Waiting for a plane

I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my sisters' flight to arrive (three hours late) trying to get into the holiday spirit. Spending three hours at the airport waiting on a plane is not the most glorious time. After devouring ice cream (way too expensive) buying Florida nick nacks and pacing the floors I plopped my weary body down next to Gate E. There was a family singing Christmas carols holding signs and a group of people standing really close to the gate with lots of loud voices. I listened and saw an amazing act.

My heart melted into a puddle of pudding - right there by Gate E.
I saw people holding 'Welcome Home' signs, kids and adults waving American flags and retired men in military dress saluting military individuals coming through the gate.

The retired personnel announced the branch of service the individual was in and shouted 'Welcome Home'. Then all the onlookers clapped. It was awesome.

A young injured army man walked down the aisle of Gate E leaning on his cane. This is when my puddle became a roaring river. The clapping and cheering boomed inside the busy airport lounge. My heart turned over with admiration and relief - they are home. The waiting no longer seemed boring and unproductive.

Invasion of the body snatchers

At this point in time I am taking an oral prednisone/steroid, an inhaled prednisone/steroid and yesterday an injected prednisone/steroid. Perhaps I can be the next Hulk with all of this steroid being pulsed into my body. Reading the literature it states the evil side effects like suppressing your immune system. HHHMMMM. Don't I need my immune system to fight off all the bad stuff that enters my body?

I am in desperation mode to fight off this asthma - naturally. I keep hitting that brick wall and continue to get sicker and sicker. There must be a better way. All the drugs seem to do nothing. I am taking so many vitamins and supplements and medications that I need a giant pill box to contain them.

Frustration is my shadow and my shadow seems to be overtaking me. I keep fighting this battle that continues to go downhill. I keep painting on the positive face and searching for answer that never work. I want to overcome this boil of despair and toss all the drugs that I am dumping into my body. And most important I want to obtain an immune system that fights off the bad gunk invading my body.

Begin with the end in mind

It's an awesome morning in Florida as fall sweeps across the sand dunes and sand spurs. A dip in the pool has completely shaken the sleepiness from me. I recline on the chaise in the lanai and look dreamily up at the sky littered with so many twinkling stars and planets.

The morning darkness is still lurking like a feral cat with a cool breeze (some Floridans think 70 is cool) rippling across my body. The quiet and serenity wraps me in a soft cocoon. I count the shining stars and search for the big dipper. Total silence fills my space and I enjoy every second of the peacefulness.

The blinking of the stars lulls me off to dreamland. I take in deep Yoga breaths and my body becomes a feather light vessel. I could stay in this position forever with the breeze and darkness and the stillness soaking in the beauty of the morning. Coffee calls me but I cannot leave this wonderful tranquil space where morning has greeted me with the gems of the earth.

Ballet blunder

I need to remember not to point fingers, or make judgements against others behaviors and actions. Do not criticize - empathise.

I've possibly lost my marbles, gone round the bend or had a senior moment. It was a busy weekend but that is NO excuse. I have no one to blame except for my memory lapse.

Hubby and I were going to the strip mall (there are so many in Florida) pay on the New Years cruise, go to the tractor supply and a few other errands.
We are traveling down the road and suddenly I look down at my feet.....Hello....
I have on my grungy old house slippers. LOL.... and we are about to enter a public domain where everyone can see me.

What to do? I slump around in those ratty old slippers and can feel the laughing/mocking eyes upon my slipper clad feet. Then I see the new TCBY and cannot contain my self. We go inside and splurge on yogurt. There I sit for the whole world to see me eating yogurt in a pair of threadbare house slippers.

Turn the car around

I wish I had the power to fix the world. If I did I would wave my magic wand over the earth and watch it blossom. I would sprinkle fairy dust over those I love to make everything all better. I don't have that power and my loved ones seem lost and drifting in a sea of cloudy water - falling to the bottom.

My shoulders are buckling from the burden of their issues. The weight upon me is squashing my soul. If only I could turn the car around - just like the song -
Shattered. Need a change from this burn out town. Stumble around in the pouring rain. No umbrella - no safety net - no shelter.

I sit and contemplate the issues that burn inside my thoughts and why HOW does this happen again and again.

What to do - what to do? How many times do I break till I shatter? I always turn the car around, Why can't they turn the car?

Tigress Woods

She took 1st. place in the WorldAm and she is ten years old. We are so proud of Kayla.

http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/29/2358461/myrtle-beach-10-year-old-well.html#storylink=misearch



http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2011/08/oldest-youngest-prep-for-golfcom-world-am.html

Sealed with a kiss

I have been sick for more than a week – yuck. I dislike being sick wrapped up in that cocoon of helplessness. I still have to work feeling cranky, worn out and disoriented. Such is life when you live in the real world. Where is my Utopia? I believe it fell off the earth a long time ago when the earth was flat like a Frisbee but now it has turned into a giant beach ball shape. I live in the sun and fun state without any fun at the moment.

My chest creaks like an old barn door, my eyes are a runny mass of a melting creamsicle without the stick, my lips have craters the size of the Grand Canyon, my nose drips like the faucet out by the shed and my power of thinking has short circuited. My body, my hand controls and my mind are unsynced and living separate lives. I’m a mess – just a mess.

My actions are slightly bent to the left with my almost non functioning body parts on a holiday. So here I am sitting in this defunct body trying to do basic skills. Oh the nose drips, oh the dry skin curling my downturned lips – I need a tissue for the drips and a softening agent for my pucker. Without revving up the slow brain to half speed I open my drawer and grab the lip balm and give my sore cracked lips a double whammy smear to soothe the pain.

Has anyone ever noticed the similarities between a lip balm dispenser and a glue stick? Apparently I have never noticed this similarity. FYI – glue sticks were never meant to be used as lip balm. At times I wonder in amazement that I have made it thus far in life. My coughing has decreased only because my lips have been sealed shut.

Dance of the sugar plum fairy

Visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. A phrase with romance dripping from every consonant sound and adventure wrapped up in every vowel sound. A visual memory combining a graceful ballet dancer with Humpty Dumpty falling off the wall sends my senses slip sliding away. You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip sliding away. Thank you Paul for your weaving of melodious words. Words and visual images cast upon my wild imagination rocking gently against the high seas.

What exactly is a sugar plum? A plum is a plum is a plumb but dare tell what is a sugar plum? Is it a distant relative to the sour plum? Is it a plain Jane plumb soaked in honey and liquor? Or is it a FIG ment of my imagination? Is a fig related to a plum? Have I gone plumb loco?

The image of a dried up old fig drenched in sugar does little for my creative imagination. Who in their right mind would dream about dried up figs dancing around inside the realm of darkness. My weary brain, my sleep deprivation and the revolution going on inside my lungs drains every last droplet of energy I possess.

Rough day on the high seas and the mind cannot - will not shut down and drift away to dreamland or at least to the REM sleep world. Where mostly pleasant vivid colorful dreams fill my mind space and wash away the day’s disasters. If only I could close my baby blues and rests them on a huge white puffy cumulus cloud and slip away to the land of opportunity. To a place where rainbows sprinkle color onto thoughts and music lets the mind slip slide away and visions of sugar plums dance inside my head.

