Happy Hounds

I had today off from work, and after being lazy for a few hours this morning, Max, Marlee, and I went outside for a little walk and run. The pups had such a good time... they ran, slobered, chased, and stared at our neighbors.

It was a nice temperature, and the sun was shining ever so brightly. It was a perfect morning for a stroll outside. Max can't have as much freedom as Marlee because our little four-legged Houdini will not come back when he's called. It takes a mean combination of Puperoni and another dog to lure him back. Not necessarily Marlee, but any dog who looks like they could be a friend.

Marlee on the other hand will come when called and sit when commanded, so she gets to drop the leash and chase her pink, deflated ball down the grassy area by our building. I do miss the fence we had at our house in Brandon because I feel bad that Max can't run, but they do enjoy their walks.

Today, I decided to take the camera for a few shots of our kids. It was fun, and we had a good time. The photo session was over when they realized the treats were in my pocket. It was all down hill from there. We finished our walk and headed upstairs to our apartment. Now we are all resting... me on the couch; Max under the couch; and Marlee in front of the couch on the floor. What a perfect afternoon!

The End of Summer Nears...

Happy Labor Day!! Things are quiet here in the Northeast... it's a beautiful day here, unlike the Gulf Coast. I am so thankful that Gustav decided to take out the southern coast of Louisiana instead of the MS Gulf Coast or the TX coast line. I know that the rain and wind isn't a peach, but it's much better than going through another Katrina or Rita again.

Anyway... Just wanted to update you... the fruits of our labor paid off. We sold our house in Brandon, MS. We closed on Friday, and it's all over. It is kinda sad to know that we don't officially live there any more since it was our first house, and we loved it sooo much; however, on the other hand, we are so lucky that it sold, and we can move on with our lives here in PA.

Fall is beginning to come out of hiding here in the Northeast. Leaves are beginning to fall, and we are having such nice weather for most of the day... we open our windows in the mornings and the evenings to cool breezes and moderate temperatures. The dogs are loving the cooler weather, and enjoy our walks and playtime outside.

We wish you all a very relaxing un-official last day of summer, and look forward to writing about our upcoming season changes soon!

Our Day Trip to NYC

Last Monday, we drove into Trenton, NJ and hopped on the NJ Transit System where we ended up in New York City's Penn Station. Mitch and Jessica Grider (Troy's first cousin and his wife) were visiting New York for their anniversary and birthdays. We met them outside at the 32nd Street entrance and decided the fate of our day.

We decided to visit the Empire State Building. It's the tallest point in NYC, and from the 86th floor, you can see for miles. It was really a cool sight. We started on the North side of the city where you can see the GE Building and the MetLife Building and Central Park. Times Square is on the Northwest side of the building. Then we went to the West side of the building where you can see Macy's and the part of the street where the Thanksgiving Day Parade stops for little shows and dances. Going on to the South side, there was tons to see there. The downtown skyline where Ground Zero is with the Statue of Liberty was phenomenal. The Flat Iron building was really neat, too. We then went around to the East side, where Long Island lights up across the river. We spent a good bit of time on the observatory deck, but the majority of our time there was snaking our way through the interior of the building to get there.

We then left the Empire State Building and walked toward Times Square to grab a bit to eat. Of course, when you are in a big city, a majority of your time is spent walking which turns into an even better sport... people watching. And let me tell ya... if you want to see a variety of weirdos, just walk the streets of NYC.

On our journey, we went through the Fashion District and by the design school where America's Next Top Model is filmed. We went by very upscale fabric shops that were calling my name, but I resisted the urge. We walked by the New York City Public Library that was getting a face lift, and by nifty shops that are always fun to window shop by.

We ended our day at the Hard Rock Cafe where we had dinner and caught up since we haven't seen each other in many years. Then made our way to Penn Station, but not without stopping in front of Madison Square Garden for a couple of snapshots of the group. It was a fun day, and it was nice to see Mitch and Jessica.

The pictures from the Empire State Building visit are really, really good... Visit our Picasa Photo Journal site to see the album. I give it FIVE stars!! Enjoy!

Phillies Phan Phor LIPHE!

Ok... so whether or not the title is grammatically correct, you get my point. Troy is a die-hard Phillies fan now. He has a Phillies Titleist ball cap, and the link to their website on his Blackberry. We watch them on TV when they are playing... it's worse than I could have thought. I didn't want to become a regional fan of any team in the area, but Troy has done it. He uses the excuse that we must do as the locals do to survive, but I really think that he's been kidnapped by the shiny stadium, crazy fans, and overall glitz and glamour of the Philadelphia Phillies.

