Sandusky Road Trip May 2011

We're home now and I'm decompressing, with candles and a frozen pizza. Let's see if I can journal all of this out before I forget the details.

We left last Saturday for the Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering at the Kalahari in Sandusky. We had to cut our trip short since DH is really busy at work, but we still had a great time.

On the way we stopped in South Bend for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. For any Southern friends reading this, you must know our family loves Chick-Fil-A but the closest one to us is over an hour away. It was more than worth it getting off the highway to find the mall and find Chick-Fil-A.

It was a very nice mall, technically in Mishawaka. We saw Paul Blart, I'm not kidding! There was a security guard riding a Segway flirting with a woman at a kiosk. We saw him later stop at the mall's candy shop and load up. If you've seen the movie, I'm sure you'll understand why we were laughing inside. I really regretted not bringing in the video camera.

When we got to Sandusky, we were eager to see the lakefront and compare Lake Erie to our beloved Lake Michigan. It was a cold, rainy day, (which accurately describes the weather our entire visit,) and to our surprise, the lake was brown. I found out this was due to a certain type of algae, although I suspect it also has something to do with pollution. The area is known for coal shipping.

Downtown Sandusky/Cedar Point was also a disappointment. We were expecting a lakefront like Kenosha. It looked like they were trying to re-vitalize the downtown, but hadn't done much with the lake front. It seemed like Sandusky was full of tattoo parlors and tanning places. Of course it also seemed most of the population was young adults working at Cedar Point.

We skipped Cedar Point because the weather was terrible and we had to shorten our trip. Maybe we'll be able to fit this in next time.

The Kalahari was great, but honestly, we prefer the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells. They did have a few rides that were different, but the lazy river and wave pool were smaller. Plus they only had 2 spas. They were indoor/outdoor spas and that was neat. I spent a great deal of time allowing the warm water to keep my body warm while I allowed the cold rain to hit my face.

I lost count of how many times the boys went on the rides. We did spend most of our time in the waterpark, rather than at the conference, (insert guilt here). I did go on two rides, Victoria Falls and Swahili Swirl. The Victoria Falls raft ride left my stomach a little queasy having to go through a dark tunnel, not knowing which way the raft would turn. The Swahili Swirl was more fun for me, since it didn't completely go in the dark. After a quick drop, you enter a giant bowl and spin around until you go down the chute - yes - it was like being flushed! :) LOL 

We ate out a lot, but we also did a lot of swimming. How can you not eat out on vacation and swimming makes you very hungry. One of our favorite places was Tofts Dairy. Its a 100 year old dairy that processes milk from local, hormone free farms. The business has been in the same family all these years. They have an ice cream parlor to beat all others, 50 flavors! We ordered smalls but you wouldn't know it from the photo. I had chocolate almond, DS12 vanilla, DS15 Philadelphia Freedom(mint), DH Holy Toledo (caramel with caramel sauce and caramel bits). If we ever have the chance to be in Sandusky again, this place is a must stop. It seems very popular with locals and tourists.

At the Unschooling gathering, we did hear Pat Farenga speak on how important it is to let go and trust unschooling. It was a great booster. I hope we can attend this gathering again next year and stay for the full duration. I also hope we can encourage friends to join us. :)

We found a very cool used dvd/cd/video game store called the Exchange. We ended up going back 3 times during our stay because they had so much stuff to look through. I picked up a couple of Aimee Mann CDs, DH found a few he liked too, and the boys hit the jackpot finding 7 plus games, all for a dollar a piece! If we had this store here in Wisconsin, we'd be in trouble!

Unfortunately, we didn't find any good used book stores. :(

I did hit up CJ Banks at the mall since I had a coupon. Turned out it was good for 50% off my entire purchase so I picked up a few pieces for summer weather.

I knew I was homesick for Yumi when we saw a black and white kitty behind a Wendy's. I wanted to "rescue" her and name her Wendy of course, but in reality, there was no way to transport this sweetie back home. Plus my puma would not play nice with her I'm sure!

We managed to make it home, just slipping by the expected rush hour traffic of Chicagoland. Driving through Illinois was the worst of it, 7 tolls! Indiana and Ohio each only had 2, when you get on and when you get off. Later we'll log online to our I-Pass and really see which state cost us the most to drive through.