Stop – wait! No, No! A sugar plum is not my vision. I see a bright red strawberry swimming in creamy Godiva chocolate dancing before my eyes that are tempting me into dreamland. The nearer the destination the more you slip slide away right into a chocolate fountain. Take me away to a better place, take me away and sugar coat my dreams.

Terrific Tuesday

I’m sitting here by the window in the early morning darkness with only the computer monitor for light taking in the beauty of a spring day. There’s a bird somewhere outside my window chirping like his life depends on it and perhaps it does. Way off in the distance I hear an answer to his chirp. A softer chirp responds most likely belonging to a possible mate, friend or worldly traveler.

I reach down and scratch the mosquito lump on my knee. Mosquito’s and other critters seem to enter through my open door policy but still I cannot shut the door. I love the freshness of the early morning so the doors remain open. The scant breeze drifts aimlessly in the open space and cools my morning coffee. I scratch my knee again.

The morning chatters have quieted and the buzzing of distant traffic has replaced the morning song. Soon more noises will pollute the solitude of this spring morning and the birds will fly away taking their songs of joy along with them. I hear a snort beyond the fence and a rustling of dewy grass. The local armadillo is searching for breakfast in the green lush lawns of my neighbors. He ignores mine filled with weeds and sandspurs.

My welts are itching and need attention. I need to shut the door. Life would be almost near perfect if not for those pesky skeeters.

Two are better than one

Yesterday I saw the light- saw it all - saw the ultimate foolishness or addiction. I left early to reach work before the storm broke and dropped upon us the torrential rains. The sky was black and the darkness was spreading fast. I tossed my gear in baby car and headed East just inches ahead of the mean and ugly looking storm. It was to be a replay of last Thursday's disaster.

I was buzzing along just a wee bit over the speed limit watching the blackness behind me in the race to work. I did my left on to Moon Lake Road and out of the corner of my eye I see a man walking a really cute little dog. I go to mush when I see a cute little dog walking so proudly by his master. He was a tiny little critter prancing (almost like Russ) as fast as he could.

I think he could feel the storm approaching and was in a hurry to get his business done. His owner not too concerned about the deluge that was about to drop. I looked out my rear window at the ugliness. She was picking up speed and was no contest for the baby car. Who would be out walking a tiny little creature with the storm of the century fast approaching?

I slowed a bit as I wheeled around the corner and glanced at the man and the dog. I looked again. Here was this dog walking man with two not one but two cigarettes in his mouth. Double the effect? WHAT? Why in the hill would he do that? Then - why would he be out walking his dog minutes before a gigantic storm? That's Florida - land of opportunity.

Within seconds after my car passed the dog walker puffing away at two cigarettes at once and walking a tiny dog the storm broke. Buckets of rain splashed on my windshield making driving very difficult and hazardous - then the hail thunder and the fireworks in the sky. OMG!!! I waited for my windshield to break. The lightening danced around the baby car almost causing my hair to curl.

My thoughts wandered back to the little doggie and the man smoking two cigarettes. Perhaps he didn't have a match and he was wanting the lightening strikes to light his smokes. A death trap waiting for another death trap. I'm hoping the cute little doggie wasn't as terrified as I was.

Between a rock and a soft spot

Sometimes it doesn't pay much to get out of bed in the morning. Actually the pay is usually a strong cup of coffee and a stale danish. Whatever.

It seems like my karma has gone bad, flipped out and crawled under a rock. A slippery rock. I had this awesome stone/gem and it was olive green in color and I have forgotten the correct name of this rock/gem but I distinctly remember that the rock hound said it brings wealth and good fortune. I need those two items.

I was pondering the fact that perhaps this was a myth or a I had collected a defective stone/gem or an oddball rock hound. My sister informed me that I needed to cleanse my GEM to obtain all the benefits it held. So I left my gem outside to be cleansed by the sun and the moon. After two days of cleansing I took my precious gem and placed it right next to my heart. For three days I walked the earth with that uncomfortable rock right inside my sports bra. The things people will do.

That very weekend hubby and I cleaned the garage with no help from the sun or the moon. And what did I find but a bag of coins. Dimes and nickels about $9.00 worth. I had hit the mother load. So now I am on a roll and decided to cleanse my gem a little more before I purchased the Powerball ticket. For some strange and mysterious reason my rock/gem has disappeared from the face of the earth. It's gone-gone-gone and so are my chances for obtaining my wealth. Life is tough and then you misplace your rocks.

Raindrops are falling on the road

The monsoons hit yesterday with a bang. The pool was very close to overflowing, the backyard was a giant mud puddle and the hose to the washing machine burst and flooded the garage. It was a wet and wild day. Driving was near impossible in the downpour.

The car in front of me stopped on a dime and in my daydream state of not being fully alert I slammed on the brakes and came to an instant stop even in the rain. At that very instant I looked up into the rear view mirror and watched my tailgater as they could not come to an instantaneous stop. Their attempt at stopping pulled their SUV into the center of the road. I'm thanking my lucky stars about that center lane.

The scary part is the SUV came to an abrupt stop right next to my vehicle. Feeling nervous and a little miffed I kept my head held straight on and only moved my eyes to look at the SUV parked right next to me. I'm thinking (too early on the morning for that stuff) if not for that center lane that SUV would be in my trunk and quite possible in my back seat. And where would I be? Out the window.

I whisper thank you's to myself but still want to pass the evil eye to the driver of the SUV. Driving the roads is a dangerous hobby and one has to be conscious of the other wild drivers. I can't say - "What if?"

Today the rain has become a drizzle but I will drive to work with a better awareness of the other wackos on the road. And just because one drives a big ash SUV that guzzles way too much gas (who can afford that) it doesn't mean you have great driving skills and you have control of that giant box. The baby car handled impressively.

The Rain will explain

The rain falls mainly on top of my head as I walk around the back yard in the dark of this rainy Monday morning. In my nightgown. I was surely not expecting this downpour - although we need it and so do my plants at school. I won't have to spend and hour watering them.

So, of all the mornings why won't the dogs get their business done ASAP. No - nope -nada!!!!! They do this to me to push me over the edge of the cliff that I cling to with both hands. Cliff climbing or hanging on to for my life is not one of my strong points. Neither is wandering around the backyard at 4 AM in my flimsy nightie waiting for the dogs to take a pee.

No need to take a morning dip in the pool because I am currently soaking-sopping wet. Have the dogs done their duty? No.......How many times will this take for just a little tinkle from them and then the big one? I am more concerned with the big one than the tinkles. Our schedule is off.

Monday morning begins with a bang or more precisely a damp and dreary atmosphere. Why is this morning rain such a mystery to me? Oh yeah hubby had the T.V. on basketball games all day - so no news. I'm needing a T.V. in the computer room.

Way down upon the Suwanee River

I just added another location to my bucket list. It's my short bucket list - the things I will really accomplish before I die. I have the DEEP bucket list but that's mainly for wishing and dreaming and idling away the time on a dull day. Not that I have many dull days in my life. Always seem to be busy-busy-busy.
This awesome looking place is actually one of Florida's marvelous state parks. It is on the Suwanee River and there are rapids. In Florida on a river. How cool can that be????????

