WORK

Nice pic last eve of the almost full moon over the house and the flag blowing in the breeze! I just wish it was just as perfect as what I saw, but I am not the best photographer.

Well I have had a pretty good time being off for almost two weeks, but it's back to work tomorrow. Then 2 days of work, a day to pack and then we are off to see the grandkids! I can't wait! HOWEVER I have so much to do before then. Like pack! yuck- I have put all the gifts together today. I still am working on one present. Maybe won't get done, unless I do finish on Monday.

I have been eating garlic like vampires are coming to get me. I have this spread that I have been putting on crackers from Einstein Bagels called schmear . I made chili yesterday and today sorta turned it into Pastafagioli. Yumm! I love that!

Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?
Edgar Bergen (1903 - 1978), (Charlie McCarthy)

Socks

Dau#2 told me the last post was too deep! So here goes with something a bit different.

We grow great by dreams ... Some of us let these great dreams die,
but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days
till they [flourish]; bring them to the sunshine and light,
which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.
--Woodrow Wilson

Now on to the sock dissertation! This morning I put on this pair of socks and noticed the date inscribed on them. It was New Year 2000-can you believe I have a pair of socks for that long, that have actually been in a pair! They actually look pretty new. No holes, even white as when they were purchased. The sparkly things still sparkle!
I know both daughters have worn them at one time or another!
They are actually millennium socks, I can even remember purchasing them, thought it would be funny to have socks during that millennium scare! Ya know K-2!
I can think of things these socks have seen and weathered through with me.
The sale, move from the house and the no sale and return to the house. The final move out of the house. Living with dau#2 for about a yr & 1/2.
Taking a 4 year course in Spirituality & graduating!
The retirement from a nursing career, and the return to that.
Trips to Spain, Iceland, Sweden, Colorado, and of course Florida.
Seeing my nieces & nephews have children of their own! I now have 9 great nieces & nephews in total-one cuter than the next!
Weathering Illnesses & surgeries of my own-Lyme disease, MRSA,2 surgeries-one of which I thought I might die from.
Two new vehicles & a motorcycle. And of course the next page - moving to Florida.
But most of all these socks have seen the wonderful family & friends I have and how they show me that in so many wonderful ways!

Oranges?

This is gonna be a bit different, but this is me today! I walked around the neighborhood and viewed these orange trees. You should taste em! I have!

But against this background shines the extraordinary love of God. For it is true that whosoever believes-even men like these-can have eternal life. God sent me to prison to bring them to this Good News. 'a letter from a Russian Christian Prisoner'


Steel is strenghtened through a tempering process-heated to extreme temperatures, pounded into form, and cooled. Then the process is repeated again and again, heating and pounding the impurities away and the cooling so that metal can bonded. A similar tempering process strenghtens our faith. When we are heated by hatred from others, pounded upon by persecution, and then cooled by the gentle reassurance of God's presence, our impurities are driven out and our faith strengthened. Have you recognised the tempering process in your life? Don't resist any part of it. Learn from your brothers and sisters in the Hmong tribe. Your enemies don't realise you will be stronger as a result of their hatred. 'Southeast Asia: Hmong Christians'


During the last war we were taught that, in order to obtain our objective,we had to be expendable...We know that there is only one answer when our country demands that we share in the price of freedom-yet when the Lord Jesus asks us to pay the price for the world evangelization, we often answer without a word. We cannot go. We say it costs too much... Missionaries constantly face expendability. "Nate Saint, a missionary martyred in the Ecuadorian Jungle in 1956"
You yourself in your own conscience must feel Christ himself. You must experience unshakably that it is God's Word, even though the whole world should dispute it. As long as you do not have this feeling, you have certainly not yet tasted of God's Word. "Martin Luther"

"excerpts above from Extreme Devotion- a devotional from Martyrs"
"excerpt from "He chose the Nails'-Max Lucado"


Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness
Kindness in giving creates love.
--Lao-Tzu

SATURDAY UPDATE

The pretty greenery in the front is?? You guess, I know what it is HAHA, thought you were getting away easy huh!

I am so tired! Went yard saling- yes again. Ya know it really isn't me that fancies it. It's the hubby and best friend's idea of a way to spend so much time. Today one was hosted by the community in which we live,, sooo we walked it! I sure got some exercise today!
We did get some good buys though. Pizzelles! O MY GOODNESS do I love them and I thought wouldn't get them down here! My neighbor made them! She & hubby are from PA. They also made perogies- I don't eat them.
We even got some things free- free is good! How about an apple pie drink ya add vodka to- will have to taste that later- has to finish brewing? Also got some homemade dog goodies! Bought a couple of puzzles for my brother. Hubby is outside right now trying out the telescope he got for free. Some clothes for a patient, where we work 50 cents per shirt! Dr.Pepper soda cans for 10 cents a piece- lady didn't like Dr. Pepper! Got some needle work stuff, one thing I priced just this past week at Joanne Fabrics for $9.95 - got it for 75 cents( I did want it but wouldn't pay that much for it!, I saved how much!) We also bought a loom thing brand new, never used-at Joannes was almost $20-I paid
$3 for.
Guess I could ramble on a bit more, but gotta go make the bed I stripped this morn before going to yard sales!

