Rain, rain....thank God you're here....my grass is crunchy!

Ahhhh, Friday....

Boy, it seems like this week just flew by. Wee-one is off to school today, her leg is much better. The one good thing that came of the situation was our day together. We needed some one on one time, and had a ball goofing off all day. Also, she has mastered the art of "pill taking". She was a liquid medicine girl, but the doctor suggested she begin learning to swallow pills. And being that this particular medicine was, as he put it, "nasty in liquid form", she opted for the tablets. She did an excellent job, and is sad that she only has one left....

Betsy had physical therapy for her knees last night, and tonight as well. She said that she is enjoying it now. Apparently when you walk, your kneecap is supposed to remain straight, and hers slips to the side. This is what has been causing the pain, and it also aggrivates her 5% scoliosis. Last night when she came out of her session, she has her knees taped up and said that she could walk much better. I'm glad because I know the pain was really getting to her. Here's hoping this therapy will work.

As for the weekend.....we are having a pallet of sod delivered today at three, and last night hubby and I went to Lowe's for plants, fertalizer and cement paint. If all goes according to plan (as there is rain in the forecast), we should have a well manicured and pristine backyard by Monday. Here's hoping once again....

I suppose I have put off my Friday cleaning long enough. *Sigh. I have so many things to do and don't know where to start. I have a love/hate relationship with Lowes. I love going and looking around....it jump starts my decorating ideas. I found a great rug for Wee-one's room, paint for Betsy's room, flooring for my dining room/computer room, a new dishwasher for my kitchen....but I hate paying for it all. Have a great weekend everyone!

A day off for wee-one....

I let wee-one stay home today, and we decided to take a few pictures. As you can see, her leg is much better! She probably could have gone to school today....but I thought she should take a day off to relax and let the medicine work. As you can see by the pictures, we had fun posing by the pool, and in the bathroom....she even got a mani/ped! What a lucky little girl!

As we speak she is eating her oh-so-gross lunch of Chef Barf-ar-dee spaghetti and meatballs. Later on my parents will be stopping by to complete her day of spoiling with a little something from Books-a-Million. Sheesh....maybe I should go stand in an ant pile!

The ants go biting one by one....

Yesterday at school, wee-one was on the playground and got bitten by what I assume was a fire ant. When she came home, she had a rather large area of red, inflamed and itchy skin on her leg. When she woke up this morning....she had a 6 inch by 4 inch area of red, inflamed and hot skin. It felt like her leg had a fever, and it was so swollen that it was tight. I immediately told her that there would be no school this morning....we were going directly to the doctor.

He was quite amazed at the sight of her leg. He said that it was a very bad reaction to an insect bite (really? your kidding....), and prescribed a three day course of prednisone, along with benadryl and an antibiotic if it spreads further. He marked the area with a pen to keep track of any spreading, however it has washed off, so I re-marked with a permanent marker. She did go to school, and I spoke with her teacher and explained the situation. Then when she got home we iced it again, and I put her in the pool. She swam a while, and the cool water seemed to help with the itching. She has three other bites, but the leg is by far the worst. We will see how she is tomorrow....I think I will be keeping her home to monitor her leg. It really scared me when I saw it this morning. I've been putting itch cream on it too....and she has been on a steady diet of popcicles and whatever else my poor baby wants....lol.

Other than that, my day has been rather dull. Time seems to have passed quickly today. I finished my laundry....including the ironing....woohoo!

I'll update tomorrow on wee-one's status....

Percy

I was just thinking that my dog Percy doesn't get nearly as much "journal time" as my family, so I'd write about him. I am a Dean Koontz fan (^5 Martha!), and in my favorite book of his, there is a super intelligent golden retriever named Einstien. Ever since reading that book in high school, I have wanted one. However, my parents had not read the book and therefore, did not want one as much as I. So....after being married for a few years, and having a 5 year old, my husband decided to surprise me with one.

The story was that he was going to a friend's house to help with a  move....in actuality, they were going to a breeders home to pick out our pups. The weird thing about it was, I had absolutely NO idea that he was doing this. None. However, as he was coming home, I was sitting on the bed with my daughter (I remember this like it was yesterday), and we were talking about what we would name a dog if we got one. We went through a list of names, and being that Thomas the Tank Engine was popular at the time, we chose Percy (the green engine).  I heard him pull up in the drive, and call to us. He said to my daughter, "Come out here right now and see what I found in the seat of the car!" She thought she had spilled something, and was a bit nervous. He pulled open the door, and there he was....all golden and furry and cute. Squealing with delights, Betsy picked him up and hugged him. I stood there, amazed. I told dh that we had just picked out a name for a dog, if we ever got one. I remember taking Percy into the back yard and he would run then plop down, too tired to get back up. He was a good puppy. He trained in three days....and to this day all I have to say is "go poop and potty" and he does it.  I also trained him so that when he comes into the porch from the outside, I say "paws" and he stops and lets me wipe his paws off so he doesn't get the floors dirty. How's that for obsessive?!

The other night he only had one phenobarb tablet left (for his epilepsy), so I left his pill container on the counter, along with mine with one pill left, so I wouldn't forget to refill our prescriptions. It's Betsy's job to give the dog his pills every night, but this night she had a lot of homework, so being the good mom that I am, I let him out and gave him his pill. Later that evening I went to take my last pill....and the bottle was empty. I go to Betsy's room and say, "Ummm, Bets, did you give the dog his pill?"
"Yes, why?"
"From the bottle on the counter?"
"Yes...."
"The one with only one pill left?"
Heavy sigh, "YES mother, why?"
"Well, because you obviously didn't read the bottle, and gave him MY last pill!" She sat straight up in bed...."Will it hurt him?"
"No, but he won't be obsessing for the next day or so...."

 

 

 

How does my garden grow? Slowly....

Observations....

Well, wee one had a good dental appointment. No cavities! She got two stickers and a toothbrush. One of the stickers was of the solar system, which she said she would use on her report about the planets. Only she would coordinate her stickers with her schoolwork. While I was waiting for her, there was a lady with a little boy and a baby. She got 3 phone calls in a half hour, and talked like no one was around. I couldn't do that because #1, it's rude and #2, I don't want everyone knowing my business. I was too far away to hear exactly what her conversation was, but she was british, so the accent was cool. Also while we were there, one of the huge fish in the tanks died. It went from swimming slowly, to lying down, to heaven. Poor thing.