We knew gas would be most expensive in Illinois. It was $4.48!  We gassed up in Wisconsin before we left at $3.89, skipping Illinois. Topped off in Indiana at $3.95 to get us to Sandusky, where gas was the cheapest over all $3.78. 

I suppose I'll be playing catch up with laundry but it's worth it. We had a wonderful 5 full days of family time!

Be Who You Are ~ I saw this tattooed on a very cool unschooling mama's back and I'm adopting it as my new mantra. Its as simple as that. Be Who You Are.

Sandusky May 2011

Best ice cream place on earth, hands down! These are SMALLS, I'm not kidding! 50 flavors all made from hormone free milk at a 100 year old dairy.

Our road trip to the Kalahari Sandusky for the Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering

Random Thoughts

Note to husband - hiding the caramel chocolitas next to my fruit smoothie supplies was not the best choice.

Hiking in 90 degree heat in your sandals for the first time after a long cold winter, not a good choice either. Ouch! Blister! I guess I need to get my feet summer ready.

I think its pretty cool the humming birds have found the feeder but the wasps have not. Its only moved a few feet, but apparently the wasps have poor eyesight or strong chemical sensors to last year's spot.

We're converting 8mm tape to the computer and after watching footage from years ago, I'm more motivated than ever to purge. When the boys were younger, we had so much room to move around. Its amazing how much stuff you accumulate in life. We were perfectly happy playing around on the ground with our pillows and blankets. Furniture could be over rated. I'm going to re-think this. 

I'm finding it actually sad viewing these tapes and wondering where these little boys went. I have young men with deep voices now. I want to reach through the camera and squeeze their cute little heads.

I just heard thunder!!! Awesome!! Please rain!! The garden is planted, and the seeds are thirsty.

I hope I can still find tomato and pepper plants after we return from our trip this weekend. I don't want to plant them now and have to worry about someone being around to water them.

Yeah! Its raining!

I think I'll go brew some wine coolers, I mean youthberry orange blossom tea. It might be a nice treat to bring some to work with me to sip.

One more thought - Osama Bin Robin, feel free to start targeting the obnoxious camper my neighbor down the street has decided to park in front of our house instead of his. 

Its amazing to me. When the deciduous trees decide its time once again for leaves, they seem to pop out over night. How quickly the world can green up.

Added a tangerine flavored Emergen-C to a glass of Youthberry & Wild Orange Blossom iced tea and it tastes like I'm drinking a wine cooler at 9:30am instead of a health drink. Is this a good thing?

Weekend Update 5/9/11

Friday - Headed up to Oshkosh for the WPA conference. Hosted Apples To Apples gathering and was surprised at our huge turn out. Many more teens than I had expected, yet I suspect a couple of local college kids wandered in to join us.

I really don't like that WPA basically has the conference in a UW Oshkosh dorm. They may call it a "conference center", but its a dorm. I resent how the "conference director" also tries to turn our conference into a promotion/recruitment weekend for UW Oshkosh. The campus is depressing with liquor stores literally across the parking lot from the dorms. Not exactly family friendly.

Our night at the hotel was brief because we're busy at the conference, but to me it felt long since I didn't sleep. I'm fighting off the scratchy throat & dry cough the rest of my family has already dealt with.

On pure adrenaline, I presented our two other workshops and then we attended the commencement gathering. Lunch followed and then we got some much needed fresh air at the zoo and park in Oshkosh.

We came home Saturday night and met G-Ma. Being tired we crashed on the couch for movies and I went to bed and finally slept.

Sunday was a double holiday for me, Mother's Day and my anniversary - 18 years married, 25 years together. It ended up being one of those days I wish I could record and do over and over.

Woke up and Pride & Prejudice was on. Is there a better way to wake up on your anniversary? After lingering in the love nest, I had a spinach banana strawberry smoothie - YUM! After being spoiled with gifts including gourmet blended tea from Teavana and chocolate, we headed out to lunch at Outback. After lunch we hiked at Magnolia Bluff and saw many early spring, forest wild flowers. Once back home, I spent the rest of the afternoon in the garden getting more veggies planted. After a fend for yourself supper or snack break, the boys watched Repo Man and I made caramel chocolitas. It was a perfect Mother's Day/Anniversary Sunday.

