Our bags are packed and we're ready to go to Florida.
To say that my boys are excited is an understatement. Timmy is delighted by the promise of going on an airplane and playing on the beach. Robby is chomping at the bit to hop into the ocean and he is counting the hours until his Sea Turtle Internship begins. Scott and I are already tired from trying to wrangle and contain both of them.
Yesterday morning I woke up early to finish some projects before packing for the trip. In between conference calls and finalizing a report I pulled clothes and organized piles for everybody. I was quasi-impressed with my multitasking!
Despite my detailed lists, it took me forever to get everybody packed. Halfway through we realized that we were going to need to break down and pay to check another bag. We tried to fit everything into one checked bag and our backpacks, but we were just inviting both injury and frustrations. As much as I despise checked bag fees, paying now is a better option than struggling for the day.
This morning we will head to the airport and fly to Fort Lauderdale. I can't wait to see my boys playing in the sun and surf. Wish us luck as we maneuver through the airports today!
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Damp in VA
All free moments, which are few and far between, have been dedicated to basement restoration. We have determined that the water came from the bottom slab instead of through the patio door. The room used to be a garage and the previous owners threw down some carpet, nailed up some wood paneling and created a bedroom. When we get large amounts of rain, the water leaks through the slap and into the carpet.
We've had fans blowing constantly and the carpet is nearly dry, which is a good thing. Heavy rains are forecast for the next few days, which is a bad thing. I'm hoping that the slap doesn't become wet again, but at this point it is anybody's guess. If it does leak, there really isn't anything we can do about it because we will be out of town. Soon it will be the problem of our dedicated house sitter (aka my sister).
Today we are heading to Baltimore in preparation of our early morning flight to Florida. While I'm looking forward to our vacation, the stress from the basement flooding has definitely hampered my enthusiasm. I feel overwhelmed and frazzled, but hopefully I'll be able to put those feelings to the side as soon as I feel the Florida sunshine.
We've had fans blowing constantly and the carpet is nearly dry, which is a good thing. Heavy rains are forecast for the next few days, which is a bad thing. I'm hoping that the slap doesn't become wet again, but at this point it is anybody's guess. If it does leak, there really isn't anything we can do about it because we will be out of town. Soon it will be the problem of our dedicated house sitter (aka my sister).
Today we are heading to Baltimore in preparation of our early morning flight to Florida. While I'm looking forward to our vacation, the stress from the basement flooding has definitely hampered my enthusiasm. I feel overwhelmed and frazzled, but hopefully I'll be able to put those feelings to the side as soon as I feel the Florida sunshine.
Monday, July 23, 2018
The Great Flood II
Saturday the boys and I packed up and we headed back home. The weather did not cooperate with our driving plans, and the skies opened up almost as soon as we got onto the highway. Driving home through torrential downpours was miserable and made our trip considerably longer than normal.
I thought that the weather impact was limited to the drive home. The rain continued to fall throughout the evening, causing our creek to rise higher than we have ever seen. Our typical leaks sprung in our roof, and Scott and I spent the evening emptying buckets of water and laying down towels.
When I woke up on Sunday I was relieved that the rain had finally stopped falling. According to the news, we received nearly 7 inches in about 5 hours. Yikes! No wonder the creek was high and our walls were wet. Trying to focus on happier days, I went downstairs to retrieve our suitcases so that we could begin to pack for Sea Turtle Internship.
One step onto the carpet in our basement and I knew we had an issue. The carpets were waterlogged, and everything on the ground was soaked. We have been in this house for 13 years, but this is only the second time this has happened. From what we figure, the rain was falling at such a clip that the water wasn't able to flow away from the house fast enough. Instead it pooled in front of the sliding glass door, eventually leaking into the house.
I spent Sunday trying to extract as much water from the carpet as possible. After I was satisfied that I couldn't get anymore out, I turned on the fans and dehumidifier. I then set out to sort and trash everything that had been impacted by the flood. Now our trashcan is full, and we have some overflow bags in the garage.
The floor is still damp but it is improving. At some point we will need to address the cause of the flood and the holes in our roof. Sigh. Sometimes being an adult stinks!