25 Things About Me- Holiday Edition

I know it isn't reindeer, but thought it goes with the blog, and I have been wanting to post!
Welcome to the Holiday edition of 25 Things About Me.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post. Then change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I HATE wrapping-whatever is handy, esp if I can get someone else to do it!
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial,don't like the mess, plus the past few years we haven't been home at Christmas-ya know Grandchildren live in MD. My trees actually keep getting smaller too!
3. When do you put up the tree? Anytime after Thanksgiving, when I have time. No less than 2 weeks before Christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? When I get tired of looking at it, Usually the first week in Jan. Really depends when we are home after Christmas or if my daughter wants to take it down
5. Do you like eggnog? YES< YES< YES even without liquor!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? a chocolate pie just for me by granny!
7. Hardest person to buy for? dau#1
8. Easiest person to buy for? Hubby-he wants everything
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes several, but don't think they are all in Fla!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail-if I get to them!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? VRC cleaning tape from an exchange student
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, or Christmas Shoes
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever the mood strikes, could even be in the summer.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, I suppose so
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fruit Cake, Chocolate pie
16. Lights on the tree? Many colors and many of them
17. Favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night, Ave Maria, Mary Did You Know
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel most of the time now Grand kids, but would rather be home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yea!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning But sometimes one on Christmas Eve
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? CROWDS, & Crazies on the road! O did I forget rude folk!
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? Birds-this seems to be a family tradition. Also I get new ornament per year. Usually a Santa of some sort
24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Being with family, who cares what we eat, there is always enough variety and things to eat that you can go away stuffed!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? NO MATERIAL thing- I really don't need anything. I want to be able to sit and hug my grand kids, have em sit on my lap and see their smiles and grins Christmas morn. O did I forget being with daughters & hubby too. I also would like to see others of my family; Brothers, sister & their families and to see some friends we have moved away from.

Peace

Another view from the deck at work!

Been thinking quite a bit about Christmas, haven't we all!
Even trying to decorate the walls!
Why do I bother at all, as we are leaving for Maryland after all.

To celebrate with the kiddos and grandchildren and try to have a ball
Much frolicking with friends & family to add to the mix
O did I forget good ole ST Nick!?
Don't forget the camera to take all the pix!

Let's not forget the most important thing
it's the birth of Jesus after all!
Tis the reason we celebrate this season.



Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts,
our world, our universe.
Peace, peace, peace.

- Satish Kumar

A Gift

This is what I get to look at at work! This is a porch which the residents can go out on and enjoy the weather, or even fish! You should see the fish in this water. Even makes me want to fish! But alas I must work! This IS a gift!

I have asked my grand kids what they want for Christmas. Twin #1 said-all I want is for you, Poppie, Auntie & Snickers to visit. The other twin has requested 4 packs of gum. The little grandson says-I want you, the other wants what he has wanted for almost 2 yrs now a nintendo ds. Needless to say they will be getting what they want!
It is a gift to me that they are not so 'thing' minded as I see other kiddos be.

What do you say when someone asks-What do you want? do we really NEED anything? Not me for sure. It isn't like when I was a kid, when you waited all year to get that "thing". I do want Christ to stay in Christmas! I want family & friends to be together. I don't want things to be bought on credit. You could even give me a hug and I'd be happy, how about something you've made? A good meal? A happy time together?

My Posting Place

On an other's blog a meme sorta. Where do you blog? Here it is for me. A corner of the dining room has been set up with the Laptop etc. I spend many hours here when other things don't have to be done. I can feel the pulse of the house here. I can hear the radio, tv etc. I can watch/smell the dinner not being burned. I can see outside, what the weather is doing or if someone is coming in. I can get up quickly if dau#1 needs help. It's a good place I suppose. I do like going into the proper computer room, but have to beat hubby to it, which doesn't happen very often! So what is your blogging place. This is the meme! anyone reading is tagged. Only if ya want to be!

Dau #2 complained she really couldn't see the candles or the angel so here it is just for her?!

There is a single light of science, and to brighten
it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere.
--Isaac Asimov

Advent

begins on November 30 this year TIS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

The word advent, from Latin, means “the coming.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. Christian families find quiet moments lighting candles in the Advent wreath, and children use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas.

God, I don’t have great faith, but I can be faithful. My belief in you may be seasonal, but my faithfulness will not. I will follow in the way of Christ. I will act as though my life and the lives of others matter. I will love. I have no greater gift to offer than my life. Take it.
Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, December 26, 2002

AS I worked today, I didn't have much time for reflection,spiritual or otherwise. Am now home after almost 12 hours at work. Time for rest, relaxation and my reflection. Christmas music playing gently in the background. In my windows, candles lit for the world to see.
I have a question AM I WORTHY!

Friday Tidbits

Leftovers- I have none! Except Pumpkin Dip & homemade cranberry sauce.

Had a hectic day a work! Crazy really- No staff, no linen, lots of visitors, lots of folks going out to have meals with their families, crying patients whose families didn't show or even call!

Go out to dinner at a friends, but wasn't like at home with my family! Sniff Sniff- I miss our family traditions, those family & friends, and turkey like I like with stuffing with giblets, candied sweet potatoes, homemade green beans, and woe to me brussel sprouts. NO CHOCOLATE PIE! Didn't see any of Macy's Parade or a football game. Didn't even come home stuffed!

Then came home to walk the dog, huh, Down the street is a Fire Truck & Ambulance. EMT comes out as I walk past and says "do you know who lives here?", "Sadly No",
"Well she doesn't know who or where she is, do you anyone who might?", "I do, give me a minute"- Instead of using my phone to do the walking, DUH I run as fast as any old woman can that has a dog in toe and tired! We get that all straightened out. Does Nursing ever stop? And to bed I go.

Tired and a little saddened, but still very thankful for all that I have had and have and will have; esp God, Family, & unbelievable Country where we live!

Give Thanks!

Once, when my feet were bare, and I had not the
means of obtaining shoes I came to the chief of
Kufah in a state of much dejection, and saw there
a man who had no feet. I returned thanks to God
and acknowledged his mercies, and endured my want
of shoes with patience
- Sadi, The Gulistan


Every Thanksgiving at our table, before the meal is served we say a prayer of thanks and everyone at the table says something they are thankful for, from the youngest to the oldest. Some take a little prodding, but most comply. Some say this is stupid. We have even had written poems. As the kids got older they would ask,
"Aunt J/Grannyj are we gonna say what we're thankful for?' "I want to be first, or I want to be last" Sometimes it's quite a tearful time. Especially the year after my mom had died.
As we are not in NJ or Md and with our extended family we probably won't do this year- It won't be at my table. Plus, I am working. Silly little things that make a holiday special or memorable.
So I would like anyone reading this post to think about it, and thoughtfully say what you are thankful for. Without a doubt for me it's my grandchildren & children and a hubby who puts up with me thru thick & thin.For a new home which is paid for and the health to enjoy it and our new state.

These are pics of Tampa Bay- Dau#1 and I decided to just take a ride-how lucky we are!

HUH!?

I just posted something and it didn't post!
It wasn't the greatest- did the computer know?
Where did it go?

Shall I find it ever again?
lost in the blogosphere
Where did it go?

A picture, a quote and some words about work
and what I did today.
O My where did it go?

Does blogger.com have a lost & found?
O give it up, it's late, get to bed
dream of where it went!

Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)

I FOUND IT! look under Oct 27/2008 if ya be curious!? seriously don't know what happened there!

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. ~ Andy Rooney


SNICKERDOODLE AKA SNICKERS
Was asked to post a pic of the pup in his coat, well this isn't exactly his coat, it's his Halloween costume-Isn't he cute! He just celebrated his 3rd birthday!



While the weather has been cooler here in Florida thought I had better put a coat on him! When I first put coats on him he would run around the house like ban chi, but now it's like he likes it!? Crazy little pup!

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. ~ Ann Landers

cool days

06/29/01
"Life was so much easier when your clothes didn't match and boys had cooties!"
---Unknown

Can't think of anything to write about, is this writer's cramp?
Or am I just boring?
The weather here is far too cold, I didn't expect it to be this cool in Florida in November. It's 49 degrees for crying out loud!
NJ isn't even this cold in November! Although I heard they had flurries!

Even my puppy had to wear a coat when we went for a walk!
The palm trees are blowing far too fast!
and the noises I hear from nature are chilling!
The birds are flying- it looks like they are going west not south.
I've turned on the heat and even put another blanket on the bed.

BUT the warmer weather is supposed to sneak back in the 70's range by the end of the week!
So our Thanksgiving will be balmy not frigid. O LA LA that's more like it!
I'll be working so what do I care!

I've gone to the dogs

The dogs looked so cute this morning when I arrived to take them for their walk- they had coats on today. Ya know it's cool here in Fla.

I took my friends' dogs out today and while walking near the pond out back saw a baby alligator sunning itself on the far bank! I was so glad it was on the other bank despite it only being 3 foot long. I turned my back to tend to the dogs and lo and behold it disappeared! Where did it go!? I wasn't staying around trying to find out. One of the dogs is really small and it could have been food for that gator! That dog is also blind and walks real slow-I had to keep calling it! I don't know if I will ever take the dogs out back again! I think I don't like alligators! plus where there is a small gator there must be a momma or poppa gator!

My dog has been a bit of a pest lately- he has taken to getting into the trash! Any good ideas on how to stop that behavior!? Plus wherever I want to sit he is occupying-now I can see sitting elsewhere for an elder, but a dog! He glares at me when I disturb him! He also has taken to sitting on me. Maybe he is cold I don't know, but wherever I sit he plops himself on me! This eve I was trying to work on that Christmas project and he just got in the middle of it and plopped himself on my lap and wouldn't let me work on it!

His birthday is this week- he will be three- Dau#1 wants to have a birthday party for him! And invite my friends dogs! She and my friend think dogs are people! We even had to discuss what he was getting for his birthday. Don't get me wrong I love the pooch, but he is a DOG!

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

I've been BAD

This is a tree in the eve with Spanish Moss hanging from it. Isn't it eerie
I haven't posted for two days now- I just couldn't get to the computer.
I am working on something for Christmas and just couldn't put it down. Then all of a sudden remembered I hadn't blogged for 2 days! O MY the bloggers on Blog through November will get me!. So it's presently 3am and here I sit blogging! Of course I had to look at all my email, newspapers & blogs before I could do my own blog. So many interesting things are going on in the world. Mine seems so insignificant now.

I went yard saleing again on Sat. I thought we'd never come home- that's the byproduct of going with someone else- you are at their mercy even when you say 'can't we go home now'. We started at 9am and I was walking back in the door at 3pm! Too much yard saleing for me. At the end people were pleading for us to just take things away. I kept saying no to this one women-' I just don't need it" finally the guy I was with said just take it so she will shut up, so I did. Guess I will have to take to Good Will or sell at a yard sale?

Hubby is still on the trip to Texas- don't know when he will return. He didn't even call today?! Guess he is having too much fun! He is seeing folks he hasn't seen in years so who knows when he may call. On the way home he is planning on seeing some other folk he hasn't seen in years in different places in Texas- He better get back in time for the Turkey!



A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright
(1876 - 1944)

Lucky Boy

This is just a little story about #2 grandson. Apparently while exiting the grocery store with his mom yesterday he found a $10 bill on the ground. Whew what a lucky kiddo! I asked what he bought with his money. Mom said OO he put the money in his account at school so he could buy lunches. O how sweet!
Ya see with having 4 kiddos mom can't always afford to put money into the account, so he said he would do it. Generally they take their food, and I might say mom packs some pretty nice lunches. Better than I did for sure. I think I made em pack their own sometimes. She even packs to their likes and dislikes. I would just make the same for all for lunches, but not her. One doesn't like chocolate cookies, so she doesn't ever get them. They like peanut butter, but they will have honey, butter, or chocolate nutrella on the sandwich and the other one might get hot noodles. It is a real production in the am. You should see it. They do get nutritious things though. The twin who doesn't like chocolate likes baby spinach leaves & ranch dressing, so that's what she might have, along with a wrap, pretzels, yogurt, and drink.


Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944), "The Little Prince", 1943

Orange

While on our daily morning walk, hubby and I picked these two navel oranges from a tree. Ate the one and was it tasty.
Had to turn my air conditioning back on today. It is so muggy and hot. By the weekend it's supposed to be cool again. Dau #1 was so sick from headache & heat thought it better to just go ahead and turn it on.
My trip to Texas was cancelled at the last minute. My friend who had said dau#1 could stay with her changed her mind? Don't exactly know why, other than she said it was just too much for her to handle? I didn't really care to go to Texas with hubby, but am disappointed in my friend? I feel so ambivalent, cause I really didn't want to go, but think hubby needed a driving mate- it's pretty far from here- 25 hours by car. Sometimes when I think so long ago about wanting a child, I never envisioned having child living with me all these years. Although she is 39 yrs old, In so many ways she is childlike. Having a handicapped child is a burden sometimes that no-one other than another parent of a handicapped child can understand. This is definitely not what I thought her life or ours would be like, but we never know will happen in life do we.




You are young, my son, and, as the years go by, time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters.
Plato (427 BC - 347 BC), Dialogues, Theatetus

oops

missed a day! will the blog police get me! I hope not. I promise to do better, but!On Wednesday will be travelling to Texas by car. So won't make any rash promises.
Going to an 80 yr old aunt of my haubby's birthday/reunion party. Will be a whirlwind, but guess we can do? I know I will be TIRED when we get back.
Today have to pack me, hubby and #1 dau. She is not going-too much riding for her. She will be staying with my friend along with the doggy.

Does it ever seem to you that-The more you try and get hubby not to spend money, the more he spends! I'm about to the point of the proverbial 'throwing in the towel on this matter'. The hubby always says 'The Lord will provide" and I counter with, but "He doesn't want you to be stupid'. That man just makes me crazy sometimes! Just how many drills does one man need?

I feel good about taking things to Goodwill and actually, I do like shopping at Goodwill. It's so cheap that it feels like a library where I am just checking things out for awhile until I decide to take them back.
April Foiles

I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.
e e cummings (1894 - 1962)

Life-Joy-Live

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950), Man and Superman, Epistle Dedicatory


O Shaw- I wish so many people would read this and think on it! What eloquent words that get right to my gut! Being thoroughly worn out before being thrown on the scrap heap! O MY- so many think that their everyday ilks throw them out, but to be thoroughly worn out! think on just that for a min or two- then rejoice and be happy that we have so much more to give & live through! Humm what do you think! cant wait to see responses.

The water you see is close to where I live.It's on the eastern side of Tampa Bay. Close by is a spa (a bit too expensive) It claims to have healing water from the 2000yr old Espiritu Santo Spring founded by Desoto and was originally thought to be the "Fountain of Youth". The mineral springs are thought to have healing power.
There is a lovely 'walk' where I love to go and walk and think and get my spirit better. Really all I have to do is go out there and look at God's wonderful beauties!

Week 1 done

Went yard saleing today and found this unique buy- My Christmas Shoes! The folks at the Nursing Home where I work will love them when I put my Mrs. Claus outfit on to go to work! You only live once ya know!

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?
Rose Kennedy (1890 - 1995)

Blogging daily is tougher than I thought it would be. Don't always have extra time, but feel committed to finding the time, even if I am tired!

AH YES

Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children's eyes.
Lawana Blackwell, The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter, 1998




These are my twin Granddaughters when they visited here last summer. They loved going to this park and feeding the birds. They were so excited when the birds would climb onto their arms. We spent quite a little bit of time and money here at
Busch Gardens

Sincerely silly

Today was really nice here after a couple of days overcast and dreary and cool. The sun was shining, just few clouds in the sky. No wind blowing. Seemed like a perfect day to go look at the Harbor with it's 'glasslike' look



OK Shoe aka dau#2 here's the pickle/cuke in the tree-can you see it's a silly cuke in a tree! Hanging up high for all the world to see!

Sincerity is the way of Heaven.
Mencius (371 BC - 289 BC), Works

It'a a PICKLE

What in the world?!
It's a pickle I see up high in a tree.
O how could that be a pickle in a tree.
O I know it's a lie I see
Up high in that tree!
are my eyes deceiving me?
Why no it's a pickle I see
up high in that tree
just dangling so gloriously
waiting to be eaten so vigorously
That pickle is so silly to me
just hanging around waiting for me
That pickle I see in the tree

Truth sits upon the lips of dying men.
Matthew Arnold, 'Sohrab and Rustum,' 1853
English critic & poet (1822 - 1888)

Tuesday Nov 4th- Tapestry

Behind every argument is someone's ignorance.
Louis D. Brandeis (1856 - 1941)
)
It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them.
Pierre Beaumarchais (1732 - 1799)

I haven't posted about politics/the candidates in general. I don't generally! However whatever the outcome. I hope the individuals elected will be respected for whom they are. I know I would never be put in the positions they are seeking! and I congratulate them for doing so either local or to the highest post! I also am so grateful to be able to live in a country who has the ability to vote!

Today we are hanging a tapestry that was given to me by dau#1 of the grand kids-so lovely to look at! It reminds me of the tapestry of our country which has been sewn together by families such as mine! AN American yes, but hewn from the English, Scotch,Irish, American Indians, Canadians, Italians, Dutch and so forth! My mom was a naturalized citizen, and was so proud to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. My older brother was born in England as my mom a 'war bride'. Our family ties have dotted the world over, and I am always so proud to be an American!

Monday Nov 3rd

We must give lengthy deliberation to what has to be decided once and for all.
Publilius Syrus (~100 BC) SO JUST GO OUT AND VOTE!

I was glad to be off of work today, thought I would get a few things done around the house! HAHA, hubby had another idea! He took me out again! What I thought was gonna be a quick trip to the bank turned out to be :a trip to the bank, a trip to the Mall, a trip to Target, a trip to Walmart, a trip to take out my friends dogs, a trip to pay the homeowner fees, and a trip to the pool! Luckily he didn't decide to spend too much money. Did I ever talk about him and spending! Hence the saying 'money burns a hole in your pocket" it was penned about him!

I did get a couple of things done at home! I made a couple of quiches' and bread pudding, washed some clothes and straightened up.
Also went to see a neighbor who hasn't been feeling well. I have encouraged her to go to the doc, when I took her B/P it was 180/112, wonder why she is not feeling well and lightheaded! She doesn't have a doc down here as she just moved down here so I gave the name & number of mine, she promised to call and make an appointment!

