I have been horrible about keeping up with my blog, reading the blogs of my friends, or doing anything blog related. I am vowing to improve on that.

I am truly ready for the snow and cold to end. This picture of Ethan and Ike is one of my favorites from last week’s snow storm. I really have a ton of favorites, but this one of a boy and his Border Collie makes me smile. The two of them were walking ahead of me, and every few seconds Ike would sneak a backward glance to ensure I was right there behind the two of them.

We didn’t get much snow yesterday, and I’m thankful the storm missed us. I’m not a big football fan, but I do feel obligated to make some football food today. Hot wings and Mexican layer dip. Both are things Adam likes, and he was so good yesterday when I needed an entire day to recover from an out of control Girls’ Night on Friday.

This morning, as I do almost every weekday morning, I headed to the beach to walk my six miles. Depsite the 20something temps and a brisk wind, I bundled up and headed out the door. I took my key off my keychain and tied it to my shoe and then put my bags into the bag seat, out of eyeshot to passing pedestrians.

The sun was shining quite brightly, and it ended up being a brilliantly perfect walk. Until I got to my car, untied my key and realized that I tied my house key and NOT the truck key to my shoe.

I quickly stopped my walking partner from leaving, grabbed her cell phone and called Adam, who had in his possession the only other key. We jumped on the interstate and head to P-town, met him at a Wendy’s, got the extra key and told him we were headed to lunch. Since my purse was in my car, he slipped me a hundred and we headed out of the lot.

On the ride back to Virginia Beach we discussed dining options. Initially we had decided on Orapax, a Greek spot, but quickly changed our mind when I realized that I was about Greeked out after the holidays. Second choice was Nawab, an Indian spot, and we also threw that idea out after we both decided we didn’t want anything THAT spicy today. Finally, we both came to the brilliant decision that sushi had been lacking in our diets for the past couple of weeks.

It was a splendid decision. The sushi was delcious. Spicy crab rolls, salmon rolls, volcano rolls, spider rolls…so good and exactly what I wanted today. The hot tea was an extra treat on this cold day, but tomorrow I MUST get back to veggies and fruits only for the week.

This morning, after dropping Ethan off at school, I headed straight to Target to do a little Christmas shopping.  I am so proud of myself.  I NEVER do early shopping, but this year I threw all care to the wind and actually started a couple of weeks ago.  I got lots of stuff for Ethan this morning.  The coveted giant Bakugan he wanted, ten of the new B3 Bakugan, the ridiculous electronic Toss A Cross, another board game and three Wii games.  I did not get the cute dog pajamas I saw for Ethan because my friend Janet couldn’t stop making fun of them.  I’ll go back and  get those later this week.

After Target, we headed down to the boardwalk and walked.  It was chilly and sunny, and a perfect day for a long walk.  Despite having totally lost my voice, I eventually recovered and was able to talk with a raspy, male voice.  Hot! 

Left the beach, and headed straight to the mall to meet my mom to get my sister in law a birthday present at AT Loft.  Did that, and then hit Gap for a present for my cousin’s little girl and then hit another destination to buy things for another male in my life.  Because they might be reading, the store, name and items are not included in this post.

After shopping, I came home and took the dogs for a walk, headed to pick Ethan up from school and hung out for a bit.  Ran to Philadelphia Cold Cuts to pick up dinner.  Italian sub for Adam, Veggie for me.  Yummy!  Ethan ate crap at home, and I do mean crap.  Ramen noodles which he calls Romaine Noodles, candy and popcorn.  Great dinner for an 8 year old. 

Then it was time to bake brownies for Ethan’s soccer party tomorrow.  I baked two pans, and Ethan ate one out of each pan.  Great!  Crappy dinner, and then two very rich brownies.  Now I need to get him inot the bed because we have an 8:00 soccer game and I’m responsible for the after game drinks and snacks.  Thankfully, those are bought.  I just have to remember to bring them!

Can I go to sleep now?

