Peace and Quiet

The Boeing Factory

We went to the Boeing Factory today. They had an area separate from the factory tour that had pieces on display. We were amazed at the size of the various parts of the planes. Trust me, when you look out the window at the airport, you have no idea how large the planes really are. Here we are standing beside an engine:



And here is Michael taking photos of an engine:



Here we are in front of a vertical stabilizer:


Checking out the landing gear:

There was a cockpit you could actually sit in and touch all the controls, which Ian certainly tried to do:

Sitting with "Unko Miko":

Getting mischievous on the observation deck:

7/31/07 Quote of the Day

"Mommy, can I sit on your lap? I need to be closer to the sun."

We were on the observation deck at the Boeing Factory when Ian got a bit chilled.

Trip Notes Thus Far

We arrived at the airport two and one-half hours early for our departure flight at 7:45 a.m. Saturday morning, a good thing, as it turns out. We didn't get to the gate until 7:15, just 15 minutes before they began boarding. The problem was not security, but the fact that Delta's computers were down. Even though we had checked in on-line the day before, there was no way to check our luggage. We stood in line over an hour before an employee of Delta appeared to tell us what was going on. People were flat-out told, "You won't make your flight. Get in the rebooking line." Lots of happy people there, lemme tell you.

The Atlanta airport is large, but very easy to navigate. We hopped a train to get from one terminal to the other, and Ian was completely thrilled that he got to stand up while the train was in motion. (Very limited seating is provided for the handicapped only.) I would fly through Atlanta again anytime.

I've lost track of time quite a bit. I have tonsilitis again, so I slept most of Monday before the Mariners game, and today included a trip to the drug store. Due to the fact that RiteAid is a national chain, getting a prescription filled for an antibiotic from my doctor in Buffalo wasn't a problem.

Ian has been incredibly silly and following his cousin Jeff around like a puppy. Jeff has loads of patience with him, at least so far. We'll see how it goes toward the end of the week!

The weather is just beautiful - 70s with a gentle breeze and clear sunny skies. No, it does NOT "always rain in Seattle", just like it doesn't "always snow in Buffalo". It's a gorgeous place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here, mostly because it is just not warm enough for me. Prices here are a bit inflated, too, but that is probably just like anywhere else - it depends on where you go.

We went to the Boeing Factory today, and I haven't hit my brother up for photos yet. You wouldn't believe how big it is, every thing about it. The factory itself would hold 11 Safeco Fields side by side, each bay door was as large as a football field. Mike took a picture of us standing beside a vertical stabilizer and we are just dwarfed by it. (No comments from the peanut gallery, please.)

Tomorrow we'll be going to the Museum of Flight and the Space Needle. Time is going by too fast...

Los Angeles Angels v Seattle Mariners

What would be the point in traveling all the way to Seattle if we didn't get to a ballgame? (Hey. I've got my priorities.)

Ian and I went to Safeco Field with Mike and Jeff to watch the Angels try to take on the Mariners on a beautifully clear, slightly cool Monday evening. (The temperature was only in the 70s.) The Angels lost, of course. Ichiro was phenominal as usual, at the top of his game in the field and coming through with key hits while Batista pitched seven shutout innings. And JJ Putz closed, finishing off the Angels in the top of the ninth with just six pitches. What a great time!

2 beers, 1 Pepsi, 1 Gatorade and a bag of peanuts, $27.00 (cash only, please).
Watching Ichiro throw a bullet from center field to rob the opposing team of a sacrifice fly, Priceless.

I just love this game.

(Photo compliments of Michael Tabor, 7/30/07)

Here is a link to my nephew Jeff's blog for more pics at the game, including an excellent shot of Ian attempting to get a peanut out of its shell: http://jeffrey-tabor.blogspot.com/2007/07/baseball-game.html

Seattle Skyline

The skyline:

and checking out a train with "Unko Miko":

(photos taken by Jeff Tabor 7/30/07)

Run Time

We spent a couple hours Sunday trying to burn off some of Ian's excess energy. I know what you're thinking. "Yeah, riiiiiight."

(Photo by Michael Tabor, 7/29/07)

2008 Pinewood Derby

Yes, folks, the work on the 2008 Pinewood Derby car has begun. After all, His Highness has a title to defend. And Uncle Michael has TOOLS!!! BIG Tools that run on POWER!!!

(Photo compliments of Jeff Tabor, 7/29/07)
Just look at the little munchkin's face. He's a blast, that one.

Here it is so far:

Game Night

This is my nephew, Jeff, teaching Ian how to play Othello. And this would be Ian, experimenting at how many of Jeff's buttons he can push, saying things like, "Well, why CAN'T I turn 'em all over?"

(Photo by Michael Tabor, 7/28/07)

Quote of the Day

"Mommy, how does the pilot see to fly this thing?

I can't even see the ground!"

We arrived safely in Seattle, Washington at approximately 1:15 p.m. PCT.

(Photos compliments of Jeff Tabor, taken 7/28/07)

Our Visitor

One of our three regular visitors. And I still wonder why I don't have a good garden. :D

My friend

Welcome to my blog, Rick!

Up from Texas, this is my friend, Rick. We've known each other since we both worked at Hell, er, Hill's, Department Store in 1985. I love talking with him...this time we covered everything from buying property to gourmet cupcakes, child-rearing to little boy underwear, flooding to how fast a car can go in reverse.