While sitting there, I read two People magazines from front to back. Let me just say one thing....I do not care, nor do I want to know what the cast of Friends is going to do now that the show is over. I am not interested and frankly, am getting sick of hearing about it. I don't want to see them crying on Oprah, The Today Show, or any other program. I don't even want to see the last episode. I have ceased caring what happens to the whiny Ross and oh-so-boring Rachel. And please, will someone tell me exactly why Jennifer Aniston is considered "sexy"?

I stayed dressed in my "going out" clothes all day. I usually wear my "homemaker's uniform" when I have no where to go, (capri jeans, tank top and zip-up jacket), but since we had an appointment, I wore a nicer outfit. It was nice being dressed up for a while. Sometimes I forget that I'm still a woman who likes to look good, and not just a mom wearing "sensible" clothing. I also wore my favorite shoes which are black with ankle straps. I have become somewhat of a shoe hound lately. I wonder why that is?

I have learned that my new camera takes video as well. I can do a 30 second to 3 minute mini-movie and audio. Now I justneed to figure out how to post that. I know there is a way, I read it in someone's journal. I haven't used my aol by phone in a while. It's funny how the jounals go through phases....pictures, voices, lists....I wonder if the videos will be next? I also wonder how long people will keep their journals up and running. Is it a phase that will peter out and everyone will lose touch? Or have we made friendships that will endure? I think it's amazing how so many of us have become such good friends, and a part of one another's lives. It's great.

Well, enough of my rambling for tonight. I'm tired and thinking about going to bed. I love my bedroom. It's my little corner of the world. I have never had a bedroom that I have loved like this one. The colors are so soothing and inviting. And I love sitting on the loveseat in there, reading or watching tv. Anyone else feel that way about their bedrooms....or any other corner of the house? My other spot is my swing in the backyard. There's nothing like swining and relaxing on a warm summer day....

Monday morning....

Wee one has a dental appointment today. I forgot all about it. I do this every time she sees the dentist. They ask if I want to schedule her next appointment, six months in advance, I do it, and then get surprised one morning when they call to confirm. At least I had the sense to make it during her lunch period at school. I do enjoy these mid-day appointments because I remember as a child, how fun it was to get out of class and go somewhere during the day with my mom. It was like doing something taboo....being in public when everyone else was in school. Of course I'll take her to McDonalds for a burger afterward....

I was looking forward to a cozy, rainy Monday....spent leisurely cleaning the house. However, in true Florida fashion the sun bullied the rain into skirting the state until tonight, and I have my usual sunny day. *Sigh. Although I am used to the sun 95% of the time, I still miss the dreary weather of northern Indiana. Those were my favorite kind of days....rainy, chilly, cozy.

The girls had a good weekend. Parties, painting, pestering each other. I have this vision of them in their 30's, still aggrivating one another. Sometimes it doesn't bother me, and other times I want to scream! I suppose it is natural for a teen not to want to be bothered by her little sister. I would just like for one day, the tables to be turned, and they could both see what it's like from the other's point of view. However, I don't see that happening....we will just have to wait for Disney to come up with a movie about that.

Well, wee one is finished with her bagel and cream cheese....I tell you, I should print up a menu for breakfast. Every morning she asks what do we have, and every morning I repeat the same thing. Then, it takes 5 minutes for the decision, changingher mind several times, only to go back to the original choice. Sheesh!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!

Picture crazy....

Okay, once again I can't edit my pics....so I will give you a description. Obviously it's dh and wee-one, adorable eh? She is wearing the lei she got at her girlfriend's birthday party. The second pic is my favorite snack....chips ahoy and oj! This was one in a series that I sent to Cheezy....then your's truly, taking a self portrait. Next is my uncle and my dh, fixing my mother's sink today. Aren't they cute? They look like brothers with their chrome domes, and now uncle is growing a goatee....my mom and oldest, as they prepare the Sunday dinner....and wee one and myself, lounging about.

The girls and I went to church this morning, while dh and uncle went to my parents house to fix her sink. Afterward, we all gathered for an old fashioned Sunday dinner, complete with laying around afterward, talking about the old days and remarking about the unseasonably warm weather. It was really nice, and my dad was feeling good today; actually able to enjoy the company and conversation. He is so feeble most days, but today he was a bit perkier....which made me feel great. Afterward we came home and I took a 2 hour nap. How's that for being lazy. I know I have ironing to do....but it is the Lord's day, and I believe we are supposed to be resting....right?

 

 

 

Saturday....

Well, I have figured out how to take pictures with my new camera, post them....but my edit button won't let me put descriptions under the pics, as "my ygp has been idle for 30 minutes...." more like 30 seconds! I don't know how to figure that out, and I need to go to the store....so I'll just mention what the pics are....

Obviously, my darling girls are #1. I am so happy with this pic, as I didn't have to bribe them to sit together. Then there is dh, in his favorite room of the house....the garage. Today the girls are painting the fence. Wee one actually went to bed early last night because she was so excited to paint today. When she realized that her pool party was the same day as her painting, she got very upset. She told me she would get up at 7 am, so that she would have 4 hours of painting before the party. What a hoot!

Then rest are of my back yard. My swing where I relax after cleaning, (I'm not on it much....), and the view from it. I also snapped my favorite gawdy stepping stone, and my little gnome. I just love him!

I really have to sit down and read about my new camera. I want to learn to use it....maybe some day I'll be as good as Monica....or Kat....but I highly doubt it!

Well, it's off to the grocery stores for me. I've got my lists of sales and I'm raring to go....have a great Saturday everyone!

Breakfast on a Friday....

 

 

The above picture is my "E" pic....it's the Elephant wee one made me for Christmas....he's in the jungle....isn't he adorable?

 

I usually begin my Friday's with a thorough "before the weekend mess begins" cleaning. Today, however, I went to breakfast with my friend. I wasn't very hungry....and even thought about not going so I could clean....but I decided against it. I don't have many close friends down here, but Sylvia is one of those people you just can't help but be happy around. Always sweet and in a good mood. She has a son that is in the same grade as wee one, and a 3 year old daughter who is the spitting image of her mommy. She is the sweetest little girl, with a head full of curls. She calls me "Miss Sherry", which I find adorable. During our breakfast she colored frogs on the menu, blew bubbles in her apple juice, and stole a piece of bacon off my plate....it was so funny! I feel honored that she is so at ease with me that we can share pork products.

After our breakfast, we went shopping. Erika was thrilled with a painting book her mommy got her, and told me she was going to paint me a picture. Then we spent some time in the shoe department, searching for makeup, and sitting on the patio furniture swings. I ended up buying a "toad house" for wee one. She and her friend love catching toads and lizards....and once they see this little place, they will be thrilled.

Now, I'm home with my mounds of laundry waiting to be done, dusting and vacuuming, you name it. However, I'll do it in a better mood, since spending the morning with my friend and her daughter. We don't do things together often enough....although we could not see each other for a month, and pick up where we left off. You gotta love a gal like that.

Well, I'm off to clean....happy Friday everyone!

Morning....

Yes, it's another exciting Thursday morning. I chose the crayon graphic because....I couldn't think of a thing to write about, and I hoped that cruising through some graphics would spark the imagination....however it didn't. I just like crayons. They smell good. I remember when I was a kid, I loved the gold, copper and silver crayons. I would take those three, and not share them with my sisters. I always loved coloring books too. My parents would get them for us whenever we were sick. If I had the stomach flu I could always count on four things....my crayons, a new coloring book, black cherry jello, and my beloved sick tray. We called them "sick trays", but they were actually those metal trays with folding legs that you used to eat in bed. I remember they had cartoon characters on them. You can still get them at Wal-mart. Man, those were the days when mom would take care of you when you were not feeling good....

I remember my mom would let me sit in her bed (the most comfortable....as my kids say mine is too), give me all my goodies and turn on the black and white tv. I thought I was a queen. When I was really small, around 5 years old, I had a terribly high fever, and she would give me an alcohol bath. She's use a bucket of water with alcohol mixed in and "wash" my arms and legs and back with it. It was supposed to reduce fever. And I'll never forget the horrible taste of children's chewable Tylenol....yuck! I can remember one time taking it, and my dad standing in front of me saying, "Honey, just pretend it is flavored cherry or grape or banana...." Of course, I just continued to complain....

Well, wee one is ready to have her hair done for school, and I must take the dog to the vet for his re-check. Oh, and the Directv guy will be here today to replace our dish so that we are able to receive local channels. Hooray! No more lugging my little tv from room to room when I want to watch my "stories" while sewing! LOL....have a great one!

Bonjour!

Good morning mon amis! Well, that's everything I remember from high school French class....dh is off today and we are going out to breakfast at our favorite little French cafe in St. Augustine. I just love this place....it's owned by French people who chatter away in their home language, and they play old music from the 40's. It's so quaint! The food is good, and the view is great. It's on the famous St. George street, and looks out over the cobblestone street and store fronts. Great for people watching. Then we will come home and he will get the boat out and when the girls get home, we will go for a ride. I'm looking forward to it....and this time I will remember my camera....and not to wear my hat. I don't feel like fishing for headgear today.

By the way....I will not be cleaning today. Amazing, yet true! So please don't call Dr. Phil.

Mopping for fun and profit....

Man, are my arms tired....and no, I didn't just "fly all the way from Chicago to Florida". I have been working on the grout in my foyer for two days now. Yesterday I bleached and scrubbed it, then put on this grout color wash that is supposed to make it white and brite again. However, halfway through washing it off this morning, I realized it was too white for my tile. So....I got the scrub brush and tooth brush and re-scrubbed all the grout lines. It looks pretty good now....after it dries I'm going to put some Holloway House floor shine on it, so that it will sparkle. Here's hoping it turns out well.

Along with my floor scrubbing yesterday, I decided to clean my dining room windows. I have the kind that open inward, for easy cleaning....however, if you don't pull them up far enough before opening them, it becomes less easy and more stuck....stuck so good in fact that dh had to use a pry bar to pop it out of the track, and then use pliers to straighten out everything I had bent. He also had to caulk the outside, and there are a few places on the sill I will have to "touch up". All this over a swipe of the paper towel and a spritz of windex. I'm beginning to think the replacement window industry and windex have a conspiracy going....

I'm thinking I don't have enough garden decorations in the backyard. Perhaps I should go to the store and see if I can find any new ones. I know I don't really need them, but I love shopping for that kind of stuff. Or, maybe I will move my sewing station into the dining room for a new look....or perhaps I will just sit here for another hour and do nothing....yeah....that's the ticket....

 

 

 

Hmmmm.....

I have a question for all you mom's of teenagers out there. A friend of my daughter's came up to her today and asked her if she had seen the bathroom in the upstairs hall at school. Betsy said no, and the girl said someone had written her name all over it along with some not so nice words regarding her looks, and alleged promiscuity. Bets seems not to be too affected by it....she says she thinks she knows who did it and why. You see, she has a boyfriend who is considered "hot" by many girls in the school. My dd is not the "girlie" type, not a prep or a cheerleader. She is beautiful, and speaks her mind. She doesn't follow the crowd, and is herself. Her attitude is "take me for who I am....I'm not changing for anyone". She is an honor roll student in the advanced classes, yet hangs out with people she likes, be they advanced or not. Her oppinion is that it is one certain girl who is very jealous that she is dating this boy.  I would not be surprised if this were the reason for the graffiti. However, I don't like the fact that this stuff is plastered all over the bathroom wall. My question is this; should I call the school and ask that something be done about it? If it were a sentence in a stall, that would be one thing....we all were guilty of that as teens. But her friend said it is all over the walls....lots of mean and nasty things. Bets is going to check it out tomorrow, and tell me if it's still there, and just how much of it there is. She doesn't seem to be worried about it, but being the mom that I am....I am worried.

I'd be interested to hear what everyone has to say about this.  Thanks....

Mmmmmm, donuts.....

Uggh, I don't want another donut for a while. Yesterday afternoon, I stopped what I was doing and ran out to the Oreck store for more vacuume bags. I had used my last one, and my backup vacuume had lost it's wheel (cheap plastic). About half way there, I recall that they may be closed on Sunday....upon arrival, my suspicions were confirmed with the "sorry we are closed" sign in the window. I didn't want to make the trip a total bust, so I drove over to the Krispy Kreme and ordered some donuts. They were having a sale, and dd had a friend over, so I decided to go ahead and get 2 dozen. I got chocolate glazed and regular....so, I had one on the way home (never buy donuts when you are starving), and one when I got there. Then after dinner I had one, and of course, you can't go online without something to nosh....oh man, I am so sick of those things! But they are like Jay's potato chips....you can't eat just one! I've never had donuts like that before. I actually prefer Dunkin Donuts because they aren't as sickening sweet....but if you get the Krispy Kremes from the acutal KK store (as opposed to a gas station or grocery store), they come straight from the line, all hot and smelling good....

Okay, enough donut talk. I'm getting ill. We are all set to go on the boat this afternoon. Dh is leaving work early, the girls are psyched....and then as I'm driving home from the bus stop, it hits me. It's Monday....the day I watch our neighbor girl. Oh man....now I have to call dh and tell him. I felt like a kid who did something wrong, picking up that phone. He answers all happy and I say, "Hi honey, just calling to ruin your day!" He cursed only for a second....then said it was probably for the best because a new guy was starting on the afternoon shift, and he couldn't just leave him without instruction. Whew....

So, I suppose that means I have a bit of extra time today. I can finish my laundry, clean the house and maybe even go to the store. Oh lucky, lucky me. I had better be off....it's 8 am....time to start the cleaning!

Stories of a SAHM By the way, here is a new journal I found....welcome to Julie, 5 yo Josh and hubby Jim!

Hoe, hoe, hoe....

Well, so much for my day of boating. I spent my day in the front yard this time. I pulled weeds, trimmed bushes, and raked the equivalant of my body weight in leaves that were hiding in the mulch. My fingers hurt so much that it is bothering me to type! But, I feel so accomplished. I pulled out three bushes, and need to pull out two more....which of course means a trip to Lowes for some pretty flowering bushes....yippee. The previous owners were not quite as fastidious about the yard as we are....but that's okay. They had the basics, so I get the fun of embellishing. I want to put a glider out front and something else for decoration. Perhaps a gazing ball. I love those things! My mom thinks they are gawdy, but I think they look like glass Christmas ball ornaments. In any case, things are looking good. Dh and wee one spent 5 hours moving the picket fence and finished this afternoon. It looks great. Now we have a nice big backyard....and Percy has more room to "recycle his breakfast".

Now, I am on my way to my mother's house to pick up wee one, who went home with them earlier. My mother has a garden tub, which wee one just loves to soak in....and after 5 hours in the dirt with her father, she needed it! I've got load #4 in the washer and #3 in the dryer....hopefully sometime this century I'll be finished folding.

By the way, in my last entry I mentioned sipping cocktails while boating....I was joking. I don't drink and drive, vacuume or boat....just to set the record straight!

How does my garden grow.....with lots and lots of plant food....

As you may have guessed, my day consisted of gardening. I transplanted, planted, mulched, watered and helped dh move and put up the picket fence. I am tired, sore and very happy with the progress. Our back yard is really coming along. All we need now is the sod....and it will be gorgeous. I love gardening. I have never been one to garden before, but after we moved here, I got into it. I suppose it is because you can plant something in April, and it will still be blooming in February! I took before and after pics, which I will post when I get them developed....

After our day of hard work, dh and I took a little motorcycle ride. It was so nice. The sun was setting and the scent of freshly mowed grass was in the air. We took our usual route along the water, and ended up at the Sonic drive in. We had dinner together and a hot fudge sundae too....yum! I'm freezing right now, as I didn't wear a jacket. I was so hot from working outside, I didn't think I needed one....wrong!

So, now it's after nine and I am exhausted. I think I'll turn in early tonight. Tomorrow we are going out on the boat I think....so I had better get some rest. You know how exhausting it is lounging about, gliding over the water, sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun....

*Dull Alert....

Waking up.... I heard my alarm clock ringing. I extended my right arm and with my right forefinger pressed the "off" button, thereby stopping the noise.  

If you have read Sully's journal, you know what we are doing. It's Saturday, so why not....we should be outside playing anyway with this gorgeous weather! Have a great one everybody!

Whew....

I can't believe it....I asked a stylist to do something....and she did it exactly the way I wanted it done. I said nothing off the length, shorten up the layers and razor the ends. That is just what I got....and I'm thrilled. Worth every penny. It looks so cute! I had to really resist the urge to run to W-Mart and buy a digital camera so that I could come home and take a pic....

This morning while doing wee one's hair, she was telling me how she, Lauren and Hannah play "Charlie's Angels" together at recess.
I said to her, "My friends and I used to play that too!"
She gets all excited and says, "Which one were you?"
"Well, I wanted to be Kelly, but they made me be Sabrina." She gives me a blank stare. I'm thinking, yeah sweetie, you are right....mommy does look more like the beautiful Kelly....
however, what she really said was, "What are you talking about? There is no Kelly....it's Dylan, Alex and Natalie."
Oh yes, I forgot....we are no longer in the 1970's. Boy, talk about feeling old. Then she says, "I play Dylan, the one with lots of boyfriends but they are all bad boys....whatever that means." LOL....Is it just me, or are kids growing up way to fast here?

Well, I am off to vacuume my room and clean up the bathroom. Looking forward to my burger....I'll report back and let ya all know how it was.

Snip, snip....

Can you guess what I am doing today? Yes, I am going to get my hair trimmed....with a new stylist. Not that I don't love my usual....it's just that she doesn't do razor cuts, and I really need one. I have "flippies" on the ends of my hair, and they just haven't acquired the correct "flippiness" since I have moved here. My husband hates my flippies with a passion. He would prefer I stick with our pre-marriage "big-hair-Jennifer-Hart-style-80's-flashback" do that I used to sport. I was known in high school for my ability to make my hair last all day in styles that defied both height and width. I was the queen of hairspray. I looked like a 1980's era Dallas Cowboy's cheerleader. However, my style has changed substantially over the years, and I am now sporting the "subtle-sexy-windblown-mom-about-town" look. In any case, I am hoping this woman will give me the look I desire without chopping it to bits. How embarassing that would be, to have to crawl back in defeat to my usual stylist....as she stands looking down on me, shaking her head in disgust....

We have a new hamburger joint around here. It's called "What A Burger". I know they are popular in Texas, and my dh said he used to go to them in Tennessee as a kid. All I know is that Hank Hill mentioned going there one time on his show....tonight dh is going to bring some home for dinner. I don't know why that struck me as funny. He was all excited about it. So, now I am excited too....not because we are trying a new burger, but because that means I don't have to cook. What a way to start the weekend.

As for the weekend, I'm not sure what the plans are as of yet. I know that dh is working in the morning, and we have church on Sunday. Other than that, who knows. I would like to plant some flowers in the yard, and there is talk of a boat ride on Sunday. In any case, I hope everyone has a teriffic Friday....anyone have good plans for the weekend?

 

I'm up....I'm up....

Ahhhh, I'm up from my nap. Apparently Sully and I had the same idea this morning and went back to bed. I, for one, am feeling much better and am not as crabby....although my eyes are still puffy. So, I'm sporting the "non-makeup" look today. It's quite alarming. I look so pale! But I do have lipstick on....can't function without my lipstick.

So, I have cleaned and mopped, did a little laundry and am now enjoying my low carb wrap, with chicken and lettuce, diet 7-up.....and doritos. Hey, I never claimed to be perfect!

It is a gorgeous day out. I went out for the mail and thought I should be outside. Then I came back in and shut the door. How nuts is this? Soon it will be so hot you won't be able to breathe out there....yet I'm stuck inside on a gorgeous, cool, sunny, non-humid day. I'm nuts.

I was journal surfing today and found a bunch of interesting journals. But I am so fickle. I'll read one for a long time....then forget it. I have a few like that. I get bored with them. (None on my list to the right). I put them in my favorites and if I read them for over a month, they are keepers. Obviously, since nothing has changed on my permanent list....I haven't been keeping up. I love reading a new journal, then clicking on their links and so on, and so on. It's neat to see the little "groups" of journals out there. The intellects, artsies, funny, sad, poems, teens....Sometimes you can link for 10 or 20 and they are all within a group. Only one time did I ever find mine on someone's list that I didn't know. I see a lot of "our group" sprinkled about journal land.

Well, enough of my chatting and rambling. I've got sewing to do. On to the afternoon....

*Disclaimer....after re-reading this entry, specifically the first paragraph, I felt it necessary to say, Sully and I were sleeping in our own homes, in separate states....don't want to start any nasty journal rumors! LOL.....

Is it morning already?

I was searching for a graphic under "tired" and this is what popped up. And we wonder why America's children are so far behind academically in english....

For some reason, I believe even this cup of joe wouldn't wake me up this morning. I was falling asleep at the bus stop. My eyes are grainy and puffy and all I want to do is crawl back into bed....which isn't a half bad idea. I hate doing that, however, because then the day is all messed up. I'm a morning person for goodness sake. I can't be lounging around in bed till 10! There are floors to be swept....microwaves to be windexed....covers to be sewn. Awww, forget it....I'm going back to bed....

Here we go again....

Okay, I have failed miserably on my diet. I did a week with barely any carbs, lost weight....then went "carb crazy". *Sigh. I am a failure. But today I have awakend with a renewed sense of will power. I'm going to do it this time. And I promise, no complaining. Really. I swear.

I need to run to the store, get the water tested for the pool, and buy some chemicals. Dh just called to "remind" me. "Oh, and by the way, are you going to Wal-Mart? Because if you are, you can pick up the cover for the boat." Oh gee, can I? Pretty, pretty please???? Yeah, I don't think so. I've got enough to do today. Of course he follows that up with, "And keep cranking out those covers (sewing), we can use the money." Hmmmm, we can use MY money for YOUR boat cover you mean? Yeah, that's what I thought. Well, I will not be going to Wal-Mart today, so get your own freaking cover on your own time!

I got some gorgeous picture frames at, of all places, the dollar store yesterday. They look like leather, are burgandy and have a white stitiching around the edges. They look expensive. I put some of my photos in them and placed them around my desk. I gave one to dh to take to work. I need to get a digital camera. I love my nikkon, but I'd like to be able to see the pics right away, and post them. Hmmmm, maybe I will stop at Wal-Mart....

Update on the dog....

I just returned home with Percy....holy smokes. He had an infection and received the following; a cortizone shot, a bath, a buzz cut on his butt that included the "family jewels", a prescription for his skin (1 per day), antibiotic (4 per day), skin spray (3 times per day), benadryl (3 tablets 2 times per day)....all of this on top of his normal 3 phenobarbitol for seizures. I wonder if dog medicine is cheaper in Canada?

In any case, his coat is soft and shiny and smelling good and he is sporting a smart orange and yellow bandana, tied jauntily around his neck. Wee one told me not to take the bandana off....you better believe I wont....that thing cost me $199!

Fencing....

As I sit here, our fence is being put up. I didn't even know they were here....I just happened to pass by the window and see them out front. Good thing I hadn't just gotten out of the shower....they would have charged me extra for "mental anguish".

I took the dog into the vet's office today. He had bitten his hind leg raw....pulling out all the hair and causing infection. A "hot spot" is what it is called. Anyway, they had to give him a bath, clean it off, give him another bath, and then prescribe a medication...all to the tune of $199. Yes folks, between that and the ear we are up to $650+ in dog debt just in the past three months. No wonder I can never pay my credit card off. My husband just said to me, "This is the FIRST and LAST dog we ever have!" I guess he's not one of those "pet lovers". LOL....

Not much else is going on. I got the "organizaiton bug" this morning while cleaning my kitchen. I did the junk drawer, the paper drawer, the baggie drawer, pantry, fridge and freezer. Of course there is tons left to do, but I need to get other things done....namely the wash. I heard the dryer go off about an hour ago....but I still have vacuuming to do. Crud! I also have to get some groceries and make the house payment. I wonder how mom's that work outside of the home do it? I would go nuts. How do they keep a clean home, food on the table every night, happy kids, happy hubby and happy selves? I complain that I have to sew on top of everything else, but I'm so lucky I can do that from my living room. I don't know....I'm rambling now....a sure sign that I need to get going. Have a lovely afternoon my j-land buddies!

 

My newest addiction....

On our last trip to NC, my aunt taught my girls how to play "Mexican Train" dominoes. They would sit at the dining room table for hours, laughing and eating and playing. I was not taught how to play as A. My husband wanted to use the free time to be together and B. My daughters didn't want to share their aunt with me. However, yesterday my oldest dd's  boyfriend was over, which left an empty seat at the domino table....and my butt was the one that filled it. I learned to play within a few turns....and now I can't stop. It's addicting!