This morning we started out a little earlier than usual, and met friends of my friend for breakfast at the Belvedere Coffee Shop. Nestled on the edge of one of the older motels on the beach, the Belvedere Coffee Shop is open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. every day. A favorite with locals, this little spot has only has a few seats and they are often hard to come by, especially on the weekends. It’s located right on the Boardwalk, and if you’re lucky enough you can grab a seat at the tiny bar right against the window and get the most spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you ever get the chance to visit the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or if you live in the area, then the Belvedere is a must. They have the most delicious breakfast. I highly recommend the Eye Opener, an onion roll with a fried egg, bacon or ham, and grilled tomatoes topped with melted parmesan. I’ve been sticking to my diet, so I opted for rye toast, a poached egg and a side order of the grilled tomatoes. OMG! Too delicious!

I’ve been going to the Belvedere since I was a little girl. My dad used to take us there for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays when we needed a break from the sun and water. Later, when Stephen and Cristin were little ones, we’d take them to the Belvedere for hot dogs and a coke. I can’t believe Ethan hasn’t been yet, but I think I’ll take him this weekend after his soccer game, since Adam will be working most of the day. Hopefully, we can get that little bar seat at the window.

Started out early this morning with getting Ethan and Kaiden to Jump Rope Club at 7:15. Came home in the pouring rain, and Janet and I decided to go ahead and attempt our daily walk on the boardwalk. I am amazed that we did it as hard as it was pouring. We carried umbrellas, kept up our pace, and walked five miles. By the time we were done, we were SOAKED. The pants I wore are hanging up, and are still wet. After my walk, I headed to the mall to get tomorrow’s birthday girl her present. I love what I got her, and I hope she is as happy with it as I am. Left the mall and headed to school to pick Ethan and Kaiden up at 4 from KIDS club. Stopped by Panera, and they had bagels and I had a much needed cup of coffee. Stopped by a cute little gift shop, and bought my first two Christmas ornaments for this year. Not that I needed them, but I always buy at least two ornaments each year. My tree branches definitely runneth over. By the time Ethan and I got home it was 6:00, and I told Adam we were going out to dinner. Got home after 7:00 and Ethan started his homework while I started making brownies for tomorrow’s Harvest Festival at school. The last batch of brownies is still in the oven, and I am looking forward to taking a break and enjoying tonight’s episode of Project Runway.

Ethan and I spent the afternoon at the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. We had such a good time. Watched the surfing contest, looked at the art show, ran into lots of friends, ate chocolate covered strawberries and bananas and especially enjoyed this year’s sandcastle competition.

You can see more of the pictures from the festival here.

The day before Labor Day. The day before the pool closes. The day summer as we know it ends.

Our pool held our Labor Day Cookout today. Misty brought the Mamma Mia Mac Salad, yummy BLT dip, and cheesecake brownies. I made a strawberry vanilla type refrigerator dessert and Red Potato, Green Bean & Tomato Salad. The Association provided burgers, dogs and grilled chicken. It was very yummy, and a great day overall. We’re crossing our fingers for a nice day tomorrow so we can do a repeat of today.

Farewell to Summer with just the girls this year. We had lots of good drinks and food, and invited a representative from Pure Passion to introduce us to her new line of sex toys. We had lots of laughs and those who were so inclined were able to take some fun things home with them.

Thanks to Misty (my friend and co-host) for taking all the fabulous photos at our Farewell to Summer Party.

After spending the last few days shopping and doing party prep (between my time sunning), it is almost time for the 4th Annual Farewell to Summer Party!  I think we’re about 90% ready to party.  A few last minute things to throw together, getting the pool and clubhouse ready, mixing some cocktails (Arnold Palmers made with Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka & Lemonade and Mojitos for the rum lovers), and a quick run to the liquor store in the morning for a couple of things I totally forgot to pick up.  Other than that, cross your fingers that the weather forecast shows a huge improvement for tomorrow.

Last night Misty and I joined Cristin and several of her friends to celebrate her 25th birthday at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It was lots of fun, with good drinks and lots of laughs.

You can see the rest of the pictures here.