AZ, Road Trip, Taryn & Brandon Update

So this is my fourth try at writing this blog about our AZ, Road Trip and the latest update on the kids. I tried to write this as we traveled and never was able to complete it so finally today I have it done!
Tom and I have been reviewing all that has happened during our trip so let me bring you up to date on all of it.

On Dec 12 Tom & I left KW for Fort Lauderdale for Phoenix. This was to be a multifunctional trip to attend Taryn's college graduation, do an early family Christmas, see friends, relocate Tarn to VA and have Christmas in VA.

Our flight went out of Ft Lauderdale on Saturday Dec 13 but with it being a 7 AM flight and a 4 hour drive from KW we drove up Friday night and stayed in a hotel by the airport.
The early flight allowed us to get into Phoenix and start attending the all of the get together's we had planned with friends through out the week. With so many people to see we had time planned dinner each day for visits and mexican food. The mexican food was so we could get our fill. We haven't found good mexican food in KW and wanted to eat as much as we could. I think we managed to have it 5 nights out of 8! It was also really great to see everyone!!! Tom was even able to get to HACI one afternoon to catch up with his old work buddies.

The main reason for the trip to attend Taryn's college graduation. She has completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. We are very pleased and proud of her since nursing school is a long hard road but she made it! Next is to pass the nursing boards and get a job where she would like to work in an ER or Labor/Delivery at a hospital.
So let me bring you to up to date on Taryn's pregnancy and the baby. Taryn has had a rough time since be coming pregnant due to extreme sickness. More than just the usual morning sickness and in fact as been hospitalized twice due to dehydration. Instead of gaining weight as most pregnant woman do she was losing weight. The baby was taking all of whatever she was ever able to keep down so the baby was doing great and Taryn was not. This condition has been diagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum and will be with her for her entire pregnancy. She has a couple of anti-nauseous medication to take all day, has to eat small meals every few hours and try and keep her stress level down. Of course during the last semester of nursing school that wasn't possible so the first 4 months were VERY tough for her.
When we arrived in Phoenix she didn't even look pregnant yet. She was just beginning to gain back a little weight and during the 2 weeks we were with her she finally got her 'bump' and we can tell she is pregnant.
She also had her last OB appointment in Phoenix and since she was 20 weeks they were able to tell what sex the baby is... she is having a GIRL!!!! Yes we VERY excited about that too!!!! Names are still in the works and I am lobbying for her to be called Emma (of course) but nothing has been decided. This is a picture of our 'bump' of a baby girl.

Then on early Sunday morning, Dec 21, we left Phoenix with the 3 of us in Taryn's Toyota Echo. She was relocating from Phoenix to join Brandon in Midlothian VA (a suburb of Richmond). He has been there since Sept when he took a job as the youth pastor for Journey Christian Church. Our goal was to travel between the winter storms and drive straight through if possible so that we would be there for Christmas. It was possible with 3 drivers so it was the goal!
When we left on Sunday we first stopped in Tucson AZ for breakfast with my aunt, Myrtie Jo, and then to Las Cruses NM for an early dinner with my Dad. It was really good to see both of them.

At 4:30 PM Sunday we headed out across TX..... yes and it took us 15 hours to go from the southern/west corner to the eastern/ north corner. I swear it was the widest part we could have crossed and in the middle of the night no less. It also became colder as we headed north. It was a long night where we discovered 2 things....
1) Taryn has her worse sickness at night.
2) Taryn can't stay awake to help drive once the sun goes down. Tom and I ended up doing all of the night driving!
By the time we reached Bristol TN it was 10 PM Monday night and we realized we could not make the last 6 hours to reach Brandon. We found a hotel with soft beds and a hot shower!
Then Tuesday morning we left early to get into Midlothian to join Brandon for a late lunch, see the house they had rented and meet our granddog, Tayler. She is a sweet lab mute that we fell in love with. This picture is the 3 of them in front of the house Christmas day.
We had a great 3 days in VA, had a wonderful Christmas and attended Brandon's church for Christmas Eve service.

Next trip back will be for Brandon's pastor ordination and then in May for when the baby comes. In the mean time Taryn is getting the house set up since Brandon has the 'bachelor minimum' set up, getting some much needed rest and will be job hunting after Jan 1. There are a lot of opportunities in the Richmond area so she won't have a problem finding a place she wants to work.
If there are any changes on them or the baby between now and May I will keep you posted.

Christmas Time in Key West

It is Christmas time in KW and things are a buzzing. With the economic issues it is quieter than usual since tourism is down but the locals are doing their part to get in the holiday spirit. 

Ours started with the Mel Fisher holiday party on Saturday Dec 6. It was the employee get together and even though we are not 'official employees' we were given invitations as VIPS.  There were a few of the local investors that they invite and we were lucky to be included. It was a great evening of dinner and drinks at Mangos. 

That evening there was also the KW Holiday Parade. It is a family parade with kids groups, churches, music, floats and more parade down Duval and instead of throwing beads (as usual in KW) they throw candy. We were able to watch it from the balcony at Mangos which was a great view. 