I thought that the weather impact was limited to the drive home. The rain continued to fall throughout the evening, causing our creek to rise higher than we have ever seen. Our typical leaks sprung in our roof, and Scott and I spent the evening emptying buckets of water and laying down towels.
When I woke up on Sunday I was relieved that the rain had finally stopped falling. According to the news, we received nearly 7 inches in about 5 hours. Yikes! No wonder the creek was high and our walls were wet. Trying to focus on happier days, I went downstairs to retrieve our suitcases so that we could begin to pack for Sea Turtle Internship.
One step onto the carpet in our basement and I knew we had an issue. The carpets were waterlogged, and everything on the ground was soaked. We have been in this house for 13 years, but this is only the second time this has happened. From what we figure, the rain was falling at such a clip that the water wasn't able to flow away from the house fast enough. Instead it pooled in front of the sliding glass door, eventually leaking into the house.
I spent Sunday trying to extract as much water from the carpet as possible. After I was satisfied that I couldn't get anymore out, I turned on the fans and dehumidifier. I then set out to sort and trash everything that had been impacted by the flood. Now our trashcan is full, and we have some overflow bags in the garage.
The floor is still damp but it is improving. At some point we will need to address the cause of the flood and the holes in our roof. Sigh. Sometimes being an adult stinks!
Friday, July 20, 2018
Dutch Wonderland
With Robby occupied with his cousins at the Science Center, Scott and I decided to take full advantage of our alone time with Hamlet. After much contemplation, we packed him up and drove to a neighboring amusement park. He squealed when we drove into the parking lot and he spied a roller coaster behind the castle walls.
Dutch Wonderland specializes in smaller rides, perfect for younger children. Because the majority of the rides are smaller (and slower), the park is never as crowded as other amusement parks. The pair never waited more than one cycle to hop onto a ride, and many times they were able to just stay seated and ride again.
Timmy and Scott rode over 20 rides before my little guy finally konked out from exhaustion. He had an absolute blast, but it is difficult to tell who had more fun. Scott was smiling just as broadly as Timmy!
My role at Dutch Wonderland was that of photographer, map reader and bag holder. Because of the short lines, I wasn't forced to use my accessibility pass. Yesterday was my favorite way to enjoy amusement parks, as a spectator from a bench.
Dutch Wonderland specializes in smaller rides, perfect for younger children. Because the majority of the rides are smaller (and slower), the park is never as crowded as other amusement parks. The pair never waited more than one cycle to hop onto a ride, and many times they were able to just stay seated and ride again.
Timmy and Scott rode over 20 rides before my little guy finally konked out from exhaustion. He had an absolute blast, but it is difficult to tell who had more fun. Scott was smiling just as broadly as Timmy!
My role at Dutch Wonderland was that of photographer, map reader and bag holder. Because of the short lines, I wasn't forced to use my accessibility pass. Yesterday was my favorite way to enjoy amusement parks, as a spectator from a bench.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Hershey Park
Yesterday Scott and I packed up all the kiddos and headed to Hershey Park for the afternoon. Initially the prospect of taking everybody to an amusement park felt daunting. However, my niece and nephews have season passes and the park has become their summer stomping grounds. With more than a dozen trips logged, the cousins were able to become tour guides for their novice Crew member.
As soon as we entered the gates I handed Robby his water bottle and $20 for food. With a quick wave goodbye, my little Koopa was gone. Tethered only by our cell phones, he and his cousins tackled the park independently. They Crew dutifully checked in hourly with a call or text, but other than that they were left to enjoy the park parent-free.
With Robby off with his cousins, Timmy had our full attention. He gleefully road the smaller amusements, with his smile shining brightly and his squeals of giggles resonating over the ride music. He absolutely loves amusement parks!
Early in our trip, when it became clear that the lines were going to be an issue, I finally relented and requested the Accessibility Access Pass. The pass allows me to "Fast Track" all of the rides, essentially bypassing the snaking lines. I took two motion sickness pills, pulled out the pass and headed to the special line.
I love spending time with my family, but I don't enjoy amusement parks. The rides make me nothing but sick, and I find the crowds (and prices) overwhelming. Being able to bypass the long lines is a perk that helps to make the experience tolerable. Time spent standing still is minimized, keeping socket discomfort at bay. I also don't have to deal with whiny and squirmy kids, which is another bonus added!
