So long 2010.....

Another year has come to an end! No matter how they start ... busy, slow, healthy, ill, traveling, at home, up or down, they come to an end, and another year begins. The end of the year always give us pause to remember the year and those years that have passed (MEMORIES). The New Year is always filled with empty pages waiting to be filled, expectations, anticipation; yet the problem is - is that when we get older they go far to fast!! So out with the old, in with new...auld lang syne! Cheers to the year past and to the year to come...may God Bless us all!! Good Bye 2010....

Christmas 2010

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We were all together for Christmas!

A busy month....

This year has gone by extremly fast. It's hard to believe we are well into December. This year has come with good news and bad. Several friends have become or will be grandparents while others have been diagnosed with cancer. This year comes with remembering the basics of faith, hope, and charity; as well, as a strong relationship with God.

Candy had her annual Christmas party, which was fun. The weather was cool which made it more enjoyable. My tooth which needed a cap...I had the root canal a few weeks ago broke....so off to the dentist again and cha...ching will go the register again!!

Home again....

It always amazes me when I come home from traveling that it has been only hours before I was somewhere else and now I'm in my own area. This morning I drove from Asheville, NC to Greer, SC and flew to Punta Gorda and drove home! This flight was better than the flight going up, full, but less hectic.

The weekend was a whirlwind. There was shopping, shopping, eating, shopping! We ate at Cheddars, Cracker Barrel, Jason's Deli, Tupelo Honey Cafe, and Stables Cafe at the Biltmore Estate! I went to the uniform shop twice, Kohl's twice, Target, the Mall, and the Christian bookstore. Callie and I went to the Movies and saw "You Again", it was very good. The candlelight tour at the Biltmore was wonderful. The Christmas trees were in many of the rooms all with a different theme. It was busy, but organized. Callie had a good time. We took pictures in front of the Estate. The weather was chilly and I think the low was 28 degrees. We went into the shops and has a nice evening. Dinner was wonderful. We left and went back to Natalie's and played some Wii games and had some laughs. Midnight came fast and we had to get up at 5 am!!! We did it!! So now it's just getting into the old routine and now there are several load of laundry being done!

It's also Manuel's birthday! Happy Birthday!!!!

North Carolina

A day of travel and a chill in the air

Thanksgiving....

After days of preparation...the day is finally here. Family is gathered and food abounds.

Exciting Life....

Have you ever thought about the expression "when it rains, it pours". That is pretty much how this week is. I took four days off and it runs into my glorious six days off, so it is a really nice break!!! :D We celebrated our anniversary at Port D' Hiver in Melbourne. We enjoy getting away and relaxing there. Manuel made the reservations and secured the Indian River room, but I called and changed it to the Carriage House with the romance package. It was a surprise for him. The room is very large and on the second floor. Of course, exceptionally decorated and I just love the linens. We went to dinner the first night at Brio Italiano and once again were not disappointed with the delicious food. I had the baked ziti again, the portion is certainly enough for several people. Manuel had the scallops and Salmon on linguine and we had tiramisu for dessert (we won't mention the pumpkin cheesecake....). When we got back to our room there were tea light candles, rose pedals not only on the bed but around the jacuzzi tub. There was an iced bottle of champagne and crystal glasses. It was quite wonderful. We didn't do much on Saturday, took a drive, went to Viera to the shopping plaza and I picked up a few things. We at dinner at Villa Palma Restorante. While the decor is hmmmmm rather dated shall we say the food was excellent!!! I had the ravioli and Manuel had muscles and conch on linguine, I had wine and we had tiramisu for dessert!!! It rained that night. The breakfast are splendor in and of themselves. Just by eating that, I had no appetite to eat for the rest of the day. It is nice to be spoiled and then, it was time to leave. Of course, there was the walk on the beach and it was quite windy, no dolphins, but lots of pelicans flying! We took the south route home, and when we got into the driveway, I heard the familiar jingle in Manuel's direction and I had to ask "did you remember to leave the key?" To his sheepish expression holding the key!!! Why he doesn't listen to me...I said "leave the key on the chest of drawers" and like a little kid he had to be defiant....so today he had to mail the key back!!!

I did get to do some shopping today, and oh yes, got a new Internet box since the other one died, why they couldn't tell me that instead of telling me the Internet was down.....I'll never no. Finally after phone calls got hooked up again. Callie is most thrilled. I had lunch with a friend from way back....Kim. It was nice to see her and get caught up. Tomorrow...Caitlin comes home!!! ;D

Radio City Music Hall

Today Callie and I went to the Barbara B. Mann Hall of the performing Arts to see the Rockettes! the show was very good and the costumes were bright and captivating. It was a Christmas performance complete with Santa Clause and Christmas songs some from the Nutcracker. I think the best part was the finale with the birth of Jesus, he is after all, the reason for the season! After the show we walked a bit around the campus which has been made prettier since I went there and then we went to Jason's Deli to eat! came home to find the Internet not working!!! Grrrrr. Tomorrow....the anniversary get away!

a pleasant day...

