Good Friday morning!
I'm finishing the week with two more pics from our Houseboating Adventure in the Gallery. As always, explanations are under the photos.
REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - Please remember I will be posting this Saturday AND Sunday. This is an unprecedented event! Wednesday Wisdom and Seasonal Traditions will be posted this SATURDAY, JULY 30. Blog Linkage and Dates will be posted this SUNDAY, JULY 31. After this weekend, A Simple Life will be back on schedule which, for some reason, is VERY important to me.
ANOTHER REMINDER! ANOTHER REMINDER! - I will be posting a new Picture of the Day today, Saturday and Sunday. This year is almost finished! Can I do it? I think I can. I think I can.
Day Four - Housboating on Lake Lanier (Pros and Cons)
Okay. To finish our week of houseboating posts, I'm going to list the pros and cons, prices and websites, etc., etc. Are you ready? Have you got a pen and paper handy? Okay. Here we go.
Pros
1. Our experience was TOTALLY relaxing. I used the word "adventure" a good deal throughout the posts, but this vacation was anything but exciting. And that was okay. If your family enjoys water activities, fishing, picnics, late night movies, etc., this is the vacation for you.
2. Although we intend to go to Lake Lanier again next year, there are MANY lakes with houseboating opportunities. The websites are below. The possibilities are endless. You could go to a different lake every year if you wanted to explore.
3. Port Royale at Lake Lanier was brand-spanking new and beautifully designed. The staff was young (college-aged), but well-trained, courteous and polite. We couldn't have asked for better staff to answer our questions and help us on our first houseboating outing.
4. Although the houseboats were older, they were SUPER clean. Port Royale had bought the houseboats two months prior, and they are planning on completely re-doing the interiors this winter. Next summer, we expect the houseboats to be SUPER clean and much more updated.
5. We loved we were only 12 minutes from a town. We turned right on the main road and drove right into Gainesville. We didn't get lost. We didn't get confused. It was a very easy drive.
6. We loved we had cell service anywhere on the lake or on the shore when we beached the boat. We could call anyone at anytime or vice versa. We never felt isolated from family or the Port if we needed to ask a question.
7. We packed ALL of our clothes (for five people) in one large suitcase. We lived out of the one suitcase.
We packed four food boxes and one large cooler. We went home with two food boxes and one almost empty cooler.
We packed two toiletry boxes which we placed on the bathroom floor. When someone was finished using something (deodorant, toothpaste, hair dryer, etc.), they just placed it back into the box. On the last day, we put lids on the two toiletry boxes and they were ready to go.
8. No one ever said they were bored on the trip. I think if we had stayed longer, we might have encountered that word from at least one of our kiddos. Mikie and I both agreed going into town one night for dinner and a movie kept things interesting, too. It was a nice little break.
Cons
1. Although our houseboat "slept ten," we all agreed ten people would have been pushing the limit as far as "moving around" space was concerned.
2. In my mind, our kids were the perfect age for the houseboat. I would have been nervous taking young children on the water for that length of time and keeping up with them... especially during the night. Although the doors had locks, they were easy to open.
3. If you are a camper, the close quarters and the RV toilets will not be a problem for you. If you have never camped and never used an RV toilet, I suggest you try both before going out on the water for several days in a houseboat.
4. While a three-night, four-day stay may not seem like a very long vacation, we all agreed it was the perfect amount of time for our family. Every family is different. You might need a little less time, or you might do well with a little more time. It's your call.
Cost
This vacation was a little more expensive than we usually take for the amount of time. Depending on the size of the houseboat you rent and where you rent from, the prices will vary.
Also, gas is not included in the price of the rental. Gas in Georgia for the houseboat AND the jet ski was over $4 a gallon. The price could be lower or higher next summer. Who knows.
We used less than a half a tank of gas during our stay. We used a tank and a half on the jet ski for the one-day rental.
Since two out of three of our kids are working, we let them all help with the jet ski rental. We think it is good for them to know how much "life" costs... and the best way to teach that lesson is to let them pay for things now and again. It really makes them appreciate things more. (Kind of like chore lists!)
Websites
I went to www.houseboating.org and used their website information to book our trip to Lake Lanier. There may be similar or better websites, but this one worked great for our first experience.
To specifically check out Port Royale at Lake Lanier, go to www.bestinboating.com and click on Port Royale.
Questions and Answers
Question - When you say you had a "perfect" vacation, do you really mean "perfect?"
Answer - Mikie is 50. Austin is 20. Josh is 17, and Roxie is 14. I am a 49 year-old menopausal nightmare. When I use the word "perfect," I mean we did not ONCE try to kill one another. We're a family like any other. We had a few skirmishes, but for the most part, we did very well in our close quarters.
Question - You keep saying "RV toilet." What does that mean?
Answer - The toilet is regular-sized. However, you have to use the toilet paper the houseboat provides (1-ply), and you have to add water before you flush. (We used a plastic coffee cup to pour water into the toilet prior to flushing.) It is not gross or dirty or too little. You just have to do a little more work flushing than you would your normal household toilet.
