Hold On

It is day 2 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of  We Work For Cheese.  This is written for the prompt "Hold On".  Check out the list on Nicky's post to see who else is holding on.

Hold on

to your dreams

to your beliefs

to your goals

to yourself

Let go

of your fears

of your worries

of your problems

of yourself

Embrace

your talents

your uniqueness

your imagination

yourself

Cheesy Fun

Today marks the first day of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  For more cheesy goodness, please read all the other talented participants.  Now let's get started! 

I had no cheesy pictures, nor cheesy tales to tell
And long upon this I did dwell.
So for you lovely folks
I leave this bunch of cheesy jokes.
 

Image Source: Zebedee Zebedee

What happened after an explosion at a French cheese factory?
All that was left was de brie.

What do you call cheese that is sad?
Blue cheese.

How do you get a mouse to smile?
Say cheese!


What do you call cheese that isn't yours?
Nacho Cheese!

What dance do cheese makers do every Halloween?
The muenster mash!

What did the Cheese salesman say?
That cheese may be Gouda, but this one is Feta! 

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

When cheese gets its picture taken what does it say?  

And last but not least.

Mexican, Englishman, American
A Mexican, Englishman, and an American are in a bar having drinks.
When a gorgeous woman comes up to them and says:

Whoever can use the words ‘liver’ and ‘cheese’ in a creative sentence can date me for tonight.

The Englishman says:  I love liver and cheese!

The woman says:  That’s not good enough!

The American says:  I hate liver and cheese!

The woman says:  That’s not creative!

The Mexican says:  Liver alone, cheese mine!
 

Cheesy jokes courtesy of Jokes4Us.com

Up a Tree

This picture makes me happy!

Rosie will be 16 years old in June.  As you know, he has been struggling with diabetes for several years now, and he is currently on insulin about twice a day depending on his blood sugar levels when we test him.  In addition, he suffers from allergies, chronic sinus issues and ear and skin conditions which cause him to cough, sneeze and scratch.  He goes to the vet regularly for shots to control his symptoms.  These shots in turn raise his blood sugar.  

In spite of all this, Rosie is still a happy cat, or as we like to say "an awesome cat".  He still loves life.  However, he has good days, and not so good days. 

So why does this picture make me happy?  This was one of his very best days lately.  He loves Sophie and he was chasing her around the house.  But amid chase, Sophie went up her tree.  Uncharacteristically, Rosie followed - at least to the first perch.  He's feeling good, and that makes me happy!

On top of the world.

Sophie is the only one who uses the cat tree.  It is her escape and a good place to oversee the outside, or just catch a few uninterrupted zzz's.  Occasionally, Rosie will lay on the base and soak up a few rays.

It's nappy time!

Quote of the Week

You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.  - Michael Pritchard

 

If laughter keeps you young, then we are in good shape.  Sophie is always good for a laugh.  This is the bag I use for food when we're going on vacation.  I should have known this wasn't a good idea.  Bags, boxes, they're all fair game where Sophie is concerned. 

Pelican Party

As you know, we love to go to Florida.  That is where I recharge my internal batteries, and let life take a slower pace for a while.  Every so often we like to visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  This is a wonderful place where all sorts of injured birds are rehabilitated and released.    For some release is not possible, and they live out their days here in relative peace.  I say relative, because anywhere you have a bunch of birds, it is seldom quiet.

The Sanctuary is located in Indian Shores, about 15 minutes from where we stay in Madeira Beach.  It is between Gulf Blvd. and the Gulf of Mexico.  This sign welcomes beach goers and beckons them to visit the birds and the gift shop.  Visiting is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

 This handsome fellow (No, I'm not sure of his/her gender) looks like he is standing guard.

A large number of the birds you will find here are pelicans of all ages and varieties.  There are several large areas dedicated to them, each with their own swimming pool.  Below you will see what a grand time they have splashing around.

