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Deb's East Coast Tour

Kemp and I traveled to sunny Orlando last month. We left Houston on February 12 to attend the Largest Trade Show on Earth, The International Builders Show. Holy aching feet that was a huge event. Really cool stuff going on in the industry from international vendors.

I took advantage of the close proximity to visit with my Aunt Weebie for a few days. We had a great time and as always, she filled my heart with warmth.

Back to the show for more walking and a party for the participants at Epcot Center on Friday night. More Builders Show on Saturday. Sunday; a whirwind visit to Universal Studios and off the catch my flight at 4:00 p.m.

Kemp left Florida and came home to Houston and the puppies.

I left Florida and went to Virginia for 2 weeks. I was so excited and had so many plans to do, see and visit. Alas, my plans were dashed by what turned out to be a pretty serious sinus infection. I spent 5 days on June's sofa watching the golf channel because I didn't have the energy or ambition to change the channel.

I was lucky enough to get to see a few more folks that warm my heart; you know who you are. Got to see all my kids. Charlie and his friend, Sam, came over from Fredericksburg. It was nice to finally meet her. And, Sven made it back from (believe it or not) Texas in time for me to see him for a few days. I was also able to get some more stuff packed up.

June and I left Charlottesville at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2 and taking turns driving and sleeping, made it into New Orleans by 10:oo p.m. We did the Bourbon Street Stroll and took off at 4:30 a.m. to arrive in Houston at 10:30 a.m. on March 3.

Now Entering.....

Tenessee

Alabama (No, she hadnt't moved)

Mississippi

Texas

Of course I kept in touch with Kemp during the entire drive but allowed him to believe that we would not be arriving in TX until early evening. When he came home for lunch to walk the dogs, June and I jumped out and surprised him at the door. HE WAS PUNKED, but good!

Kemp left Houston on the 3rd to attend a conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and returned on Friday, the 7th. June flew back to Virginia on Saturday, March 8. I promplty fell asleep and woke up around the 11th. Just in time to see Martina McBride at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show. WOW, what an event. Quintessetial Americana. Kemp and I had such a good time that we are going back next Wednesday to see Fergie! Kemp's not entirely sure who she is but I am stoked. (Yeah, she's hot but he will NOT be going solo!)

Holiday in Houston

Charlie arrived on December 19 to what he later described as a wiggling, giggling, crying and, figeting Mom. OK, so I was happy to see him. For two days, I had Charlie all to myself. We did some shopping, some cooking and, Charlie got to catch up on some much needed sleep. Between helping 2 friends move, moving himself and, holding down 2 jobs, he was ready for a break!

June and Dustin got in on December 21, again, to a wiggling, etc. Mom. June was quite ready to kick back too.

That evening, the kids each got digital cameras for christmas. We're glad they got them early so that they could record their trip!

We celebrated Junes birthday on the 22nd and the 23rd by swimming and the customery Chef-Boy-R-Dee Pizza.

On the 24th, Sven arrived and once again, Mom wiggled.....

June's How Old?

Junes life-long wish has been to go swimming for her birthday. Well, this year, her dream came true!

Kemp, Deb, Charlie, June and, Dustin headed for Galveston to celebrate Junes birthdaty at a waterpark and we got stuck on the beach.

We all had a great time sharing Junes Day on the Gulf of Mexico. The next day, we actually made it to the Schlitterbaun, an indoor waterpark in Galveston, TX.

On the way home we stopped by the development where Kemp and I hope to build sometime next year, Grand Cay Harbor in Texas City, TX. Not much there to see yet except the view!

Our Trip to Sunny California

As Kemp mentioned, until we landed in San Francisco, I had literally stepped one foot in California. We had fabulous weather, got to see an old (he's not really that old) friend, and had a great time sightseeing and enjoying the area.

Boys Behaving Badly - San Francisco

Kemp and Andy on a street corner!





Kemp found a really cool hotel right on the beach in Pacifica where we spent our first 2 nights. Awesome. This is the view from our hotel.

I really enjoyed California and REALLY enjoyed getting away with Kemp (even if he did have to work part of the time).

On the flight back , I realized that I was going home. I was headed home to Houston for the first time. Weird. But cool.

California Here We Come

Tomorrow, we're headed to San Francisco. I have a conference to attend in San Jose, and Deb's going to be hanging out in the California sunshine drinking caffeinated beverages. This is The Deb's first trip to California, unless you count the time we drove over the state line that time we went to Vegas and stopped the car long enough for her to open the door and step in the Golden State. I've been there several times, but this is the first time with Deb so that makes it a new adventure for both of us.

We won't have much time to lolly gag or even sightsee, as the conference will keep me pretty occupied (I guess that means I won't have much time to lolly gag or sight see!). And while the conference ends Wednesday evening, I have to be at work very early Thursday morning to make a presentation to a large group of my company's executives and managers. That means I'll be loading up on my own caffeinated beverages. But I don't mind - I'm very grateful to work for a company that totally appreciates the value of education to stay in front of the curve.

We'll post if time and wireless connections allow!

Blue Man Group

These guys do some serious entertaining.

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