Sisters - time to get back to blogging about fun times with my sisters!

Gosh it is hard to believe that I haven't blogged since February. Everyday life including family and work got in the way. I have alot of information to share about fun things to do with your sisters or friends so I am planning to get back into posting information on a regular basis.

If anyone reads this blog, please let me know what types of fun things you do with your sisters or friends.

Have a great Week!

Debbie

Disney's All Star Resort is a winner for Families!

We picked the Disney All Star Resort for our stay at Walt Disney World. It is one of the economy or value resorts and it was really worth it. The hotel rooms were large enough with 2 double beds, a small table, drawers and TV and small but manageable bathroom. We also rented a small refrigerator for drinks and snacks.


Our room was near to the main pool area which was very nice and clean. There were more than enough chaise lounges and restroom facilities nearby. Lifeguards kept a watchful eye over the pool to ensure safety first.


The snack bar restaurant area was much better than expected with a large menu at reasonable prices. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and ice cream are offered most of the day. I recommend that people eat breakfast at the hotel before heading to the park.


The Disney transportation buses offer a ride to and from all of the parks, Downtown Disney, etc. They do not go to every hotel though. So if you are planning a visit to another hotel you will need to transfer buses at Downtown Disney. So plan enough time if you a booked a reservation for a character breakfast at another hotel. The concierge can provide assistance on gettting to another location via the transportation system.

Although the higher priced Disneyworld hotels are beautiful and offer upgraded amenities, if you are on a budget the All Star Resort is a great choice!

Spring Break at Hammock Beach, Palm Coast Florida

I had the best time this Spring Break with my sister, Diane. We stayed at a condo at Hammock Beach which is an awesome resort located on Florida's east coast between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. Check out their website at http://www.hammockbeach.com/.

We spent time reading and walking on the beach, reading and drinking by the pool, sightseeing, etc. It was the first time that two of us spent a whole week together without our husbands. It was also different since our other sister, Donna, was unable to come due to her work schedule.

One of our excursions was to the Daytona Beach Flea Market which is open every weekend. The flea market is spread over several large buidlings. There is everything from fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, vitamins, to discount tourist tshirts, jewelry, luggage, belts, etc. The only thing I bought were reading glasses which were a bargain at 2 pairs for $8!

Another excursion we took was to St. Augustine which is a beautiful historic city. I love looking in all of the little shops. There are also many photo opportunities in this town. I had the best hand scooped ice cream at Kirwin's. It hit the spot on a warm day.

The weather was great during our week at the beach. We couldn't have asked for a better week!

Tribute to my Grandmother Anna Kospiah

Last month, my grandmother, Anna Kospiah, passed away at the young age of 93. She was my dad's mother and my oldest living relative. She was an independent, quiet woman who raised 5 children.

My grandmother grew up on a farm. She met my grandfather and got married very young. She worked in the steel mill during the depression. She even drove a forklift, something we did not know until talking with her during the last weeks of her life. She loved flowers and watching the birds in the garden.

My grandmother loved her independence. She lived on her own in a senior citizen high rise until she was almost 92. Then she moved in with my Aunt where she lived for the last year of her life. She took the city bus to the supermarket and shopping centers. She liked to walk even though arthritis was making this more difficult.

One of my grandmother's favorite past times was going to the casinos in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. She loved to travel with my mom and they went on so many trips together with senior citizen groups or just the two of them. They got along well and were good travel partners. My grandmother was not happy with the digitizing of the casino slot machines. She yearned for the return of the day when she could put quarters into the machine and pull the handle. She looked forward to these trips and they gave her great joy.

My grandmother was a frequent guest at our many family events. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren welcomed her with open arms. She could often be found in the kitchen washing dishes and cleaning up.

While preparing for her funeral, my sisters, mom, dad and I looked through hundreds of pictures to find the special ones for the funeral home. Looking through these pictures and reminiscing about the times we spent together brought laughter and tears. It was very therapeutic for all of us to celebrate her life and grieve together.

After her funeral, we all went to a casino in the Poconos to celebrate her life and one of the activities that she loved most. It was raining on our drive to the casino. However, once we got there, a big rainbow was in the sky and it ended at the casino. I think this was her way of telling us she was okay and still with us. It brought tears to our eyes. We put our money in the slot machines and placed our bets in honor of her.

I am thankful that I was able to have my grandmother in my life for as long as I did. I hope that I have her genes for a long life. She was a special lady and will always be close to my heart.