Then Thursday night was the hay ride/ tour xmas lights/ pub crawl that was put on by Cowboy Bill, the local cowboy bar. Jan, Ray, Tom and I decide to go along since we heard that it was a lot of fun last year. There is a fee of $25 and an unwrapped toy to ride in the hay which of course all goes to one of the kids charities. 

So we had dinner at the Iguana since Mike (favorite bartender) was working and it was across the street from Cowboy Bills where we were to pick up the hay ride. In the KW spirit things got started 30 minutes late which was 2 hot buttered rum drink later we boarded a large flat bed trailer that was filled with hay bales and ice chests of beer we were greeted by one of Santa's KW elves shown below.   

So it was an evening of looking at xmas lights, singing xmas carols REALLY off key, stopping at local bars, and having a great time! 

The rest of the xmas events are taking place after we leave for Phoenix. The one we are sorry we won't be able to see is the lighted boat parade.  The local boats get decorated & lit up then parade through the harbor. We have heard it is amazing so we will be there for it next year. 

So now we are in Phoenix for Taryn's graduation from college with her degree in nursing along with visiting friends, an early xmas with the family and then to relocate Taryn to Richmond VA now that school will be done.  More blogs will follow with all that is going on here.  

A Friend In Need

I wanted to pass on to you something that is near and dear to our hearts and with Christmas spirit in the air you may want to help out. Here is the story:

She is one of Mel Fisher’s “Golden Girls” who needs a little help. Some of you may have heard of Jean Thornton, the school teacher from Alabama, turned treasure hunter! She is featured on many of the Mel Fisher documentaries on the Travel Channel so you may have seem her (she is the red head) handling the gold chains and bar. 

Jean is now retired and spends 50% of her time here in KW and we who know her have experienced her compassion and love when we have needed a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on or simply someone to listen. Jean is now the one who needs our compassion, prayers and generosity. 

Jean’s son Andy has been going through some very difficult back and spine problems over the last year and has just recently been involved in a serious car accident and is facing several costly surgeries and a very long recovery period. In an effort to help Jean’s son Andy, a trust fund has been created and an on-line auction is being put together in an effort to raise funds to off-set the costs of Andy’s care. You can read much more about the Andy Thornton Trust Fund and Andy’s personal story by visiting the site below. It has the story from Jean and will touch your heart even if you don't know her. You know that it had me in tears!

www.FriendsOfMelFisher.com 

An on-line auction will be held the week of Dec 15-19, 2008 to raise funds for Andy’s care. The group at Mel Fisher have donated some pretty exciting items that are going on the auction block; several Atocha silver coins, Margarita Pearls, Atocha Emeralds and various other items. This a great chance to own a piece of history and help out a great cause at the same time! 
If you would rather just send a cash donation, or both, you can make your cash donation by clicking the “Donate” button on the 'How to Help' on the web site.

So if you have ever wanted to have a piece of history that is also treasure then this would be the chance to do that and help out. 

 

Pirates In Paradise

Last Sunday afternoon Tom and I were sitting at Schooners having a beer after walking Dyna. It had been a long walk and all 3 of us were thirsty. Schooners is a outside dog friendly bar so it is easy to stop by, have a beer, Dyna gets water and we get to see friends. 

As we sat there the place became full of Pirates and Conch Republic Navy. Our friend Capt. Frank showed up and informed us that the week of Pirates was beginning. This get together at Schooners was the official turnover of Key West to the Pirates for the annual week of events. Here is the web if you would like to check it out. http://www.piratesinparadise.com. It has been entertaining to see Pirates around town all week and walking by the house. We had planned to attending the Sat & Sun events but weren't able to due to the weather. It has been rainy both days with the highs only getting to 70.  There have been only a few events we have missed so this one will be added to the list for next year. 

Yes we are cold! Tom sits here as I type all wrapped up in a blanket. We haven't turned the heat on yet but are learning to adapt to the weather when the temperature drops and and it's damp. As old desert dwellers it is a different kind of cold. 

The rest of the week brings Xmas events that I will bring you up to speed on at the end of the week. 

Nutcracker Key West

Tom and I decided we would take in a little culture 'Key West' style. There is a lot of options here to attend here for concerts, local theater and art events even though this is an island. Actually it is very amazing at all that is available now that we are into 'season'. The community college has a large very nice auditorium and 2 other local play house all showing various productions.

There is a local production of the Nutcracker that has been revamped to the local flavor of Key West. It was a delightful production that I wish I could really explain but is hard to put into words. The best I can do is try and explain the differences:

Nutcracker has _____ and Key West Nutcracker has______(insert words below).

 - nutcracker to conch shell nutcracker (a nutcracker with a conch shell head)

 - mice and the Mouse King to chickens and the Rooster King

 - Land of the Sugar Plum Faeries to the Salt Ponds 

 - Spanish, Chinese, Arabian and Russian dances to Court of the Coral Reef, Reef Fish, Neptune & the Shrimps and Jewels of the Atocha. 

The songs and dances were the same but the characters, costumes and stage were all done to KW style. Here is the website if you want to know more or see pictures.  nutcrackerkeywest.org

It was an entertaining 2 hours and our favorite part was the kids who played the chickens, reef fish and shrimps. It is amazing what these little ones can do. 

So now that we know what is available we plan on attending more!