On the agenda this week, get the video loaded to the computer, finish planting the garden and finish all errands before next weekend when we head to Ohio. I'm hoping the Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering is more welcoming and inspiring than the WPA homeschooling conference was.

One more thing, Mr. Crazy Robin has an official name courtesy of GMa - "Osama Bin Robin." He also now has an accomplice. Hopefully I'll figure out how to share video soon. 

There are NOT caramel chocolitas in the kitchen. There are NOT caramel chocolitas in the kitchen. There are NOT caramel chocolitas in the kitchen. There are NOT caramel chocolitas in the kitchen.......I wish I had a sponsor to call who could come over, wrap up the caramel chocolitas and bury them back in the deep recesses of my freezer. For some reason, treats left on the counter are picked at, but treats sent to the forgotten twilight zone of my freezer bring me balance. You may say having the sponsor remove the treats from my home entirely would be better, but actually that only makes me want to make more. Knowing they are in the freezer actually keeps me from baking more, yet I don't eat them. I need to know they are available so I don't have that fear of lacking, yet I still need them out of sight out of mind. Will I ever figure this out?!

Birdwatching and Babbling This Morning

I'm up early with my birds. Fluffy is my favorite house finch. He always seems to be wearing a blow out. His back wing feathers appear to be damaged but he's able to fly around and visits the seed feeder regularly.

Our first hummingbird of the season was checking out the nectar feeder. We have moved it slightly, and we may have to move it further. I'm just so excited they are back in the area after their migration. Its amazing to me how far these birds travel.

Our neurotic robin has won the war. We're now parking in the street. Yesterday I had pulled into the driveway to unload groceries and as soon as I came back out for the second load of bags he was sitting on the window, pecking and pooping away. I grabbed the hose for a quick rinse off. When I went to put the hose away, he was back that quickly. My son captured some video of him. I will have to see if we can upload it for you to see.

Speaking of cameras, mine is officially broke. For the time being, I will see if I can learn how to use our video camera to take still shots. I'm not in a hurry to buy a new camera. Maybe because deep down, I'm thinking smart phone?

I've been busy getting ready for our state's homeschool conference coming this weekend in Oshkosh, WI. My family is hosting several workshops once again. Every year I tell myself not this year, but then when they ask me, I can't say no.

We'll have back to back getaway weekends. The following weekend we head to Sandusky,OH for another homeschooling conference. I'm really trying not to think about the price of gas right now. These events were planned months ago and I do really want to get away. Plus we have to make memories with the boys while they're still living with us. We only have a few years left and they'll be out of the nest.

My tea kettle sounds ready so I suppose I should pop in my toast. Have a great day!

1st Hummingbird of the 2011 season

Start:	May 5, '11 07:00a
Location:	Sleepyhouse

We had our first hummingbird of the 2011 season visit our feeder. Hopefully he'll return but perhaps he's headed further north. Its great to know they're coming back. We have moved the feeder slightly from where we hung it last year.

Can't I Just Eat More Bananas?

I know I should just find a new doctor, but that's always easier said than done when you have health insurance limitations and lack the funds to pay out of pocket.

I received a call that my recent blood work shows I'm a little low on potassium. To be exact, one tenth of a point lower than what is considered normal. My doctor wants me to change my hypertension medicine.

After the shock wore off, I called back and asked if I could try eating more bananas or try a potassium supplement. "Just take this medicine, that is what I'm telling you to do."

I'm pissed off. I will probably discuss this further with the pharmacist, especially if this new medication is more expensive. Is one tenth really that much of a concern? I will also research the dangers of low potassium.

This adds another bump in the road for me. Its been difficult to get back on track.

I need to focus on good health goals and not let my doctor's lack of bedside manner get me down.

UPDATE!!! As soon as I posted this, my phone rang. It was my doctor's nurse calling me back telling me she's thought it over and she's willing to let me try and get more dietary potassium the next 4 weeks and then we'll retest. I'm shocked! I guess my complaining did work! So I guess its banana smoothies for me the next 30 days. Wish me luck!

Wasn't it more creepy when before cell phones, the bad guys knew how to reach you by calling the payphone nearest you?