Question - You never mentioned a dishwasher.
Answer - That's because we didn't have a dishwasher. Unless you call Mikie a dishwasher... and I wouldn't recommend doing that to his face.
Question - Is there comfortable seating for four or five adults to sit down and watch a movie together?
Answer - The couch seats three comfortably. There were two padded bar chairs and plenty of white plastic "outside" chairs. We were comfortable, and we took turns sitting in the bar chairs and the "outside" chairs.
Question - You said there wasn't a lot of water pressure. Did your hair look bad?
Answer - The one time I actually fixed my hair, it looked fine. Am I one of those people who doesn't care about water pressure? No. I LOVE water pressure, but the lack thereof didn't present a problem.
Question - Would you recommend vacationing with another family on the houseboat?
Answer - I would recommend vacationing with another family if they RENTED their own houseboat. That would be so much fun!
If you have any other questions regarding the above, feel free to drop me an e-mail, or try to leave a Comment if you have Google Account.
Weekend Happenings
We have a crazy, "nothing special" kind of weekend ahead of us. Anything could happen... and probably will.
Roxie is going to a church painting party tonight, so we'll have a new masterpiece hanging in our home tomorrow.
The guys have cut grass ALL week, so their weekend does not include any kind of yard work. They are thrilled... as they put on their "Johnny Cash-type" uniforms to go to work at the Chick.
I'm hoping Sunday is a family dinner kind of day. We'll see. We'll see.
I hope you and yours have a fun summer weekend. It is hard to believe summer is almost over. Make these last few days count!
Take care, and I'll talk to you TOMORROW.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Showing posts with label Houseboating 101. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houseboating 101. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Houseboating 101
Good Thursday morning!
Day Three of our Houseboating Adventure fills the Gallery today. I told you I had a ton of pictures. And lucky for you, I'm only sharing one-fourth of them!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - As I told you yesterday, Wednesday Wisdom and Seasonal Traditions will be posted this SATURDAY, JULY 30. And Blog Linkage and Dates will be posted this SUNDAY, JULY 31. This is totally unheard of around these parts, but it will get A Simple Life back on schedule which, for some reason, is VERY important to me.
Day Three - Houseboating on Lake Lanier
The Top Ten List seems to be working for my brain this week. I'm thinking about everything in terms of Top Ten Lists... Top Ten Things I Want to Accomplish Before School Starts, Top Ten Chores I Need to Finish Within the Hour, Top Ten Reasons I NEED Another Pedicure (Even Though My Current Pedicure is Still Beautiful), and so on, and so on.
So...
1. After our "houseboat boy" drove us out of the marina, we decided to explore Lake Lanier for about an hour. I think it would take days and days to go around the entire lake in a houseboat, but we liked what we saw. Beauty abounds at this Georgia lake.
2. We were all in "chill" mode, so the little ride was enjoyable. Mikie stopped the houseboat in the "middle," and Roxie and Josh jumped off for a little swim. However, for some reason the current was incredibly strong our third day. Roxie held on to the ladder, and when Josh swam out to retrieve a noodle, we were all surprised how far away he was when he turned around to swim back to the boat. Very strong current. Mikie made a captain-like decision to find a cove to see if we would be able to play in the water without being carried a mile or so down river... or down lake? Which is correct?
3. We found a perfect little cove with three or four empty beaches... and no current. We decided to beach the boat for a little while and just swim in the peaceful water. A better decision has yet to be made. Our private little beach and beautiful swimming hole was perfect... for the entire day.
4. Ducks and ducklings were everywhere we went on Lake Lanier, and this little spot was no exception. A mother and her ducklings spent the day with us, and when it looked like they might leave, we quickly and shamelessly fed (Code for BRIBED) them to stay.
5. While the kids napped, sunned and read during a two-hour period in the afternoon, Mikie and I floated in the amazingly clear, cool water until we were "pruney." It was wonderful. (Not the "pruney" part. The two hours alone "talking, floating and talking some more" part.)
6. Again, dinner was an easy meal. I made Bear Creek Vegetable Beef soup and we ate on the front of the boat with the lake as our scenic backdrop. Lovely.
7. Since our "spot" was so pretty, I asked Roxie if she was up for a photo-op. After a few minutes of hesitation because she wasn't sure she wanted to spend the time getting dolled up, she decided it would be a good idea. Our picture-taking time was fun and she was happy with the results... so I was happy with the results!
8. It was getting close to dusk, so Mikie and Austin tried their hands at fishing. There are no pictures of this activity because Austin decided to fish in his pajama pants... and that's all. I'm telling you, if the Faulkner Five were ever shipwrecked on a REAL deserted island, I don't think grooming would ever enter our heads. EVER!
9. As usual, Mikie caught four fish... and Austin caught nothing, but the laid-back vibe of the trip continued and Austin shrugged his shoulders and said, "Oh, well," before heading back to the boat for a little television time.