And who says retired people have nothing to do! Not this retired person for sure!

Nov 2nd

I WAS TOLD BY DAU #2 I HAD MISTAKEN THE TWIN IN THE SHOT I SENT! hum GUESS I WON'T BE WRONG THIS TIME!Meet twin #1 & 2!

Went to work today- the clocks were screwy everywhere! all the staff were concerned they wouldn't be paid properly. Every time a new person clocked in/out or in/out for lunch I was told- like I didn't know! The folks from night shift wanted it really known they worked an extra hour!
We rec'd phone calls from the pollsters for the patients, even expired patients to get out and vote!
The patients had a late Halloween party from one of the families of a patient- they had so much stuff to eat I doubt the patients will eat supper.
Is anyone as tired as me about the campaign stuff! get on with it already!!!!!
I am doing the daily posting in November thing so come back often.
Gotta get supper ready! It IS dark outside

No matter how rich you become, how famous or powerful, when you die the size of your funeral will still pretty much depend on the weather.
Michael Pritchard

New Month

Here we are the first day of November- can it be!?
Didn't we just begin summer? Where does the time fly!
We turn the clocks back tonight or is tomorrow @2am.
Could never understand daylight savings time
always seems darker in the winter!

Seems like I just got home from work and it's already bedtime!
or should I go swimming with the hubby, and cough again tomorrow!
Nah it's off to bed for me, 4:30 am comes too early
and this ole gal needs all the beauty sleep she can get!

Clouds have been forming and a slight drizzle on the window,
so best get up, take poochie for a walk and get into jammies!
before it's too late and I will just have to get up and go back to work!

Sky Watch Friday #1

This is my first attempt at SKY WATCH FRIDAY
It was a stormy day here in Florida.

a funny thing happened

I think I have shown all the grandkids by now? This is so typical of twin #2 She is one of a kind despite being an identical twin-is that oxymoronic?

Well the funny thing that happened, did happen right here in the confines of my home! Cough cough sneeze, sneeze- that's what I have been doing since last week! I did go to the doctor and got meds! Yes a nurse who goes to the doctor! At any rate I got the meds on Monday, have really not been feeling too much better. Got that hot Toddie last night and felt soooo much better today! While sitting here reading blogs etc, the pharmacy called me and asked how I was feeling and did I have any questions about the meds. I am telling ya I was flabbergasted! I, yes I didn't know what to say. This is the first time in my life a pharmacy has called me to inquire how I was feeling and how were the meds working!

Recipe- Hot Toddie
Hot strong tea mixed with equal parts (brandy, whiskey) since we didn't have those on hand the big guy used triple sec & mint schnapps, honey, orange/lemon juice topped with cinnamon & cloves. He said if it didn't cure me it would kill me. Well here I am blogging so guess it didn't kill me!

Disertation- 'Is murder justified in the Bible'- only the big guy would research that! I did wonder why he kept asking my thoughts on that, now I know!

I do not have a psychiatrist and I do not want one, for the simple reason that if he listened to me long enough, he might become disturbed.
James Thurber, "Carpe Noctem, If You Can", in "Credos and Curios" (1962)
US author, cartoonist, humorist, & satirist (1894 - 1961)

cold COLD cold

WOW has it turned cold! I have a long sleeved shirt & long jeans on today. I had to wear a jacket while walking the dog! I thought I moved to Florida not the North Pole!
Where are all those folk talking about global warming? I know they cant be here today! The flag is blowing so hard it sometimes sounds like a gun firing. Other times it sounds like its gonna blow away down the street.

Maybe some HOT coffee, Hot tea or a Hot Toddie is in order for toady! UM Hubby makes the best Hot Toddie! Don't have a fire place here so cant build a fire and snuggle up to it. But the bed and quilts seem in order for today! after the Hot Toddie!

I even searched the cabinet for some comfort food- Oatmeal! None to be found so ended up warming milk & putting over some oatmeal squares!

I do have a cold so that makes it even worse, went to the doc yest and have sinus infection! So am on antibiotics-having chills- that doesn't help with the cold weather! Yep it's under the quilts, & hot toddie for me! Good book, music and being left alone!

The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
Harold B. Lee (1899 - 1973)

monday

Granddaughter #1 holding Snickers

Worked over the weekend and found myself quite tired. By 2pm I felt like every bit of energy just drained out my shoes. Why is it we sometimes feel like that!? Guess it could be the many trips up and down the hallway? Or getting up at 4:45 am? or just not as young as I used to be? I felt as though I could simply lie down and take a nap.
Today was spent with hubby. We went shopping at the antique places he likes to go. Plus I added a new one. Which he liked immensely. Ya know I am not the one who likes to shop in this family! however always find myself doing exactly that. I would prefer to take a walk on the beach, but find myself walking stores.

Holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
--Buddha WHAT A WASTE IF TIME TO HOLD ONTO ANGER! NOT IN MY AGENDA!

A rainy Friday Morn

First may I introduce ya all to Twin #1 and my dog Snickers.

Now,may I introduce a new blog to you all. My daughter has just started her blog it'ss here http://shoebeeshappenings.blogspot.com check it out.

BIG, UNBELIEVABLE, SHOCKING NEWS! MY HUBBY JUST FINISHED HIS DOCTORATE PROGRAM! HE NOW HAS A PHD IN THEOLOGY. He has been working on it for the past 4-5 years, he told no-one, yes not even me. He was "afraid" he would fail! Him fail, I don't think so, he is too determined to fail! We are really proud! He loves school! & learning.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.
Anne Frank (1929 - 1945), Diary of a Young Girl, 1952

just rambling

If one speaks or acts with a cruel mind, misery follows,
as the cart follows the horse...
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows, as a shadow follows its source.
the Dhammapada

Couldn't understand why I was so tired the other day, just smacked my head and realised: we just drove back from Maryland, I worked the weekend, got up at 4:30 am for 2 days, had a busy day! Humm why am I tired?