Today started with a brisk walk down at Jaycee Park with Liz and Candy. After all these years I have hardly ever gone there. It was a somewhat overcast day but there was a nice breeze. We then went over to Bob Evans for breakfast and a mini birthday celebration for them. The month is half over and we haven't done anything for the October birthday girls!!! I then headed over to Lowes for vacuum cleaner bags...such mundane tasks but a necessary one. I then went Publix to grocery shop, now I said "Pleasant day" not an exciting one! :D I did get home and put the groceries away and proceeded to make a roasted chicken, with carrots and green beans and made an apple crisp! I love being at home....I fought again with the computer a bit still can't get my ringtones to work with my iPhone and the Carbonite is giving me quite the fight, and the news has not so nice things in it, bombs in planes, gunshots in buildings in D.C. and our Governors race is getting nasty with the Dems wanting the Dem nominee to step down so the Governor might have a change of winning (he wnet from Republican to Independent. Natalie called also so we had a nice chat......but for me in my little world it was just a pleasant day!!!

I'm Whining!!!!

Wine, wine, where is my wine??? It has been over a week and I don't have my wine!! Liz has her wine....where's mine??? I made a phone call this morning to the winery and lo and behold, it is waiting for me to pick it up! LOL this is rather difficult since I'm here and the wine is in Los Olivos, California!!! Somewhere there was a gaff an I know I paid for shipping, but not to worry it will be sent out on Monday and be here on Wednesday! Yeah!!!

I have many happy memories of the Santa Barbara get away, I don't think Liz and I can stop laughing from the attack of the squirrels, to the house alarm going off, to the issue of Liz's grandma and Leo in the back seat of the car battling the seat belts, to our day trips up the coast and out to the winery.

I have made reservations to go out to North Carolina to see Natalie and we have plans to go to the Biltmore.....it will be decorated for Christmas, so that will be special.

So, no more whining for a little bit.... :D

Home Sweet Home

The weather was wonderful, the weatherman was way off base stating it would be pouring rain; but instead it was quite the opposite with bright sunny skies. We mailed some of our stuff home....I sent my fabric and books, Liz sent shoes!!! I saw a long box being sent to Madonna at the Khabala Center in LA, CA!!! Liz missed it! We took the "pass" route 154, which Liz's grandma didn't want us to take, but it was scenic and only as short bit was rather nerve-wracking as we looked down to the left only to see how high we were up, and how far we could fall down...I prefer to hug the mountain! :D We stopped at one scenic vista to get an overview of the Cachuma Lake which is an artificial lake (made in 1953)located in the Santa Ynez Valley of central Santa Barbara County, California named after the Chumash Indians.

We arrived safely to the Firestone Winery. There are lots of grapes!!! We really didn't eat breakfast so...it was wine and crackers...what a way to start the day. We did the wine tasting and then we went on a small tour of the winery. We saw tons of grapes that were picked for Riesling being processed and in front of us we saw and touched grapes that were going to be harvested in a day or so that would be used for the Chardonnay! We also so the vats and pictures that included Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, Ford, and Burroughs, all had homes in Fort Myers, Florida!

We left the winery and headed for Clairmont Farms Lavender Farm in Los Olivos, CA. We bought a few things and headed off to Slovang which is the little Denmark of the United States. The building all reflect the architecture of that region of the world, some even with thatched roofs. It was quaint, we continued down the road to go back to Andersen's for Pea Soup! I ordered a salad and it was so huge I only had a little bit and boxed the rest!

We headed back to Santa Barbara and headed for the beach! Arroyo Burro Beach, there were lots of dogs, and all well behaved. We did see a large pod of dolphin feeding off in the distance. Dinner was at the Outback with Liz's family to celebrate her birthday, followed by packing to head home.... :( ;)Home sweet home! after a long travel day I am home, unpacked, showered and shopped ready to get so
Get some sleep because I have to work tomorrow!

Traveling adventures....

I flew from Fort Myers to Atlanta to Denver to Santa Barbara. The connections were close! Liz picked me up st the airport and we ate dinner at IHOP and had pumpkin pancakes and the drove to her grandmothers house. It was a long day traveling so a goodnights sleep was welcome. We spent the following day on State street shopping and sightseeing locally been went to the top of City Hall to het a birds eye view of the area, went to the Santa Barbara Missio, and ate lunch
at Joe's Cafe!

