My Favorite Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day to us!

We're not like everyone else!

But it works for us!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday!

Quote of the Week

To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. 
- Henri Bergson

As long as we exist on this earth, we are constantly changing, growing and evolving.  Change is important, but not always easy.  How are you creating yourself?

Jane or Janet

The following is a fictional story written for Write on Edge.  

Jane packs her bags and head for the beach.  Two glorious weeks...days spent lying in the sun and dancing the nights away.  You see, Jane is plain.  Jane works long hours as a waitress, saving for her annual trek to the sea.  

Here she becomes Janet.  Janet is cute, fun loving and carefree.  "It's amazing what adding a "t" to your name can do for your confidence" she said to herself.  Free from the waitress uniform, the pony tail and name tag..."Jane".

Janet settles into her lounge chair, with her music and and an ice cold Diet Coke in her hand.  "Life is good" she sighs.  As she slathers on suntan oil, from several chairs away she hears, "Can I help you with that?"

It's the blond, beach bum surfer dude she'd seen earlier.  "That would be great, thanks!  By the way, my name's Janet"  

Jane would never do that; Janet does.

They chat for a while and it turns out the surfer dude is actually a trust fund kid.  Richard G. Harding, III, but more commonly known here at the beach as Rick.  He, too, has a double identity.  He desperately wants to shed his rich kid persona while Janet is trying to escape her dull life as a waitress. Often times people want what someone else has - those with straight hair want curly, brunettes want to be blond, you know that whole "grass is greener" thing. 

"I know a great club where they have an awesome DJ and the best margaritas in town, if you're interested" Rick invited.

Again not something Jane does.  She gets off her shift at the diner, goes home and watches reruns until she falls asleep with her cat.  Dull!

Janet, however, responded with an enthusiastic "I'd love to!  I am staying at the Windsor, room 423."

Rick and Janet danced the night away on a sea of margaritas, and then talked until the wee hours exchanging phone numbers, email addresses and friending each other on Facebook.  

That night Janet found something that had been missing for a long time.  She found the real Jane.

After meeting Rick and rediscovering herself, she legally changed her name to Janet, since Janet helped her find herself.  They are now married and live at the beach.  Rick still surfs but Janet is no longer a waitress.  Both have found their greener grass.

Golden Sky

The late evening sun

Casts a golden glow upon

our upturned faces

Written for dVerse Poetry.

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. - William Shakespeare, Othello

You don't have to steal or be stolen from to experience this.  Every time we smile at someone who was rude, petty or hurtful, then we have one-upped them.  Those who take pleasure in others' discomfort are thwarted by the very thing they sought to erase.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: This Old Man

Image Source:  Imelda's Photostream

This old man, he played dumb

He played blackjack for my rum

So what the heck, stack the deck

And give the man a loan

This old man is in the zone

There are more verses with different variations.  The origin is uncertain, with the first recorded version in  Anne Gilchrist's Journal of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (1937).

Groundhog Day 2012

Image Source:  Aaron E. Silvers

Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, the day a groundhog predicts just how much more winter weather we will have.  But, it is not just some random groundhog wandering out of his hole in some farmer's field.  No, this is an EVENT!

It all takes place at 7:20 tomorrow morning at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  Phil, the celebrity groundhog, will make his appearance and give his prediction.  According to the legend, if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather.  If not, then we get an early Spring.

Phil has been doing this for about 125 years, so he must be getting good at it by now.  You can read more about Phil, and the history of Groundhog Day here.

I am eagerly awaiting Phil's prediction because as you can see, it has been a mild winter so far here in the sunny South.  For us to really have winter now, Phil would need a sunny day indeed.  

I spied this daffodil yesterday while taking advantage of the warm weather to work in the yard.  It is not unheard of to see them in January, but are usually a bit later.

These snowdrops are normally the first flowers of the season, and they are right on schedule.  

So whether we pull out our straw hats or toboggans, hats off to Phil for 125 years on the job.  If you'd like to watch the ceremony, it will be webcast here.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

Benjamin Franklin said:   

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned.

A penny is just a penny, right?  You find them in parking lots, shopping malls and restaurants.  So insignificant you often don't know you've dropped them, or don't bother to pick them up.

So why would we want to save our pennies?  Remember when you were a child, filling your piggy bank with pennies, nickels, dimes and the occasional quarter?  It was not a lot, but you learned the value of saving money.

I took my virtual piggy bank filled with a my savings of a penny a day for one year ($3.65) and calculated how much I would have after 50 years ($182.50).  Allowing a modest interest rate of 3% compounded quarterly, I would have $439.98.  OK, that's still not a lot of money, I will admit.  But, that is just the savings of one penny a day - one penny that might otherwise go unnoticed in a parking lot.

The point here is that small amounts add up over time, and even mighty oak trees were once acorns.

For my calculations, I used an online compounding calculator.

The Sillies

This is the kind of silliness that happens when you have a new phone, a stuffed animal and a glass of wine all in your possession at the same time.

Uh oh, Tiger down!

  

What do you think the tiger would say if he could talk?

No tigers or plushies were harmed in the creation of this post.

Beyond The Night

Though the sky at night be red

Tell me of the day ahead

Speak to me at dawn's light

Of things beyond mortal sight

Walk with me upon the grass

Where others before have passed

What do they know that I know not

All the things that time forgot

Written for dVerse poetry.

Quote of the Week

As I was walking up the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there.
He wasn't there again today.
I wish, I wish he'd go away.
- Hugh Mearns

I have come across this one many times in my quest for quotes, and always passed it over because it didn't seem to fit.  But I like it so it is this week's quote.  

What does it mean?

Some things that come to mind are, of course, ghosts, or figments of our imagination.  The thought that we are seeing people from our past, and talking to them as though they are real.  Or maybe it is an event that troubles us and causes us to see what isn't there.

On the other hand, it reminds me of a Dr. Seuss story I had on an old record when I was just a sprout.  It was much spookier back then.

The Pants With Nobody Inside Them

Most of you have read or listened to Dr. Suess?  What was your favorite tale?

The Golden Rule

The Lego store in the Mall of America

From the Golden Rule to the modern catch phrase "what goes around, comes around", the lesson is the same, and that was the lesson shared once between two kindergarteners.  Alex knew Bobby didn't have many toys, and offered to let him play with his new Lego set.  Both boys felt better about themselves after that.

Written for Friday Flash 55.

The Rose Garden: Allison

This is a continuation of the Rose Garden series. You can read parts one and two here: The Rose Garden and The Restoration.

One night as Gerald sat on the porch watching the sun set over the garden, he paused to take note of how well the yellow roses were doing.  He had taken quite well to the slower paced life here in Louisiana.  He'd gotten on with a design firm in New Orleans and worked most days from his virtual office.  On evenings like this he would sit and tell his mother all about his life and his latest project on the house.  Of course, had anyone seen and heard the conversation, they would say "poor Gerald, talking to himself again."  

But tonight was special, and even though Gerald wasn't so sure people were wrong, he still spoke.  "Mama, I've got great news.  I've met someone.  Her name is Allison.  She's the most wonderful girl...and Gerald continued on, his words tumbling one over the other in his excitement, nearly forgetting he was alone on the porch.  He concluded by saying "you will love her, I know you will!"

As he got up to go in for the night he said, I'll bring her around soon.  I can't wait for you to see her."  Indeed folks would think him a might touched in the head.  But they didn't know what he knew, what he thought he had seen and heard.

The house and gardens had been completed and restored to their former beauty.  All but the old brick walkway...Gerald remembered the words whispered on the wind.  He had also kept the renovations true to the era of the house.  Later that week he would plan a picnic dinner in the garden for Allison.  He felt sure his mother would be there.  She still loved her roses.
 
Gerald had decided that informal was the best thing for dinner in the garden, so he set the table with some attractive floral plates, tumblers filled with sweet iced tea, and of course, a fresh bouquet of roses.  The main course was a traditional Cajun jambalaya with homemade cornbread with creamy butter, and Beignets for dessert.

Soon Allison arrived in her white BMW convertible.  It was a beautiful day for a drive with the top down.  Her heels clicked as she walked along the brick walkway to the garden; her pale blue dress matched her blond hair and deep blue eyes and swayed gently as she approached.  Gerald watched, his eyes twinkling at the sight of her.

"Hi Gerry, I hope I'm not late."  Her soft Southern accent was music to his ears.

"Allison, you look lovely today, and of course you are right on time.  Please, come have a seat."

After enjoying the dinner and some quiet conversation, they strolled around the garden, and Gerald pointed out some of the different roses and where they came from.  The garden had always been his Mother's passion, so that is where he began the restoration.  They paused at the yellow rose bush, and he explained that his Father had given it to her the year before he died, and that it was her most prized bush.   A sad smile briefly touched her lips.  "Oh Gerry, that is so sweet.  They obviously adored one another."

As they returned to the table for dessert, there across Allison's plate was a single yellow rose.

Quote of the Week

Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.  - Swedish Proverb

Good advice and things we could all benefit by doing more or less of.