So, needless to say I am so-so excited about traipsing up to the northern part of the state to view these rapids. Although I was just there last week and knew nothing about these rapids. Another time - and soon.

I've been flipping through the Florida book on state parks and my imagination is rolling away from me. So many beautiful and awesome places to visit and enjoy. Steven Foster you should have visited Florida.

Attack of the Crows

I walk the dogs in the early morning - in the dark. (time change) It's not something I feel entirely comfortable doing but - you gotta do what you gotta do. The little darlings need their exercise.

I arrived at the second intersection and heard a crow squawking fiercely. I'm not a big fan of crows. They be ugly and loud with no class. I ignored the commotion. We walked on determined to get our business done. The loud screeching seemed to follow us. One streetlight was out.

All of a sudden I heard a thump. I looked back over my shoulder and their on the burnt out lamppost sat the crow. Screeching at the top of his lung capacity. I began to feel a little uneasy and the hair on the back of my neck stood at attention. I searched for a stick lying on the ground to defend myself and the buddies. Nothing.

I had flashbacks of the Alfred Hitchcock movie - 'The Birds.' I was getting really-really creeped out. The squawking continued at a frantic pace and so did the stalking. Next time I will bring something besides the tissue stuck in my waistband for doggie droppings.

Should I turn around? Run for the hills? Wait - no hills in Florida. Here I was dressed in dark clothing in the dark of the morning and I surely didn't stand out like a sore thumb. The doggies on the other hand are light in color with neon doggie vest. Now I am sure that caught the crows attention. Did he think his breakfast was walking down the sidewalk in the early morning darkness? Wish I had a stick, slingshot or perhaps a B.B. gun.

I picked up my pace and headed for home. I certainly did not want to end up a statistic of a crow attack. And I didn't want the flying monster to take off with one of my little ones. Dog walking in the dark is a dangerous occupation. Maybe I could buy a treadmill for their exercise.

Mooncusser's

Recently I read a book with the setting in Cape Cod and they talked about the 'mooncussers'. I had never heard of 'mooncussers'. My neighbor asked me if I was going to take pictures of the special full moon - so I did.

Mosquito's were out that night in mega numbers - sucking away at my precious blood. But the beauty of the moon prevailed and the skeeters became a trivial aspect. I was on a roll - of film. LOL. Actually I have a digital camera.

The moon slowly popped from behind the mass of trees and lit up the night sky like the Fourth of July. She was huge and had orange tones that were warm and pulsating. She rose above the tree lines at a snails pace and hung effortlessly in the night sky sending soft shadows down upon us.

There is something about the moon and the ambiance she pursues. I thought about the 'mooncussers' pilfering ships that had crashed along the shores so many moons ago. She was like a beacon shining the light upon the wealth for the scavengers to plunder.

I watched her in all her splendor as she rose higher into the night sky and glared defiantly back at me - saying look at me and all that I am. I felt a calmness wash over me and surround me. The moon is a mysterious force that leads our minds to far away places and swaddles us in joy.

Serenity Now

The water she calls to me - pulling ever closer - surrounding me with contentment and feelings of happiness. There is something about the water that is so soothing and relaxing that it is almost indescribable. It's like elixir in a bottle. I love the water.

Yesterday we took the visiting family to Tarpon Springs and sailed out to Anclote Key. One of my favorite places but then again I have so many. Peace, beauty and solitude awaited us and we enjoyed every minute of it.

On our wonderful and exciting travels yesterday we hit the tourist gift shops. One of my favorite pastimes even though I am not a tourist in Florida but we had tourist relatives with us. We stopped in this one (mostest tackiest) and I spotted magnetic jewelry. I have heard about the healing properties of magnetic jewelry. It heals, it balances - basically it cures all evils and ills. My sister-in-law and I bought it - hook - line and sinker, a big heavy sinker. What the hey we were on a mission.

I chose the ankle bracelet. It was light weight, magnetic and it only cost $5.99. My sister-in-law went for the smartly colored bracelet. Then, we pondered getting one for each limb but thought we would wait and see if the gems really worked.

Through our discussion right in front of the cashier he snickered. Probably not a good sign - then again he most likely thought we were just tourists.

This morning after I awoke bright and early from the sofa sleeper my foot hurt a bit. The foot that now housed the magnetic anklet. As I'm sitting in the tub trying to alleviate the pains of sofa bed sleeping I looked down at my foot. OMG!!!! A bruise the size of the state of Florida was pulsing from my right ankle. The ankle that was proudly displaying the new magnetic cure all jewelry. I think my sister-in-law and I were taken.

Evil Eye

Last night at the Greek Festival - I purchased my 'Evil Eye' earrings. And for some odd-strange reason the blue ones just jumped out at me and said -BUY ME. They had other colors of Evil Eye but I only had eyes for the blue ones. Actually hubby bought them as I had left my life savings at home. Thank you sweetie - you have forever saved me from the Evil Eye.

I had never seen Evil Eye jewelery before so I was intrigued. Now since my Evil Eye education I realize the blue ones are the best. Good choice.

Info I found on the Evil Eye.

It's believed that there are three types of evil eyes
The first are unconscious evil eyes. These harm people and things, without intending to. The second type intends to harm. The third one is unseen, hidden evil which is the most scared one.

It was believed that, this eye saw all the wickedness in the world and removed poverty and ignorance. When Horus opened its eyes the world was enlightened, when he closed, it became dark. From Egypt, the eye talisman had spread to the Mediterranean, Middle East and Europe.
The bead reflects the evil intent back to the onlooker. It somewhat resembles an eye and it is said the typical blue color is a factor in protecting the user.

Paint My World - Happy

One week or 5 working days till Spring Break. YEHAW-YAHOO-HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A needed respite away from the toil of the mind and all that other junk that goes along with school - especially lunch duty.......

I need to get to my happy place and soak up all the giddiness and pretty thoughts. Life can be ugly at times. But this morning as I sit outside on this awesome-gorgeous-beautiful morning sipping my Butter Toffee coffee I am enjoying the solitude. The sky to the East is painted vibrant pinks and soft blues. The sun is beginning to make his entrance and shards of light are mixing with the pink clouds.

Today Nettie comes home from her doctor visit and we all will be glad to see her. It has been a quiet place here without her puppiness engulfing us. Russ will no longer be top dog in the house and will have to share his toys, rawhide and all the affection that has been lavished upon him.

The pink of the sky is now becoming a light orange color like the tender pulp inside a cantaloupe as the sun begins the wake-up call. Time to begin the day and think about all the good things in life that are at my fingertips. Like more coffee......

Saving Planet Earth

Trying to save the earth is difficult to accomplish at times. I know this for a fact! I try to do my part and be resourceful, dependable and try to treat the earth as if we will live on her soil forever. Hopefully we will.

I have several rescue turtles to go along with my rescue dogs. I have two Florida box turtles. Recently they have come out of hibernation (cold Florida winters) and are searching for their favorite foods. They haven't had worms in months.

So off I go to the bait store to purchase their yummy breakfast buffet. The worms come in Styrofoam containers and usually I save the containers and return them to the bait shop. It's been a long winter and my Styrofoam container is apparently history - headed for some landfill to spend eternity. I promise to do better.