We went to the game on August 20. It was the night that Southwest presents the "Phan of the Month" to one lucky Phillies fan. Troy was able to present the winner with a certificate and two round-trip tickets on SWA. He was on the field doing the presentation when the Phanatic came out on his four-wheeler. He came up to Troy and the lucky fan, and had a little fun. Troy got a big kiss (on the lips) from the Phanatic. He acted like he didn't like it, but he sure did talk about it quite a bit... hmmmm.

It was Chase Utley bobble head night, so we got a bobble head, and sat in the Phillies Suite for the game. It is the first suite as you enter the second level concourse from left field, and it has a really good view. I liked being up there, but I really like the seats that SWA has behind the first base dugout better. You feel like you're a part of the action when you are only 13 rows up from the field.

Anyway... we had a great time, and there are a few pictures in the post from the night. View "Our Picasa Photo Journal" for more... I'll end this one with...

GO PHILLIES!

Room With A View...

It's been a while since I last blogged, but things have been pretty hectic around here. I've been trying to get everything out of boxes, and things put away as organized as possible; however, in this tiny apartment, it's hard.

Our new home is in Glen Mills, PA. It's a suburb of Philadelphia, and we really like the area. We are about 5 miles from Delaware, the home of no state taxes, and there is a Target very close by! Our new address is 8303 Arment Drive, Glen Mills, PA 19342. I plan on sending out change of address post cards, but again, it's not been top of the list!

Anyway... we are on the top floor, which is nice, and have a balcony so I can still have a container garden. It's not flower beds and a pretty yard, but it's better than nothing! I'm not complaining. We have a pool and tennis courts on the grounds, and recycling bins are provided. I really like our complex... there's lots of grass for the pups, and they thoroughly enjoy the softness of the grass vs. concrete and asphalt.

Here are a few pictures from our balcony!

Whistle While You Work...

I know... I've fallen down on the job! It's been 2 weeks since the last blog entry... well, lots has happened in the past few weeks. Troy and I relocated to our new home in Philadelphia. We're in a little town named Glen Mills. I do miss the city conveniences... public transportation, a short walk to the Wawa or Walgreens. In our new place... it's a ride in the truck, but it is a lot like our home in Mississippi with Targets everywhere and grocery stores galore. We have lots to look forward to in Glen Mills. It's an easy commute to the airport, and there are bus and train routes all around. We like it...

I still haven't made any new friends. Not that I want to replace any of the ones I left in MS, but it gets kinda lonely around these parts when I'm home and Troy's at work. I'm sure all of that will come with time, but I'm about ready to get impatient!! Hehe!

I have pictures from our new view and others to upload, but I'm so tired from the move in and all of that drama. I'll blog more about it when I can focus!

Anyway... just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you... my faithful readers, and there is much, much more to come in the next few days...

For all of you in Mississippi... Wish you were here!! It's so nice here. The highs have been around 85 with about 60% humidity. There is usually a breeze, and we've been going green all week! No AC... we've been chillin' with the windows and balcony door open. Yippee... I can't wait to see my first fall. We'll talk later when the snow comes... I have a feeling I'll be missing the 75 degree Decembers!

TTFN!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun...

Yesterday was our first anniversary. I can't believe it's been a year! The time has gone by so fast... so much has happened, and we've laughed, lived, and loved in the short 12-months. We've added new members to our family--our puppy, Marlee, and our new niece, Izzy; we've celebrated my sister and her husband's engagement and marriage; and most of all, we've moved to another STATE!

We celebrated by visiting The Franklin Institute. It's a huge museum in Philadelphia and had a traveling National Geographic exhibit on display, Real Pirates. It was showcasing Expedition Whydah (wi-dah)--the only pirate ship to ever be discovered and to ever be discovered in American waters. It was really interesting.

The museum also had an electricity exhibit, a giant heart exhibit, an amazing machine exhibit, a Sky Bike exhibit, and lots of other stuff. We walked through a giant foam heart; made our own electricity with magnets; and played with different kinds of machines in the exhibits. Then, we went to an IMAX movie, Wild Oceans. It was TB's first IMAX experience... I never knew that sardines were so popular. According to this movie, they are basically the center of the food chain for dolphins, sharks, birds, and humans on the east banks of South Africa. It was very interesting.

We ended the night with dinner at Phillip's Seafood. It was yummy, and then we came home and played with the pups. We watched the season finale of Design Star and the season premier of Summer Showdown. It was a fun day followed by a relaxing night.

There are pictures of the day on the Black's Web Albums link. Enjoy!