Family Trip 2019 - Day One (Fun Was Had by All)

*sigh*

We are back from twenty days of traveling around the country. Not all of the country, just parts of the East Coast. We began our journey in a place many families go when on vacation: Orlando, Florida.

Our hotel room was way up high on the 25th floor. I was nervous every time I stepped onto the balcony, especially during the many sudden rainstorms.

Our first day in Florida was a celebration of capitalism, which set the tone for the rest of this priceless adventure (that cost us thousands of dollars). We explored Disney Springs, the Orlando version of Downtown Disney. Above, you'll see a dinosaur themed restaurant. Every fifteen minutes a meteor shower light show flashes across the ceiling, scaring the beejuzus out of these hapless animatronic reptiles.  

We patronized the Coca-Cola store and purchased an Around the World Sampler of various Coke products. Some were pretty good. I enjoyed a fizzy apple drink from South America. The worst by far was a cloudy white carbonated beverage from Italy, called "Beverly." DO NOT DRINK BEVERLY! We are pretty sure that it's actually Windex. 

I looked on YouTube and discovered that we are not the only ones who feel this way... 

 

It started pouring down rain throughout Disney Springs. (Sudden rainstorms would become a theme of this trip.) And just in between storm showers we discovered the VOID -- sounds creepy, but it's just a fun Virtual Reality place that let's you become a STORMTROOPER! So, we of course yelled at them to take out money and the four bradfords became the most incompetent storm troopers in the galaxy. 

We also bumped into a silhouette portrait artist. Back in our Disney annual pass holder days the girls had several done when they were much younger, so we decided to get a more up-to-date version. 

The final result was adorable -- but I don't know where Cheri packed it, so I'll have to post the image later.  In addition to occasional rainstorms, we also experienced occasional dessert cravings. They have every kind of snack here, including a specialty chocolate shop that roasts marshmallows.

And since this place is part of Disney, there were of course many places to buy Disney merchandise. My favorite establishment was the one with all the Disney art. 

It's nice to travel, especially when you can travel with the whole family. This sort of adventure doesn't happen very often for the four of us, and since the girls are now adults, it might not happen again *sobs into keyboard*

Back in California for a Bit

We left the wonders of Lake Chelan to journey back home to California... but we'll soon be hitting the road again, this time traveling to the East Coast!

I'm not sure how this upcoming trip will impact my writing. So far, I'm on Chapter 43... I was cruising along while we were at the lake, because there's not much to do besides eat, write, and occasionally in danger yourself on the water. (I went kayaking, people!)

We'll see how much writing gets done on the East Coast. Going to be much busier... but I'm really hoping to finish this draft by the end of August!

Washington Adventures

I'd like to add photos to this oater, but right now I'm working on my first generation iPad, so it's not possible.

We've been traveling this week. On July 1st, (Monday) we hit the road, driving for about ten hours until we arrived at Seven Feathers Resort Casino, our favorite place to stay the night when we're headed for Washington. I made a ten hour mix tape, made mostly of "old people music" according to Emily.

On July 2nd (Tuesday) we continued our journey. We stopped at Willamette University along the way to explore the campus for the second time (the first happened last year). There are a lot of beautiful spots to study outside, assuming the weather permits! We made it to Everett in the early evening and we picked up food from our favorite Washington fast food place: Ivar's Fish and Chips!

On July 3rd, we spent the day hanging out in Everett. Emily and I visited Boom City to buy abiut 30 bucks worth of fireworks. We also tried one of those electric scooters you can rent. nWe didn't break any bones! We took Judy and Gil (and Cheri's brother Mark) to Anthony's Home Port, I had more fish n' chips (just as good as Ivar's but about 3 times more).

On July 4th, my niece Maddi picked up Emily and they drove out to stay with my brother and sister-in-law at Ocean Shores. They will be spending their evening blowing stuff up on the beach. Cheri and I had a more relaxed 4th at her parents' condo. Gil (Cheri's step dad) has been waiting for the results from a bone marrow test because his body is not producing enough blood cells. (Any good wishes and prayers are appreciated.) Everett's bay gave us a terrific view of the fireworks up and down the coast and on the surrounding San Juans.