The following day we drove north up the coast to go to Hearst Castle. It was unbelievably foggy you could just bearly make out the buildings, it was fascinating anyway! We drove south stopped in Combria and browsed the shop and got an orange smoothie. We continued south on 101 to Morro Bay a place I have been to before and wanted to stop at again. It has changed a bit though I'd nice there is access by driving up to the rock and there are fishing boats all in the bay with playful seals. We got salt water taffy and headed to Main Street to ho to The Cotton Ball Quilt Shop. Of course I could not leave empty handed!!! So I purchased a few things!!! We left Morro Bay with bags full and lighter wallets :D. Onward south we went to Beullton only to be stuck in traffic around Pismo Neach where there wad a bad car accident. Once in Buellton we stopped at Andesen's restaurant Well known for its split pea soup! The food was delicious and we were so Fl and brought desserts back that were absolutely scrumptious!!! Full tummies we headed back to Santa Barbara!

The whe time we've been here the sun has yet to shine!!! It had been overcast and foggy with mist! today we went to Stearn's Wharf and took in the views of the ocean and Santa Barbara. We shopped saw some artisans before heading to State Street to shop and to the mall to get a couple of game. We ordered pizza and salad from Giovanni's and took it along with pastries from Jeannine's Bakery! We found the lighthouse too! Later we went to the beach and briefly saw the sun tring to peak through the clouds! The walk and fresh air were refreshing! During the evening we played scrabble and yatzee followed by planning our day for tomorrow... Wine country
...

I'm off.....

Ahhh to get away...is truly a dream! It is the start of my six glorious days off. Last time it was marred by PNAP, work, and ACLS....but this time....ahhhh, this time I get to jump on a jet plane and head west! Off to Santa Barbara, California! Whooo Hooo!! Liz is already there visiting her grandparents, and I'm going to join up with her and then we have a few sightseeing trips planned. I'm looking forward to this. When the kids were younger I didn't get to do some of the sights because they were small and it really wouldn't have been appropriate to take them to the wine tastings....LOL To bad Manuel hates to travel...oh well, :D I'm off!!!!

A weekend of FUN!!!

Orlando! Liz and I set off for Orlando! We were going to meet up with friends to attend Night of Joy held at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. She had never been to Animal Kingdom, so we started off by going there. We had a wonderful time, although it was very hot! We started off on the African Safari and while there saw a skywriter .... with the words "Love U Jesus"! How cool was that??? We enjoyed seeing the animals and we even got pictures of and with the Disney Characters. Of course, several were sent to Ava! We stayed at Pop Century a Disney Resort and prepared to go out to dinner at the House of Blues (which was Yummy), and we attended the preformance at Cirque du soliel....absolutely fantastic! Would go again! There was so much going on, it was a circus! The best part was using Disney transportation so we didn't have to worry about parking or getting lost! We slept well and ate breakfast in the morning, shopped and headed out to the house that Leslie had rented for the weekend. We rested and went in the pool and then headed out to the Magic Kingdom to participate in Night of Joy. It has been ages since any of us have been to Disney, so it was like being a kid again. The place was decorated for Fall with pumpkins, etc. We went on several rides, the adventurers that we are and when we went to the Haunted House, we stood in line with rain, lightning and thunder!!! Then we got pretty close to Third Day. The music was fantastic, I was busy snapping pictures and the next thing I know Mary is sitting on the curb, and said that she was not feeling well, so we got her out of there and onto a park bench, where she passed out cold!!!! It was rather exciting!! So we got her taken care of and she got wheeled over to the First Aid center. She felt better and then we just wheeled her around and enjoyed listening to Mercy Me. We ended up leaving very late and went back to the house for sleep!!! We set off Sunday morning to the Cracker Barrel for a wonderful breakfast and then we headed on home down US 21.....

Busy week!

It has indeed been a busy week. After an exciting few days in Washington, D.C., it was time to go home and celebrate Callie's 16th birthday. We took her to Carraba's for dinner and they waiters sung Happy Birthday to her in Italian! She got many nice gifts! Today she went to LaBelle to meet up with her friend Jordan to spend the weekend in Sebring. Tuesday, I went to Solutionz to have Cassandra do my hair, it turned out very nice, now if I can keep it up ;D Yesterday, I spent the day with Marian. We always share many laughs and today was no different. We ate lunch at Olive Garden and then went to the Movies to see Eat, Love, Pray, it was a wonderful day!

I have been sifting through the gigabytes of pictures from Washington, D.C. I have part of a slide show together!

It's off to sleep.....

A Day of Exploration

We finally got a goodnights sleep! Sleep is amazing!! After a quick breakfast at the hotel we were off to the Metro to go to the red line at Metro Square to head out to Union Station to get a trolley to do a tour and see some sights! First I had to conquer the incredibly tall escalator!! It has been my nemesis...a source of
Fear anxiety; but I was able to actually move down (the going up is an issue) the moving.... it is very tall and dark...maybe having it lighter would help!!! My travel buddies have been most patient, although they do laugh at me! So off we go past Foggy Bottom and Farragut stations we have a fairly uneventful transition to the red line and then made it to Union Station! It is an amazing place. I would like to take the Amtrak just to arrive in the station! It is fun to think of years past when people traveled by train all dressed up. I think it looks much better in the after noon than the morning, because the gold in the ceiling shines! We got the trolley ticked and we off to Arlington National Cemetery! It was so hot, but the changing of the Guard was fantastic!! We went to the American History Museum, and then split. Peggy and I headed to the National Cathedral....

Restoration Honor

Here we are very early in the morning sitting on our blankets out by the Lincoln Memorial awaiting the start of Restoration Honor with Glenn Beck! Sarah Palin is too be here and I am not sure who else will be here! There are thousands of people here already! It is truly amazing to see the Lincoln Memorisl lit up! Looking to our left there is the WWII Mermorial with the Washington Memorial and behind that the Capitol Building! it truly is beautiful! today is about faith, hope, and charity!

The days was certainly different than what had been portrayed in the mainstream media! It was a fantastic opportunity to have at least a half a million people gathered in one place with the desire to have God brought back into our daily lives and to honor those that give...many against amazing odds. There was the 40 day challenge that some people participated in and there was another 40 day challenge that was encouraged at 8/28.

It was a peaceful day, and there were not outburts, no violence, and NO LITTER when we left. People were nice to one another, not to say that some people were irritating, and less honorable people could have made the situation bad, but it didn't happen.

We walked back and Sue was gutsy enough to get us a taxi that we shared with a lady and gentleman and quess where they were from???? Fort Myers...small world, he was in his 80's and wanted to attend and they drove all the way up!!!

Sleep was in order for the afternoon followed by a late dinner.

DC Tour

Today we are off and running for an all day tour of DC! So far the weather is nice! Glenn has been at the Lincoln Memorial this morning and lead prayer! So awesome to have such freedoms! We took metro to federal triange, I still hate that long escalator! We are at the post office building about to board our bus!!!

Off to Washingto, DC

Another adventure is about to begin! I am going to our country's capital for the 828 adventure! The plane from Fort Myers got us right on time into Washington, DC. We got our luggage and it was relatively quick that we met up with Nancy, Sue's sister in-law. We got a taxi and we were off to the hotel. After a quick clean up we were off walking to the metro .... getting the tickets were a bit of a challenge, and then there was this extremely long escaltor...like am I going into the depths of the earth or what, and it is so dark....not my favorite. Getting the metro was easy, and soon we were walking on the Washington Mall with the Washington Monument behind us and the Capitol infront of us! We are snapping pictures via phones and cameras. The phones are great because you can email and facebook easily! We have left envious friends back home...but we're here....the Smithsonian is to the right of us!!! It is so exciting. The sun casts a halo around the top of the Washington Monunement, we're far enough that we can't see the Lincoln Memorial. The Capitol building is probably one of my favorite pieces of architecture! Freedom is on the top and the sun never sets on Freedom!!! We take our time and walk up to the steps and then walk over to the Botanical Gardens. We walked all the way to the Washington Monument, Sue and Nancy then left because they were hungry and Peggy and I walked over to the Lincoln Memorial. We got to the steps and heard a lot of whooping and we just missed Glenn Beck! He was there and passed out the last tickets to the event for Friday night!!! sigh..... It is just wonderful being hearing. We take our time in the Lincoln Memorial and then we walk back to the Amazing World War Two Memorial...the full moon is coming up behind the Washington Momnument...try as I might I want to get good picture...it is challenging but I do get a couple. We eventually walk back to the Metro and get off at our stop and stop for dinner and back to the short distance to the hotel. The other two in bed asleep! We showered and have happy memeories and prepare for a day of sightseeing!!!

Freedom Concert

Yesterday we drove up to Orlando to attend the Freedom Concert! This was to raise scholarship money for children of servicemen who died fighting for our country! Sean Hannity hosted and Col. Oliver North was also there! We were able to hear for those running for the Florida Governor, Attorneys General, and Marco Rubio who is running a Senate seat. Then were were entertained by Charlie Daniels, Michael W. Smith, and Lynard Skyner band! it was a fun night, although my hearing is still not quite right!

A day in paradise....