I purchase the lovely wigglers - the clerk is always polite and asks me what type of worms I would like. Every time I tell her it doesn't matter they are just turtle food and worms is worms. But she always asks and I always say, "It doesn't matter."

I opt out for the brown paper bag no need to add more trash to our sweet Mother Earth. I place the Styrofoam container on the seat of the car the seat covers were washed by me last week so they are nice and fresh and beigey white. I took the corner a little too sharp but what the hey. I needed paper plates from the dollar store and only thought about turning at the very last minute.

I wander inside the store for what seemed like a short period of time but then when I shop time does slip by - somehow. I leave the store twenty bucks lighter than when I entered. OMG!!! I think out loud as I open the door. There on the passenger seat with my freshly laundered seat cushion is a black blob of wiggling mess. The worms have escaped in the car and are trying to reach freedom. Do they know their destiny? And the dark black dirt that is there home is all over my car seat.

I see them on the floor and crawling around in the cup holder. OMG!!!! This is disgusting. Why didn't I let the clerk place my worm purchase in that little brown bag? I could have recycled the bag.

A spinning top

Sometimes life is like one of those bank canisters at the bank drive-thu. It rolls beneath a customers car and is flattened as if it were a pancake. Bam. Badly damaged or completely demolished is out of our control.

Trying to figure out to turn left, merge right or get off the highway across the wide open fields of living. Which direction? Which exit?

If only I could take your hand and direct you to the right path with the rose colored future. I cannot. And it burns like an out of control wildfire ripping across the forest - toppling trees and crumbling habitats.

If only I could direct you to where flowers bloom, the sun shines and a cool breeze blows across the horizon. I cannot. I sit here helplessly as my worries for you grow taller than skyscrapers on the edge of a fault line ready to tumble.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Nicholas Lemmon Lindsey a 16 year old juvenile from St. Petersburg, Florida was arrested for the murder of police officer David Crawford.
My thoughts:
What is a 16 year old doing wandering the streets late at night on a school night? Where were his parents? Was he out of control? Did the parents seek help or were they overwhelmed?

Is this student just one of the many that fall through the cracks into the great dark abyss? We say we put children first - but do we really? Do we help and guide these lost souls or toss them to the trash? Whose responsibility is it to raise children?

I could be judgemental and make all sorts of remarks ----- like where was the supervision ------ by viewing the video I presume he's just another thug or wanna be thug. He was dressed in the black hoodie (in Florida) the pants were hanging down to his ankles with the all too frequently seen boxers taking center stage. Flip flops and white socks. He would never make the cover to GQ. But he has made the cover of the St. Petersburg Times as a murderer. He is 16. He killed a cop but presumed innocent till proven guilty - although he did confess.

Where have we gone so terribly wrong? We seem to be a broken community in need of a complete overhaul. Our budget is in tatters - so where do we go from here?

Speedy Gonzalas

I've heard the saying that 'some one was dealt a bad hand.' Well, I have been dealt a bad left foot. First the sole problem that has been nagging at me for months is finally healing and now another new curse on the top of my foot. When will the madness end?

Today was a day off but seemed more like 'speed dating'. Not that I have ever done 'speed dating' but others have told me about the drama. So today my day off kinda sorta became speed doctoring day. Four doctors in 8 hours - that must be a record. I wonder if the Guinness Book of Records has that category?

Snipped and scraped at the first doctor, blasted in the mouth by the dentist, poked and prodded by my primary care doctor and more cutting at the podiatrist. Woe is me. And a few bucks shorted - actually a whole lotta bucks shorter.

Tomorrow will be a better day no more speed doctoring and paying out the big bucks. I can't the well is done gone dry. Time for a fantabulous moon dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNsmF9JTpuI

Hay-Hey

Oh my glorious backyard - the one that I could not live without. Well, be careful for what you wish for!!!! I've heard that many a time before.

In between the patches of those deadly sand spurs are patches of sand. Not the pretty beach sand one sees on the advertisements. It's that ugly grey sand with no personality at all. The dogs and the cat and the people track inside the house that ugly grey sand and it creeps and seeps into all cracks and crevices.

If I had a maid there would be no worries but - no maid and lotsa worry. We decided to be proactive and attack the sand problem with enthusiasm. Our solution was to buy Coastal Hay at $8.00 a pop from the tractor supply place. So we diligently spread the Coastal Hay over the backyard. Dropping mounds on the ugly grey sand and all those nasty-nasty sand spurs. Almost immediately the sand spurs scared away the hay. But the Coastal Hay still lay on top of the ugly grey sand.

No more sand in my house. Victory - well, not exactly. Now the floors in the house are covered with $8.00 a pop Coastal Hay. I think the hay is ,more worser than the ugly grey sand. Dang. Life is not easy.

One more moon dance

AAHHH - it's Saturday and a long (3 day ) weekend - away from school. It's nice to chill. Even thought he kiddies are just sooo wunerfullll.



The weather today is awesome - sat outside with the morning coffee staring at the moon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNsmF9JTpuI
Van Morrison - you ROCK.....

Company is coming so cleaning the house and buying a new guest bed is on the agenda. Hope the dogs behave. Hubby is painting the living room - and a great job he is doing.

Nettie is settling in to the new routine and has discovered the cat runs when she is chased. She is doing awesome on her leash with Russ as her mentor. Russ on the other hand is a little miffed at the new family member. 'And I'm trying to please to the calling'.

Adopt a rescue dog!!!!!!!!!! We miss you Ron.

And then there were Two

Is there such a thing as a dog with a NEAT FREAK personality? Anything is possible. Right? Absolutely. Well, I believe I am the proud owner of a neat freak dog. Wouldn't that look great on a bumper sticker. I'm the proud parent of a neat freak dog.

We introduced a new member to our pack this weekend. Her name is Nettie after the wonderful Netti-Pot. If you have sinus problems try a Netti-Pot and life will become breathable. So Netti is a 5 month old puppy who is giving Russ a run for the money or should I say food.

Nettie is a mix of pug and shih-tzu. We refer to her as a pugshit. She is a energetic bundle of puppiness. Add her rough and tumbleness to Russ's sedate and velcroness makes the mix a mash.

Russ who has been a wee bit spoiled has taken this new intrusion like she is just a nuisance. He has been very aloof about the entire upheaval. Russ has toys - toys that he has never played with - but kept tucked away in one of his four dog beds. They sit there quite nicely. He also has a slew of rawhide bones which he never chews and they are also tucked away next to the toys in one of his dog beds.

Nettie likes toys and snatched one of Russ's and he became concerned. So I trotted to the store and bought Nettie her own toys so she would leave Russ's toys neatly in the dog bed. Nettie is on another page in the book.

Nettie runs to the dog bed and removes a rawhide chew climbs on the couch and starts to chew. Better the bone than my new slippers that she has taken a liking to. When she tires of the fun she runs off and along comes Russ. He gently picks up the rawhide or the toy and runs back to his bed and places it back in the proper place. This scenario goes on all day long. He likes his toys all lined up in a neat row in his doggie bed. It's going to be an interesting journey with these two different critters.