10. A thunder/lightning storm made it's way around the lake which was beautiful to see, but it never rained or came to our little part of the world. Although we had cloudy weather off and on, we were very fortunate weather-wise. (If and when a storm does come up, the marina advises all boats to dock.)
Okay. That's Day Three summed up in a neat little list. A more boring list you will probably never read. I am wishing I was on that little island again as I type the post this morning. But, alas. It will be 359 more days until we see Lake Lanier again. Heavy, heavy sigh.
Have a wonderful, wonderful Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow with pros, cons, costs, etc. for you to plan your own Houseboating Adventure if you feel so inclined. I'll also have Weekend Happenings and a few Reminders.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Day Three of our Houseboating Adventure fills the Gallery today. I told you I had a ton of pictures. And lucky for you, I'm only sharing one-fourth of them!
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - As I told you yesterday, Wednesday Wisdom and Seasonal Traditions will be posted this SATURDAY, JULY 30. And Blog Linkage and Dates will be posted this SUNDAY, JULY 31. This is totally unheard of around these parts, but it will get A Simple Life back on schedule which, for some reason, is VERY important to me.
Day Three - Houseboating on Lake Lanier
The Top Ten List seems to be working for my brain this week. I'm thinking about everything in terms of Top Ten Lists... Top Ten Things I Want to Accomplish Before School Starts, Top Ten Chores I Need to Finish Within the Hour, Top Ten Reasons I NEED Another Pedicure (Even Though My Current Pedicure is Still Beautiful), and so on, and so on.
So...
1. After our "houseboat boy" drove us out of the marina, we decided to explore Lake Lanier for about an hour. I think it would take days and days to go around the entire lake in a houseboat, but we liked what we saw. Beauty abounds at this Georgia lake.
2. We were all in "chill" mode, so the little ride was enjoyable. Mikie stopped the houseboat in the "middle," and Roxie and Josh jumped off for a little swim. However, for some reason the current was incredibly strong our third day. Roxie held on to the ladder, and when Josh swam out to retrieve a noodle, we were all surprised how far away he was when he turned around to swim back to the boat. Very strong current. Mikie made a captain-like decision to find a cove to see if we would be able to play in the water without being carried a mile or so down river... or down lake? Which is correct?
3. We found a perfect little cove with three or four empty beaches... and no current. We decided to beach the boat for a little while and just swim in the peaceful water. A better decision has yet to be made. Our private little beach and beautiful swimming hole was perfect... for the entire day.
4. Ducks and ducklings were everywhere we went on Lake Lanier, and this little spot was no exception. A mother and her ducklings spent the day with us, and when it looked like they might leave, we quickly and shamelessly fed (Code for BRIBED) them to stay.
5. While the kids napped, sunned and read during a two-hour period in the afternoon, Mikie and I floated in the amazingly clear, cool water until we were "pruney." It was wonderful. (Not the "pruney" part. The two hours alone "talking, floating and talking some more" part.)
6. Again, dinner was an easy meal. I made Bear Creek Vegetable Beef soup and we ate on the front of the boat with the lake as our scenic backdrop. Lovely.
7. Since our "spot" was so pretty, I asked Roxie if she was up for a photo-op. After a few minutes of hesitation because she wasn't sure she wanted to spend the time getting dolled up, she decided it would be a good idea. Our picture-taking time was fun and she was happy with the results... so I was happy with the results!
8. It was getting close to dusk, so Mikie and Austin tried their hands at fishing. There are no pictures of this activity because Austin decided to fish in his pajama pants... and that's all. I'm telling you, if the Faulkner Five were ever shipwrecked on a REAL deserted island, I don't think grooming would ever enter our heads. EVER!
9. As usual, Mikie caught four fish... and Austin caught nothing, but the laid-back vibe of the trip continued and Austin shrugged his shoulders and said, "Oh, well," before heading back to the boat for a little television time.
10. A thunder/lightning storm made it's way around the lake which was beautiful to see, but it never rained or came to our little part of the world. Although we had cloudy weather off and on, we were very fortunate weather-wise. (If and when a storm does come up, the marina advises all boats to dock.)
Okay. That's Day Three summed up in a neat little list. A more boring list you will probably never read. I am wishing I was on that little island again as I type the post this morning. But, alas. It will be 359 more days until we see Lake Lanier again. Heavy, heavy sigh.
Have a wonderful, wonderful Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow with pros, cons, costs, etc. for you to plan your own Houseboating Adventure if you feel so inclined. I'll also have Weekend Happenings and a few Reminders.
Take care, and I'll talk to you in the morning.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Houseboating 101
Good Wednesday AFTERNOON!
I have a few more Gallery Pics from our Houseboating Adventure today.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Since this week has been so CRAZY, I'm going to post Wednesday Wisdom and Seasonal Traditions Saturday morning. That way, we won't be too behind.
Also, I will have to say yesterday and today have been incredibly busy. That is why the posts have been so late. I hope to have a morning post tomorrow... but I am NOT promising!
