Catching up...

Mom and Dad E, Uncle E, and Aunt T were all here for the past week. It was fun. We spent the first night in New Orleans. Uncle E and I stayed out too late. Aunt T and Ras had to brave the streets of N.O. alone while E and I continued to throw beads. They were not too happy, but perhaps if they would have made a better effort of trying to score beads, everyone would have come out winners. Actually, I lost $100 playing texas hold'em after being up $100. Uncle E lost at blackjack. Easter brunch was very nice the next day for those of us who made it (uncle E?)

Mikey and Sammy sharing a table at the hotel.

Brother and Sister in the Big Easy

Mikey fell in the fountain shortly thereafter

Mikey hits a handgrenade (Grampie finished it and filled it with lemonade)

Grampie after a handgrenade, a couple of beers, and a hurricane

This is where Uncle E said it all started getting fuzzy

Kindly move along...

Uncle Easter

The beach was very nice. Uncle E and I got pretty sunburned. I was the worst as Ras neglected once again to remind me about suntan lotion. My bald spot is on fire. Dad S came in the day my parents left. We did some yard work and spent time in the pool - the water hit 70 today. The pool water will most likely be in the 80s by next weekend as the air temp is trending towards the 80s as well. I don't miss MI too much at this point. I will let you know in August when it is 100 outside and the pool is 99.

Open water....

The Everett pool is complete and the kids were the first ones in (Barley was officially the first one in as I threw him in when the pool was done filling). Mikey went in very briefly yesterday and both kids went in today. The water temperature is a blistering 62 degrees. A tad chilly as you can see from Mikey's facial expressions. Uncle E and Aunt T are making plans to be in the pool by the end of the week. We are forecasting a water temperature of 66 by Friday!

Big Dig - More photos below...

More photos - I will keep adding....

The Big Dig

Here are some photos sent from Pcola (I am in Ann Arbor for a few days) of the beginning of the pool. I will post more photos as the pool progresses...

The deep end where Grampie will be ba-dunkadunked.

Back in Michigan for a few days

I have made one of my monthly return trips to MI. It is decent weather (40s), but Ras told me it is 80 in Pcola. I bowled in a charity fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and our team from Pall took first place in the costume contest. It was based on TV/Movie themes. I was the Grinch and my bowling partners were the villagers from Whoville. The Lacoe and I went to Duane's new house in Howell. Very nice. Then Duane, Lacoe and I went to Larry's house with a case of beer to help him finish the maple syrup run. Mikey and Sammy - Check out the doo on the duck! Going to Uncle E's and Aunt T's today to dine in their new kitchen. The food will taste even better.

The Grinch and Linda Who, Shelly Who, and Lauren Who

Duck?

Mr. Butterworthless

Barley and Buster

Rob and his family are off to Texas this weekend looking for a new house. I told him we would dog-sit while he was gone. And when I say we, I mean Ras. I am heading to MI today for the weekend. So, Ras is dog-sitting. Them dogs is crazy.

"dogs on dirt"

Getting ready for construction

The pool company called me yesterday to tell me that they were moving the pool construction up to next week (they were not supposed to start until March 31). I meet with them tomorrow in the back yard to do the final layout. They start construction Monday morning and the pool will be filled by Friday. That means the parents, Uncle e, and Aunt T can swim in da pool when they are down here. It will be cold water, but not as cold as the water in MI.

Here are some photos of the kids in the condo pool. I had to give up the condo last week. The new furniture in the family room arrives next week as well. A couch, loveseat, large chair with ottoman, and a bar kind of cabinet (buffet?) I will finally be able to take the booze out of the cardboard boxes.

Jay watches Jays Fall

Dad S. is in FL watching the Tigers dominate pre-season opponents. He saw them beat the Jays to remain undefeated. Verlander pitched. He goes to Lakeland to see them take on the Tribe. He took pictures of Mom S's favorite player. Unfortunately it looks as if he will be riding the pine as a back-up this year. Can't bat .223 and expect to crack the line up.

Softball practice starts tomorrow. I am in New York all next week. Mom and Dad S. are her next weekend.