Over the course of my life, so many people have come and gone...Rick is a keeper.

Photography

Ian and I went to Mississippi Mudd's last week for a hot dog and relaxation, and he asked to take some pictures. I told him that one of the things that makes Uncle Michael such a great photographer is that he takes pictures of things that are unusual, or perhaps from a different angle so as to get a different viewpoint. Ian took over. "Three birds on rocks - that's unusual!"

"Lookit! This tree looks like it has girl braids! That's unusual!"

So, Ian, instead of taking a picture of the tree, what would your photo look like if you took a picture under the tree looking up? "Okay!" (takes the pic) "Naw, that's boring."

"Look Mom! The police are on a boat! Now THAT's unusual!"

"I think that's Canada over there." Um, no, I think it's North Tonawanda. "Well, I want it to be Canada." Okay, honey. (How do you argue with that?)

And on the way home, we saw this house, and Ian had me stop and back up so he could take the picture:

I'm thinking of getting him a camera for Christmas. Any suggestions?

Michael said...
Watch the sale fliers in the paper. Then be prepared to buy an external hard drive for all the pictures he'll be taking. :D

Serena said...
So true!

He's Ready!

Any second now, a line drive is going to come screaming in his direction, and he's gonna be ready for it!

Oh, the Pain...

I broke a molar.

NOTHING hurts like tooth pain. NOTHING. Labor and Delivery were easier to bear than this. Cheaper, too, since Labor and Delivery are covered by Insurance. Teeth aren't, so when I have tooth pain, I have the added attraction of having my savings evaporate with the whine of the drill.

I just want to sleep........

Michael said...

Just last week, I sheared off the front of my lower incisor. I had a muscle spasm in my jaw that brought my teeth together in a way they never meet (I have a slight underbite), and two weeks later, the front of the tooth falls off.

I guess we inherited dad's bad teeth... I have so much metal in my mouth (fillings) that aircraft try to land on my house.

Serena said...

Me, too! Why couldn't we have inherited Dad's DENTAL INSURANCE???

Quote

“The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely.” - Lorraine Hansberry

She had some interesting things to say: http://thinkexist.com/quotes/lorraine_hansberry/

How Sad...

"It is better for my children to be alive even if it means they must be illiterate."SAYED RASUL, an Afghan who decided to keep his daughters at home after two female students were killed in a Taliban campaign against schools.

-New York Times Quotation of the Day, 7/10/07

Independence Day

It was a damp, rainy day here in Western New York, Ian has a cold and we didn't really feel like fireworks, so I decided, hey, it's been seven years, the kitchen is never really going to get remodeled, how about buying one of those pantry cupboard things for a little more storage?


If I learned anything from the Derby Car experience, it is this: I can do anything! Armed with more self-confidence than actual constructive knowledge, I bought the thing and put it together.


Yes, folks, this is me, actually using something called a screwdriver. Um, the tool, not the deliciously refreshing beverage.

And I did it! One of the holes didn't line up right, and so one of my doors is a little off, but I did it! Ta DAAAA:

I'm not giving up my day job, but hey, I am gaining my Independence. And although it was a learning experience, I still much prefer working with computers.

I hope everyone had as Happy a Fourth as we did!

JT said...

Nice job!! :) Try adjusting the hinges to adjust the door. (if it's possible)

Serena said...

I don't think it's possible. The doors had small holes in the top and bottom edges which fit onto little plastic nubby thingees. It doesn't have a traditional hinge. I don't mind, though. It serves a purpose. And if the landlord really does someday remodel the kitchen, I haven't spent a ton of money!

Michael said...
If the floor is uneven it will cause the doors to be misaligned...

Serena said...

And even if it's not, I can say it is, and who will know? :D

The Best of All Worlds

A ballgame, followed by the Buffalo Philharmonic, and ending with the Philharmonic playing the last part of the Overture of 1812 and Stars and Stripes Forever while fireworks lit up the sky. And I forgot to bring along my camera!

Every year the Philharmonic does a tribute to the five branches of the military, and while they play the song of each branch, they request that the members of the audience who are serving or have served in that branch stand and be recognized. After they have recognized all five branches, they then ask the families of those in the military (mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters, grandchildren, wives, etc.) to also stand and be recognized. Ian thought it was cool that he could stand as his father was a Marine. In my side of the family, we have uncles who served in both the Army and Air Force, and family lore has it my Great-Grandfather Charles was in the Navy. (My Great-Grandfather Oscar was in the Mexican Navy, but I don't think that counts.)

It was only 70 degrees with a slight breeze coming off the lake, so pretty much everyone was comfortable. All in all, a wonderful evening.

Sweat

"Mommy, I know what makes people sweat."

"You do?"

"Yeah. You see, there's all these holes in your head and when you run or jump or do something that makes you hot, all this water shoots out the holes."

How did I respond to him? I haven't a clue! I should get a MEDAL for not laughing!!!


JT said...
pretty soon it will look like he went swimming when he didn't. I always thought it was amazing to see the salt marks on my T-shirts when I was growin' up...

Serena said...
EEUUU. All the wonderful 'boy' things I have to look forward to! Actually, when he said that, all I could think of was his little head acting as a sprinkler system... He cracks me up.