Chickadee at Lunch

Like many of you, I love all the little critters of the world, and there is a special place in my heart for the Chickadee.  I spied this little guy having lunch at a very interesting feeder.  It is a piece of real wood with suet inserted into it.

My Mom used to feed the Chickadees, and they got so used to it they would gather in the tree and call for their lunch.

The Nature Channel

Dood relaxing in front of Nature TV.

We "turn on" Nature TV on for him every morning.  However there isn't much on his favorite channel today.  It is a rainy, dreary day, and Dood is nowhere to be found.  I suspect he is curled up in his box in the basement. 

Yep, I know my cats!  

Where do your cats (or dogs) like to sleep the rainy days away?

Quote of the Week

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
- Abraham Lincoln

Image Source:  Wikipedia

During our journey from childhood to adulthood, our beliefs, morals and ethics are formed. Our character is figuratively where we place our feet, and we back this up with our actions.

What If?

The sun stopped shining?

It would get cold and dark, and we'd all die.

It never rained again and our water sources dried up?

We'd have no food or water, and we'd all die.

You won the lottery?

It wouldn't save you if there were no sun or water.  Be thankful for what you have.

Written for Friday Flash 55 and Magpie Tales.
For clarification,  I am not against the lottery, but know that money doesn't fix everything either.

A Taste of Florida

Madeira Beach

I always get a peaceful feeling watching the sun set over the water.  

Citra, Florida

There is such beauty in Nature, and a few oddities such as this very tall palm near The Orange Shop in Citra, FL.

Hubbard's Marina - John's Pass

What great advertising!

Breakfast at Nina's Cafe

It's important to start your day out right.

Fried clams and french fries at the Sea Hag

So you can eat like this later.

Feeding the Pelicans

These birds have a good thing going here.  They know when the fishing boat comes in and flock in to await lunch.

Thanks for joining me as I look back on some of the "kodak moments" of our vacation.

In Honor of a Principled Man

Today's post honors another of the great men in my life, my father-in-law.  It was with much sadness that we said goodbye to him just before Christmas. 

My father-in-law, like many men of his generation, was a true gentleman.  He drew people to him with his kindness.  He respected everyone, in all walks of life, with "yes sir", or "no ma'am".  He led by example, and inspired those around him to become better people.  His sons will tell you that there was no finer role model than their father.

He had a remarkable memory, which was most evident when he met someone new.  He would ask their name, where they were from, etc.  When he next saw them, he would call them by name and ask how so-and-so was back home.  That made everyone feel special.

He was an avid golfer and had been since his college days.  It was often (and incorrectly) assumed he was on the golf team, but he would correct that misconception, stating that he played WITH the golf team.  This demonstrates the honesty and integrity with which he lived his life. 

There was a message left on my answering machine from a college friend of his with whom he had played golf.  He told of them playing 9 holes of golf in 45 minutes (they wanted to get a round in between classes).  He also said "he was a principled man and all around good guy". 

Even though he wasn't part of his college golf team, he was an excellent golfer and won numerous trophies, held a lifetime membership at his golf club, and won the club championship several times.

He served his country in the US Navy during World War II, and later worked as a traveling auditor for the railroad - golf clubs in tow, of course.

He lived a very full 85 years, and bore the discomforts of surgeries and illness with the same great humor that made his eyes twinkle when he told stories of his grandchildren.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and friend to many.  While he enjoyed pastimes such as Scrabble and the NY Times crosswords, two of the greatest pleasures in his life were his family and golf. 

Indeed, he enriched everyone's lives, and will be greatly missed.

Season's Greetings

Merry Christmas
from our house to yours!

"Deck the Halls"  Christmas music in Johnson City, TX.

I'll be taking a short break for Christmas.  Enjoy the video, and I'll see you in about a week or so!

Quote of the Week

Animals make you feel good, too.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
- Maya Angelou 

This is a powerful statement.  Whether good or bad, people will remember the emotions you inspired in them.   Let's hope that people come away from us feeling uplifted and good about themselves.

Gray Days

Once upon a time in the land of trolls, unicorns were revered, and the brilliant blaze of the morning sky meant safe passage.  Gray days were to be feared for that is when the trolls came out of their hidden lairs beneath the bridges. Woe unto anyone who dared venture forth on a gray day.

Written for Friday Flash 55.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Patty Cake Patty Cake

Image Source: FreeFoto.com

Patty cake, patty cake bakers man

Bake me a cake in a jelly roll pan

Patty cake, patty cake bakers wife

Lived in the bakery all her life

Patty cake, patty cake bakers girl

Toss the dough and give it a whirl

Patty cake, patty cake bakers son

Bakes up a real fine honey bun

Posted for dVerse Poetry.

