News From the North
Lisa and I had a wonderful one night “escape” this weekend to celebrate Lisa’s birthday. We stayed the night in the Cambria Suites about 35 minutes from our house. For $79.00 we get a nice suite in a new hotel, contemporary design and decor, two rooms, two TV’s (came in handy while I watched the NCAA Tournament & Lisa watched … something else – not sure what), super comfortable king bed, cool bathroom. You can’t beat it. I think the hotel is still trying to attract business, and the rate on the weekend is always low!
We arrived in our room, set down our stuff, sat on the bed and soaked up the silence. After a few minutes we looked at each other, smiled, and said, “Isn’t this nice!” Later we had a wonderful dinner at a new restaurant we’ve never tried before. It is fun to go somewhere new, especially when it turns out to be good! We slept in and got ready just in time to check-out. Then coffee and a pastry at Caribou while we read the paper. Then we went shopping for Lisa’s birthday presents. We had a nice late lunch. Did a little more shopping, then stopped at Target for a few necessities, then got home about 6:00pm. It was a great time away, but we were both excited to get home and see our children. They seemed to be happy to see us!
While we were gone Lydia came downstairs and saw Eli run into the bathroom and lock the door. She went to the door and told Eli to let her in. At first he would not, but after a threat or two he unlocked the door. Lydia opened the door to find Eli curled up in a ball in the corner. Lydia made him get up, and when he did she saw that he had chocolate all over his face and hands. After a quick investigation she found that the chocolate bar Sophia had bought for Lisa’s birthday was missing. “Eli, you ate the candy bar that Sophia got for mommy’s birthday!” He looked up at her and said, “I sawy. I was just so hungwy!”
Car Trouble! Late last summer I purchased two cars for my new driving kids. I got each of them a car with a little less than 100,000 miles. Each vehicle seemed to be in good condition. I bought Lydia a Pontiac Bonneville, which so happens to be the same make and model as my first car. My big, sun-faded blue 1962 Bonneville looked a bit different than Lydia’s. Well the car we got Lydia has been nothing but trouble. The mechanic just notified us that we should sell or trade-in the car quickly. It is going to be in need of a new transmission soon. The cost of the repair – nearly 1/3 the cost of the car! Well, I cannot in good conscious sell a car knowing that it is about to need a major repair like that. What a bummer!
Today is Lisa’s birthday. Our tradition is to go out to dinner whenever Lisa or the kids have a birthday (I choose to stay home for a nice meal) – the birthday girl gets to pick the place. Sophia made Lisa a cake when we were gone this weekend. I haven’t seen it, but according to the other children, it looks very interesting. Apparently Eli grabbed a handful or two of cake when it was being frosted. He has an uncontrollable sweet tooth. It should be a fun evening!
Love,
JR
Lisa and I had a wonderful one night “escape” this weekend to celebrate Lisa’s birthday. We stayed the night in the Cambria Suites about 35 minutes from our house. For $79.00 we get a nice suite in a new hotel, contemporary design and decor, two rooms, two TV’s (came in handy while I watched the NCAA Tournament & Lisa watched … something else – not sure what), super comfortable king bed, cool bathroom. You can’t beat it. I think the hotel is still trying to attract business, and the rate on the weekend is always low!
We arrived in our room, set down our stuff, sat on the bed and soaked up the silence. After a few minutes we looked at each other, smiled, and said, “Isn’t this nice!” Later we had a wonderful dinner at a new restaurant we’ve never tried before. It is fun to go somewhere new, especially when it turns out to be good! We slept in and got ready just in time to check-out. Then coffee and a pastry at Caribou while we read the paper. Then we went shopping for Lisa’s birthday presents. We had a nice late lunch. Did a little more shopping, then stopped at Target for a few necessities, then got home about 6:00pm. It was a great time away, but we were both excited to get home and see our children. They seemed to be happy to see us!
While we were gone Lydia came downstairs and saw Eli run into the bathroom and lock the door. She went to the door and told Eli to let her in. At first he would not, but after a threat or two he unlocked the door. Lydia opened the door to find Eli curled up in a ball in the corner. Lydia made him get up, and when he did she saw that he had chocolate all over his face and hands. After a quick investigation she found that the chocolate bar Sophia had bought for Lisa’s birthday was missing. “Eli, you ate the candy bar that Sophia got for mommy’s birthday!” He looked up at her and said, “I sawy. I was just so hungwy!”
Car Trouble! Late last summer I purchased two cars for my new driving kids. I got each of them a car with a little less than 100,000 miles. Each vehicle seemed to be in good condition. I bought Lydia a Pontiac Bonneville, which so happens to be the same make and model as my first car. My big, sun-faded blue 1962 Bonneville looked a bit different than Lydia’s. Well the car we got Lydia has been nothing but trouble. The mechanic just notified us that we should sell or trade-in the car quickly. It is going to be in need of a new transmission soon. The cost of the repair – nearly 1/3 the cost of the car! Well, I cannot in good conscious sell a car knowing that it is about to need a major repair like that. What a bummer!
Today is Lisa’s birthday. Our tradition is to go out to dinner whenever Lisa or the kids have a birthday (I choose to stay home for a nice meal) – the birthday girl gets to pick the place. Sophia made Lisa a cake when we were gone this weekend. I haven’t seen it, but according to the other children, it looks very interesting. Apparently Eli grabbed a handful or two of cake when it was being frosted. He has an uncontrollable sweet tooth. It should be a fun evening!
Love,
JR