Alfred Hitchcock

Apparently no one informed me about the Cardinal Rally in my yard. One lost soul some how flew inside my screened in lanai. She was in a total panic trying to get back out and her 100 other friends were flying on the outside with chirps of encouragement. Some were bold and flew right at the screen. I presume they were trying to show her the way out.

What is it lately with screens and critters. Saturday night the dog and today cardinals. And if you flew inside the enclosure why can't you find your way back out? I guess you don't have a built in Garmin.

So there are about a hundred or more cardinals flying around my yard and hanging out in the trees. What's up? A remake of the birds. They seem quite happy - chirping away and the rain has stopped so what do they want? More rain? Is it never enough for birds.

It's a little on the creepy side walking outside with all those birds up in the trees and flying over head. The spider looks like a lovely meal. I wonder if he jumped in the pool to get away from the birds but met a different fate? Let's see - eaten alive by birds or drowning in a pool? Choose one.

Must be spring is in the air and that could only mean spring break is just around the corner. Hooooooraaaayyyy. I need the break.

Synapse

Sometimes my neurons seem to misfire or miss firing all together. Recently I have been noticing coffee drips all over the kitchen floor. Dang, I really dislike cleaning that mess up. I suspected it was hubby as he is mister messy. Anyways he should be blamed for all messes in the house.

We purchased one of those one cup coffee makers and I love-it-love-it. No more wasted coffee but we have coffee splotches all over the tile floor. Just when I think I'm going face to face with hubby and point the finger at him - My neurons start synapsing. Hello - earth to me!!!!!!!!

The coffee maker punches a tiny little hole in the top of the coffee container and low and behold it punches a whole right through the bottom. Hello earth to me again. how does the coffee get out of the container to my cup? I never thought about that.

After my coffee was brewed (fresh) I took out the coffee container and walked over to the trash all the way through the kitchen and dropped it in the trash. All the while the remainder of coffee dripped on the floor. And 'I' was ready to blame it on hubby. My bad.

Couple this with me running into the sliding glass doors and the screens and we have neuron dysfunction. Well my poor little baby (the dog) apparently is having some synapses relapses also. He ran right into the sliding glass door screen. Oh what a nasty site. He cried just like a baby due to the fact that he forgot he really is a dog. Blood all over the place and me in panic mode. After dropping alot of green stuff at the Vet's the little guy is back home recuperating.

Me and him will stay away from that evil screen door and I will no longer slop coffee all over the kitchen floor and think about blaming some one else.

RRRufffff

Last year my husband and I for the first time in our married life found ourselves dog less. At first the grieving process consumed all of my waking thoughts and occasionally slipped into my dreams. I admit I did not miss the gobs of dog hair lining all the baseboards and crevices in the house, a furry mass always underfoot, searching for a dog sitter at vacation time and that all too dreaded bath time.

After awhile life settled back into the same old routine but something was missing. I was longing for a little fur ball to love once again. I found a dog rescue site and began to visit the site on a daily basis. My husband and I had some serious discussion about getting another dog. We both decided if we did obtain another dog it would definitely be a rescue dog.

I searched the rescue site almost daily viewing cute little bundles of cuddly pups, designer dogs, registered dogs and basic mutts. Many of the dogs were abandoned or abused and it tore at my heart strings. I had pretty much decided that a puppy was out of the question. I am not a master at puppy training. During one of my searches I came across what I thought was the ugliest dog on this planet. He also had a pathetic sadness about him. I thought who would want a dog like that?

My husband and I visited the rescue shelter and looked at the available pets. We walked by Mr. Ugly and he turned his face away from us. I’m thinking – anti-social. We walked on past him to a spunky little schnauzer. We walked several of the dogs but none of them felt right. We made several trips back to the shelter and one time my brother came with us.

I walked by Mr. Ugly’s cage, obviously no one wanted him as he was still sitting inside that metal cage looking dejected. In a second we made eye contact and then just as quickly he turned his head. My brother made a comment about his scraggly appearance. For some strange reason I decided to take the little ragamuffin outside for a walk. He was terrified and started to shake uncontrollably. I put him back in the cage and walked on to the next dog waiting for a forever home. I walked back to Mr. Ugly’s cage and he refused to acknowledge me.

I took him outside for another walk and he trembled so he almost fell on the ground. I picked up his shaking little body and held him to my chest where he promptly placed his head against my heart. And the sparks ignited. I knew we needed him as much as he needed us. It is hard to put my feelings into words about Russ (no more Mr. Ugly) and how he has changed our life. The joy and physical activity he has bestowed upon us is certainly amazing and healthy for us. Wow!

Now, my sweet little boy is in a contest with a large chunk of the winnings going to the non-profit rescue that saved his life and improved mine. Please take the time to vote for Russ and improve the chances for other unwanted dogs to find a forever home. http://bissell.promo.eprize.com/mvpcontest/gallery?id=43834

Dead Sea Bath Salts

I know life is not always fair BUT when it is not fair to me I take offense. Most of the time I just slide along and drift through life trying to be happy and usually I have success. Then every once in a blue moon (I've never seen a blue moon) something stops me in my tracks, knocks me over and rolls me off my pathway in life. Today I was hit by one of those life's interruptions and I still am in shock.

One of my relaxing-destressing tactics is to go in the bathroom light a candle turn off the overhead light - draw a really hot bath and plop in my dead sea salt bath crystals. It is 'take me away calgon' moment without the calgon. I feel immediate relief from the days toils.

I just heard on the news that Florida is banning bath salts! Yep, they will no longer be on store shelves. WHY???? Because some fools have decided to smoke the salts and get high and sometimes dead. Dead sea bath salts. Hmmm.
Who would ever think about smoking bath salts? I am just totally mystified. What will they be smoking next? Baby food!!!!!

So this is a large bump in my road life journey and it is not fair - To Me. What is the world coming to? My one cheap form of relaxation is being taken away from me and everyone else who sits in a tub with dead sea bath salts.

Duck Waddling For Dummies

The sutures have been removed and the boot has been discarded and I no longer waddle around like a duck. Not that duck waddling is a bad thing it's just that when I waddle like a duck it throws out my back.

I can put on a pair of real shoes today and feel almost human again. So glad this foot surgery episode is over and done with! If there is a recurrence I might just have to live with the pain and suffering. No way in hill do I want to undergo foot surgery ever again.

So today I will focus on happy thoughts.

1. I am happy hubby finished with the bathroom and he did an awesome job. I love my new sink and new matching accessories.

2. I am happy the weather is warming up now I can wear my new Flt-flops and show off my new and improved walking foot. And my peach tree is loaded with blossoms.

3. I am happy Russ's service dog training is coming along so-fine. He is such a little sweetie and makes me smile.

4. I am happy that I won a writing contest about camping. It has inspired me to write more.

Golden Globe Award

I wonder why they have never made a movie called - "Vegetable Peeler Massacre'? Iffin they did I could be the star - with blood and guts - well maybe not the guts but lotsa blood. Who would have thought that a tiny little weapon like a vegetable peeler could do so much damage to a thumb? A vegetable peeler - a sharp vegetable peeler should be handled with extreme caution.

