The Triple "D" Effect

A trio of important "D's" has occurred over these last few days in our home. Two bad things - Disease and Delay but thankfully, one very good thing - Dad (and mom) came to visit us.


The first D is for Disease - Another stomach virus has found its way to infect our family (yet again, second time this year). It began with Vivian but I'm not sure exactly which day since I ignored her diarrhea and bad spit-ups thinking it was caused by teething. But when I threw up three times after lunch on Wednesday (April 22nd), I knew a bug was in our systems. Then of course once one area ends, another begins and you spend your entire day in the bathroom for other reasons. This disease plaqued Vivian and me for two days. We thought it escaped Kirk but unfortunately his began late on Saturday (April 25th), sneaking up on him like.... "oh no! I haven't forgotten you dadio!" At least Viv and I were better for the third D - my dad and mom's visit. Poor Kirk had to stay home during Saturday night while the rest of us went bowling. Now here it is Sunday and we're all still dealing with issues of this disease. I've been joking with friends and family calling Montgomery, Alabama a vortex of disease. Perhaps the water is a cesspool of germs here, like in that Erin Brockovich movie. Or maybe it is just Vivian's day care. I don't know. But enough already!


The second D - Delay - is the worst D of them all. We received a phone call from our realtor late Thursday evening, the night before our scheduled closing date on the Ohio house. The act of sale will have to be delayed for a few days; she informs us that the couple buying the condo from our buyers has had some underwriting issues with their deal; Delay is a common word every day and I should be used to it with the job I have. I can't do my part of a project until my boss does her part; then the executive director has to approve both our parts. And so the trickle down effect falls into play everywhere in life. But it doesn't make me feel better. And the reality does nothing for my impatience of wanting this ordeal to be over, instead of dragged out and put through the emotional ringer again. Supposedly, this delay is just temporary and everything will fall into place by the middle of next week. I sure hope so. Now my ode and montage seem premature and silly. I know these are circumstances beyond my control and happen quite often. I guess I just hoped that our sudden good fortune would last just a bit longer. Maybe this temporary hold will breeze in and out as fast as the stomach infestation arrived.


So thank goodness for the third D - Dad and Mom visiting us - to shed some laughs and some fun in what would have been an otherwise dreary, pathetic weekend. Vivian was so glad they were here too.


Vivian with her grandparents (called Buddy and Mia)




They arrived Friday afternoon and left early today (Sunday, April 26th). We did manage to have a little fun while they were here. On Saturday, we visited the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts where they have a colorful, interactive children's exhibit. We also went there with Kirk's mom on Easter weekend but I had forgotten my camera. This time I took a lot of pictures of her playing around. Oh, and some of Kirk and I goofing around too.



Vivian at the children's museum:





Playing with magnets:




Seeing herself (well, her prism shadows) on the big screen:






Here she is talking to the mannequin
(I swear, it was like she knew the woman!) LOL!




Kirk had some fun with the mannequin too! LMAO!






Mom and I showing off our frames:





Dad and I with our building materials:




Dad (Buddy) and Vivian watching cars race around:




After the exhibit, we had lunch at O'Charley's. Then it was time for Vivian to take her nap. She was worn out from the museum. Unfortunately, after lunch Kirk started having his stomach issues. He and Dad planned to hit some golf balls but the outing had to be cancelled as Kirk layed in bed for the rest of the day. I could tell that by the afternoon my parents were a little bored so I offered to take them bowling instead. Viv came along too so Kirk could have some peace.


So the four of us went to Ace Bowling here in Montomgery. I so wished Kirk could have joined us. He would have loved it -- big screen TV's on every lane! A billiard full of pool tables! A fun arcade for kids (and adults). It was the nicest bowling alley I have ever visited. We used a 'buy one game, get a second game free' coupon that I had received in the mail. For the three of us to bowl and have shoes, the price was only $8. Mom and dad enjoyed themselves although I know Dad wishes his score would have been a little higher. Viv was our cheerleader and sat happily in the chair for two whole games! I know, I still can't believe it!


Can you tell who scored the highest?
I'll never tell! :-)





Mom showing off her bowling arm!




Dad wishing he would have bowled a strike here:




After bowling, it was time for home and not long after that, bedtime. My parents left early today to head home. They had been on vacation for a week and we were their last stop after adventures in Orange Beach and Dothan. My parents were looking at retirement communities in Dothan as a possibility for the future.


Well, thanks for the fun times Dad and Mom! You were definitely the highlight of our weekend. Between catching up on bowel movements and family drama and also of dad reminding me that hotels can often be "so quiet that you can hear a mosquito fart," I remember why I love you both so damn much. Hmm, I wonder where I get my sense of humor from?? Hahaha! Hopefully, Kirk, Vivian and I will find a way to move closer to you both someday soon.


But until then, I hope that this "Triple D Effect" will lead to the "Double E Story" - That's E for Escaping two house payments real soon and the Enjoyment of Life that will follow once that happens!


Let me leave you with a few more cute pictures from the weekend: