I am now a cycle momma!

Yesterday my neighbor here in Fla(who is moving) gave me a three wheeled bike. One would think it would be easier to ride than a two wheeled version! Alas, my mistake or stupidity! I got on it, I got off of it, ran it in circles, over the sidewalks and onto the grass. I laughed so much I almost wet myself.
Another neighbor came out to see what all the fuss was about. (She's 74)
What is going on here don't you even know how to ride a bike for crying out loud! Don't run over me or the dog, you fool. EEK you're over driving the darn thing, go in a straight line!!!
By this time I was laughing so hard I couldn't stay on the bike and tears were coming from the eyes(not because I couldn't ride, but because, just because!)
My handicapped daughter who was in her motorized wheelchair was laughing out of fear and of joy I think! Mom don't run over me or snickers. We laughed and laughed.
Finally, I got it down and even rode almost the entire community, and put snickers in the back in the basket.
What a fun time was had by all at my expense- at least they were laughing and I can take it!
While riding I thought of the bikers VA GAL wrote about in Denmark- good thing I wasn't there! I would have caused a major accident. Also, glad I learned before the grand kids came down so they don't think I am a complete idiot. It is great to laugh at oneself with that bellyaching cleansing laughter!

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)

Wlaking the dog -Smells and scents

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

ARGH you must be saying-she has definitely gone off her wig this time- Smells of all things!

Well last eve as I was indeed walking our dog I smelled the most wonderful things;

The gardenias are all in bloom here and Snickers for some odd reason always stops by any of them, and I am so thankful as it is one of the most wonderful fragrances. I really love gardenias. I had to have them for my wedding bouquet many moons ago- did I tell you all I married in March with snow on the ground-not too many gardenia bushes abloom in NJ in March, but alas-I did have them imported for my bouquet! I really never knew how tall they grew in Fla and they are just about everywhere where I live, everyone has one or two of them!

The next fragrance is Jasmin! whew a close second to the gardenia!

Then there are those balmy sea/ocean breezes we have here!

Did I forget the bogenvia! , the new mown grass! It is almost the Garden of Eden here. there are others I haven't learned the names of as of yet- more to follow!

So taking the doggie is sheer pleasure for me. Then my neighbor calls hey there, come over for a glass of wine and I am "forced " to smell the bouquet of the grape vine! Pretty nice one I must admit! AHH the joys of walking the dog in Florida!

AND I thought I-95 was bad!

Have been trying to learn how to get around here in Florida without getting lost, but that hasn't been too easy! The drivers here are insane! There are too many vehicles and not enough real estate! Plus hubby decided to take my navigator home with him!

You have the old folks with their cataract glasses on with walkers and canes jutting out the windows who can't turn their heads to see if anything is coming, so just point and shoot for where they want to go! Couldn't hear a horn if ya blew it.

Then there are the SUV's & Hummers who drive like they are at Daytona. When they make their quick u-turns, look like they will turn over!

Does anyone use a turn signal where you live, I don't think they know what they are down here! I also don't think anyone leaves their home on time for an appointment- fast is the rule!

They do however use their horns- I have never heard so many people use their their horns in NJ or MD.

And there are the islands in the middle of the roads-I have gone the wrong way more than once cause I didn't know a damn island was there until I was already on the wrong side of it! Did it twice yesterday and just screamed - egads glad no-one was coming!

I have gotten really lost twice since being here, but have had lovely drives in doing so and seen more of the state than I would have if not lost. I don't get anxious when lost, too many years as a visiting nurse and following directions of incompetent folk, just grin and bear it! I have nothing but time and finally reach my destination! The other day daughter #1 was with me and she was getting really anxious- I had to tell her to knock it off, what else did we have to do. She replied-it sure is good Dad isn't here he would have a cow- and I had to remind her I wasn't dad! We probably went 50 miles out of our way to get back home, but we did it. We did have to untie the legs of the pup though they were so crossed from him trying not to pee in the house! lol!

I still love it here though (note to me, must post on all the flowers here) and will get used to the crazy drivers! I am a veteran of I-95!

I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.
Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965), retort to a heckler asking him to state his beliefs, Time, November 1, 1963

ANOTHER THIS & THAT

Seems like here in Fla I haven't had time to post-go figure! I have barely time to even look at others blogs, but think I am settling into some kind of routine now?

Don't ever come to Florida and not wear sunscreen! My darling skin is now a vibrant red after spending 2 hours in the pool and hot tub, don't even think about the pain, have been slathering cream onto it every couple of hours to combat the heat & pealing that will occur- Don't send this to my dermatologist- he would kill me. I spent most of the day today resting in bed from the sun/headache-not good!