Actually it may be hubby's fault he's the one that bought that brand spanking new SHARP vegetable peeler. He knows how I am but still he let me take that fandangled peeler in my hands and slice off my skin. And it came off fast and easy. Didn't feel a thing till I saw all that red blood (guess I'm not a blue blood)spurting off the top of my left thumb.

That would have been a great scene - all that blood spurting right out of my thumb (still intact) and me looking at it in paralyzed horror screaming just like a sissy girl. In all those horror movies the girls always stand around screaming as if they were zombies. They never show guys standing screaming - sexist movies. Whatever - I hurt and I scream but I do get out of my own way and do not wait for the evil villain to get me.

I wonder who the evil villain would be in the 'Vegetable Peeler Massacre'? A cantankerous carrot? An Idaho spud gone mad? An old dull paring knife feeling useless and ignored. Perhaps I should stop ignoring the old dull paring knife. I would have never almost bled to death if I had used the standby dull paring knife.

I'm thinking a movie like this may win a Golden Globe award and perhaps I could be nominated for best actress with a sissy girl scream but very independent and resourceful. I wonder if there are any sharp edges on the Oscar?

Spring Has Sprung

Spring has sprung in Florida and it's only January. My peach tree is overflowing with awesome pink blossoms. What will happen this weekend when the evening temperatures drop into the 30's? My pretty in pink petals will surely be damaged or destroyed. The weather is a constant contradiction - here and around the globe.

One pretty petal in particular caught my eyes. It was almost a beauty except for missing parts. A deformed blossom. I wonder if fruit will be produced from this defective bloom?

When I looked at the almost beautiful - pretty-in-pink blossom I felt that a part of its soul was damaged. If the soul is damaged life can be brutal. Will life be unkind to my special blossom?

My mind wanders off the track before morning coffee. Sometimes it meanders slowly and at other times it takes off like a rocket to the moon. This morning I'm in that between stage where my thoughts are restless and unsatisfied but little motivation to act. Butter Toffee coffee sounds good.

Plants will have to be carted back into the house for the weekend cold weather. There is no way the poor peach tree can hide from the cold weather front moving in. I will have to hope for the best and let mother nature take her path. I have visions of a tree loaded with sweet Florida peaches in the early spring but now my hopes are dimming. More coffee.

And having coffee now is so much more delightful with the new and improved single cup coffee machine with so many flavors to choose from. Life is good when coffee is readily available and so many flavors. I have choices but my peach tree has none. I always thought Georgia had the best peaches till my Florida peach tree produced the sweetest peaches I have ever tasted.

Vestal Virgins

One of the Writing Wombats members posted some UTube music videos of the early invasion by British rock bands. Remember Manfred Mann? And the list goes on and on. I began my search down memory lane. I was hooked and slipped back into those wonderful years.
Mrs. Brown....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8k0VI9tBc

When young and foolish and growing up in Florida my friends and I became groupies of a band called the Roemans. My first love was Lanny Langford. I googled his name and sadly found out he was killed a long time ago. Sadness washed over me almost obliterating my memories. So sad such a talented individual had to die.

http://www.m3cats.com/uTube.htm

My best friend was smitten with Joe Pappalardo. I googled him also. He's a writer.
http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/instr430.asp

Oh the memories. Dew or tears.

Foggy Bottom Boys

The fog began to roll in slowly last night covering the low lying areas. This morning its mission complete heavy fog hangs over the earth. And me walking around in the back yard walking the dog and hoping he would do his business lickety-split but of course he took his time to complete the task - as always.

It was dark and spooky looking walking amongst the trees and bushes. Reminded me of one of those scary movies where the bad guy or the vampire jumps out and grabs you. And the wetness of the fog just clings to me like a spider web. I hate spiders.

Hurry up I think - hoping that the little guy will get this over and done with and we can retreat to the safe confines of the house. But - NO - he stands there sniffing the cool morning air. Come on - get on with it. I need coffee.

Finally the deed is done and off like a bullet he leaves me standing in the dark, foggy back yard with the hair on the back of my neck standing at attention. I look at the moon misted in fog and clouds trying desperately to peek through and lead me to the door.

My slippered feet crunch against the dead dew covered grass as I wait for the behind the tree monster to lurch out and attack me. No behind the tree monsters or vampires just a morning breeze flapping against the few leaves that are left on the trees. I bolt for the door and slide right out of my warm fuzzy slippers.

The Essence of Toilet Paper

My thoughts are in this strange place - kind of like living in the Twilight Zone with Rod Serling as your Mayor. http://www.rodserling.com/

It's all about these reality television programs. Average people (supposedly) with a camera attached to their faces 24/7. And everything documented and played out for the world to see. That is those that wish to watch this t.v. trash. And I am being sooooo judgemental. STOP IT.

I don't even watch it but I see the commercials. People who devour household cleansers and eat toilet paper. Get real. I mean if you want more fiber in your diet eat leaves. Some things should truly be kept behind closed doors. The fact that you have piles of useless trash overtaking your house just makes me wonder about your mental condition.

And then the animal hoarders. EEECCCKKK. I hate the smell of cat urine from just one feline and I change the litter box weekly. I even bought the new corn kitty litter. Now if you're needing fiber in your diet try the corn kitty litter instead of toilet paper - 50 cats in one house with no litter box. My stomach is tossing and I can smell the smell right through the television. Well, I guess that is reality t.v.

In my younger days - not that I am old - well just a little - no make that not at all. Bizarre actions like eating toilet paper would certainly be kept behind closed doors. We would never let the neighbors know - let alone the whole nation. It would be something kept within the family.

Then, I think of how I could cash in on a reality television show - grow rich and unfamous and become a celebrity. What is it about my life that people would want to watch? Not much that is interesting or bizarre. Well there was the time I put those googly-eyes on my kumquat and took a picture of it for a contest. Where is the drama in that?

I talk to my animals but I do believe that is on the normal side. And if I did have a great story to be turned into a reality television program would I want the world to see? Probably not. The really scaring part of life is that the Balloon Boy has moved to Florida. These wanna be reality stars are taking over the world. I wonder if they are aliens disguised as humans?

I wonder if they eat single ply or double ply toilet paper? And does it roll forward or backwards. I let my toilet paper roll forward and I love folding it to a point after every use like they do in some fancy hotels. Next I will put a piece of chocolate on my pillow every night. That sounds good - eating chocolate every night much better than eating toilet paper.

What ever happened to colored toilet paper? If your favorite color was blue you could eat blue toilet paper. And perhaps after eating enough of that stuff you could audition to be in the Blue Man Group.

Sandals Resort

Taking a one-legged bath is not an easy task but then neither is tweezing nose hair. It's all relevant. Our life on this planet is at times turned sideways and upside down. I never tweeze nose hair. Perhaps someday I may but not in the prime of my life. Hubby has mutant eyebrow hair that needs mowing every once in awhile - not sure about his nose hair and don't really care. I have my own troubles. Like getting in and out of the bathtub.

You may think this is an easy task but let me assure you it isn't. First we don't have that silver bar attached to the side of the tub like some hotel rooms and the toilet is ever so close to the side of the tub leaving little space to maneuver. A one leg in the tub maneuver. Good thing it's the left leg because it's a right sided tub.