For more information, visit their website - Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

You'll never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking what sort of impression you make. - C. S. Lewis

Too much effort toward making a good impression can work against you. People may notice and wonder why you feel the need to try so hard. Stop worrying about how people perceive you. Being yourself and letting your own light shine through makes the best impression of all.

First Snow of the Winter

Well, we finally got it.  The white stuff fell for a few hours last night after several days of rain.  While we didn't get a great deal of snow, since everything was saturated from all the rain, hubby's car doors were frozen shut when the temperature fell into the 20s. 

This is what it looked like just before dark last night.  We even had a few rumbles of thunder during the snow.

A snowy sunrise.  The sun shining through the snow covered trees is so pretty.

The snow plow spreading salt.

This is a different view of the pond in our ditch, which was frozen over this morning.

A icy look down the street.

By now the the sun is out bright, the temperatures are rising and the snow and ice will soon be a thing of the past.  A typical snow in our area.

Nothing

Image Source: Wikipedia

What do you do when the inside of your brain is as glum and dreary as the day is outside?  Like all the rain has soaked in and drowned your last two brain cells.  I guess you could sit slumped in front of your computer with your head in your hands, pretending to be "the thinker" until the muscles in your neck permanently freeze into that position, leaving you with much more in common with the thinker than you thought possible. That's way too much thinking!

Or you could do what I do.  Nothing!  Except in telling you about doing nothing, I am actually doing something.  Except that the something is really nothing.  

Now you can see why I have nothing to offer.

Quote of the Week

 

 

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws. - Plato (427-347 B.C.)

 

 

Plato lived over 2300 years ago.  He was a philosopher and his writings have been used to teach philosophy, logic and ethics.  

 

Mankind had the same issues then that we have today. 

It has been the same throughout history.  So what does this say to us?  People have always known right from wrong, but bad people don't care, and don't respect the laws.

Beauty at the Beach

Wordless Wednesday 

Quote of the Week

Men fight for freedom, then they begin to accumulate laws to take it away from themselves.  - Author Unknown

There is a troubling issue facing us today.  We look around and ask, "what is the world coming to?"  What really happened?  History keeps repeating itself because we never face the real problem.  Violence, by all methods, has been around as long as humans have inhabited this planet.  

Against whom is this violence most often perpetrated?  The answer is simple - the defenseless.  They are the easiest targets, providing the would-be killers with multitudes of innocents upon which to unleash their rage.  Where is their protection?  At best, long minutes away.  For the more isolated, much longer.

For weeks, I have read the railings of those opposed to guns, ranging from the mildly uncomfortable to those who would strip away our 2nd amendment rights.  They cry for gun control and to ban certain types of weapons and accessories.  They beg for signatures on their petitions to further their agenda with our elected officials.   This is not the solution.  Taking away gun rights just means more innocent people will die needlessly.

It is time to address the real issue.  It is not the number of guns or the size of the magazine, but the people behind the guns that are the problem.   Not all people, but people who have a history of crime, drugs, psychological or mental issues, or are just plain violent people.  Only when we look at the real problem, will we begin to make a real difference. 

Remember, the bad guys will always have the guns.  I just prefer to stay on equal footing.

I know based on what I've been reading through social media that this is not a popular position with some of you.  I understand and respect that we all have different ways of looking at things, whether we agree with each other or not.  In the end, we do the research and the soul searching and hopefully come to our own conclusions. 

Ringing in 2013

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Cheers!

Twas The Nght Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas is a story familiar to youngsters everywhere.  I remember my Mom reading it to me when I was knee-high to a grasshopper.  You know, memories are funny things, and sometimes they fade or become intertwined with others, creating new memories until you're not sure what you really remember.  This is one of those times for me.

I think I remember making a book, probably out of construction paper, with the words and pictures from my copy of Twas The Night Before Christmas.  I suspect Mom helped me put it together, hole-punched it and bound it with yarn.  I believe this was a Christmas present for Daddy.  So far, I have not found this book as I continue to look through things in the attic, though I hope to come across it one day.