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Days with Liz and Candy are always fun. Today was no exception. We made plans last Friday and today we're off to fulfill our goal...relax and have fun!!! We set off early and went down to Lover's Key and set the kayaks in the water and off we paddled. It always seems to be easier to get to where we are going than coming back! There was a lot of activity, with wave runners, boats, and kayaks on the water. We had lots of chatting and giggling, a break under the bridge and we finally reached the beach. We cooled off in the water, ate lunch, and of course the chatting and giggling never ended. One of the most exciting parts of the day was when we were back in the water and someone said "what's that?" "A crab" says someone else and before I new there was a crab SWIMMING and almost touched me. What is a girl to do???? but yell, scream, and frantically splash the water to get rid of the creature!! Minutes later we saw it walking along the beach floor under the water! There was a manatee earlier, many sea birds...plover, pelican, egret, etc. Some people walked by and showed us the spiny sea urchin and I guess there were many star fish in the water also. We began to get crispy and saw clouds rolling in so off we went paddling back...it takes more work to do that. We rested at the bridge and headed on...the water became quite shallow. Liz almost got a fish in her lap...and she was screeching up a storm....critters should remain at a distance!!! Then there was a spotting of dolphins. They swam in front of us and then off to my right...I didn't have my camera as I had given it to Candy, but I had my iPhone and I got it ready and the dolphin started jumping up and playing and I got a few pictures. How about that??? God was certainly making sure we had a splendid day. There were many wetland birds eating and we continued on...finally getting close to the dock and the sun at times covered by clouds and a nice breeze to help cool us off. We made it safely back, with many wonderful memories...days like this can simply be described as AWESOME!!!

Remembering my dad.....

Today is a whole year since my dad left earth to be in the arms of the Lord. He left peacefully, I was with him reminiscing about happy memories with him. It is odd how we are here and then we are not. We don't remember our entry into the world...do we know when we are exiting? My dad was a quite man, hard working, honest. He never asked for anything. He was excellent at carpentry and he LOVED trains! I can't look at trains or anything related to the railroad without thinking of him and stopping to look, admire, and enjoy! I love hearing train whistles in the distance.... He loved cats, so that is probably why we always had a cat when I was growing up. Misty and Sylvester were his favorites. He had a lot of patience when I was learning to drive the van with the shift on the steering wheel...the stupid thing would jump and jerk and I'd say "I sorry" and he'd say "keep going"....I would have been car sick if I were in the passenger seat!! We talked sports a lot when I was in high school, drove my mother crazy ;D He liked going places....so do I. It seems like yesterday he walked me down the isle....so today, I prayed a lot for him in church, and I have thought about him all day, and did some ancestry research...it all ties in, we all have roots, we come from some one...like a branch in a tree, it reaches out further with each generation. From pilgrims, sea captains, farmers to whales, to teachers, carpenters, plumbers, homemakers, nurses, business owners to secretaries...all with a story. It is important to remember, because it is a part of who he was, who I am, and it's passed down to my children. I miss you dad!!! Rest in peace!! :)

Stormy weather....

I awoke this morning to the view of the golf course....cloudy and raining. On the news it is Tropical Storm Bonnie that is coming through. I really haven't paid much attention to the weather since yesterday was spent getting lighting and plumbing fixture ideas. It is nice to have the rain, since it hasn't really rained in a couple of days, yet the storm should intensify in the Gulf which will may cause further chaos with the oil spill clean up efforts. The whole situation was a debacle!! It is extremely infuriating.....

On the upside, I have some ideas for the bathroom reno and we go to get Callie today from camp. It's hard to believe that 4 weeks have sped by so fast. I'm sure her cat will be glad to see her, although the fat-fluff seems quite comfortable sleeping on the end of my bed! HHHMMMMmmmm okay, so I'm procrastinating...I have to empty out closets and pack things in an organized manner so I can find them later! I'm off....sigh!!! :D

Busy weather day....

Progress.....

Why is it, when I have and idea...it has no credibility? Or so it seems. I have been wanting the master bedroom bathroom redone for ages. There is always some excuse and the added statement of "just wait" from the husband!! I'm not good at waiting, I'm rather impatient, and I like things done, nice, neat, tidy, and like...yesterday!!! So, the wallpaper is down, the walls mostly primed. I've been to Lowe's and picked out the closet doors, I've measured, and found a chandelier for the bathroom with a matching sconce! I have got the paint....and today a cabinet maker! Whoooo hoooo, and now someone to do the tile, plumbing and electric...... am I giddy???? How giddy am I???? Over the top...but shhhhhh don't share this with the husband...his answer is still, "I feel like you're pushing things to fast...you really should be patient and just wait a bit".....hmmmmmmmmmm

Birthday Getaway!