Obeying My Chocolate

My Dove chocolate wrapper told me to make a list of my dreams.

1. I hope our garden produces a bountiful harvest and the Japanese beetles leave it alone.
2. I hope to travel one day and see Sequoias, rock formations, waterfalls and mountains.
3. I hope to one day have an ideal healthy body.
4. I hope to grow old with my husband and be a Grandma who can bless many grandchildren.
5. I hope my children can make a life for themselves doing what they love.
6. I hope to one day have a canine fur baby I can dress in cute winter coats. 
7. I hope to one day have zero debt.
8. I hope to get away for a romantic weekend September 3rd and see Blind Melon.
9. I hope to build and decorate my own outdoor room. 
10. I hope to perfect the art of making the perfect thin crust pizza.

Our Easter Weekend 4/25/11

G-Ma sure knows how to spoil us. Wonderful feasting, tasty treats, unexpected gifts, priceless time with family, it all added up to a blessed weekend.

I loved having time to share with DH on Friday, since he was given the day off. We had planned on running errands, but we really wanted to spend time with the boys, so we all went out for lunch at Cocina Real.

Saturday ended up being our get ready for Easter day, after a walk first up to our library and post office. I made the cranberry sauce and Texas rolls and we gave the boys their Easter baskets a little early. We wanted them to be able to enjoy their gift while we were home, since Sunday was road trip day.

We hid DS12's basket in the last place he expected it to be. He challenged us to hide it in a truly difficult place. It was in the oven, the last place he checked before almost deciding to give up.

We never got around to hiding eggs. We're going to do this today and look for them when DH gets home from work.

Sunday was road trip day to K-town. G-Ma prepared a full turkey dinner spread and everything was delicious. After cousins left, we played Super Mario Yahtzee and watched G-Ma's Chiller channel. I really wish our cable provider offered this channel.

I didn't snap any photos because there was a mix up at Kmart. I told the clerk I wanted a SD media card. They were locked up and he had to pull them from the shelf. I paid for the card but honestly didn't see him throw it into the bag along with our other purchases. When I got home, I discovered he had grabbed a media stick.

DS15 brought along our video recorder and I know he did capture some video. I should just designate him to be official photographer as well.

I have much to do this week. I need to finish up workshop presentations for our upcoming homeschooling conference, and I want to finish up the garden beds. I want to do more spring cleaning too. May is going to be very busy for us and we have only one more week here in April to get ready.

Feeling Like My Car Window Looks

Look what Mr. Crazy Robin has done to my car. DH's car window looks about the same. This is the same bird that keeps pecking at our garage window as well. He'll sit on the side view mirror and go at it.

I was hoping yesterday's weather would wash it away. We had raining sleet changing to ice. It was dreadful. I came out of work to several inches of slush freezing up in the parking lot. I keep looking at the calendar for a reality check.

I need a change in the weather or at least a little sunshine. I think its starting to affect my mood. I read some nutritional magazines and found myself getting depressed instead of being motivated. Its too easy to beat up on myself right now for some reason.

It doesn't feel like Easter is coming. I haven't put up any decorations and I have no desire to color eggs. Again, I blame the weather. I will have to dig deep and fake it until I feel it.

I can't decide hot or cold. This flip floppy weather isn't helping my seasonal tea transition. Would it be crazy to have both at the same time?

Weekend Notes 4/18/11

Here's what's left of the lemon bundt cake I made for my parents' birthday. I was sure I possessed a bundt cake pan, but found out I have two angel food cake pans. I guess I'll need to try and trade one of these in at Goodwill for a bundt cake pan.

The cake recipe was from America's Test Kitchen, so I thought it was foolproof. I was disappointed it didn't rise up well, but maybe that had to do with the fact I used an angel food cake pan? The cake was very yummy, although sickeningly rich. Some of our planned company couldn't show and we had so many other goodies, I now have half a cake left. I will probably see if the teachers at work want to try it.

While my parents were here, we enjoyed a nice visit, although the weather did not cooperate except for Sunday. The Art Crawl was a bust because it was cold, rainy and very windy. We stayed in and visited.

Saturday we did some shopping and had lunch out. My parents really enjoy eating at Culvers because they don't have this burger/frozen custard joint back home.