Today we spent the day shopping. We started out at the antique store, and I found a Holly Hobby doll. Do you remember those? I loved her as a child. I had a HH sewing machine and a HH easy bake oven. I didn't purchase anything, however wee one used her own money to buy a McDonald's Garfield series mug. It's cute. From there we went to Big Lots, Bells Outlet and Goodwill (which my daughter said smelled funny and looked like a big garage sale....). After which we stopped at this great little Chinese restaurant for lunch (the sweet and sour chicken was delicious), and finished at the Dollar Tree. No fancy boutiques for us....no siree. We shopped all the frugal stores today. I only spent $30, and got a lot of neat garden things. I am rather excited about one purchase, which is my garden gnome. He is so cute. He's about a foot tall and is holding a baby deer. I don't usually like things like that, (garden animals, the dutch kids kissing, other trailer park decor....), but as a child I had this fascination with gnomes. Mine is standing next to my swing, amongst the ivy.

Dh got home, and decided to clean out the pool. We headed out and saw that something was stuck in the pool's filter hole. From a distance, it looked like a big leaf....however on closer inspection, it seems as though Mr. Squirrel fell to his death from the pine trees above, and died with his tail stuck in the filter system. Wee one found it quite interesting. As we pulled him out with the skimmer and walked him to the fence over which he would be flung to his final resting place, she leaned over for a closer look. (Rigor had set in at this point, and I estimated the time of death at approximately 12:45 pm). She says to me, "Mom! He looks just like that squirrel on Ice Age, when he's frozen with the nut in his hands!" And by gosh, he did.

*In lieu of flowers, donations to the Planters factory can be made in the name of the Samuel Squirrel family of Jacksonville, Florida.

The aftermath....

And so ends another Easter at the "B" household. We are now up to our butts in candy and baskets. I can only imagine the contents of my vacuume tomorrow....lots and lots of green plastic grass.

The girls made out like bandits, as usual. They both got baskets from the Bunny, and each received dvd's. The oldest got "Joe Dirt" (her favorite movie), and wee one got "Brother Bear". She asked me to put it in the player for her, and about 30 minutes later, I found her walking around the house. I said to her, "I thought you were watching your new movie?" She looked at me and replied, "Well, mom, in the commercials they said it was a good laugh from beginning to end....but it isn't." I burst out laughing. She is so funny sometimes. She never did finish it.

We went to church this morning, and it was packed! We heard a wonderful sermon, and then headed home. I cleaned a bit, and then had the family over for dinner. Ham and potato salad, etc. It was pretty good. My parents, aunt and uncle, grandmother, and aunt from NC were here. It was really nice to sit and visit. We ended up playing dominoes until 9:30 out on the porch.

Well, it's bed time now. I am so exhausted! Tomorrow we are going to the antique stores with my aunt, since the girls are off until Tuesday. So much for my "back-to-school" Monday!

Happy Easter

 Tomorrow is Easter, a day that reminds us that there is hope in this crazy world of ours. It is the day that celebrates the death and resurection of Jesus Christ. When the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was no where to be found there was confusion and uncertainty. Not unlike how many feel today, not knowing our Savior. Without Him, there is a sense that something is missing; a feeling of lonliness or emptyness that can't be described.

But when Jesus appeared there was celebration and joy. When people come to know Him; to know that He is here, waiting for us with open arms, the hopelessness dissapates and the lonliness eases. We realize that no matter what happens in our lives, He is waiting to hold us in his arms and shower us with unconditional love. He is our salvation. He paid the ultimate price; His life, to set us free. His faithfulness to his Father, unselfishness, love and compassion for people is what has opened the doors to Heaven for us.

I complain a lot. I gossip, lie, judge; I am envious of some, and prideful at times, I am far from perfect. Yet, I am given perfect love by my Savior. How can I be worthy of this? It is by His grace and mercy that I am worthy of His love. I am in awe that He forgives our sins, and loves each and every one of us. He has faith in us....and I have faith in Him.

I wish each and every one of my special friends a Happy and Blessed Easter.

Not more EGGS!!!!

What a day, what a day. I was awakened at 8:06 am by my mother, who called to say good morning. Now, I know she knew the kids were off....I think she was just being ornrey. I talked to her for a while, made dd some breakfast, updated myself on my journals....and went back to bed till 12:55. I know, I know....what a lazy butt. But I couldn't help it! I was so tired and hadn't slept well, and my throat hurt, excuse, excuse....

So, eventually I got up and did my cleaning. Later on my mom stopped by and picked up the wee one and they were off to make favors for Easter dinner, which is at my house this year. She really went all out....she got clay pots and filled them with easter grass, homemade and decorated sugar cookies, candy, and of course....peeps. Then she wrapped them in holiday cellophane and sealed them with Easter seals. How cute! I took the oldest to her boyfriend's house, and they are going to the movies tonight. Actually, they are probably done there by now, and on their way home.

Since dh and I were alone this evening, we took the opportunity to go out to dinner together. It was lovely. We went to a newer restaurant called the Blue Crab. The food was 100% wonderful. Since we have moved here, we have noticed that the food just isn't very good. There are no really good restaurants....so when you find one that you like....it's a treat. We had shrimp and crab cakes. The cakes were so rich, but light at the same time. Wonderful! We had a great time just talking and enjoying each other's company. It's been a long time since just he and I have done anything.

Wee one and I went to the store to get eggs for coloring tomorrow. I've already got them boiled and cooling. She was so worried that we would get there and the eggs would be gone. Obviously she was relieved to find that people hadn't even made a dent in the egg display. We got something new this year....it's a puff and color set. It comes with puff paint pens that you use on the eggs and they puff up. Cute! Remember when we were little? We had a white crayon and mugs of vinegar and real food coloring in boiling water. Now it's a tablet in cold. *Sigh. She has already written her letter to the Easter bunny, reminding him that he did not "hide" the eggs last year and how much she would enjoy that this year. I suppose I had better set the alarm a bit earlier for Sunday morning.

Happy Friday everyone....

Thursday....

Today I took my oldest to the doctor for her knees. She came home yesterday and said she cried at school due to the pain. She has had bad knees for a few years now, but all of a sudden, they seem worse. She pops Advil daily and I'm tired of worrying....so the doctor felt her legs, x-rayed them, and did an arthritis blood workup. The doc feels that it is a syndrome caused by the legs growing, but the ligaments aren't keeping up. So....she is going to do some physical therapy and see how that works. She doesn't feel that it's arthritis, although she wanted to make sure, since she had the same pain in both knees. I just want her to feel better.

After the doc, we picked up hubby, who took a half-day off to try out the boat. We ended up going out to lunch and to the store, since it was absolutely POURING outside. Thunder, lightning, the works. It figures....the one day in April that it rains....