Cut some of the bushes around our home the past couple of days, they have grown or doubled their size since we have been here, guess they needed a fall haircut. BUT hated cutting the flowers that bloom- but they only last a day those silly beautiful blooms.

The flag is really blowing/unfurling in the gentle Florida breezes! How pretty!

Having friends over for supper this eve, need to clean or at least clear off the table TeeHee.

Went swimming last eve- Oh that water was warm and delicious! and the hot tub too hot for this ole gal.

Guess we will be turning the clocks back soon! yuck I hate that!

Fall is def here, guess I have my first fall cold coming on, could that be from inhaling too much pool water at 8pm?? poor me! Haven't taken any allergy meds since in Fla, took it this am!

My Hero's!

This is but a little post to say thanks to my hero's from yesterday!
You see at the facility where I just started to work had a fire in the laundry room.
All the staff simply jumped into action. I didn't have to tell one person what to do. In fact, due to their fast action the fire was contained in the laundry room and not a single patient was injured! We didn't even have to evacuate the facility!
The first responder had to be taken to hospital via ambulance for smoke inhalation, and later came back to work.
I shudder when I think how much worse it could have been!
It all started at 7:30 am, with that undeniable alarm ringing! What a day! I was still doing reports @ 5pm, but all were safe!
Thanks staff!

Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.
Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881)

Dead?

For certain is death for the born
And certain is birth for the dead;
Therefore over the inevitable
Thou shouldst not grieve.
Bhagavad Gita (250 BC - 250 AD), Chapter 2


This is an early Halloween story!? However Truth not fiction.
Thursday dau #2 went to the kids school, driving down her driveway
She saw their cat as flat as a pancake out on the highway
She called dear old dad to remove it before the children could see
He did, called me and we had an official burial out back

When she got the children from school and was returning with them
She told them of good ole Angel who had been hit by a driver and was now dead
Much crying ensued as one would expect from children, mom, aunt & grandpa
Where did you bury him? can we see? can we dig him up? can we have a funeral?
can we put put a marker on the grave?

We got home and round the corner strolled Angel the cat!
He isn't dead! who or whose cat did we bury?
Grandson #2 said- 'cats DO have 9 lives!'
Granddaughter#1 said 'I'm really happy our cat isn't dead, but am sad someones cat is dead"

Reading Habits/Book MEME

Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
May I make a disclaimer- I totally agree with Albert Einstein. I really don't like getting a book and curling up with it to read. They will never call me Well Read! Maybe I have a touch of ADHD or something cause I just can't sit that long. The book HAS to be a REAL grabber!

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? Nope, never did!
What are some books you read as a child? Dick & Jane, Bible, Johnathan Livingston Seagull, Of Mice & Men, Call of the Wild.
What is your favorite genre? Medical Mystery, Spirituality Books
Do you have a favorite novel?Of Mice & Men
Where do you usually read? Car, easy chair
When do you usually read? When bored, when I see something I just can't keep my hands off
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? no only during research
Do you read nonfiction in a different place than you read fiction? Yes nonfiction is usually read while sitting up almost at a desk, Fiction is anywhere I plop myself
Do you buy most books you read, or borrow them or check them out of the library-buy and Library. Actually most from library
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Keep them, others I share with friends
If you have children, what are some favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some same ones you read as a child? Same as I read as a child. Also, love taking the grands to the library, pick up a book and then read with them(not to them, but with them)
What are you reading now? Nothing really, have been really busy, but have purchased some for when I get a minute
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? no unless someone says you MUST read this
Whats next?POP goes the Weasel by Patterson
What books would you like to reread? None, I can't stand to reread stuff. 2 of the only books I have read many times are Of Mice & Men & Call of the Wild
Who are your favorite authors?Robin Cook, Patterson,Clive Custler, Max Lucado

Ok now you are tagged: Shoe, Zelda Parker, Merci, & Pax

Memories

We arrived safely in Maryland- all were sleeping except the mouse running about. The mice come in for the winter, Yes it feels like winter here, but I know tis only fall. The leaves are turning yellow,orange,red and such! How pretty. Pumpkins & Mums are on the porches. You can even smell the wood burning stoves. The smoke is going straight up, no wind blowing this crisp eve.
This morn, the kids got up for school and found us all here, what laughter and screaming we heard- Was great for us all. Things hadn't changed in the couple of months I had been gone.However the had all grown taller, grandson #1 is now just barely shorter than me and he laughs at it. He is only 9 but is as tall as grandma!
We got them all packed up and ready to go.
Later in the day we got the bed off the roof of the car- it looked so funny up there, We had more than one stare from people looking at it. We played it to the hilt- we were either the Clampets or Ma & Pa Kettle, or how about plain ole red necks! One lady did such a double take I thought she would have an accident or break her neck looking at it.
Dau # 2 made a wonderful sour cream coffe cake- we have been trying to replicate my moms-I think she may have gotten it now. Went well with the second cup of coffee. Was even hot right out of the oven.

Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918 - )

On the Road Again!

Haven't been online or posting for the past week or so.
I have been working & getting for our road trip to Maryland.
Hey we have a lap top now that we can play with while driving! OMAN!!!
I am waiting for Dau #1 to get in her wheelchair so we can make a pit stop
at the outlet Mall in Smithfield N Carolina.

The puppy is great riding the car. Almost better than me! teehee.
For the past 2 hours I have been reading blogs and getting caught up with my emails,
so when I can get back online I can blog some more & make comments to others blogs.

Later then She is almost done- Happy blogging ME

Pure Joy!

FLORIDA MORN

After the rain, lightning & thunder;
Cool gentle breezes flow
Making the air to breathe so crisp & right.

The grass is wet from the moisture we've been given,
Even the drains are cluttered this morn
palm tree fronds litter the ground
which just yesterday was mown.

The birds sound even more happy
as they fly thru the air
The woodpecker is really at work
on the tree he's hammering can be heard.

As I walk snickers he even
smells every blade of grass,
looks to and fro
for what is new in our neighborhood.

Nothing new can be found
its just a cleansing which has been done
sparkling as diamonds on this Florida morn.



"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore

UGH!!!

Ugh she says? yes, somehow, someway the computer shut down, and had to have everything rebooted,redownloaded! I have spent this entire day so far doing just that, and am not done yet. LUCKILY, hubby can do the major stuff like installing windows etc! What a man- Right now he is on the roof washing it! and the gutters and downspouts! Guess I will have to go swimming with him this eve!

OOO the flower /plant is a bougainvillea. I Even have to redownload the pics. Glad I was almost finished with guess the flower! I have one more but have to go take the pic. I don't know what it called so will have to find out along with ya!

Kennedy quotes? don't know why, just did!

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy

It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.
Rose Kennedy

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.
Edward M. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, 1980

Each time a man or woman stands up for an ideal,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice,
he sends forth a ripple of hope
and crossing each other
from a million different centres
of energy and daring,
these ripples build a current
that can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance."

Robert Kennedy

sat am musing

The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)

The last one was a firecracker plant. The ends look like firecrackers, quite pretty. This is not and azalea which was what I thought when I got here

Me and the hubby got up pretty early this am as we are going further south for a Flea market. Usually we like to get a good start on the day. However whom we are going with hasn't arrived yet and it is already 10:40 am. So much for an early start!

We walked the dog and found to our amazement many folk were out and about early- these old folk get up EARLY. One woman had already done her mile walk @ 7am. A guy was washing the house next door before 8am! Gardening was being done, painting and such!

Man is it a beautiful day here! 80 degrees, no humidity, sunny. I keep getting messages from dau #2 about their Nor'easter and rain! and putting the heat on. Just opened up the windows and shut down the air conditioner!

Danny, #2 grandson, had his football game last eve. He made 3-4 sacks in the first 5 plays of the game. Shortly thereafter they took him out and changed him to a different position. A back I think. In flag football they are all about learning the rudiments of the game. Dan finally got to pull several flags and was sure happy!

Kenny, grandson#1, has his game today, and is all geared up for it. I spoke with him this am. He has gone from 104 to 93 pounds playing football- now that's a diet. He has also gotten taller- he looks thin to me on pics, but guess he is more muscle now. I know his doc will be happy! By now he is probably is as tall as me ! Boohoo- your 9 year old grandson taller than you!

Hubby put up his various diplomas in the computer room-Yikes who needs wallpaper or such. Looks very impressive! No wall space left for any of mine!

Reality??

this plant looks pretty much like it's name! a hint for this one. The last was a Jacaranda
Humankind cannot stand very much reality.
T. S. Eliot (1888 - 1965)

Humm Reality.

Some say that reality bites, however I agree totally with TS Eliot!

People just can't stand reality.

People have watched so much tv over the years and can't imagine real from fiction!

they don't believe the world is in crisis,

they don't believe there are devastating storms/hurricanes

they don't believe there are children going hungry

they don't believe there are people dieing from horrible diseases

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955),

they don't believe we are in the most important election of our nations most recent history

they don't go out to register to vote nor do they go out and vote if registered

Wake up my neighbors/friends/cobloggers

We are in some tough times and it takes all of us to get together and fight these things!

I will quietly get off this soap box now! Just had to speak up before we loose!

lavendar blue

Whatever is in any way beautiful hath its source of beauty in itself, and is complete in itself; praise forms no part of it. So it is none the worse nor the better for being praised.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 AD - 180 AD), Meditations

You should see this tree when it is in full bloom! So pretty and fragrant! I really had never heard of it before coming to Florida. Name it, if ya can.

Potatoes! The other day I asked hubby to put some potatoes on so I could make Scalloped Potatoes & Kielbasa. Did he ever put potatoes on! He cooked 10 pounds. What did he think, I was cooking for an army?? We were having friends over, BUT!

We have been eating potatoes for every meal since then. I have made potato quiche, fried potatoes & kielbasa, home fries & eggs.

Was gonna make potato salad, but only have three left-OMY! so am gonna make potato, tomato, chicken & cheese quesadilla. SO what else could be done. I know I won't be having potatoes for awhile!

Weekend Notes

Bromeliad is the flower of the last post. Here's another one to view and guess. They were new to me here in Fla.

Work was ok on Saturday, nothing too bad happened. I didn't work on Sunday cause I was just orienting and they thought that was enough. So in two weeks I will be on my own. The nursing part of it is a breeze. It's learning the people and their paperwork. AND where they keep things that, I need to know most now. I have a really good staff so I should do just fine.

The weather here has calmed down a bit in terms of heat and humidity. Actually, it is getting quite nice. Folks say wait about a month and you will really like it. Raining now. Happy Autum/Fall to all!

Sunday we went to yet another church. We haven't found the right one as of yet. The search continues! Actually I thought I would really like this one, and was quite disappointed when I came out! I have been wanting to try this one for awhile. Alas! it was quite BIG, felt like going to church on a football field! Not for me I like it a bit more intimate than that.

My grand sons football teams both won, YEAH! for them. The little one is playing flag football, but wants to tackle! He gets through the line really great, but cant seem to get the flag. He gets quite mad about that.

My grand daughters were both baptised yesterday! Now that's exciting! to have your grand children follow in the faith! You should have heard them over the phone. Grandma we are COLD & WET and we were Baptised! They were having a baptism service, where they dunk them. Usually its scheduled, but the girls both said to momma- WE WANT TO BE BAPTISED! So they went and talked with the pastor, to make sure they understood. Low and behold they got baptised in their Sunday go to meeting clothes! I am sad I didn't get to see it, but I could hear the excitement in their voices!

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.
Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC), The Confucian Analects

AH Yes Work

GUESS THE TROPICAL FLOWER

It has been my experience that one cannot, in any shape or form, depend on human relations for lasting reward. It is only work that truly satisfies.
Bette Davis (1908 - 1989), The Lonely Life, 1962

Well I've gone back to work! Only every other weekend, but work non the less! What is it they say? Once a nurse always a nurse! Actually I guess we need that little bit of extra income till the house sells or I collect social security, whichever comes first.

