the falls, you can't believe anyone could survive. And you really see them, since we are standing almost under them on the American side.

Friday, I went to see my Oncologist for my 6 month check up. Clean bill of health again! Coming up on my 2 year anniversary, amazing that it has been two years already.

Saturday Bert and I played a round of golf at our local golf course. First round we have played in about 4 years, and we weren't as bad as we could have been! It was nice that it was cool enough to get out and play, and we will try to get out more often as it starts to cool off, hopefully cools off! We don't need anymore of that 100 degree heat!

We make a quick trip to Orlando

What a big week we had! After enjoying my bachelorette weekend at home, I jumped on a plane on Tuesday and joined Bert in Orlando. A crazy place in August, we felt like we were the only ones without half a dozen crazy kids! We spent some time at the pool, and found a public garden in downtown Orlando that we enjoyed in spite of the heat. We did have it all to ourselves, that's for sure!

We had a couple nice dinners at two of our favorites: an Emeril's restaurant and also House of Blues, which is always good.

Then, on Wednesday morning, we were on our way to Kennedy Space Center for the launch of the Space Shuttle. We did a stint as Astronauts....

isn't it great that we could help out the team that went up in the shuttle!?

We spent all day at the visitors center, saw a great IMAX (even better because it had air conditioning!) and we got to go in to the space shuttle (a retired one, of course). I had always been bitter that the shuttle at the Smithsonian was not open to see the inside, so now I can say "Been there"!

Then, at three o'clock we got on buses and went out to the "VIP" seating. Just use and 5000 other VIP's. Very elite! Luckily, we found some shade for our beach chairs, and settled in for the launch of the shuttle. We knew we were in luck when we heard Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Center talking over the loud speaker, and heard the famous words "Houston is go for launch!" It was all very cool, and in spite of the fact that you are still a long way away, I recommend it for everyone.

When I got home on Thursday morning, it was straight back to work, and then, on Friday, great joy when the heat and humidity broke! Last week, you just couldn't stand to be outside. Bert got home Friday from hims trip. We had a beautiful weekend, and actually enjoyed some outdoor activity, did some gardening and went for a walk.

Having a heat wave!

Hit a 100 today, truly disgusting. I was a Seattleite for too long. When I look out and see grey sky, water moisture hanging in the air, and the occasional raindrop, I still think it should require a sweater and raincoat. Then, you open the door and get hit with hot, wet, sticky air. I don't think I will ever get used to it. Maybe no one should!

Been busy at work, as Congress has been busy nipping on the heels of the Coast Guard. Three hearings in 3 weeks, and each requires a couple trips to DC with preparation, testimoney and follow up.

Bert and I having been working on our house, and been on a couple trips. A friend invited us to a house party in NJ 3 weeks ago. She lives right on a canal on the shore, a couple blocks from the beach. We went the 'long way' getting there, thru Delaware and New Jersey via Philadelphia, took us all day! It was fun til we got stuck in traffic in Wilmington. The next day we had a nice bike ride, through all the crazy houses in her neighborhood. On our drive back we went to Havre de Grace, a little town in Maryland that is very cute, lots of old houses and nice view across the Chesapeake.

Last weekend we went to Luray, in the Shenandoah. Bert sent most of you the pictures of the cave we visited. We went by our property in Luray as well, and had a nice gab with our new neighbors out there. Still wish we could build out there, it so nice there.

We have been doing a little work on our house, but not too much in the heat. But, it looks nice to finish the front of the house, and Bert's window boxes are the perfect addition to the house. It is really nice to open the curtains on the inside, and see the cheery red geraniums outside the window!

On Wednesday, Bert left for Florida, and is having a great time down there fishing. I have been enjoying my time alone, working on some little projects. But, I am flying down Monday to meet Bert and we have tickets to go see the Space Shuttle launch on Wednesday. I am pretty excited to see it, and Bert is REALLY excited. Then I will fly back home, and Bert will fish his way back home. If the launch is delayed again, Bert will stay until it lifts off (within reason!) I don't like having him gone for THAT long. Cross your fingers for me that it won't get delayed again!