Saturday night DH, the boys and I broke away and saw Scream 4. My recommendation, wait for Netflix. I was disappointed in the movie, expecting it to be much better. It was still fun to get out with my boys though.

Sunday my sister and I took mom out for more shopping. We had a great time and I bought a few much needed shirts since everything was 50% off!

My dad stayed home and sat outside with Mr. Crazy Robin. That neurotic bird is still guarding our yard, pecking at the garage window. He's now also including pecking at our car window, splatting his white droppings all down the side of our black car door. My dad was only sitting probably 5 feet away and this bird wasn't deterred from his attacks on anything that reflects his image.

Except for a little stomach issue Saturday night into Sunday morning, (too much movie popcorn?),  DS12 had a good weekend as did DS15. I enjoy seeing how much they help their grandparents when they are visiting.

We'll miss having my parents here, but its a good thing the Amish baked goods and other treats are now also gone as well.

I'm going to try and get back on track eating healthy. My doctor's appointment last week went well and she was happy my weight was down, but I know I have to get back on track with my daily exercise and portion control. No offense to my family, but when we have these gatherings, I lose my focus on healthy living.

My Fresh Friday Ramble....

Brrrrr!! 26 wind chill! Not cool Mother Nature. Not cool. Well I guess technically, this is "cool".

We have a wind advisory today. Its quite entertaining. I don't know which show is better, the birds trying to land on the feeder or the workmen trying to build the house across the street. The smart birds are eating off the ground. The workmen, not so smart. They are trying to lift large pieces of plywood only to be blown over in the wind. Its an accident waiting to happen.

I thought I'd get my girlie groove on and paint my nails and toes. Now I remember why I don't do this very often. I can't sit still long enough for them to dry.

I'm planning on making my first lemon bundt cake from scratch this afternoon. Its for my dad's birthday. They should be back visiting with us later this afternoon.

I wish the weather wasn't so cruddy. Tonight is the art crawl and I was looking forward to strolling around downtown. What's the point of getting date night dressed up if I have to bundle up in layers and a winter coat?

Maybe I'll have to see if DH wants to take me to see Scream 4 this weekend?

Speaking of DH, he took the leftover pizza and left me home alone with teenagers. I was concerned but when I broke the news to the boys, they were okay with it. "Dad had a hard night last night." How sweet of them to be so understanding.

I better get moving here. Have a great weekend!

Blind Melon at Slinger Speedway!

Start:	Jun 18, '11 12:00p
Location:	Slinger, WI

Keep em coming boys! Another summer of Melon love heading my way!! I wonder where/when the next midwest show will be added. I can't wait!!

What's Been Going On (as of 4/12/11)

Hopefully the lovesick robin will leave me alone when I try to garden later. We have a male robin who's been pecking at the windows. He's taken over the side of the yard where our garden beds are. He flies from the birch tree to the garage window,  pecking away at his shadow, silly bird. So far his comic charm hasn't worked on the lady robins.

My parents did the first part of their visit yesterday. We visited the Amish bulk food store nearby and went out for lunch. I found out the Amish will soon be ordering coconut oil so I'll have to go back for that. They will also order me 50 pound bags of grains for half the cost of what I have to pay in the commercial health food store. I just need to find someone to go in with me or figure out a way to store all that grain. With the cost of food rising, I'm looking to stretch our food dollars and I know preparing everything from scratch helps.

This past weekend, we watched the movie 127 hours. What an amazing true story! The film making was well done too. If you're putting off seeing this movie because you're squeamish, know the gore isn't that horrific. It does not distract from the piece, no pun intended. The strength of human spirit is what makes this movie brilliant and will move you to tears.

DH & I also watched the documentary, The Smartest Guy In The Room. It made me furiously angry. True evil exists in this world, motivated by greed. When people are so eager to follow, lying idiots can become leaders. I'll have to see if the boys want to watch it and discuss it.

I have a few days before my parents return for the weekend. I'm hoping to spend a few of them playing in the dirt, adding compost and planting early veggies. I can't believe how quickly April seems to be heading to May.

Sleepyboy #2 is now awake so I think I'll get our gardening supplies in order for a little after breakfast fresh air.