Log for the weekend from Thursday, 11/8 through Monday, 11/12/01

Tom, Pam, & Sam had the opportunity to travel to Houston for an extended weekend.  Mary and Frap were off to a reunion and the Football game in Tallahassee (FSU lost to North Carolina).

Mom & Dad met us at the airport late Thursday afternoon.  Visiting time was short with the adult Frappiers because they had to attend Beckett's post season football banquet (they went 0 & 7ish).  We went to Mom & Dad's high rise for dinner.  Mary and Frap were off early on Friday morning.  Dad and Tom dropped Beckett at school.  Anne was granted a pass for play time with Pam and Sam.  The kids did the pool and had fun.

Friday afternoon, we headed back to the high rise.  Sam liked the elevators.  Mom & Dad's stuff was re-organized by the little ones.  Tom & Dad hacked away with computer stuff.  Mom made lunch.  Thick steaks for dinner back at the big house.

The house is pretty impressive.   I think it would qualify as a full semester course to learn how to operate all the gadgetry.  Mosquito abatement system.  Four AC units servicing separate zones (not counting the apartment).  Lights, lights, and more lights.  Four full baths on the 2nd floor.  Mary's shower is pretty opulent, delivering water at the low flow rate of about 15 gallons a minute.  And of course, a fish and a dog.

Saturday morning we were off the Farm.  A welcome change from Houston's density.  We only stayed the afternoon, but it would be a great getaway for a few days if your looking for peace and solitude.  We had time to try out the 6 wheeler, eat lunch, and inspect the fish.

Frap stocked the pond a few years back.  They're getting big and Beckett dialed in on the granddads (a 7 pound catfish and a 2 pound bass).  Sam hooked a big catfish that was a bit much for him.  He fought it for a minute or so, but it finally pulled him over and almost dunked him in the pond.  He lost the rod and his catch got off when the line went slack.

Pizza for dinner.  Sunday was church & basketball  for Beckett ,and another birthday party for Anne.  Tom & Dad got in some more computer time.  Thai for dinner.  Mary and Frap got back about 11:30.

One last visit with Mom & Dad on the way to the airport for a noon departure on Monday.

The visit with Mary and Frap was short, but it was good to spend some time with Mom & Dad.  The kids played well together and all slept in the same room Saturday night.  Beckett wore out Tom's arm, and Anne took to Pam and Sam pretty well.  Look forward to a return trip, but Mom & Dad won't be there.

We got back to Santa Barbara on the tail end of two days of rain.  The back side of the front was clearing from the west.  We landed in the rain, but the sun broke as we left the airport.  We were treated to the most spectacular rainbow I've ever seen.  We finally took a snap shot, but it was a half hour old and just a scrap.

Mary, thanks for the bring us out.  The big house was great, but your kids are the best.