Since I cannot share with you my childhood artwork, I give you this video, which tells the story with the illustrations I think I remember from my book all those years ago.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.  May you find peace and love in your homes and hearts.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: This Little Piggy

Image Source: captivatedbymandie.com

One little piggy went to market
Two little piggies went to Rome
Three little piggies had a good time
All the little piggies got stoned
But not one little piggy  
followed Mary home
Oh wait...that's another story.
 

Special Delivery

Internet shopping equals boxes and boxes equals a happy cat.  Just another reason to love Christmas! 

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. ― Douglas Adams

On our journey through life we encounter many twists and turns and sometimes end up far from what we expected.  In the end, however, life has a way of placing us just where we are supposed to be, whether we realize it at the time or not.

Sticky Business

It's hard to believe another Christmas is almost here.  Another tree carefully selected and decorated.  Gifts ordered with the click of my mouse.  So what is different about this year?  Well, this is the year that my 15 1/2 year old cat started taking insulin.  We have been fortunate to maintain his condition for nearly 3 years with food,  Alas, that time has passed.  Now it is twice daily shots for Rosie B.

He's a good boy and so patient with all of our sticking and pricking.  He, as well as Sophie and Dood, are really enjoying the Christmas tree.  The tree skirt rumpled and covered in cat hair, but I don't mind.  It is as much for them as it is for us.

Waiting for Santa

Rosie and Sophie

Wordless Wednesday...no words required!

Quote of the Week

Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant. - Socrates

Our animal friends represent one of the truest forms of friendship not only with us, but with each other as well.  We can learn a lot from them.

It took some time for their friendship to reach this level, but they are the greatest of buds, and Dood totally idolizes Rosie.

 

The Rose Garden: The Wedding

Six months earlier.  "She said yes, Mother!" Gerald shouted, ecstatically.  "Can you believe it?  She actually said yes."  Gerald knew his mother was lurking somewhere nearby.  She usually did when he was alone in the garden. 

Allison sat cross-legged on the floor in the living room amidst a mountain of catalogs and brochures.  Her blond hair hung in ringlets around her face as she bent over a cake catalog, murmuring "chocolate with vanilla icing, or butter cream with chocolate icing?  No, I'd rather have carrot cake."

Gerald had been watching from the next room, thinking she had never looked lovelier than she did now in her faded jeans and Bon Jovi T-shirt, representing Allison's favorite band.  They went to see them the month before in Atlanta when they had picked up her wedding dress.  She deemed "Thank You For Loving Me" as 'our song' and they danced in the aisle as the band played.

Spotting him she smiled.  "Gerry, have you talked to the photographer and videographer?"  "I want to make sure they can be here for the rehearsal dinner, too.  Did you mention that?"

"Yes, dear, we are on their schedule for Friday night, and they will be at the church at noon on Saturday," replied her future husband patiently.  "Everything is under control.  You have gone over every detail to the utmost and then some."

"Are you saying that I have obsessed over my perfect day?"

"Not at all, sweetheart, not at all."

"Well, I still have to choose the cake.  What do you think?  Chocolate or vanilla?  Traditional or carrot cake?  Maybe even carrot cake squares with little miniature candy carrots for decoration?  I like it!  It's settled."

"I love a woman who's not afraid to make a decision" said Gerald, laughing.

All brides have issues and obstacles to contend with to make it the perfect wedding, and there is seldom such a thing.  The food is overcooked or undercooked, or someone has one too many cocktails and causes a scene or botches the toast to the bride and groom.  And so after many months of planning, comparing prices, interviewing photographers, and sampling countless hors d'oeuvres, the big day finally arrives.  

As Gerald dons his rented tux, he fumbles with the tie.  Frustrated, he mumbled "how does this go again?"  Then he smiles, remembering their first lunch in the rose garden.  It is so fitting that they exchange their vows in that same garden.  That's why they planned a Spring wedding.  The vestiges of Winter have faded away, but the wrath of Summer was not yet upon them and Mother's yellow roses were in full bloom just as he knew they would be.  

