Our Disney End-of-An-Era Vacation

This adventure started shortly before the birth of our granddaughter. We had moved to North Carolina, after several transfers by my husband's company. When he retired, our plan had been to move back to Texas. We had selected an area in the Texas Hill Country and planned our return to Texas. That Christmas, we were asked to stay for awhile to give child care to our expected grandchild. We did, and stayed on to see her grow into a lovely young woman. We enjoyed about 12 years with her, but then, she grew into a pre-teen and her interests were with her friends. She and her family live across the state from us and we seldom see them unless we pick up their dog for dog-sitting or travel to see our granddaughter in a sport event.

As time passed, we became quite elderly, and have realized we seldom see her and know very little of her life. We decided to treat her and her parents to a Florida adventure. Unfortunately, we still saw little of her, but we enjoyed the trip.

We first stopped at Kennedy Space Center for a day of exploring and reminiscing. It has been several years since we took our son there. Many improvements have been made in displays and in methods of presenting the historical significance of space exploration by the United States.

That evening, we drove to the Disney Resort area and checked into our resort. Our son and family went out for the evening, and my husband and I walked to Disney Village, and explored everything. Even if we had not planned to visit the theme parks, the Village is an adventure by itself, with free admission.

The next day, we went to Epcot Center, our favorite theme park. The above photos of China and Japan show our family, except for me. We experienced some of the rides, but the "countries" are the best of all. My husband and I prefer China and Japan. The architecture and the atmosphere truly give a feeling of being in those countries. China has a wonderful "theatre-in-the-round" and a museum. Japan has a fantastic department store which began centuries ago as a kimono shop. There is also a museum with traveling exhibits.

Although our trip was disappointing in that we really had little time to reacquaint ourselves with our grown-up grandchild, we enjoyed the trip very much. We did come away with the knowledge that it is time to make major changes in our life and visit back "home" with our friends and relatives. We are aware that we must move on, and see this trip as the end of a beautiful era.

Aine

Herb Garden Gone Rampant!

Summer of Successful Herbs

Much to my surprise while we were in Florida, (more on this), taking our son, his wife, and their daughter, for a vacation to Kennedy Space Center and DisneyWorld, my herb garden grew into a monster! The "small" tomato vine which I planted overgrew the six-foot trellis, all the way back to the ground, with another six or seven feet of vine spreading everywhere in my garden and out of my garden. It has been most prolific, with thousands of perfect little tomatoes. I had envisioned a small plant with ample growth and a plentiful supply of tomatoes, but I did not expect the attack of the killer tomato vine!

The second photo is of my moonflowers - they are blooming every evening and are 4-6 inches in diameter. The heavenly scent floats on the night breeze. The plant is beautiful with its bright green, heart-shaped leaves and makes a wonderful addition to a Summer garden.

The remainder of my herb garden, including the extremely tasty Ichiban eggplant, have grown and produced in the same way. My lettuce is, as of now, (late July) beginning to be less tender, but it is still delicious. I intend to plant the same type next Spring. I am hoping, by leaving my lettuce in place, seeds will "volunteer" and give me a wonderful patch of Autumn lettuce.

My Spring and Summer herb garden project has been a big success!

Aine