Quote of the Week

For it is in giving that we receive.
- Francis of Assisi

This is true no matter the season, and no matter the gift.

On the Edge

Sophie on the edge

Position precarious

Prepare for landing

Back in Time

While we were in St. Pete last month, we happened across an old Volkswagen show at Ft. DeSoto.  Here are some of the more interesting ones.

Does this take you back?

  

Who doesn't love Krispy Kreme doughnuts?  Yum!

It's 2 p.m.  Do you know where your children are?

Move over Smart Cars - Volkswagen is here.

It's Party Time!

These and many more were on display in the parking lot of one of the Ft. DeSoto picnic areas.  People were selling/swapping parts, cooking and eating.  This puts a whole new spin on tailgating.

Quote of the Week

There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.  - Andre Gide

Taken at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN

Like the snake, many things are not nearly as bad as we give them credit for being.  Taking a closer and objective look at our fears may help us to slay the monsters behind them.

Secrets

Image Source: Vegan Traveller

Through the door walked a big little boy wearing a ball cap, torn jeans and dirty tennis shoes.  The door keeps his secrets locked deep within where no one will know his shame or his sin.  His T-Shirt is smeared with his blood and his tears.  "Why did I have to send that stupid text?"




Written for Friday Flash 55.

Ravaged

This sofa once graced a happy home. A young couple sat here enjoying the fire, and contemplating all that life had to offer. Then came the war, and he was gone. Time passed slowly, the letters few and far between. Then, months later, he was returned, but he wasn’t really there. Life didn’t seem to have as much to offer now.

She couldn’t stay – she didn’t want to go. In the end, she took the things she cherished and returned home to be near her family. He sits in a dreary room, day in – day out, most of the time staring blankly into space. He knows she’s not coming back.

Now the sofa, donated and re-donated, sits by the road, soiled and broken. Its cushions long gone to some homeless man living in a cardboard village in a dank alley where the rats roam bravely through the darkened streets.

A fictional story written for Magpie Tales #93.

Quote of the Week

Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough but not baked in the same oven.  
- Yiddish Proverb

We all come into the world in the same way.  Who we become and what makes us different is the influence of our family, our environment and life's circumstances.

Post Turkey Day Blues

Mall of America

My paper is blank

And my brain's turned to mush

Is it the turkey I thank

Or the holiday rush

My thoughts they are fleeting

Like ships in the night

Nary a greeting

Nor squeal of delight

So it's off to the store

In search of great deals

Through every door

I burst with great zeal

Then I stop and I stare

In total dismay

At the items on shelves

In complete disarray

What are they thinking

I thought to myself

The lights are all blinking

But I don't see an elf

So homeward I head
With my parcels in tow
My feet are like lead
And I'm moving slow

I bid good night
To the holiday shoppers
Grabbing a bite
With the holiday swappers

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for everything that makes our lives special.

Here are some of the things I am thankful for:

My husband

My friends

My cats

Good food

Wine 

Diet beverages

Being safe and warm in my house

Being able to buy groceries

Dining out

Summer days

Going to the beach

My sense of smell

My health

Exercise

My leaf blower

Electricity

Being loved

Clouds

Sunlight

Evening strolls

The freedom to be myself

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Quote of the Week

 
Once you accept the fact that you're not perfect, then you develop some confidence.  
- Rosalynn Carter





I believe this is true.  We can become so concerned with making mistakes, that we begin to doubt ourselves.  Once we are no longer burdened with the fear of imperfection, we are able to accomplish more and thus gain confidence in ourselves and our abilities.

Deep Thoughts

Happy, Sad

Puzzled, Mad

Bored out of your Gourd

Agitated, Frustrated

Revolving, Evolving

Filled with Joy

Filled with Pain

Preaching, Teaching

Forward Reaching

Magic, Tragic

Receiving, Achieving

Fantastic, Spastic

Hot, Cold

Timid, Bold

Fearful, Cheerful

Shrieking, Freaking

Calm before the Storm

How do you do
Not a Clue

What does this Friday say to You?

A Wacky 55 for the G-Man

Nursery Rhyme Redo: It's Raining, It's Pouring

It's raining, it's pouring

And the cat is snoring

Upon the pillow beside my head

And there he will be until morning

This seems quite appropriate considering the rainy day here.

Posted for dVerse poetry.

The Chilly Side

Waves on the Gulf

Result of last night's cold front.

It's a bit cooler today.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Kicking Back

Today's Lunch - Fish & Chips

We're taking some time for a little R&R.  We will return to our regularly scheduled programming next week.