Allison emerges as the music begins.  Dum dum de dum... Her bridesmaids lead the way, their matching pale blue dresses swaying as they walk.  The bride was a vision of loveliness in her gown of satin and lace, strolling down the aisle as if on air.  Her hands cradling a bouquet of beautiful yellow roses.  She chose to wear her hair down covered with a lacy veil dotted with seed pearls.

Allison's face was radiant as she turned to Gerald.  He, himself, beaming to rival the sun.  What a glorious day.  Gerald wishes his mother could be there, and yet, at the same time he knows she is.  After all it is her garden. 

The minister is speaking.  "Do you, Gerald, take this woman...?  Do you, Allison, take this man...?"

They recite the vows they wrote together to each other.  The minister pronounces them husband and wife..."you may kiss your bride" he said. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McLandon.  Congratulations!"

When they reached their table with their cake and champagne, Gerald notices a small box with a note at his place.  He opened the box and his eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and amazement.  It was the diamond brooch that his father presented to his mother on their 25th anniversary.  The note said "For Allison".

Allison did, indeed, have the perfect wedding day.

If you haven't had a chance to read the first three parts here they are:
The Rose Garden
The Restoration
The Rose Garden:  Allison

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Mykl Roventine

"It came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags!"... Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!  "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"   
- Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Although a children's tale, it has a great lesson for people of all ages.  There is more to Christmas than boxes and bows.  Even the Grinch figured it out, and it is said "That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!"

Something for Everyone?

Just in time for Christmas, Scotch introduces the stiletto tape dispenser.  Available in other colors and styles.  I guess there is indeed something for everyone!

A Holiday Project

Every now and then we start and finish a project.  This is the guest bathroom in my parents' house - otherwise known as the big bathroom when I was growing up.  I've written before that I still have this house, and it has served many purposes since I inherited it.  The most important was when my best friends lived there for a while.  It has provided extra storage, served as a backup when our power was out and is a place we can fix up and maybe move into.

We started Phase I of this project on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the carpet was laid down Tuesday night.  The project consisted first of taking up the toilet and reseating it so that it was level and no longer threatened to unseat its users.  Nothing in an older house is as simple as it should be, but I am pleased at how quickly this came together.

Next we bought a carpet remnant and my handy hubby made a paper pattern and cut it to fit.

 

After months of seeing the plywood covered by a few throw rugs, here is the nearly completed Phase I.  All that remains is a window treatment and a few decorations.

Phase II will consist of painting the cabinets (built in vanity) which are to the right, and replacing the sinks, counter top and faucets.

Stay tuned for more exciting home renovation projects.

Quote of the Week

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold.  They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.  - Barbara Bloom

None of us make it through this life unscathed, so we wear our cracks with pride.  They are like a map of our life showing where we have been and how we got there.  We are indeed beautiful in spite of, or perhaps because of, our history.

Happy Thanksgiving

Image source:  blacksnowcomic.com

Happy Turkey Day, everyone!

Quote of the Week

Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems. - unknown

While ignoring your problems won't make them go away, it is always better to focus on what is right in your world than to constantly dwell on what is wrong.

Dolphin Watch

Mammals of the deep

Swimming with beauty and grace

Bringing smiles and cheers

Down by the River

Semi-wordless Wednesday!  

Dinner at Skippers Fish Camp on the bank of the lovely Darien River.  Tasty!

Quote of the Week

Be a good listener.  Your ears will never get you in trouble. - Frank Tyger 

This seems like sound advice, and a true statement. It is only when the mouth gets involved that you step onto shaky ground.

The Waiting

I sit and wait.  The waiting becomes unbearable.  I wonder will my suffering never end?  Suddenly I hear a deep rumbling growl.  Startled, I look around...nothing.  Tick, tick, tick.  I hear the clock slowly, painfully clicking off the seconds one by one.  Just when I think I can't take another minute - Ding!  Pizza!