As soon as we entered the gates I handed Robby his water bottle and $20 for food. With a quick wave goodbye, my little Koopa was gone. Tethered only by our cell phones, he and his cousins tackled the park independently. They Crew dutifully checked in hourly with a call or text, but other than that they were left to enjoy the park parent-free.
With Robby off with his cousins, Timmy had our full attention. He gleefully road the smaller amusements, with his smile shining brightly and his squeals of giggles resonating over the ride music. He absolutely loves amusement parks!
Early in our trip, when it became clear that the lines were going to be an issue, I finally relented and requested the Accessibility Access Pass. The pass allows me to "Fast Track" all of the rides, essentially bypassing the snaking lines. I took two motion sickness pills, pulled out the pass and headed to the special line.
I love spending time with my family, but I don't enjoy amusement parks. The rides make me nothing but sick, and I find the crowds (and prices) overwhelming. Being able to bypass the long lines is a perk that helps to make the experience tolerable. Time spent standing still is minimized, keeping socket discomfort at bay. I also don't have to deal with whiny and squirmy kids, which is another bonus added!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Gulp Gulp
The swelling in my leg has reduced, but phantom pain returned with a vengeance last night. I'm not sure why the sudden onset, but the pain last night was relentless and strong. As I laid in bed I tried to remind myself that my limb was not being hurt, and that the pain was simply nerve endings misfiring. My internal dialog did little to relieve the sensation of my limb being stung by yellow jackets, nor did it quiet the incessant kicking that ensued.
My phantom pain tends to increase when I'm dehydrated. Despite my good intentions, I have not been vigilant about remaining hydrated. I've been busy and self-care has taken a back seat to work, family obligations and summer ambitions. I need to do a better job!
Last night's pain was my body yelling at me for my poor liquid intake. It is easier to drink water during the day than it is to suffer through the night. After the difficult pregnancy and the ensuing prolapse, my bladder control stinks. I have decided that I would rather visit the bathroom frequently instead of being stung by phantom wasps through the night.
My phantom pain tends to increase when I'm dehydrated. Despite my good intentions, I have not been vigilant about remaining hydrated. I've been busy and self-care has taken a back seat to work, family obligations and summer ambitions. I need to do a better job!
Last night's pain was my body yelling at me for my poor liquid intake. It is easier to drink water during the day than it is to suffer through the night. After the difficult pregnancy and the ensuing prolapse, my bladder control stinks. I have decided that I would rather visit the bathroom frequently instead of being stung by phantom wasps through the night.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Resuming Normal
With the sun shining bright against blue skies, yesterday was exactly what I needed to regroup and relax. The cool pool water immediately started to help relieve the swelling in my legs, the unfortunate side effect from Sunday's travel. After a few hours of splashing and playing with the boys my legs had returned to their normal size and I began to feel calmer and happier.
Unfortunately we won't be able to go to the pool today. The skies are already darkened and thunderstorms are on the horizon. I'm glad that we took ample advantage of the opportunity yesterday because the forecast in this area is not favorable for the next few days. Although the weather will be yucky, my flowering shrubs and our pumpkin plants will appreciate the rain.
Robby has been asking to visit his cousins, so we are going to head up to my Mom's for a few days when there is a break in the storms. I know that the Cousin Crew will be happy to be reunited for the week. It has been awhile since they have been together and with turtle camp starting next weekend, the opportunities for them to be together soon will become scarce.
I don't have any great adventures planned (yet), but I am sure I will come up with something!
Unfortunately we won't be able to go to the pool today. The skies are already darkened and thunderstorms are on the horizon. I'm glad that we took ample advantage of the opportunity yesterday because the forecast in this area is not favorable for the next few days. Although the weather will be yucky, my flowering shrubs and our pumpkin plants will appreciate the rain.
Robby has been asking to visit his cousins, so we are going to head up to my Mom's for a few days when there is a break in the storms. I know that the Cousin Crew will be happy to be reunited for the week. It has been awhile since they have been together and with turtle camp starting next weekend, the opportunities for them to be together soon will become scarce.
I don't have any great adventures planned (yet), but I am sure I will come up with something!
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