July 5th, Cheri and I went to Ocean Shores. Fun was had by all. Jeff's wife Sheila was a wonderful hostess. She spoiled us with a lot of bacon, french toast, and other goodies. We spent a lot of time gathered around the fire, talking about old times. (Many folks drank Sheila's famous MaiTais -- I had a coke.) My sister Jill and her boyfriend Phil were there too. We played this cool board game from the early 70s called Masterpiece; it was an art auction game.

July 6th.... Cheri and I took a morning stroll to the beach. Then it was time to head back to Everett. We met with two of Cheri's friends from her Rainbow girl days, having a late lunch
 at Beck's American Cafe. I had a delicious cheeseburger that sent me into a deep nap when we got back to the condo. Cheri and Judy have been enjoykng Christmas in July on the Hallmark channel...mthey have seen two romantic Xmas movies so far.

My Twixt and Twerp novel is coming along, although I have not been working on it every day since traveling. I'm about to finish Chapter 36. I think there will be a total of 60 chapters. So, maybe I'm beyond the halfway point?

In other writing news, an editor admired my latest chapter book enough that he plans to show it the next acquisition meeting. I would love the opportunity to branch out from picture books into this new realm of chaoter books. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Coming Soon -- All Inclusive: A New Comedy by Bradford and Flowers

Get ready for the theatrical journey of a lifetime! Prepare for waves of laughter, a hurricane of comedy, and just a pinch of romance. (Be careful, the crabs do pinch!)

Join us September 13th - 22nd for a vacation into the imagination of playwrights Wade Bradford and Christopher Flowers!

All Inclusive is the story of Mr. MaCa'a and his delightful island paradise. At least he thinks it's a paradise. However, when the first guests / disgruntled spouses Rick and Kathy arrive at what was supposed to be a five-star resort, they realize that MaCa-a's island is less of a delight and more of a disaster.

Stay tuned for more information about cast, crew, and tickets!

The Glorious Summer Blur

During certain years in the past, I have blogged every summer day, recording each date to help preserve it in my memory. These months of creative freedom are precious to me. Silly as that may sound.

So far this summer, I haven't really done that. In part, I think, this may be because I've been having fun on Instagram, taking snapshots during most of the days. But, more likely, I haven't been blogging on a daily basis because many of the days blur together in a wonderful haze, a combination of relaxation and productivity.

There have been exceptional days, of course. Emily's graduation. Mackenzie's latest hospital visit which resulted in a surprisingly good diagnosis (no MS!!! No Syrynx!!! No permanent nerve damage!!! And it seems the occupational therapy has alleviated most if not all of her symptoms!)

Aside from those exceptions, many of the days contain much of the same ingredients.

-- I wake up between 8 and 9 am

-- I exercise a little bit (40 sit ups, 20 push ups, 20 lifts, 20 mountain climbers)

-- I spend time with the dogs

-- I go some place to write (usually a Starbucks)

-- I do some errands / chores with Cheri

-- I walk the dogs

-- hang out with the girls

-- I usually write outside in the yard (with the dogs)

-- we eat dinner (sometimes at home, sometimes out somewhere)


In addition to my novel, I have also been:

-- writing new picture books (one has been submitted this week)

-- working on All Inclusive (the new Bradford / Flowers play)

-- revising Visions in the Midnight Realm


When I'm too tired to work on my writing, I entertain myself with...


-- going out to the movies (Cheri and I watched Toy Story 4 & Rocketman)

-- going to some plays (Ernest & Moonlight and Magnolias)

-- binge watching shows with David Tennant (Good Omens, Jessica Jones)

-- reading / listening to Stephen King (Dreamcatcher & Insomnia)

-- playing my snowboarding video game

-- reading old Spiderman comics (online)


I've been doing my best to avoid eating sugar. I'm trying to get more fit than my current state. I could stand to lose five to ten pounds, but the scale has read about 170 all summer long.


When I get tired at night, I make bad food choices, so I really should just go to bed earlier than I do.

So far, this summer is glorious! I hope yours is too.

Leave me a comment to let me know what you're up to!

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