Getting in is somewhat easy after I get off the 10 pound boot I have to wear on my healing foot. Then, I need to make sure it is within easy access when I get out of the tub. So, I plop the boot right in front of the commode for easy retrieval upon exiting. But never-never-ever get the dang boot wet. That is a complete no-no. Gotta keep those stitches dry.

So I slip in sideways to the tub with the left leg hanging over the side and try to wash off all the germs I have acquired in a day. I can no longer use a key pad at an ATM due to all the fecal matter they have living there. Another story on that one. I try not to be klutzy and splash water on my left foot. Moving around in the tub with the leg dangling over the edge takes acrobatic skills. Which of I have few or less.

Now - get out of the tub without any assistance and no silver bar for help. We do have a ceramic soap holder which is useless for holding soap but can be used for trying to exit the tub in a fashionable manner. Wait - this is not the runway or a red carpet. Fashion does not exist in the bathroom when I am exiting the tub. Just NO splashing water.

Once perched on the side of the tub that is now dripping wet and slippery I hold on to that useless ceramic soap holder for dear life. Please have good workmanship and DO NOT break off into my slippery hand. Let go of the ceramic soap holder and lean forward and grab on the toilet seat cover and swing the body on the pot. Make sure the lid is up because the toilet seat cover is vinyl and sleek. It does match the shower curtain.

So here I sit on the commode and search for my boot that has somehow made its way just out of my reach. Okay I can crawl over and pick it up on the cold ceramic tile floor with my left foot held high in the air. Maybe I can yell for help to hubby. That seems like a better option. I feel so helpless sitting here on the commode wrapped in a my plush green towel that goes so well with my bathroom decor - but that has no correlation to my current predicament.

So I take a few moments to meditate and ponder the bathroom sanctuary and I am happy I have the feeling of living under the sea with bright colored fishes. Maybe next time I could do a sink wash up.

I can't wait for my foot to heal and sandal weather. WAIT - this is Florida it's always sandal weather.......

Potty Break

Our sweet little rescue mutt has some odd quirks. I am still impressed how well he behaves (most of the time)with what he has gone thru in his previous life. I wonder if he was loved and somehow just became lost. I really hoped he wasn't abused but every once in awhile he cowers like he has been at one time. Not now. He has a good life with two people that love him to pieces.

Not so much at 2 AM in the morning - like this morning. He never runs to the door to let us know - he's gotta go. He performs these strange rituals that you figure out all by yourself after watching him. Like at 2 AM this morning. Yes, he sleeps with us even though we vowed for that to NEVER happen. We caved.

His prancing around the bed and plopping his 8 pound body on me woke me right up out of a sound sleep. I pushed him off. He is a persistent little guy. He did races across the foot of the bed. I tried to ignore him - not possible. Then he walks across my back over my shoulders and plops down on my pillow. Move it I whisper.

He ignores me. I physically remove him from my pillow and place him by the foot of the bed. He inches his way back up and then starts that licking that sounds like an alarm clock going off.

Back on the pillow and right in my face. Why doesn't he just walk over to the door and bark? That would be simple. He never barks when he needs to go out and relieve himself. He does these little odd quirks which do get your attention. But - it's 2 AM and I am recovering from surgery and it's cold outside. Why didn't you pee before I went to bed.

Hubby is way sound asleep and nothing not even that incessant licking (who knows where?) will wake him. It's left up to me the invalid to take the little bugger out. As soon as I open the door he darts outside into the darkness as I stand lopsided in the cold waiting for his return. Why doesn't he use the dog door. I guess I will have to work on that one.

Silence is not always Golden

Yesterday, I had my third foot surgery within a sixth month period. On the same foot...........Needless to say I am not a happy camper. Life rolls along. I should be focusing on the positive aspects of this.....hhhmmmmm. What could they be? Stop whining and think good thoughts.
Okay, perhaps this will be the final surgery. YES!!!!! Much better attitude.

So there I was laying on that chair/table operating piece of equipment and it seemed very high in the air and who would be afraid of heights - ME. I tried not to look way far down or up at the table filled with medical instruments like scissors, blades, scalpels, tweezers, needles and sutures. Speaking of needles the needle the doctor was attempting to use looked like it could take down an elephant. And it was coming toward the bottom of my foot. Time to faint.

I have been through this procedure once before where my doctor operated on my arch right there in his office in a mini operating room. Brings back terrifying thoughts. He states it's safer not to put me all the way under with anesthesia. Not easier or less painful. But - who is the one on the table? Me. Not the good doctor.

The needle and the pain it causes is beyond nice words so I can't say how I really felt but one could use many four letter words and potty mouth words to describe it. And that gigantic needle stuck in the very tender part of my foot hurt like hill. Yes, I screamed and whimpered like a greased piggie. Right now after the fact it raises the hair on the back of my neck. The good doctor apologizes throughout the painful ordeal but lets me know it only hurts for a little while. Yeah - it's not him on the operating chair/table. My foot is now numb.

So the surgery goes off and is over and done with in a short amount of time. Then, the good doctor shows me the removed offending piece of meat. Red and ugly and bloody. Now that's something to make your day. I will never again eat red meat.........

Now lace up the incision time. He draws the black sutures up and holds it high in the air. I really don't need to be watching him thread another needle, so I count the holes in the ceiling tiles instead. I get to number 99 and feel a little pinch on the bottom of my foot. OMG!!!!! The numbness injection is wearing off and I can feel that needle piercing my skin. YIKES!!!!

Okay, my options would be to tell the good doctor that I am feeling a little sensation on the bottom of my foot every time that needle slices into my pink tender epidermis. And he would most likely plunge that big needle into the bottom of my foot again. No way in hill. I keep my mouth tightly clamped and bite my tongue. Sometimes silence is golden even though there is a little bit of pain.

Being Hayve

The sky was blue as a gemstone gleaming in the mid day sun painted with puffs of billowing white clouds. Sharp golden rays from the sun cast bright patterns against the earth. A northern wind wiggles across the lands swaying the fronds of the mighty queen palms. Life rolls along as smooth as the orange skin of a kumquat.

Then the sun went into hiding and the sky turned dark like a moonless night in the middle of winter. And my vision was impaired. Thunder burst from the darkening sky and boomed with the power of fireworks. And my hearing was impaired. Lighting snapped from the sky and danced across the sand. And my security was impaired.
I was alone on an island with no place to go.

Fires spread across the fields and forest with puffs of smoke smothering the air. And my breathing was impaired. Lost and helpless in this smoke and haze hoping for a brighter day. The land was scorched and dry covered with a blackness that permeated the land.

Rains like monsoons dripped from the sky - endlessly - and washed away sand dunes and my little spark of hope. Rivers became oceans overflowing the banks and mutilating the earth. And I could barely keep afloat and swim to the dock.
Trapped in a cell without windows or doors. Trying desperately to reach out and pull him back. so close but yet so far.

Addiction touches a life and the domino effect takes hold. We are knocked down right along with the ones we love. Grasp on to that lifeline of hope and never let go.

Robert Did It

Sooner or later they all end up in Florida. Florida is a huge melting pot of creative, loving and off the scale individuals. The diversity and absurdity in Florida is like no other alien planet. And I love it in Florida. Florida is so more much better than The Jersey Shore or Desperate Housewives. There is always something brewing on the back burner in Florida.