Day Two - Houseboating on Lake Lanier
1. We rented a jet ski from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday (our second day on the lake). The rental of the jet ski was "extra." At least one of the Faulkner Five stayed on the jet ski every minute of the eight hours we had it. However, when we go back next year, I think we'll rent it for a half day our second day and a half day our third day. If Mikie and I hadn't taken the last 90 minutes of the rental time, it would have been wasted. Eight hours of solid jet skiing wears five bodies out!
2. Although only one of us had every driven a jet ski before, it was beyond easy... even for me. You had to be 21 years-old to drive the jet ski OUT of the marina, but only 16 years-old to drive it around the lake. Since you also had to be 21 to drive the houseboat, Mikie had to stay on the boat, and Austin and I went to pick up the jet ski. It was amazing how fast I picked it up, I tell you. And if Austin tells you he has whiplash... Well, he's just a big fat liar!
3. Since the lake is SO big and none of us were familiar with the water, Mikie and I made a rule for the person or persons on the jet ski to NOT go behind any islands. In theory, that should have been enough of a rule to keep everyone in our sight while they were out for their turn. However, after five minutes went by without sight nor sound from Josh, I began to have a "mother come-apart."
"Go find him," I instructed the Cap'n.
"Belinda. I don't need to move the boat, AND he could be four miles away from us by now. I would never be able to find him using the houseboat." Fun fact for you... Houseboats are S-L-O-W!
In the real world, Mikie was correct. In "Hysterical Mother" world, not so much. However, we decided to wait. And we waited... and we waited... and we waited. I felt sure we waited for 23 minutes, but Mikie insisted it was more like 90 seconds. Josh had followed the rules and not gone behind any islands. However, because of the massive size of the lake, just going straight out from the houseboat at 45 mph made him just a spot on the horizon in less than 30 seconds.
Since tragedy had been averted, we made a new rule. Whoever rode the jet ski had to be able to see US. The Mister Twain. Houseboat Number 8. After that rule was established and set in stone, we had a good ol' time.
4. On our second day, I planned on all of us going into town for dinner and a movie. Although Lake Lanier is 39 minutes north of Atlanta, it is only 15 minutes from downtown Gainesville. Our only prerequisite for a vacation meal was something "local." When we asked our "houseboat boy," Zac, if he had any suggestions, he quickly said, "O'Charleys. I LOVE O'Charleys." We smiled and nodded politely, but we did NOT go to his chain restaurant suggestion.
5. We did go to a local pizza joint in Gainesville called Atlas. It was small, fun and really, really good. While we waited on our pizzas and calzones, we played darts and shot pool. The service was great. The atmosphere was fun. The food was delicious. Although the restaurant served alcohol, it didn't have a bar or loud music, and there were several families there with small children. It was a nice family joint. (And we took home LOTS of leftovers.)
6. We also asked our "houseboat boy," Zac, about the movie theater in Gainesville. He described it as a little "shady." He said there was a much better movie theater in Dawsonville which was over 30 minutes away. We didn't want to go 30 minutes away. And since we are regulars at the Dollar Theater across town, we knew the Gainesville Theater couldn't be any "shadier" than the one we always attend.
Imagine our surprise and delight when we walked into a huge, nice, clean and very "un-shady" theater in Gainesville. We later learned Zac had a brother who installed home theaters. He was accustomed to the best of the best when it came to movie-going... in his very own home! He might have been a little prejudiced.
7. We docked the boat at the pier, and since we knew we would be so late coming in from town, we told the rental people we would just sleep at the dock the second night. That worked out great because we hooked up to their power and water (meaning we didn't use any of the gas for our generator OR clean water out of our tanks). We saved a little money the second night!
8. We discovered there was much more movement when the boat was docked at the pier than beached on an island. Enough movement to rock us back and forth, back and forth, until we were sleeping like babies.
9. At 9:00 a.m. the next morning, our "houseboat boy," Zac, returned to take us out of the marina, and we began our third and final full day on the water.
10. Fun fact for you... Although the people "teach" you how to drive and beach the houseboat, they do not let you bring it in OR out of the marina. Trained staff takes care of that little task for you.
In fact, if you get within a certain distance from the port, a little motorboat comes out to the houseboat. A "houseboat boy" hops off and tries to take you back to the dock. It doesn't matter if you're swimming or fishing or just reading a book. If the back door ain't locked, a young man in a Hawaiian shirt will come in and try to take over your boat.
We learned that the hard way.
I'll have another Top Ten List tomorrow. I know you can hardly wait.
I hope you had a great Wednesday. I had an appointment this morning, and then went to Roxie's Volleyball Camp... which ended with a Volleyball Tournament... which resulted in the Junior Varsity girls being named CHAMPIONS! That's right.
So after we left the tournament, we went to eat lunch with some other chicks, and I got in around 4:00 p.m. Long, but productive day.
Take care, and I'll be back in the morning. (I'm not going anywhere!)
