Daytona Beach Getaway

This past Memorial Day weekend we took off to see what Central Florida had to offer; more specifically, Daytona Beach.

Out first stop of the Kennedy Space Center. Behind where we are standing is the space shuttle Discovery in the background. We are about 1 mile from the launch site. If the shuttle were to lauch at this time, the noise vibrations would be so strong that it would stop our hearts from beating. Anything closer than 3 miles is in the "kill zone". Here is the shuttle "Discovery" set to launch on Friday, May 30th, at 5:30 PM. You really can't see the shuttle because it is on the other side of the lauch rocket (orange) and the two solid fuel boosters (white).
This where the shuttle, lauch rocket and boosters are all put together. To give you an idea of size, the stars on the flag are 6 foot across from tip to tip of each star. REALLY BIG BUILDING!
This is the crawler that transports the shuttle from the assembly building to the launch site.

Here I am going through my astronaut training for the Mars trip.
Here is Mom's new boy friend. She just loves a man in uniform. (Is it really a man???)
Here is a video of the lauch of an atlas rocket used in the earlier space program to go to the moon. It is still the most powerful rocket ever made.

Our hotel, while a bit older, was right on Daytona Beach. They actually let you drive on the beach here.We also took a tour of the Daytona Speedway. While there I got the chance to ride in a NASCAR racecare and take three laps around the 2.5 mile track at 165 mph. VERY VERY COOL! Who can tell who drives the number 88 car?

No, they wouldn't let me take my Porsche on the track.

Very scenic lighthouse that may become the next "Geri" painting.

How can you come the ocean and not have sea food at a great place called "Down the Hatch"?A good time was had by all.

Graduation Day

This past Saturday marked the culmination of a journey that began many, many years ago. This was a journey that had always been in view, but took a back seat to other priorities like raising three wonderful children and taking care of a husband.

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 Geri received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies from Valdosta State University.

She was joined on this very special day by Rebecca and Cynthia. This was a day that is probably only outweighted by the birth of our children in ranking of special days in the life of Geri.

Not only did she complete the course of study in 4 years, she also graduated Magna Cum Loude. I just graduated "LOUD"!

This was a very proud day for the Struempler family who can now boast of two complete generations which are college graduates.It is rumored that following graduation, like many new graduates, she is planning on back-packing across Europe, staying at hostels, but only if they offer a senior citizen discount.

This is her graduation class.

For those who didn't get to attend her she is "walking". (I apologize for the shaking camera, but that happens with all of the screaming.)