Last weekend, my first weekend at this place, we had the local police there each day!

Yes I am working at a nursing facility. I am the day shift weekend supervisor of nurses. We only have about 100 patients. Not too many to manage. The staff seems so nice so far! Seems so strange doing real nursing after my last job. I can't really explain that, but the ones who know me understand.

moving is more than moving

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

For those of ya who wanted to see the mommanator on the cycle! I just ride with hubby, haven't learned to drive one yet! Maybe in my next life!

On to moving-ya think when you get your stuff moved and somewhat sorted out, you are done with the move! OOOO NOOOO!

Next ya have to change your address on EVERYTHING.

you have to get new drivers' licences,

get new tags for the car, and new insurance.

you need new bank accounts and get all your direct deposits going to the new bank,

you need to go thru the process of getting your nursing license updated and changed

ALL of these wonderful things come with a price, of course, and you on a limited income!

You have to get acclimated to the new weather,

need new doctors, o and change the health insurances,

you meet loads of new people, mostly all you like,

you have to remember new names, new addresses

you have to remember you are now living in a community that have allot of grey haired people.

You have to get new vet and someone to groom the dog

AHA and now you have to pick up puppy dodo

whenever you take him for a walk.

You make lists and lists so you don't forget one item!

and even find yourself asking did I do that?

you even have to contact your last state employee so they

don't take NJ state taxes out any longer! guess I will have to find a new tax man too!

What bliss it is, BUT I could do away with some of these things!

I could go on forever, but guess you get the idea!

O Dear!

Recieved this pic from a friend and thought it was worth sharing! Can you imagine them in your front yard? They are quite beautiful, but surely belong in the wide open spaces! If they can find any! Hubby and I were just talking about how people have invaded the spaces of the 'wild' animals-where will they eventually go?just in zoos?

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.
Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Pro Publio Sestio

motorcycle granny

[Memory is] a man's real possession...In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.
Alexander Smith (1830 - 1867)

Today hubby & I went for a ride on the cycle!! Yeah it was fun, but hot. Haven't been out with him for awhile, so thought I had better.
Here in Fl they don't have to wear helmets, which I think is NUTS!
I still have helmet hair from it!
DO you get the pic? My hubby has a beard & looks like Santa! and I sorta am built like Mrs Santa! We didn't get anyone pointing at us, so guess we didn't look too silly!


Hubby is upset this eve. He has been saving quarters for about 5 years and thought he had a bunch of money! Well it's about a quarter of what he thought he had! He has decided he is gonna stop saving them-"what's the use" hey you 're saving even if it doesn't add up to what you think! he doesn't see that logic!


I however, think I have finally gotten out of my most recent funky mood!? Paid the bills and maybe we can even go out for dinner and get groceries till we get paid again. Even though Hubby forgot to pay the electric and they were gonna shut it off! That bill was one of those that want you to"go smack your momma bills"! God does provide! We used to get paid biweekly, but since I have retired it went to monthly! What a difference to get used to. O yeh and it would be good if the house up north would sell!


Seems like I work every day and still have more to do! but I guess thats the way of a housewife!

Shop till ya drop

Today was a girls day out. We went to Bradenton Outlet Mall.
I think I only spent $40 or something like that. The others in the party
were much more generous than me.

Today was the first day we used the new wheelchair lift on the car for my handicapped daughter! What a joy it was having it! No more lifting the wheelchair for me YEAH!
I actually didn't have to push her around either cause she took her new motorized wheelchair
she got while I was up north- settling things
I almost didn't know what to do with myself not pushing her
Plus in all this heat I didn't get heat stroke or heart attack-what a relief,
we should have gotten it years ago- would have saved me and hubby allot!

When we drove back I used the GPS in the car- one of the gals that went showed us how to get down there- she was amazed I could remember all the turns etc. I laughed out loud and told her I wasn't all that smart I was using the GPS. She had never used or been in a car with GPS and was so very amazed! She actually had an argument with it, said it was telling me wrong and had to apologize to it when it was right. She actually called it a bitch!
We had a great day with just perfect weather! The Skyline Bridge was truly beautiful-you could see for miles!

When we arrived home hubby was full of perspiration from working outside all day! I told him to go get his bathing suit on, he needed some swimming and the hot tub! OOO and drink something!
What a beautiful, sunny morning. It makes you happy to be alive, doesn't it? We can't let the sun outshine us! We have to beam, too!
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005

Florida Breeze

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969)

It's calm and so quiet here
standing on the porch outside
hearing an occasional car go by
or the crickets undeniable sound

It's hard to believe there are storms abrewing
Tropical depressions and hurricanes abound
The ocean is roaring on the other side of the state

There are children crying
from lack of food from their mom and dad's
the diseases that mame and disfigure
the Innocent ones

There are still wars
going on across the miles to other continents
killing the soldiers we have sent abroad

the rumbling of the parties
those Democrats & Republicans
calling names where rhetoric abounds

Lord, please let the things we see and hear
in the nature you provide
be noticed and mimicked
by all,
let there be peace, calm and quiet
for everyone to see
not just me!

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)

holiday??

Any one who has common sense will remember that the bewilderment's of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye; and he who remembers this when he sees any one whose vision is perplexed and weak, will not be too ready to laugh; he will first ask whether that soul of man has come out of the brighter light, and is unable to see because unaccustomed to the dark, or having turned from darkness to the day is dazzled by excess of light.
Plato (427 BC - 347 BC), The Republic


I was reminded it was a holiday today, but it really wasn't for me.
I cleaned one of the closets. I mean I took everything out, rearranged , threw some stuff and put other stuff to give to Good Will. I took nothing out of the car or the darn trailer I drove down here! Am I nuts- don't answer that it was rhetorical!
We did go out to a friend's for dinner and went swimming, but it didn't seem like a holiday.
Maybe tomorrow or the next day I will have a holiday?