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever-So-Late Belinda
I have a few more Gallery Pics from our Houseboating Adventure today.
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! - Since this week has been so CRAZY, I'm going to post Wednesday Wisdom and Seasonal Traditions Saturday morning. That way, we won't be too behind.
Also, I will have to say yesterday and today have been incredibly busy. That is why the posts have been so late. I hope to have a morning post tomorrow... but I am NOT promising!
Day Two - Houseboating on Lake Lanier
1. We rented a jet ski from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday (our second day on the lake). The rental of the jet ski was "extra." At least one of the Faulkner Five stayed on the jet ski every minute of the eight hours we had it. However, when we go back next year, I think we'll rent it for a half day our second day and a half day our third day. If Mikie and I hadn't taken the last 90 minutes of the rental time, it would have been wasted. Eight hours of solid jet skiing wears five bodies out!
2. Although only one of us had every driven a jet ski before, it was beyond easy... even for me. You had to be 21 years-old to drive the jet ski OUT of the marina, but only 16 years-old to drive it around the lake. Since you also had to be 21 to drive the houseboat, Mikie had to stay on the boat, and Austin and I went to pick up the jet ski. It was amazing how fast I picked it up, I tell you. And if Austin tells you he has whiplash... Well, he's just a big fat liar!
3. Since the lake is SO big and none of us were familiar with the water, Mikie and I made a rule for the person or persons on the jet ski to NOT go behind any islands. In theory, that should have been enough of a rule to keep everyone in our sight while they were out for their turn. However, after five minutes went by without sight nor sound from Josh, I began to have a "mother come-apart."
"Go find him," I instructed the Cap'n.
"Belinda. I don't need to move the boat, AND he could be four miles away from us by now. I would never be able to find him using the houseboat." Fun fact for you... Houseboats are S-L-O-W!
In the real world, Mikie was correct. In "Hysterical Mother" world, not so much. However, we decided to wait. And we waited... and we waited... and we waited. I felt sure we waited for 23 minutes, but Mikie insisted it was more like 90 seconds. Josh had followed the rules and not gone behind any islands. However, because of the massive size of the lake, just going straight out from the houseboat at 45 mph made him just a spot on the horizon in less than 30 seconds.
Since tragedy had been averted, we made a new rule. Whoever rode the jet ski had to be able to see US. The Mister Twain. Houseboat Number 8. After that rule was established and set in stone, we had a good ol' time.
4. On our second day, I planned on all of us going into town for dinner and a movie. Although Lake Lanier is 39 minutes north of Atlanta, it is only 15 minutes from downtown Gainesville. Our only prerequisite for a vacation meal was something "local." When we asked our "houseboat boy," Zac, if he had any suggestions, he quickly said, "O'Charleys. I LOVE O'Charleys." We smiled and nodded politely, but we did NOT go to his chain restaurant suggestion.
5. We did go to a local pizza joint in Gainesville called Atlas. It was small, fun and really, really good. While we waited on our pizzas and calzones, we played darts and shot pool. The service was great. The atmosphere was fun. The food was delicious. Although the restaurant served alcohol, it didn't have a bar or loud music, and there were several families there with small children. It was a nice family joint. (And we took home LOTS of leftovers.)
6. We also asked our "houseboat boy," Zac, about the movie theater in Gainesville. He described it as a little "shady." He said there was a much better movie theater in Dawsonville which was over 30 minutes away. We didn't want to go 30 minutes away. And since we are regulars at the Dollar Theater across town, we knew the Gainesville Theater couldn't be any "shadier" than the one we always attend.
Imagine our surprise and delight when we walked into a huge, nice, clean and very "un-shady" theater in Gainesville. We later learned Zac had a brother who installed home theaters. He was accustomed to the best of the best when it came to movie-going... in his very own home! He might have been a little prejudiced.
7. We docked the boat at the pier, and since we knew we would be so late coming in from town, we told the rental people we would just sleep at the dock the second night. That worked out great because we hooked up to their power and water (meaning we didn't use any of the gas for our generator OR clean water out of our tanks). We saved a little money the second night!
8. We discovered there was much more movement when the boat was docked at the pier than beached on an island. Enough movement to rock us back and forth, back and forth, until we were sleeping like babies.
9. At 9:00 a.m. the next morning, our "houseboat boy," Zac, returned to take us out of the marina, and we began our third and final full day on the water.
10. Fun fact for you... Although the people "teach" you how to drive and beach the houseboat, they do not let you bring it in OR out of the marina. Trained staff takes care of that little task for you.
In fact, if you get within a certain distance from the port, a little motorboat comes out to the houseboat. A "houseboat boy" hops off and tries to take you back to the dock. It doesn't matter if you're swimming or fishing or just reading a book. If the back door ain't locked, a young man in a Hawaiian shirt will come in and try to take over your boat.
We learned that the hard way.
I'll have another Top Ten List tomorrow. I know you can hardly wait.