So who should appear - not a shiny nosed reindeer that was last month.....BUT.....Ballon Boy and his wack parents. Not only did they move to the wonderful state of Florida they moved close to me. Oh no.

I will have to keep my eyes to the sky in search of another escapee balloon. I will keep my camcorder close by to catch that elusive ship possibly carrying a young child and place it right smack on You Tube. Documentation of his next project or disaster. Isn't it amazing what some will do for attention and notoriety.

As for me I just want to float through life having fun and being happy. Not exactly floating I do want my two wobbly feet planted firmly on the sandy soil in Florida. The soil where it is impossible for me to grow anything. Whatever......Speaking of feet and not the smelly kind but the kind that are going under the surgeons knife once again. OUCH and YUCK -----when will this nightmare end?

Think positive, think positive. Today is a beautiful day in Florida. Think about the balloon boy and the drama that may come with them residing in the Sunshine state of Florida with a new Governor who says he will create more jobs and then fires 11 people. I'm not good in math but this doesn't add up.

And let's not forget Robert the doll and the pin I purchased for hubby that says ......Robert Did It....he being a Robert, it seemed appropriate.

Reflecting on the blues

Drifting in a sea of despair where the future looks bleak and unreachable a little whisper of hope floats by and beckons your soul. The darkness of the earth has lifted and a light shines upon her apron.

The New Year has slipped into my life without fanfare or fireworks. I just woke up one day and there she was 2011. I made a simple and achievable New Year’s resolution as last year’s came to fruition.

I’m an early riser so I was sitting with the eyes glued to the computer monitor playing my new game – stress management mah-jongg – and it works. Sometimes!!!! Today for some reason it did little to alleviate my stress. The strange part of it was I had gotten the whopping score of 1000. Wowser……

I hear the sound of the trash truck scouring the neighborhood for recyclables – the kind you place in semi clear blue bags and plop at the end of your driveway. I look out the window at the neighbor’s blue bag and my confidence takes a nose dive. Smack right down – face first into the dark place. All my woes, insecurities, issues and drama bubble inside me like a volcano ready to erupt. Why – I think to me and me alone?

A wonderful new year lies in front of me and woe is me is strutting by the banks of the raging river. I have so much to be happy about and so much to be thankful for – what is stirring up this kettle of hot sauce? A garbage bag sitting at the curb? The despair in the world? Taxes and health care? A broken nail?

What happened to my positive attitude? What happened to my 3 happy thoughts of the day? What has caused this dark cascade of gloom to sweep down upon me?

I take a walk outside in the cool freshness of a winter morning in Florida – and absorb the beauty and clean fresh smell of the morning dew. Out of the corner of my eye I see a slight movement in the blueness of the pool. The intake snorts like an enraged rhino ready to attack as the water drifts slowly in circles around the deep end of the pool. The green of the small object contrast sharply with the aqua blue of the very cold water.

Clinging desperately to a tiny piece of leaf floating silently in the pool is a huge spider. Any port in the storm comes to my mind. I see the spider and know he has hope that his day will be better. Without any human intervention what fate could have befallen on this hairy creature? He could have been snatched up by an anole for a breakfast treat, chased by the cat or squashed beneath the sole of a size 9 Merrill.

Today my mind and thoughts are swayed to a happier place. A place where there is hope and a chance to dance with the magic of living. And a big hairy spider has been given another day to enjoy.

Blue as the sky

They are packed up so nicely and placed at the curb in their shiny translucent blue bags. It's as if they are just waiting for that bus to come along and take them to a vacation land where life is beautiful all the time. I wonder where they really go - these bottles and cans rinsed and cleaned and decapped? Pieces of our lives once used but barely thought about except for their resting place along the side of the road - waiting - just waiting for the next moment in time.

Does their life begin again as something new and use full? Or does reality smash the bubble and they are dumped as before into a heap of trash and waste to sit and rot and smell and scar the land on which we live? So many and's so many questions left inside my mind. And then I compare the life of cans, bottles and glass containers so perfectly placed in the soft blue bag by the curb - waiting for hands to lift them away to that of children, people and animals.

We toss them away less than the garbage we place by the curb. We hide them, dump them or just neglect them and life goes on. We take such meticulous care of used containers but human life has little meaning and little empathy. Animals are even farther down the scale of justice.

The brand new year blossoms and the commercials of abused animals flicker upon every channel I surf. The headlines on the front page portray the victims and lost souls and those that choose to take a life with no regret and consequences. My mind is bombarded with the pain and suffering and tears become my cloak of fog.

I sit here and stare at the soft blue bag holding the remains of yesterdays dinner waiting to become new again but what of loved ones who cannot speak or smile or hug away our sadness? A burning emptiness smolders in my soul. I watch the sun rise slowly above the tree tops and contemplate priorities and life as it is. Trapped behind these bars that let light through but keep the love at a distance.

Fractured, Frail and Forewarned

Florida is - well Florida is rather difficult to describe in terms that match the real world. A reality television show in Florida would certainly be a masterpiece right up there with 'The Three Stooges.' Florida is a mixture of sugar, salt and smoked fish or road kill on an all you can eat buffet.

My sister came down to Florida for a vacation and a visit with me - the older sister. The one that ended up in the Florida soup of mixed greens and other oddities. I warned her about life in paradise.

Rule number 1. Never stand in my front yard when the neighbor backs out of her driveway. When one has reached the wonderful ripe young age of 93 one should consider taking a taxi and ripping up that drivers license. Yes, my sweet senior neighbor has ended up parked in my front yard - just inches from the bedroom window.

Rule number 2. There are many of these people on the roads and they drive. Unfortunately they drive through plate glass windows when going to the bank - right through the front doors of a cafe that doesn't even have drive-thru. And there was that brand new beautiful bus stop on the corner of Rowan and Regency - that is no more. If you see one of these behind the wheel of a car - take a detour - get out of their way.

Rule number 3. Yes, you can go out and about in your nightie. (She did not believe me on this one)

We pulled into a parking space at the grocery store - driving on the correct side of the road, doing the speed limit, taking up only one parking space and who should appear but a night gown fashion icon.

My sister - doubter that she WAS begins to laugh as she watches the lady exit her car parked at a precarious angle dressed totally in her nightie. Pink flannel ankle length attire with little white flowers and slippers to match. Her purple purse was large and flopped like a dead rabbit against her well rounded butt tocks. A little too much for the world to see at 11 AM in the morning.

"You see, I was not telling tales," I say.

My sister is awash with tears as she cannot believe what is crossing the lot on this wonderful winter day in sunny Florida. Welcome to Paradise - where anything goes.

Three rules is enough to grasp on a first visit.

2011

Happy New Year - prosperity - health and happiness. That would be my goal or New Year's Resolution. I completed last year's goal - so it's on to a brand new goal and continue to have last year's goal work.

Awesome vacation - awesome year actually. Not too happy about the foot issue erupting once again but I can deal with that.

Add a bucket of things to do before I die list. Paint the new year with lots of color and a positive attitude and surround myself with good vibes.