Anybody from NJ want to get a drivers license in Fla? make sure you bring lots of documentation! and I thought NJ was bad. After spending 1 1/2 hrs looking for the place I didn't have enough documentation! not happy about that and will have to wait til I get back to NJ to find it. It took me so long to find cause maquest goofed! also, they don't have motor vehicle places- you go to the tax collector and isn't seen easily from the road?

I backed my car mirror into a wall yesterday- oops broke it, now to find a place that sells them. After quite awhile I found an Advance Auto and fixed it myself- aren't you all proud of me!

Gonna get the dog neutered next week! that will be fun!

Daughter #1 here in Fla-she seems to be enjoying me being here. Says she doesn't know when if ever she will come back to NJ, and I had such a time convincing her she would like it.
Had a power outage today seems as though a transformer blew- it only took them an hour to get the electricity back on after it went out!

Now to the question of the day- I am singlehandedly trying much of the labels of wine here in Fla- got any suggestions? for a new one for me to try!

Man is so made that he can only find relaxation from one kind of labor by taking up another.
Anatole France (1844 - 1924), The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard

this & that

I have been reading all your posts with great enthusiasm, however have had a little glitch with my daughters computer, so haven't been able to post or comment. On the plane down I scripted this:
An ocean of distant clouds I see
As I travel by plane to a distant city
The sky above is a vibrant blue hue,
which reminds me of the sea in the morning dew.

With all troubles and depression left behind
I am ready for a wonderful vacation time
To our new home purchased with glee
just after Christmas we would get the key.

Taking care of the grandchildren my responsibility
will be transferred to grandpa readily!
I will be missed by the kids
but it's time for me
the winter clothes to shed
Enough said.

I have been here four days already and it has been a whirlwind! But I feel so relaxed and happy, guess the "sad " is gone again-I hope. For some reason down here I don't feel the pressures I feel in NJ or MD, but guess this will pass in time? Hope not. It really feels like we made the right decision to do this thing to Florida, I am still quite in love with the place. While in the pool yesterday I laid back and floated and said "now this is being retired!" Probably by Sept-Oct I can move down here full time. The little tyke will be in school full time, and that was the deal.

Man can my hubby shop- I had forgotten that, I don't like shopping as much as he, we have been out every day, all day since I have come. After shopping yest, he said "we won't be shopping any tomorrow, I think it's a day for rest and packing before I go back home", but before we went to sleep last night he said " I have to go to Walmart tomorrow to pick up a couple of things before I go"

He prepared a wonderful dinner for my arrival and Ya should have had some of the cake! Every other eve we have been out to other folks' houses for dinner. I haven't cooked a thing since being here, not even breakfast (he does that) and of course we go out for lunch.
Reality will strike when he goes home-we are going out again this eve.
Hope all are well and as blessed as I feel.

Spring Cleaning?

Just what is that anyhow? must we do, I guess so.
I shouldn't have any with moving out & in all in the same year,
but non the less I must do!
It's incredible how much stuff we accumulate! Especially when hubby is a collector!
I have just lost interest in yelling about it, so now I must pay!
Now I must again pack to move all the stuff we got when we moved back in,
before we sell the ole place AGAIN! This time we are really downsizing! As the place in Fla is smaller. What winter stuff do we keep? What do we get rid of. Plus I still have the stuff at my daughters in MD that I STILL have to go through OMY!

Back to what is spring cleaning, sorry I digress!
We clean the house!
We clean the gutters,
We clean the yard of trash & leaves to start the spring
So the flowers look as pretty as they can be!

We get rid of clothing too small or stuff we just don't want any more!
Good Will likes me!
We clean and polish till it looks brand new before the dust bunnies can come in and deposit their mites and like-(O I thought the bunnies were supposed to leave colored eggs, my mistake).
Then there is painting and touching up from the winters effects. Yes I live in NJ! and it does have an effect!
Get the grill ready, do I have to prune! How about planting some tomatoes- they are best in June.
Now to another spring cleaning.
I confess I should spend more time on ; that's the clearing of my head of whats been bothering me, examine myself and what I should do for HIM. Spend time in the word, pray and help others as much as I can and be a good example for Him.
And the most important I guess at this point is:"do it all as unto HIM" 1Cor 15:58

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.
Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885)

And I thought mine was a catastrophic week!

The week started as any other week at my daughter's, but then!
Danny's tricycle broke down! alas-to the trash it went,
then the next day his "Harley" hot wheel motorcycle broke! Grammy what am I gonna do! thru tear stained eyes.