I hope you had a great Wednesday. I had an appointment this morning, and then went to Roxie's Volleyball Camp... which ended with a Volleyball Tournament... which resulted in the Junior Varsity girls being named CHAMPIONS! That's right.
So after we left the tournament, we went to eat lunch with some other chicks, and I got in around 4:00 p.m. Long, but productive day.
Take care, and I'll be back in the morning. (I'm not going anywhere!)
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever-So-Late Belinda
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Stone Fruit Preserves and Houseboating 101
Good Tuesday EVENING!
When I said I would be posting by 2:30 p.m., I had no idea it would actually be 6:30 p.m. Long day, but as promised here is Tuesday's post!
The Gallery Pics continue the theme of Houseboating on Lake Lanier. Explanations can be found under each picture.
I've decided the best way to tell about our Houseboating Adventure is to use the old Top Ten List. If I type everything that is in my mind about the trip, I'm afraid it will come out a rambling mess... unlike everything else I put on the blog.
Day One - Houseboating on Lake Lanier (Top Ten List)
1. After becoming acquainted with our boat, and Zac (our houseboat boy) giving Mikie driving instructions, we were on the lake (on our own) by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. That means we had four or five hours of good playing time. Swimming, sliding, hot tubbing, diving, tanning, etc. It was lovely.
2. Because I knew I wouldn't want to cook a big meal our first night there, I ended up fixing a Stouffer's Lasagna with garlic toast and sweet tea. It was filling, and it definitely hit the spot. I started cooking the lasagna about an hour before we "beached" the houseboat. I also brought a cake pan full of yellow cupcakes and two different kinds of icing... already made. That dessert lasted about two days, and everyone was happy. (Not an easy accomplishment.)
3. I was mistaken when I thought we would just drop anchor in the middle of the lake each night. Houseboats are too big, heavy and cumbersome to anchor. Zac (our houseboat boy) taught Mikie how to "beach" the boat. It entailed finding a beach area (of which there were many), and driving the boat directly onto the sand. Austin and Josh were ready and waiting as soon as we "hit" shore to jump off and tie the boat securely to two different trees on the beach. It was easy breezy. Even for beginners like us. (We noticed another beached houseboat nearby. The people on that boat had brought horseshoes and were playing a game. There were also fire pits on every beach. Next year we are bringing horseshoes, matches and s'mores fixins'.)
4. There was a gas grill on the front of the boat, so we could easily have had grilled chicken, hamburgers or hot dogs one night. (Again, live and learn. We'll do that next year.)
5. There were three dining areas on the boat. One on the upper deck; one on the front of the boat; and one inside by the kitchen. For convenience sake, we didn't carry food to the upper deck, but we ate lunch and dinner on the front deck and breakfast inside. And guess what? We didn't use any bug spray and NO ONE was bitten by a bug. It could have been our odor, but we prefer to think it was just another part of a pretty perfect vacation.
6. We decided our first night would be our Faulkner Family Movie Night, and we watched one of our own DVDs. There was a microwave for popcorn, but we were still stuffed from lasagna and cupcakes, so we saved it for another time.
7. When we went to bed, everyone was worn out. We thought the boat would have more movement than it did, but it was very subtle and everyone slept very comfortably that first night.
8. We packed pretty light. Everyone's clothes fit in one large suitcase. JUST ONE! We each had an ironed short outfit for the ride to the houseboat, and an ironed short outfit for our second night "out on the town." Everything else could be categorized as "ultra" casual clothing. (Bathing suits, t-shirts, gym shorts, etc.) If you wore something twice (or even thrice), you were my favorite Faulkner that day!
9. Although the rental place provided life jackets, we had brought our own knowing they fit us perfectly. We also brought three noodles and two blow-up rafts from the Dollar Store. The water at Lake Lanier is extremely clear and clean, but also extremely deep. Life jackets and floatation devices were a must... not an option (even for semi-adult people).
10. It was a near-perfect first day. All three kids liked it. Mikie liked it. I liked it. It was almost too good to be true. We had planned on the second day being our "jet ski" day. Roxie was the only member of the Faulkner Five who knew how to ride/drive a jet ski, but I had a feeling everyone was going to enjoy that activity, too.
Tune in tomorrow, for the Top Ten List for Day Two - Houseboating on Lake Lanier.
Stone Fruit Preserves
I found this recipe in my new Southern Living Magazine. I have NEVER attempted preserves, jams or jellies. NEVER. But what the heck! Let's try something new together.
You will need the following:
4 1/2 cups peeled and diced peaches (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
1. Stir together all ingredients in a 4-quart microwave safe glass bowl.
2. Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes (mixture will boil).
3. Stir mixture and microwave at HIGH 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. (You are going for the consistency of pancake syrup here. The mixture will thicken to soft-set preserves after it cools and chills.)
4. Cool mixture completely (about 2 hours).
5. Serve immediately, or cover and chill preserves in an airtight container until ready to serve. store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
I have two observations regarding this recipe.