But, then the sun appeared; it's rays shining through the clouds, warming the earth and shining it's light on God's creation....and we decided to take the boat out. I had been crabbing all day that I didn't want to go. I have things to do, floors to mop, clothes to wash. But, he won this argument and we went....

I LOVED IT!!!!  I had forgotten how much fun it was to be on the water. As a child, we were on the water every weekend. I'm actually burnt on one shoulder. OMG....you should see some of the houses on the shore. I couldn't afford their boat houses, let alone the home! We did have one overboard issue....I stood up just as we pulled away from the pier to move forward and my beloved British hat flew off my head and into the water! We did two drive by's and my dd grabbed it. It is now drying off on the counter. Whew.

Well, I am going to go now because as you know, the spray from the water comes up into the boat, and onto the windshield....and I must go windex. Wouldn't want to be seen in a boat that was less than clean!

Sneaky kids....

Every morning I get up at 6:25 to drive my oldest daughter to the bus stop. I am usually up before this, to get my youngest out of bed, but this morning I slept a bit late and had my oldest wake her up. Our mornings went on as usual, and after the girls had left, I went into my youngest daughter's room to put away some laundry. I stepped into something wet and looked down. Apparently, one of them had kicked over her nightly glass of water, spilling it on the carpet....and stratigically placed a pillow over it hoping I would not notice.

First of all, I am the Queen of Organization (okay, I probably share that title with edgebag)....I'm going to notice that something is awry when there is a pillow in the middle of the floor for no apparent reason. Secondly, it's just water....why would I get upset over that? I have watched glasses of red kool-aid take a dive and have been known to respond with, "*Sigh, go get a mop." I"m not going to yell over water. And thirdly, the best my 15 year old could come up with was a pillow?! Come on honey, I taught you better than that! You could have at least called the dog in and hoped he would slurp up most of it....

Truthfully, I did just smile and walk around it....I'll get to it in a minute. What ran through my head was that these are times that I should cherish. When my house is full of kids and life and chaos. There will be a day when I will clean the house and everything will remain perfect. No carpets will be trampled, no pillows will be tossed haphazardly about....however, my home won't just be perfect....it will be empty. Kids grow up so fast, and I am learning to enjoy every mess, every glob of toothpaste left on the bathroom sink, and every spill on my carpet. Yes, I am obsessed with cleaning....but it is not so that I can one day be featured in House Beautiful. It's so I can remind myself each day to be thankful for two beautiful, healthy kids that keep me running in circles.

 

Procrastination....

Today I had decided to finish my sewing. I'm about 3/4 finished....but I keep finding other things to do. I settled down to sew, then remembered I hadn't eaten yet, so I got up and made coffee and toast. While in the kitchen, the dog was whining, so I let him out. I got my treat and sat down to eat. After finishing....I did sew....until I heard my computer announce that I had mail. So, of course I had to check that. It was a journal entry announcement....after reading for a bit, I got caught up in two im's and a phone call. Flash forward 40 minutes....and I'm back to sewing. I did manage to finish the first half before re-warming the coffee in the microwave, mopping the kitchen floor and sending a few e-mails. Then I got my weekly Linky & Dinky newsletter....and had to visit a few interesting looking sites. Flash forward 30 minutes and I'm back to sewing, only to remember that I wanted to look something up in my atlas. I go to the bookshelf and retrieve my book, look it up and start sewing, but remember something else....I decide it would be a good idea to keep a pad and pen next to the sewing machine so that I could write down what I wanted to do on my next break. Soon, it was 2:00 and time for me to log on for an instant message session with Cheezy....(she just loves my company and insists on talking daily....lol). Anyhoo, that leaves me here, waiting to pick up dd at the bus stop and then it's off to school to pick up oldest.

I could get so much more done if I would focus on the task at hand! My life wouldn't consist of running here and there last minute because I'm so easily distracted. I'd write more but Dr.....Phil....is....start.............

Monday evening....

They say that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch....well, for me it was a blueberry; several, in fact. All of them tucked under a blanket of brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and butter....baked at 375 for 30 minutes. And then, to add insult to injury, lets put that on top of some vanilla ice cream....

What can I say? I fell off the wagon....hard. But it wasn't my fault! I was doing laundry this afternoon, and had the Food network on. Two episodes of "Barefoot Contessa" had me standing on the edge of cheating.....but it was "From Martha's Kitchen" that pushed me over. Oh the things they were making....roasted fruit, parmesan chicken on a stick, and of course the Easter egg cake with homemade lemon curd....how could I resist? I HAD to make something. So, after looking around I found some blueberries, brown sugar....and my crisp was born. *Sigh. What can I say? I'm weak.

Tomorrow is another day....right? By the way, don't worry that I'll be tempted to eat it for breakfast, no sir! I made sure there would be none left for that....::evil grin::

Monday's....

Good Monday morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We ended up spending most of it getting over colds and flu. However, I felt better Sunday afternoon so dh and I took a short motorcycle ride and stopped at the grocery store to pick up some steaks to grill. It was lovely! I was thinking of Michelle and her hubby, wondering if they were riding on such a gorgeous afternoon.

It's supposed to rain here tomorrow, and Thursday and Friday. We sure need it. My backyard is nothing but sand at this point! Of course, that made it fun for dd to play in yesterday. I had just given her a bath when she decided to come outside and start digging around. She was cracking acorns open with her shoe and throw them into the forest. Well, I suppose the squirrels will be happy; she's done most of their job for them! Now, instead of happy, bouncy squirrels running from tree to tree, I'll see lethargic, fat squirrels, sitting around, waiting to be fed.

I did finish my big pile of ironing, cleaned off my desk, did my bills....so all I have left is to sew. WooHoo! I hate it when the work piles up and I get behind. Makes me crazy!

I can't believe the school year is coming to an end so quickly! The girls have six weeks left. That first week of vacation is such an adjustment period. Trying to get used to the new schedule, having the kids underfoot all day. Serving breakfast till noon! LOL....actually, this will be the year that Betsy gets a job. She is going to get her learners permit, and she needs to help pay for insurance. I haven't priced it yet, but I'm sure it'll be a shock. She wants to apply before school ends, for a better chance at employment. At least she is thinking about it!

Well, I hear my vacuume calling...."Plug me in....push me....you know you want to use me...."