Written for Friday Flash 55.

A Day in Lake City

As I alluded to in a previous post, there was more to my Lake City detour than just a waterfall.  The main purpose was to meet up with my friend Sara Healy, whom I met through the wonderful world of blogging.

We met through her site, "a sharing connection" about three years ago when I first participated in one of her story photo challenges.  I don't think I've missed a post since.  A sharing connection is funny, thoughtful and thought provoking.  Sara puts herself into each photo story challenge, offers words of wisdom and delights us with her fictional stories.  She has also been a great inspiration to me as I explore the world of writing.

So after a number of emails and Google searches for a place to meet, we finally settled on a date and time, each coming from a different direction.  We spent the night in Brunswick, GA and they drove in from Tallahassee, each about two hours. 

I had been looking forward to this for a long time, and I will tell you that Sara is just as delightful in person as she is online.  We had a wonderful double date with her and her boyfriend.  The long-awaited lunch took place at Mike's Cafe & Grille.  

I was worried about being late, so we ended up at the restaurant about a half hour early.  We walked in and when the hostess asked "two for lunch?" we told her we were having lunch with another couple that we hadn't met so we chose a table where we could see the door and keep an eye out for them.  Even though we'd never met in person, it was instant recognition, like greeting old friends after a long absence.

We chatted non-stop for two hours trying to cram as much in as possible.  We talked about food, wine, traded cat stories, and talked about their home renovation project (I hope that has been completed now), and of course, blogging.

Sadly, lunch was over way too soon - I felt like we had barely gotten started and could have gone on talking for hours.  We hugged, took pictures, and they headed home while we set out to see what Lake City had to offer.

Alligator Lake Park

First up was Alligator Lake Park.  Although we saw no alligators at the park, we did see a long-legged white bird hunting for its dinner, squirrels and dragonflies.  There was a playground for kids, and a wonderful screened in picnic shelter overlooking the lake.

Spanish Moss on a Live Oak

Then there was this old bearded tree.  At least all the Spanish Moss hanging from its limbs made it look bearded.  While I always thought that Spanish Moss was hazardous to trees, I find that is not true.  It is actually not even related to moss, and derives its nutrition from the air and rainfall.

Pretty Berries

I have no idea what these berries are.  I found these at Falling Creek Falls on a bush growing beneath a large tree.  They almost look like miniature grape clusters.  If anyone knows what they are, please share in the comment section.

Falling Creek Falls

Falls were not something I expected to find in Florida, the land of the flat, so I had to check this out.  While it doesn't have great height, only about 10 feet or so, it is still pretty and peaceful.  I posted the video of this recently.

Overnight at Cabot Lodge

Calling an end to our Lake City adventure, we looked for a place to bed down for the night before continuing on to St. Pete.  Thank goodness for smart phones, and Trip Advisor.  We found this small chain hotel only a few miles away.  Can you guess what was a big drawing point at the end of the day?  That's right!  They have a nightly social hour from 5:30 until 7:30 where they serve beer, wine and snacks.  There was a TV in the lobby and baseball fans were gathered around routing for their favorite team.

This was a lovely day, and our visit with my friend, Sara was definitely the highlight.

Quote of the Week

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.

- Elizabeth Lawrence

No time spent admiring the beauty of Nature is time wasted.

No Alligators?

Lacking in anything creative today, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into Alligator Lake Park.

Beautiful clouds.

I have dubbed this the year of the clouds.  Everywhere I've been, including my own home town, I've seen the most amazing clouds, and pictures rarely do them justice.

Where are the alligators?

Yes, I had actually thought to see alligators. 

Explaining the importance of this area.

This is a major player in Florida's drinking water.

This is just one of the places we visited on our recent vacation.  Stay tuned next week for "A Day in Lake City" where I reveal the main reason for our little detour.