Finally....a I got to get away! We ended up with a late start...I'm beginning to feel like I have cooties or something....I didn't get to go to North Carolina, because Manuel said "I'd like to spend time with you....how about going to Disney for a few days"....ohhhhh ya know, jeez guilt and selfishness raged a battle...guilt won!!! ;) I'm not one for lines, screeching kids, heat, sweat....did I mention long lines and crowds??? So....I did more of a staycation.....ughhhhh! Of course, after I agree to this...doesn't one of his employees get sick and guess what...hmmmmm???? We get to stay close to home :( :( :( SIGH!!!! We did go to St. Aramands and to the Everglades, and I got to peel the rest of the wallpaper off the master bathroom walls (this has been and ongoing project that was suppose to send a message to the husband....he TOTALLY ignored my intentions...but kept stating "I can see the woodpecker was back" (GRRRRRRRRRrrrrr). First time off on the 4th of July for years and it rained all day! I rented a car on the 5th of July to go to North Carolina...became very antsy to go somewhere, only to find that Natalie had plans....I was glad for her....sad for me. Was going to stop and see Caitlin along the way....and she is in Orlando...plans nixed, car returned.

It them became time for my birthday, now I'm not counting numbers mind you, BUT, it is a special day and I really think I should be doing something ..... fun, exciting, relaxing, interesting, anything but being home peeling wallpaper of the walls!! So, I sent a suttle text...to my AMAZEMENT he actually read it...I don't know how long it took him to do this, but needless to say he did and did what was asked, I know this because I got a phone call.....hehehhhehehee well, it was business and I had to have him call them back to give the all important zip code! So, the day arrives to go.....and I'm ready, and I wait, and wait, and WAIT....finally Manuel shows up after 1:30pm talking to his brother on the phone and ignoring the fact that I am waiting...well, I think he fast got the silent message when he saw my hands on my hips....we were soon on our way.....We made it to the B and B in time of wine.... two glasses and I just giggle...off to dinner at Brio Italiano...good food, there was some downtown event with vendors so walked a bit and back to the little bit of heaven!

The stay is always short lived.....the breakfast superb! We left our happy retreat and went for a walk on the beach....the sand was really hot!! Then we headed downtown, and off to Sebring talking back roads and going through miles of farm land. We got to Camp and took Callie out to eat. We went to Cowboys....a new restaurant there...she had to be back by five because she had plans with friends.....gosh, dissed again! :( Peaceful drive home.....memories of happy times remain...

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Everglades...

Sawgrass, alligator, mangroves and more; that is what you'll find on in the Everglades of Florida. Panther, white tailed deer, boar, turkey, 5 types of poisonus snakes along with pythons, exotic plants and an eco system. Yesterday's adventure was going down old US41 to Ochopee, Florida in the Big Cypress Preserve. Now I am always up to try an capture memories with my camera....it got a bit exciting when I saw the grasshopper....the Lubber Grasshopper, that was bright and colorful! They were everywhere and I kept getting closer to one and snapping way and thinking this is really cool...well the darn think decided I was interesting and leapt on to my camera!!! Well, not liking bugs, I was leaping around myself, screaming "get it off, get it off!!" Finally, Manuel grabbed the camera and flicked the critter off my camera. Then the storm clouds came rolling in so we couldn't go on the swamp buggy...but there was a young alligator that was reaching the shore of the boat ramp, so again I start snapping the away and the thing kept getting closer....I finally stopped when Manuel said...."you better stop, you know what happened with the grasshopper"...well, reluctantly I stopped...mainly because of the lightning.....I did get some good pictures though ;D

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Adventures

Most of the time when I want to go somewhere or do something I make plans and go...
My husband generally never wants to go far or for long, so I go myself. Generally his excuse is that he has to work! So this week when I was planning on going to North Carolina he decided that he wanted to spend time with me! So we made a few plans and lo and behold pne of his employees became ill so that limited where we could go. Yesterday we headed off to Sarasota to St. Amanda. The weather was cloudy but we enjoyed the shops and walking on the beach. We at at the Columbia restaurant which is very good! Then we took the scenic route going home. US41 sure has changed since moved here almost 24 years ago! I liked old Florida better!!! Now,what will tomorrow bring?

Long hot summer days.....