The next eve while daughter was working I get a blood curdling scream from the back door!Grammy the dog got loose and look what he did to my hands while I was trying to get him back. Mind ya this is my 5 year old grandson screaming with his hands in my face all bloody. I am a nurse, but this was too much-this is my grand baby crying and screaming and BLEEDING. Kisses and washing the hands and Lots of band aids were the ticket.
Seems as though all 5o pounds of him was trying to rescue the dog, that I had trouble holding and getting leashed back up.

Then Friday,amidst me getting ready for the drive up I95 Easter weekend. (I save the best til last); the kids were out playing on the trampoline- The twins come running to the house yelling Kenny fell off the trampoline and he can't breathe! My daughter and I looked at each other and can't run fast enough down to the tramp! I, of course being older almost got there when she was bringing him back up- he was quite shaken and crying and breathing harshly (asthma kicked in)! We checked him out, no broken bones not even a scratch, but the tears were definately flowing! He did complain of some aches and pains- we couldn't get out of him just how he fell-head first, arm shoulder or what. We finally calmed down after that and her work called and said she had 3 visits to make! O Joy- I have a kid with no means of transportation, with bandages on all fingers and another one with a terrible headache and they were all hungry!
Needless to say we had a calmer afternoon- me the kiddos, lunch and movies off the tv!

As the day progressed Kenny kept saying I have a headache and I feel loopy- my being the nurse looked into his eyes and found unequal pupils! EEK what more can happen! I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DAUGHTER AND SUMMONED HER HOME TO GET HIM TO A DOC SOMEWHERE!

When all was said and done the doc felt he was OK. however found he had a slight fever. They came home, I took the others to the father's home for their weekend visit. With my daughter still being on call for the weekend, Kenny not wanting to go too far away from Mom and Grandma - we decided to keep him home for at least the night- There goes my going home! but how could I say no to those big beautiful blue eyes!
After awhile his temp went up to 102.5 humm must have caught something and that's why he was feeling so out of sorts! Some motrin solved that problem- he is well on the mend now.

I said all this to say I thought my week was bad, but it was nothing compared to the week Jesus had for me a sinner. He was denied by his friends, he was sold by his friend, he was tortured, he was tried for sins he did not commit, hung on a cross and left to die! HOWEVER HE rose again! and will come again! HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

Whatever God's dream about man may be, it seems certain it cannot come true unless man cooperates.
Stella Terrill Mann

Cork? Corkscrew? Wine?

The other day my daughter and I went to a local winery, just to get our favorite wine for some spirits in the evening.
As I have written before I have moved a couple of times over the past year AND to my surprise when we went to open the bottle there was not a corkscrew. I think they went to Florida?
Mom, what are we gonna do? Me, well what did they do before they had corkscrews, we're inventive and we want the wine so I suggest we invent something or we go to the store and pick up a cork screw. SHE, I don't want to go out, ME, and neither do I so guess we better put our thinking caps on.
We first tried a metal shish kabob skewer! to no avail, in fact we had trouble getting it out- it may have been the laughter that ensued that we couldn't get it out. then, we walked about the house looking for something, finally we went to hubby's tools! a very large screw, a screw driver & and pair of pliers! After all what is a corkscrew anyhow but a large screw!
We were quite thirsty by the time we got that cork out, again amid MUCH laughter. I never realised corks were soooo long!
Well by midnight the wine was gone and we were sleeping soundly!

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)
There is nothing more dreadful than imagination without taste.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)

when's Spring?

Recently someone asked me when I thought Spring started?? What an odd question, it's March 20th or 21st. Apparently some folk believe it is March 1st- I had never heard of that. So, I looked it up on the net!

Most recognise Spring in the traditional way, by the astrological-March 20th/21st. but of recent past meterologically it is March 1st. Seems it is easier to think in the seasons in quarters by the meteriologically minded! therefore Spring is March April, & May.

Guess some can't remember 21st!? People are always changing nomenclature-what's up with that!?
Still others say when we turn the clocks forward-"now spring is here". the days are warmer & we have more sunlight.

In the scheme of things- does it matter? When I feel warm gusts of wind & rain and the daffodils & crocuses bloom AND I don't have to wear a heavy overcoat-I say Spring has sprung look where all the pretty flowers is! Needless to say also, my allergies start to give way to a clear head and I can breath without holding a Kleenex to my nose-it's spring! hooray!


Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.
Doug Larson

Socks, socks, socks

I think I have complained about folding socks before, but must get on a soap box about it today. My daughter said when are you gonna post something new- I told her if I wasn't so busy finding mates & folding socks, I might have time! We presently have 2 laundry baskets full of mismatched socks- I tell ya now isn't that rediculous!

I think I have come up with the perfect solution to the problem, but she finds fault with it!

Give all the socks they presently have to "Good Will". Buy all new ones; same size, same color, same design. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me- they all wear about the same size. Even the 4 yr old wears about the same size as her. Don't deviate from that except if they don't make them any longer!

Then her response, but Ken needs to wear black ones and the girls like tights- No problemo- black you say- get him same size & design, only black. Tights you say- they stick together so there is no mate to find.

My other solution is -don't mate them- let em wear mismatched socks or let them find the matches- She actually had fault with this too- ya know they have a dress code at school, and you also know they can't find their matches, they have enough trouble finding their school bags, clothes, shoes etc X4

OMG I just came up with the perfect solution- they don't wear socks at all- let em go barefooted and clothes less- Now I know why nudists are nudist's- they couldn't find matches to their socks!!

One cannot fix one's eyes on the commonest natural production without finding food for a rambling fancy.
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Mansfield Park

First Year Basketball

Ok Folks ,
this is the first year of my grandson playing basketball. This is the team, you can by their look they are really into it! However, scroll down and you can see some determination in their eyes!
They got into the play-off, however lost that game by a margin. They were told from the very beginning- it was all about fun, not wins. They DID like to win though. You could see them literally improving by each game, it took several games before they won one, so they were filled with humility! My grandson is # 8. I guess he was the tallest on the team,

Here you can see em enjoying ice cream after a win! Nothing like ice cream to quench one after a big game

Here's the team with their coach. She was the only woman coach for the league! Go GINA!


Again after a game, sisters being a part of the action!

Can you see the determination of my grandson? nothing was getting past him! He could be quite intimidating.

Run boys! get back into guarding mode!

Was it Stupid?

Today was about 50-60 degrees out. All day long the hubby said-let's go swimming, to which I replied are you stupid or something like that! I am cold now! Then thought for a moment- I went to Iceland and went to the "Blue Lagoon" while it was snowing out. I also went to a pool in Kentucky in the middle of a snow storm that was an outdoor heated pool.

Finally at 5:30 pm I relented and went with him. You see I have been in good ole Fla for a week now and the weather has been let's say-less than nice (read previous post).

We had to shower-eek, I thought there would be frost on my toes till we got the shower.
Then we went into the pool- now mind ya it is heated to 80 degrees -so it really wasn't that bad.
Then we went to the hot tub-temp there 102 degrees. Let me tell ya YUMMY. Of course after 25 Min's I went back into the pool to freeze again, and shortly went back into the hot tub.
It really was quite exhilarating!

It's back to NJ tomorrow- have fun while I can!

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?
Scott Adams (1957 - )

what a difference a day makes

yesterday when I arose it was 80 degrees AND muggy here in Florida
we went shopping pretty near all day, then had friends over for supper
we had roast pork, baked potato, salad, asparagus, rolls and dessert of either yogurt pie or strawberries & cream over pound cake.

during dinner it started to rain, lightning & thunder AND rain AND rain! wind a blowing and did I say RAIN and the temp started to plummet

this morning it's 50 degrees and still a bit windy. cool in fact, however it still beats the 27 degrees in MD & NJ! we were thinking about going to a baseball game, but we may wait till tomorrow and hope it warms a bit.

NAVEL ORANGES are WONDERFUL right now!

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

24 hours

The last 24 hours has been jammed!

The kiddos waked me yest am yelling "Mommy hurt her leg", I come downstairs to find out she has dropped a frozen chichen on it! O My

To top it off I really didn't want to get up as my throat was killing me, I didn't sleep in my bed and didn't have my C-PAP!

After delivering the children to school (we have to drive them every day
back & forth as is private school & no busses)!

I looked on the computer for what had happened during the night; Castro resigned!, the Pres & wife are in Africa, oil prices are going up AGAIN!, the satellite shootdown is postponed(I am flying on Sunday-I hope it doesn't affect the flight, a young collegiate couple are missing-Providence& NJ, another hurricaine hit the south, the biggest frog in the world was found, AND we prob will miss the lunar eclipse due to snow.

After school we all decided to go to the doc! EEK 4 children to sit in a waiting room! Daughter had the foresite to take their homework with them. Her foot is not broken, but I have strept throat and needed an antibiotic- so we had to then go to pharmacy. My perscription card had a glitch, but the pharmacist squared it away so I could have the meds for the $9.00 fee instead of the real med price. After 2 pills I am feeling somewhat better,BUT not 100%

Then they had to have dinner, baths & bed!