1. I think I can actually make preserves now. I am excited!
2. I really like the word "pectin." I always have for some reason, and this week when I make my homemade preserves, I'll be able to use it over and over again.
I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday. I'll be back after 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. I have another early morning task I must complete, but I really will be back around 2:00 this time. No, really. I promise! (And I am SO SORRY about today's late post. You have no idea!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow afternoon.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever-Apologetic Belinda
When I said I would be posting by 2:30 p.m., I had no idea it would actually be 6:30 p.m. Long day, but as promised here is Tuesday's post!
The Gallery Pics continue the theme of Houseboating on Lake Lanier. Explanations can be found under each picture.
I've decided the best way to tell about our Houseboating Adventure is to use the old Top Ten List. If I type everything that is in my mind about the trip, I'm afraid it will come out a rambling mess... unlike everything else I put on the blog.
Day One - Houseboating on Lake Lanier (Top Ten List)
1. After becoming acquainted with our boat, and Zac (our houseboat boy) giving Mikie driving instructions, we were on the lake (on our own) by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. That means we had four or five hours of good playing time. Swimming, sliding, hot tubbing, diving, tanning, etc. It was lovely.
2. Because I knew I wouldn't want to cook a big meal our first night there, I ended up fixing a Stouffer's Lasagna with garlic toast and sweet tea. It was filling, and it definitely hit the spot. I started cooking the lasagna about an hour before we "beached" the houseboat. I also brought a cake pan full of yellow cupcakes and two different kinds of icing... already made. That dessert lasted about two days, and everyone was happy. (Not an easy accomplishment.)
3. I was mistaken when I thought we would just drop anchor in the middle of the lake each night. Houseboats are too big, heavy and cumbersome to anchor. Zac (our houseboat boy) taught Mikie how to "beach" the boat. It entailed finding a beach area (of which there were many), and driving the boat directly onto the sand. Austin and Josh were ready and waiting as soon as we "hit" shore to jump off and tie the boat securely to two different trees on the beach. It was easy breezy. Even for beginners like us. (We noticed another beached houseboat nearby. The people on that boat had brought horseshoes and were playing a game. There were also fire pits on every beach. Next year we are bringing horseshoes, matches and s'mores fixins'.)
4. There was a gas grill on the front of the boat, so we could easily have had grilled chicken, hamburgers or hot dogs one night. (Again, live and learn. We'll do that next year.)
5. There were three dining areas on the boat. One on the upper deck; one on the front of the boat; and one inside by the kitchen. For convenience sake, we didn't carry food to the upper deck, but we ate lunch and dinner on the front deck and breakfast inside. And guess what? We didn't use any bug spray and NO ONE was bitten by a bug. It could have been our odor, but we prefer to think it was just another part of a pretty perfect vacation.
6. We decided our first night would be our Faulkner Family Movie Night, and we watched one of our own DVDs. There was a microwave for popcorn, but we were still stuffed from lasagna and cupcakes, so we saved it for another time.
7. When we went to bed, everyone was worn out. We thought the boat would have more movement than it did, but it was very subtle and everyone slept very comfortably that first night.
8. We packed pretty light. Everyone's clothes fit in one large suitcase. JUST ONE! We each had an ironed short outfit for the ride to the houseboat, and an ironed short outfit for our second night "out on the town." Everything else could be categorized as "ultra" casual clothing. (Bathing suits, t-shirts, gym shorts, etc.) If you wore something twice (or even thrice), you were my favorite Faulkner that day!
9. Although the rental place provided life jackets, we had brought our own knowing they fit us perfectly. We also brought three noodles and two blow-up rafts from the Dollar Store. The water at Lake Lanier is extremely clear and clean, but also extremely deep. Life jackets and floatation devices were a must... not an option (even for semi-adult people).
10. It was a near-perfect first day. All three kids liked it. Mikie liked it. I liked it. It was almost too good to be true. We had planned on the second day being our "jet ski" day. Roxie was the only member of the Faulkner Five who knew how to ride/drive a jet ski, but I had a feeling everyone was going to enjoy that activity, too.
Tune in tomorrow, for the Top Ten List for Day Two - Houseboating on Lake Lanier.
Stone Fruit Preserves
I found this recipe in my new Southern Living Magazine. I have NEVER attempted preserves, jams or jellies. NEVER. But what the heck! Let's try something new together.
You will need the following:
4 1/2 cups peeled and diced peaches (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
1. Stir together all ingredients in a 4-quart microwave safe glass bowl.
2. Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes (mixture will boil).
3. Stir mixture and microwave at HIGH 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. (You are going for the consistency of pancake syrup here. The mixture will thicken to soft-set preserves after it cools and chills.)
4. Cool mixture completely (about 2 hours).
5. Serve immediately, or cover and chill preserves in an airtight container until ready to serve. store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
I have two observations regarding this recipe.
1. I think I can actually make preserves now. I am excited!
2. I really like the word "pectin." I always have for some reason, and this week when I make my homemade preserves, I'll be able to use it over and over again.