As a kid it was always exciting when school was out. Long lazy days spent on the beach listening to a small transistor radio and reading comic books, seventeen magazine along with 'Teen, 16, and tigerbeat magazines. Living in an area where people flocked to during the summer months meant that there was always change-over-day every Saturday or every other Saturday where new families would vacation. Some kids became friends for life, others came and went. Though the decades have passed, they are a bit different for my own daughter. While we live in a state with a lot of tourists, our tourism season is in the winter. Mainly her friends are from school or in the coming weeks, friends she has made over the years of attending summer camp. This week she has had a friend visiting from South Carolina. They have been friends since pre-K and although her friend has moved out of state, they keep in touch via the cell phone and computer! No longer the snail mail hand written letters on pretty stationary with waxed embossed stamps on the back of the envelope! There was always excitement to come home and have mail; I'd run up to my room and sit on my bed and read the events from my pen pals! While I had the beach to escape to, my daughter has the pool, and the pool seems to be more inviting after dark than during the day. Shopping, movies, food, talking and giggling are not out of style. They sleep late and stay up late. I think I had more freedom, because at night I'd walk to the beach and have my toes in the water and walk along and enjoy the bonfires along the beach, joining friends in roasting marshmallows over the open fire. Now there is much red tape in order to get a permit to have a bonfire...takes all the spontaneity and fun out of it! So this week it was going to see Toy Story 3, selecting a 4g iPhone and enjoying the company of a friend.

Fun in Gainesville....

Today was basically a lazy day. What is it with Gainesville? Every time I am here, I just want to take a nap or sleep in??? Caitlin has been busy with her studying and I am studying for ACLS...only to get a call from Liz that I missed the scheduled date for it! Caitlin has been able to explain to me what a .... rhythm is...look there is no "p" wave and the QRS complex is narrow! Who knew...I think it is hard to read rhythm strips...if I have to learn them then everyone else needs to read fetal heart rate rhythm strips! Anyway, I'll get through it. Even though it was rather slow, restful, and full of studying we did get out to eat and went to play mini-golf and one night we played arcade games and actually won "Deal or No Deal"! We gave all the tickets away to a little kid. Joe found the problem in my car and there was a little wire not connected to the airflow thingamajig in the car that caused the light to go on...it is now off! Woohooo!!! I bought books on CD and started to listen as I made my way home. It was a Sophie Kinsella book, I really like her stories except for the "f" bomb...the stories are good enough that they don't need that, but the story was good and I had to listen to the rest when I got home to find out the ending. Back to work and reality....

The Arboretum and Gainesville

It was up and out the door to meet up with Kim. The directions were a bit sketchy, but it worked out well. I have to say once I was on my way, Kim had a great surprise...a discount store....it had brand name shoes, many of which I hadn't heard of, and a uniform shop! I did quite well in both shoes and uniforms. Since Liz makes fun of my high-water uniform pants....they are a thing of the past. I have many colors to choose from...whooo hooo. It was then off to the Arboretum. A very tranquil place. We started off with lunch, explored the bonsai and then down through the gardens and to the greenhouse, where I got a last minute buy in! ;) Then I was off to hit the highway back to Gainesville. The ride back seemed shorter. I stopped at an Ingles...I much prefer Publix and the other stop was again at Tallulah Falls...this time I stopped at the little store with the viewing area....a bit over rated in the excitement department, it was however, the biggest tourist attraction in the Southeast. If their were falls, they were small and the gorge is so deep it is hard to see them. The amazing Wallenda crossed it in the 1970's via tightrope (over three football fields in length and 1,000 feet above the gorge)! Did get a bit off course I thought when 23 and 441 split, I took 441 actually truth be told both go to 85 so 85 south was the way to go and then follow the bypass routes to I-75! Stopped in Perry, Georgia for gas (same area we stopped at on the way up) and then ate at Cracker Barrel. Some blonde woman in a green sundress was there either lost, mentally ill, or drunk. She was looking for her "cocktail" and didn't know where she put it! hmmmmm the lady at the table in front of me spoke to her waitress and before long the manage was out and found the lady to be odd. She walked out side and the lady at the table was afraid that she was going to drive so she followed her out. When I left two police cars were there two officers, the lady in the sundress and the lady at the table where all sitting in rockers talking! Off gain to the highway which was dark and road construction here and there but made it to Caitlin's at midnight!

Biltmore

The Biltmore....America's House!

Moving Natalie....

Moving Natalie to NC

ooohhhh my!

I haven't signed on to my blog in a few days...today I signed on....oh my...I think it needs a makeover. I will have to work on that later! :) As the weeks continue to fly by so do the memories! Last week it was Liz, Candy, Gunnhild and I kayaking out to Charlotte Harbour! That was fun. The mangroves are pesky and tend to trap me! Now how can I paddle and take pictures at the same time? Everytime I kept taking a picture I'd get captured into the mangroves. It was, however, a very peaceful place, lot of mullet jumping! It was Candy's first time kayaking...what a hoot, she and Liz stuck in the mud and having to get out and pull the kayak! ;) Today Jean and I went to breakfast at First Watch. It was nice to visit with her, not something we get to do! She'll be going to the Vineyard soon! ahhh Cape Cod and the Islands! Well, off to shop. Have to get a few things for the North Carolina trip! Natalie's big move...she has inched her way out of the state of Florida!

Mother's Day!