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Oh! I forgot that I promised my wee one to put a link to her journal in my entry today. She added an entry, and was sad becuase her aunt and gram hadn't commented yet. So, HERE it is! Love you Hayley girl!

Good Sunday Morning!

Yeah BABY!!!!

Why the wolfish grin? Why the sly look? Well, I will tell you why....I am FREE!!!!  Free I say, freeeeee!

I got the results of my blood tests in the mail today. I opened them, expecting to read all about my horrible sugar levels and cholesterol. Slowly, I unfold the paper, only to find....EVERYTHING IS NORMAL!!!! And at the bottom of the results...."Cholesterol is great! Labs all normal." Oh yes....::happy dance:: good bye you freaking diet....

But, I also went clothes shopping today. And, although I haven't weighed myself, I was a size smaller in my britches. So, what ever shall I do? I figure, I have complained my way through an entire week of the 2 week induction period, so I might as well hang in there for the second. I've decided to make a few "life changes". I am going to pay close attention to sugar and carbs. And, if I must be honest, I am not craving them like I was before. I went through 3 aisles of Easter candy and didn't have the urge to buy any of it. I did, however, celebrate with an extra handful of almonds and 3 slices of a pear. (naughty, naughty me! lol). Fruit will be back in a week....I suppose I can hang on.

As for the rest of the day, my oldest has not been feeling well since 2nd hour at school yesterday. Achey all over, tired, etc. I was feeling good until we got to the store, then it hit me. So, we shopped and then came home and crashed for the rest of the afternoon. I'm just waking up now!

That's about it for my Saturday. I'm going to go read journals now....and see what everyone else has been up to!

 

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y- NIGHT!

Well, this is what I need to be doing today. I finished the girl's ironing last night, as well as my own....now all I have left is a mountain of shirts and slacks of my hubby's. Crud. I'll feel off all day if I don't finish it. I also never finished my sewing or assignment yesterday. Oh well. It's going to be a beautiful 72 degrees today with sunny skies so I should be out there enjoying things.

My youngest is going for a bike ride with my aunt. They are going to ride from our house to my mom's house....which is about a 6 mile ride. They get to ride over the bridge that goes over the St. John's river. It will be a gorgeous ride....I should go too, but my bike is at my mom's and the tires are low. *Sigh. I'll have to have dh air them up. My oldest is still sleeping and wasn't feeling well yesterday, so I don't know what her plans are. Dh is working till 11:00, so I thought I might go run some errands, maybe stop at the bookstore. Who knows. Really, I feel like being outside today. I could go to the park and just enjoy the water and the gorgeous day. Hmmmm, perhaps I'll do that. Or, maybe dh and I will take the motorcycle out for a quick ride.

I had such strange dreams last night. I dreamt that I had a baby and my dh delivered it. It was a boy and although I was excited, I wished it were a girl. Then I dreamt that we took the boat out and my aunt was going to swim along side, but there were snakes in the water. Then I dreamt that we were on the highway and two busses were on fire and just missed hitting us. What is up with that?

So, I suppose I should get going and do something. My throat hurts. I am drinking my cup of coffee with splenda....oh yum. I also had some roast beef and cheese. Puke. My mother says I have a bad attitude about this diet....ya think?!

Have a lovely, carb free, sugar free day everyone!

General Friday Chit-Chat....

Congratulations are in order for two of the finest in our group of journalists....KAREN and MONICA have made the "editors pick top 5 list" this week. WooHoo~Homer Simpson style to you guys....you deserved it! What a way to start the weekend.

This morning I ran to the store to purchase some "Kashi" cereal. I have been reading that it is supposed to be some highly nutritious cereal, with high fiber which means slower digestion, which of course means you are not "supposed" to be hungry for a long time afterward. So, I rush into the store, grab my box, rush home and pour a bowl, splash on some fat free milk, take a bite....and, let's face it folks, I could have eaten packing peanuts and gotten the same taste sensation. The taste is reminiscent of Puffed Rice....but stale. The sad thing? I ate it within 2 minutes. I was so happy to be eating something that seemed normal, I didn't care that I was eating styrofoam soaked in watered down milk. Now that, my friends, is pathetic. So far I'm not hungry, but it's only been 10 minutes. I am waiting until Tuesday, my official "one week" day to weigh myself. If I haven't lost anything....I'm going to be one mad mother. My oldest says I've been rather snappy lately, and when my uncle came over to check out the boat yesterday, he said, "John has told me what a pleasure it is to come home to you now that you are on this diet." ::snicker:: Well, Mr. Smartypants, I'd like to see YOU try it....

Well, it is time for me to get going on my Friday cleaning. I've got sewing, ironing and an assignment yet to do today....the fun NEVER ends around here!

My Lunch Date....

For the past two days I have eaten my lunch in my Florida room, which faces the "forest" behind me. And each day a gorgeous cardinal has joined me. It's really peaceful....he sits on the post and eats his food while I sit and eat mine. We had been thinking about selling our house and looking for a new one....but the more we work on our backyard, the more I want to stay. The pool deck is 90% finished, and the landscaping is at 75%....things are beginning to come together. It's hard, when you move to a new house, to get it to feel like "home". I think it was especially hard in our case, being that we moved from the only place we had ever lived in our lives. 32 years of fimiliarity and family is a hard thing to give up. However, slowly but surely things are beginning to feel more natural.

So many things have changed for us in the past three years. John's father died, my best friend died, my father was diagnosed with PSP, and then John's best friend died. When this opportunity to move came about, I didn't give it a second thought. All I could focus on was how badly I wanted to leave that area and start somewhere fresh. I made it a point to leave all of my heartache and old feelings back there....and to bring a fresh, new outlook here. I did have a difficult time of it....but what surprised me was that we had been here for 6 months before I felt homesick. I'm over that now....and have realized that this is my new home. I can't move foreward, if I keep looking back.  I know that sounds cliche, but it's so true. If I can't get myself over the past, how will I be able to help my girls move forward? Although, they have adjusted 100% better than I ever thought. I still have the dream that one day we will live in our ultimate destination, North Carolina, on the side of a mountain surrounded by Gods glorious landscape....but until then, I will be content with what He has blessed us with. The ocean is spectacular and truthfully, I can't imagine not being able to see it anytime I want to. I suppose I'm getting used to my tropical location....however, don't expect to see me in clam diggers and a big floppy hat ala Golden Girls anytime soon!  (Although you could find me eating cheesecake to solve my problems! ;o)