I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday. I'll be back after 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. I have another early morning task I must complete, but I really will be back around 2:00 this time. No, really. I promise! (And I am SO SORRY about today's late post. You have no idea!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow afternoon.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever-Apologetic Belinda
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mindless Monday and Houseboating 101
Good Monday morning!
I've been gone for a few days, so it feels good to return to the normalcy that is "the blog."
The Gallery Pics for the next few days will be from our Lake Lanier Houseboating Adventure. We had a wonderful time (all five of us), and I'll be sharing some houseboating tips for those of you who may be wanting to try this kind of trip with your own family. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's posts will be full of pros (and a few cons) of our trip. We learned as we went along, but we all want to go back next year.
REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - Remember... If you need anything from the 650 or so posts on A Simple Life (located at the FIRST address), I haven't been able to move everything to one spot... yet! I'm still working on it. You can still log on to that first blog by going to www.belindafaulkner.blogspot.com.
You'll be the first to know when the move takes place. I promise.
RANDOMNESS - I still love the website www.1000awsomethings.com. It makes you open your eyes and actually look for the LITTLE things that bring a smile to your face. Here are a few more awesome things to think about today.
448. The smell and feel of bedsheets that dried in the sun. (Love this one!)
447. Walking into a crowded party and locking eyes with someone you know across the room.
446. When your plugged up nostril just suddenly opens up with no warning.
445. Pulling a weed and getting all the roots with it.
444. Driving over a small hill in your car. (Love that feeling when your stomach jumps a little.)
443. Looking up while underwater.
442. Figuring out how we got on this topic.
441. The point on a road trip when you’re really far from where you started and really far from where you’re going.
440. Correctly guessing an old password you haven’t used in a while. (Eureka!)
438. Your "Almost Name."
437. Seeing a plane from another plane.
436. When the subway doors stop right in front of you. (I don't know about this one personally, but it sounds good to me.)
Day One - Houseboating Adventure on Lake Lanier
Today, I have given you specifics about the houseboat itself using the pictures below.
On Tuesday, I will give you more details, PLUS a story about our adventure.
Wednesday morning, I will give you the final details (including cost, pros and cons, etc.)... and one or two more stories. Pictures will be plentiful the next three days, I promise.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me OR Facebook me. Some of you with Google Accounts will be able to leave a comment. I'll answer or respond to any comments.
Have a wonderful Monday. Summer is quickly winding down, so I am in panic mode trying to squeeze in every bit of "summerness" I possibly can before the school year begins. Wish me luck!
I'll be back Tuesday morning with a recipe, Randomness, houseboat pics and tips and more, more, more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've been gone for a few days, so it feels good to return to the normalcy that is "the blog."
The Gallery Pics for the next few days will be from our Lake Lanier Houseboating Adventure. We had a wonderful time (all five of us), and I'll be sharing some houseboating tips for those of you who may be wanting to try this kind of trip with your own family. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's posts will be full of pros (and a few cons) of our trip. We learned as we went along, but we all want to go back next year.
REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! - Remember... If you need anything from the 650 or so posts on A Simple Life (located at the FIRST address), I haven't been able to move everything to one spot... yet! I'm still working on it. You can still log on to that first blog by going to www.belindafaulkner.blogspot.com.
You'll be the first to know when the move takes place. I promise.
RANDOMNESS - I still love the website www.1000awsomethings.com. It makes you open your eyes and actually look for the LITTLE things that bring a smile to your face. Here are a few more awesome things to think about today.
448. The smell and feel of bedsheets that dried in the sun. (Love this one!)
447. Walking into a crowded party and locking eyes with someone you know across the room.
446. When your plugged up nostril just suddenly opens up with no warning.
445. Pulling a weed and getting all the roots with it.
444. Driving over a small hill in your car. (Love that feeling when your stomach jumps a little.)
443. Looking up while underwater.
442. Figuring out how we got on this topic.
441. The point on a road trip when you’re really far from where you started and really far from where you’re going.
440. Correctly guessing an old password you haven’t used in a while. (Eureka!)
438. Your "Almost Name."
437. Seeing a plane from another plane.
436. When the subway doors stop right in front of you. (I don't know about this one personally, but it sounds good to me.)
Day One - Houseboating Adventure on Lake Lanier
Today, I have given you specifics about the houseboat itself using the pictures below.
On Tuesday, I will give you more details, PLUS a story about our adventure.
Wednesday morning, I will give you the final details (including cost, pros and cons, etc.)... and one or two more stories. Pictures will be plentiful the next three days, I promise.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me OR Facebook me. Some of you with Google Accounts will be able to leave a comment. I'll answer or respond to any comments.
Have a wonderful Monday. Summer is quickly winding down, so I am in panic mode trying to squeeze in every bit of "summerness" I possibly can before the school year begins. Wish me luck!
I'll be back Tuesday morning with a recipe, Randomness, houseboat pics and tips and more, more, more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
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