Mother's Day was peaceful and relaxing. Dinner last night was take out from Olive Garden and today the kids sent me a Elible Fruit basket. I just love the fruit covered in chocolate. Then it was relaxing and watching movies and a nap! Great day!

A Day with Paul

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A fairly busy week...

Sometimes I'm just plain exhausted. I'm not sure why or how this happens but it does. I work and by the time I'm done I can barely move. Wednesday was one of those days. I pushed myself to go out to dinner after work with Candy to the Outback...and Wallabydarn, I was so tired I went home, showered and went to bed! I've been dragging ever since!

Last Friday night I drove up to Gainesville to see the girls. It was fun. We went to the Santa Fe Zoo, and before we even to the zoo, there was a snapping turtle in the road. A girl was trying to save it but she was afraid, we saw her jump back when the turtle moved. I tried, but it had very long sharp claws. Natalie was brave and she picked it up and took it back to the swamp where it came from! After the zoo, which was very good actually, we went to the Natural History Museum, and The Butterfly Rainforest. The girls had butterflies land on them. I bought several plants for the garden also. My car got to go in the shop.I will have to go back and get more things done, but it needed attention. On Sunday we went to church and Caitlin, Adam, and I went to the Botanical Gardens...perhaps we should go again in June because it was a little sparse on the blooms! My garden rocks!

A Good Day!

Some days are so much fun, especially when shared with friends. Today, Liz, Candy, and I went to St. Armands Circle on Longboat Key! We truly understand what the expression shop til you drop means. We walked around at least three times and found some unique shops. We had dinner at the Columbia Restaurant which was wonderful. Following dinner, it was time to take a nice long walk on Lido Key. It was peaceful and there were many types of birds. The sun was setting and it was time to go. We slept fairly well and were up early for the conference "A Day with the Perinatolgist", it was very good as usual. we went the Troyers Dutch Heritage Restaruant to fill up again. The ride home was full of chatter and laughter! It was good to get away!!

Days Like These....

As usual the days, weeks, and months go by all to quickly. Easter came and went, the kids were all home and I had to work...my weekend always falls on Easter...but not next year!!! Today was nice, even though I was really tired, Liz and I went out to Matlache to Kayak. It was so peaceful. The wind would come and go as did the clouds.
We saw an Osprey with two babies, a heron guarding her nest, many pelicans, and mullet that would jump and splash! It was leisurely and calm...tranquil...definitely need more days like these!

History in the making....

I have been trying to get things accomplished...finishing the unfinished projects and trying to get my life back in order. Two years of school really put a crimp in my hobbies and after almost a year of floundering, I am almost back on track!

Today was the historic pass of of the Health Care bill over 2,736 pages that make absolutely no sense and has no provisions regarding how healthcare providers will be reimbursed. Small businesses will be hit hard with not only increase in social security (which is doubled on the payroll tax) also they will now have to provide health insurance for employees even if they are part time. While the Democrates have felt that this is "wonderful" for all of us, the Speaker of the house stated...to vote on it first to see what is inside and the the President himself hasn't read the bill. As a matter of fact the vast majority of those voting didn't read it and they failed to listen to the American people who in polls were over 70% against the bill. There have been back door meetings, bribary, and promises made, scandelous! These people were elected to represent we...the people!!! Shame on them. After much time spent on arm twisting the vote passed 219 to 212. The CBO brought the price down to $940 Billion (this does not include many essential things), infact it'll cost well over $2.4 Trillion and with any government run project, it'll be full over runs and loose money. Ultimately we all lose. It just again shows the divide that our country has. I believe my ancestors that worked on the Declaration of Independence that stated the we have the inaliable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and justice meant that handouts should be given for those who choose not to take care of themselves. What a shame!!!

need more time....

There just aren't enough hours in the day sometimes. Today, I had the best laid plans, but somehow....I lost them. I woke up with an ear-ache, it was raining and what could I do but watch a movie I taped on the DVR! Then I got up, made coffee and the phone rang....gabbed for a while to Lisa...we've been playing phone tag for ages. Then I cleaned up the kitchen and mixed up a loaf of bread...while it was rising, Liz called and we chatted and the I got ready to meet her at the gym. I came home and the bread dough was over the pan and on the stove....I put it in the oven to bake and wanted to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies....yeah, well, I used to be able to bake! I had to go to the store and get some eggs and then preceded to burn the whole batch one way or another....so what to do, what to do...the phone rang it was my brother...talked with him, made a quick dinner and flipped through some quilting magazines and went to read email and facebook....got IM'd by an old friend, nice to get caught up! Here it is time to get ready for bed to go to work tomorrow...well, I don't want to go to work....this is so typical when I've had my six glorious days off...I need more days off ;) The daffodils look so Springy!!!