This morn-another 2 doc visits- the 4yr old & 9yr old have sore throats. And daughter is feeling it too. They are all clear thank God.
On the way back it started to snow! and that's my 24hrs- how about you!

for the advent

Today I recieved this in an email, and couldn't help for my blogger friends to see and enjoy. Quite inspirational! Enjoy


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grandchildren diddies

Was in NJ last week and had a phone call every day from my youngest grandchild-When are coming home granny! Even had a voice mail from him. Right now he is rubbing my back-he said he has been waiting to do that-yum feels good!

There are candy wrappings all around the house-had valentines day here for sure!

My granddaughters presented me with 2 bouquets of flowers and big smiles across their faces-look what we got for you granny! One with roses and the other with gerber daisies-what a nice surprise-can't do candy! even my daughter remembered my advent fastings, actually she remembers it better than me at times.

Daughter made homemade chicken noodle soup-I felt was good and tasty, the kiddos --some liked some didn't. it had too much chicken in it-go figure.

Despite the age difference in the boys-they get along quite well, now they are doing video games together-they take turns and no-one has to tell them! You should see them when they decide to run around the house and chase each other-EEK you should hear the noise.

The oldest twin has taken to making stuff for me out of her aluminium foil from lunch every day. I make a fuss over it and she gets a great big smile. Actually she is quite artistic! So far I have a horse head, a pencil holder, a duck, a manta ray and a fish. I am just hoping I don't get food poisoning from them being on my wall! The cat has taken at least one of them down.

It's Sat am and we have our last basketball game today. Not till 3:45pm don't know why so late-owell, just grin and bear it!

book mark

book marked
I found this meme and found intriquing- how about you?

Pick up the nearest book
(of at least 123 pages).

Open the book to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the next three sentences.

Tag five people: Zelda, Merci, Mollie Malone, Pax Romano,& POP


"Our hearts pounded in our throats. I wondered how long it would be before wild-eyed, drug-crazed cultists on motorcycles stumbled across our camp. 'Well, lookit what we got heer!'

from Vol.#2 of "Weird NJ"
I love the Weird NJ series! Pictures and all!

Tornado

Interactive Map
Storm Damage Across the South
"Many had spent a harrowing Tuesday night punctuated by breaking glass and warning sirens as the tornadoes tossed trailer homes into the air, collapsed the roof of a Sears store in Memphis, whittled away half a Caterpillar plant near Oxford, Miss., and shredded dorms at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., where crews rescued nine students trapped in the rubble."
'New York Post'

My heart goes out to all involved in these tornado's! Holy cow how many were there in one day! Was it 68 or something like that? And 50 dead so far! As in my post "As Winter Wind Blows" -I don't like the strong wind very much. It gives me an eeire, creepy feeling! Makes my insides crawl! The wind is blowing here in MD today, but not the force it blew in those southern states!

I can't even imagine what these folk felt! or are now going through. I do pray they have great family and friends to turn to in this time!

ASH WEDNESDAY

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
-1 Peter 2:9 (NRSV)



On this eve of Ash Wednesday(Shrove Tuesday), I sit here and contemplate the next six weeks.
One of my resolutions this year was to read more scripture and be nearer to Him. So thought I would share one with you today.
My religion does not require or realy advocate "giving up something for" Lent, however as I search my faith/spiritual practises don't think it will harm anybody.
So with that said, along with my New Years Resolution named above, I am fasting from chocolate & ice cream. I also want to do some type of exercise daily.
I am trying to rid myself of a few unwanted Christmas holiday pounds so it can't hurt anyway!

Can you even believe it's Ash Wednesday already!

As Winter Wind Blows

The wind is piercing thru the branches of barren trees
the trash cans are wanting to leave the yard & street
the bows of the trees are bending to the ground
As Winter Wind Blows.

The chimney's howling like a tornado is passing
the wires on the roof are dancing to and fro
Even the tv scrambles it's signal
As Winter Wind Blows

Nothing can be done about it
It's Mother Nature blowing for you to know she is still there
Be calm inside even if you feel like yelling
As Winter Wind Blows

There's food in the fridge
the heater is running and supper is cooking on the stove
You could be on the street with not even a blanket to heat
As Winter Wind Blows

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
Albert Camus (1913 - 1960)

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne Bradstreet (1612 - 1672), 'Meditations Divine and Moral,' 1655