Well, Carolina returned to town ... and we returned to watch. The last game did not go so well, so our boys better pick up the pace, find a little more heart ... and win those pucks.

This time we got down much closer to the action, and things were much more exciting. The game was quicker - the passes crisper - and the action was right there. It is not often that we get to sit lower level ... but when it happens you just need to suck it all in. And Joe was doing just that.

The game ended 5-1 for Tampa, which leads Melissa to comment on how things are rigged. The game was almost an exact replica of the previous game - just switch the teams. The big difference, a natural hat-trick for Martin St. Louis ... all goals within a 7 minute span of the second period. Wow ... that was fun to watch.

And Joe's favorite part? ... yea ... you guessed it!

I wanna drive the Zamboni

Think I actually felt my arteries clog-up

This wall mom?

Seems like Joe got some inspiration after visiting the art museum on Saturday - so he figured he would lend us a hand in painting our white walls.

(Click to enjoy more pictures)

Joe and I enjoyed a wonderful day wandering the grounds of the Ringling museums here in town. Krishen and Louis had invited us along on their photography outing, and one can't pass up a free trip to the circus. We toured the miniature circus reconstruction, the circus museum, the John & Mabel winter mansion, and the Ringling Art Museum. We grabbed a ton of pictures today ... enjoy.

Look at these two ... trying to stir up old rivalries

This past Monday night we were able to snag a couple tickets from Darren, who has a whole collection this year, and make our first game of the season. The Lightning did not play well and lost the game 5-1, but we had perfect seats to watch Mr. Cam Ward stone the Lightning bence over and over - he is actually quite good.

Anyways ... it was a blast to get out and catch a game. Joe really seemed to enjoy it ... especially the noise makers and crowd chants ... so exciting for him. And ... the next day he recognized the hockey highlights playing on TV and pointed it out to us ... makes a Canadian Dad proud. Guess it is time to get those skates ordered and head to the Igloo. Every Florida child needs to learn to skate before they are two :)

So I thought today I would get a little chance to tell you all a story. And as with all good stories it revolves around a girl.

See, the other night I was strolling down the beach minding my own business

... when I came upon this beautiful lady ...

See, we were both out enjoying the night sea breeze and watching the sunset. It was fate that we met. We talked about everything ... it was so freeing to have someone who understood me. We inevitably spent the evening talking, playing, and enjoying this friendship.

Before we knew it the sun had set, the mood was out, and it was time to go home. Was this night just chance luck? Was it fate? Was it orchestrated by a higher power? One would never know. All we know was that we both had a great time.

So, like a gentleman, I passed along my number, politely said my good-byes, and went home. Hoping that I would get to see this princess once more.

DUH! How did that get it there. It isn't me ... gah! Dad!!!!!!

The pegs are falling into place. Papers have been signed ... loan applications are being filed ... now we wait to see if the money train comes in :) Very exciting.

Even though we don't yet have the keys, Joe is already interested in showing his little brother or sister around ... yes ... you read that correctly. T-8 months now ... still early ... still unknown. But life could not be brighter at this time.

Turns out my brother is not the only one to take trips around the country. And while I have not made it to Washington D.C. ... I have now made it to Wisconsin. The air is crisp and has that nice, sweet, refreshing smell to the air. The trees are changing colours, so it looks incredible flying in.

And while I am not going to get a chance to see the area, it does feel nice to get the northern air back in the nostrils. I should be back home for Friday ... man ... am I going to have things to catch up on. Oh well, while in Wisconsin ... eat cheese!!!

Last week brought Patricia's stay with us to a close. At least it made for a good reason for a party. We started the weekend with a co-worker and friends gathering at a local pub ... after that it was off to the dance club (thanks Christopher and Shannon for taking Joe) ... Friday Patricia cleaned out the last of her things. Then, by Saturday morning we had enough time for a First Watch breakfast before heading to the airport.

This past year was a lot of fun. We are going to miss you a lot, but - and I am talking to you Patricia - you have to keep your blog running so we can continue to keep an eye on you :) Keep in touch ... we will come visit as soon as we can.

Walked into the kitchen ... or should I say a small river last night. Quick action by Melissa and I held the damage to a number of wet towels ... but, we spent the evening cleaning up and taking apart the washer.

After opening it up we did not see any problems ... so we run a load - two - now three. Things seem to be fine. Melissa started the washing filling - but we got talking and forgot to fill it with a load, we suspect that this was our issue. Running a "SUPER" load without any cloths - guess that is bad, who knew?