I love Google Analytics – it’s cool to see where the few readers I have are located around the world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t track the mega-provider like AOL (which uses proxy servers) very well – tends to throw them in the generic category. I can tell Megan is back online as I can see Nashville again and of course, my sister there in Woodbridge. Tucson and LA seem to show up regularly. All in all it’s only a very few hits a day. It’s also sort of an early warning system for when stuff will hit the fan. It’s sort of funny though how certain parts of the country can go without viewing my blog and then a key event happens and they come back. I wonder if they are waiting to read what I have to say about certain people who didn’t bother to show up for my dad’s 70th birthday.
Archives for July 2006
The Bridge Walk
Still trying to play catch up but my memories are still very clear on my walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. What a great experience! Four of us grabbed a city bus that took us to the foot of the bridge. How cool is that – public transportation that is tourist friendly? The fog was starting to roll back in – it was around 3:30PM but it was clearer (and slightly warmer) than it was earlier that morning. The first small section of the bridge was under repair so there was some chainlink fencing up – it made it “easier” for me to look over the edge. I have a serious fear of falling. The chainlink fence ended once we got past the “seismic repairs”. I tried looking over the edge but the gusts of wind started freaking me out – I walked almost on the “wrong” side of the walkway just to stay away from the railing and the edge. Even watching other people look over the edge was giving me the creeps. But even with my fear of falling it was beautiful – I enjoyed the entire trek across and back.
I think we figured up that I walked over 8 miles in the 2 days I was out and about in San Francisco.
The Week Of Birthdays
Sort of have fallen behind on my blogging. I still need to provide my comments on my walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. I ran out of time trying to play catch up and get ready for the trip to Northern Virginia. Of course, if I would have commented about the pending trip to VA it may have given away what my sister and I were up to – a surprise 70th birthday party for my dad. It became the week of birthday.
It started off with a birthday dinner for my sister and dad July 9th at the Melting Pot – a really neat fondue restaurant. Fonduing was also one of my mom’s favorite things to do – of course she had everything we needed to “do†fondue at home. Jeff had never fondued – so it was quite an experience for him (and a workout for his American Express card).
Monday – July 10th was Megan’s birthday – we spent it at King’s Dominion – Megan was able to add two more roller coasters to her list. She’s afraid of them so it’s a start. Her favorite (non rollercoaster) ride was the Scrambler. Then we did one of the things my sister and I have done in the past – an “old time” photo. I’ll get scans of it posted as soon as I can.
Wednesday – July 12th (my dad’s birthday) morning was Pink Flamingos – 50 of them (we couldn’t get 70). Dad spent the evening with his R.O.M.E.O. (Really Old Men Eating Out) club – it was the night the cruised on the yacht. It was a perfect “distraction” from our upcoming Friday surprise.
Thursday we took my dad to breakfast at his favorite place – Bob Evans. The rest of the day was spent running the party supply errands – drinks, snacks, balloons, more decorations – we rented a helium tank to blow up 82 latex balloons. The neatest thing we did was to go to a little shop called Paint Your Heart Out that specialized in allowing he customer to paint ceramic bisqueware. This needs it’s own entry.
Friday – July 14th – the big day. I started off trying to my Monkey balls – it turned into Monkey Goo. I think I should quit trying to bake when I’m in Virginia – this was the second baking “disaster” – at least this one was edible. After making the brownies (which survived rather nicely), it was off to pick up the helium tank and then start the decorating process. We started decorating at noon – the party was at 6PM. Megan took charge of the helium tank and the balloons – all 82 of them. Last minute mania but we managed to pull it off with a lot of help from Kelley’s friends. A little after 6PM – my very surprised dad came in – we pulled it off.
Some side thought will follow regarding those who were too selfish to show up.
Mind Your Own Business
The snooping into Megan’s personal things story seems to have more to it. Perhaps I should go find some extremely embarrassing items for Megan to leave in her drawers and closets – maybe that would stop the nosy bodies.
Now I will defend a PARENT’S right to snoop, dig or whatever necessary if they suspect something is amiss – but this person is no where near being Megan’s parent.
It truly amazes me, if Megan’s father is so worried about what Megan does when he’s not there, why does he leave her alone? Or better yet, why doesn’t he talk to her instead of asking her sister? Of course, manners and polite behavior don’t seem to be a strong suit when you allow house guests to snoop through your daughter’s personal items.
Too bad there are some people who still have problems with the fact that Megan has a good relationship with me. I guess it irks them that Jeff and Megan are trying to work through the step-family relationship too. Hmmm, what is it that I was told, “get over it?”