Home again

So....for the last 9 days I have been home by my lonesome...while John was off on a trip he's had in the works for almost a year. He went to Nicaragua with John M, L.J. and Chuck. They were going to a spot that is pretty much "undiscovered" in hopes of having it all to themselves. Back in the late 70's, early 80's John used to travel down to Costa Rica to surf. He'd take off for a month or so...as long as possible, and just surf and travel around the country. Back then no one knew about Costa Rica...so it was uncrowded and really "primitive" as far as accommodations go. No electricity..etc. Last year he went with a couple of friends back to CR for about two weeks...but was disappointed by the number of surfers that were there. He had fun....but missed the old days. He started looking around on the Internet an found what looked like the perfect destination. Parts of Nicaragua get more surfers...but the spot they were going does not. He made the plans and got three friends to join him.....Not knowing exactly what they were in for...he was a little nervous...but ready to go. Well....after the second day there...they had already caught fish, hiked up Volcano Negro and snowboarded down into it and surfed on some great waves.
He was tired but very happy when he called me, Last time I talked to him he said they had been surfing 3-5 ft waves each day (exactly what he had hoped for...not too big...but big enough)and most of the time they were the only 4 people in the water. They had seen a few other surfers passing through...but pretty much...it was them and the guides. Sounds like a perfect vacation. Can't wait to see the pictures and video when they return tomorrow. well I'm sure I won't see anything tomorrow...but you know what I mean *Of course...as it turns out...this month's copy of SURFER Magazine has a picture of one of the spots they were planning to surf today.. so next time they go there may be a few more people down there after this gets out!
So...while he was off.....I've been just doing my regular routine here in Indialantic. Me and the dog...enjoying the big bed all to ourselves. When John's gone...I miss him...but I know he's coming back...so I also enjoy my space. I've gotten things organized...took some stuff to the Sharing Center.we'll see how long it takes John to notice that all those bags I've been accumulating are now gone! I went to get a massage, I gave blood....just keeping myself busy. Wednesday night Chuck's wife Pat invited me and 3 others over for hors d' oeuvres and wine. After work I headed over for a fun evening of tasty treats and good conversation. We ate mozzarella, brie en croute with raspberry preserves, salmon, pasta and a few other things. A couple of glasses of wine and we talked about everything from the guy's trip, to our kids, work, current events...you name it...we talked about it.haha Then we had a sampling of some delicious desserts....just a bit of each...but I'm still thinking about that chocolate turtle thing! The PLAN was for us to come over for a couple of hours...since most of us had to work the next day. Well....8:30pm came and went and all of the sudden I realized it was 11:00pm...I looked at Pat and said..."Don't you have to go to bed soon?" She started putting things away while Gayle and Nancy contiued to talk...and Pat and I laughed when she started turning off the lights...I told her she needed to get the broom out...and we'd go...Nancy and Gayle didn't want to leave...Pat laughed and told them /us we could keep talking as long as we wanted...we just had to find somewhere else to do it. Hahaha It was fun...and I appreciated the invitation after a week by myself. Friday night I joined some friends at where else but Longdoggers. Today I had to work 9:30 to 2:30....and then did my usual routine around here. Took a bike ride, walked the dog, caught up on Season One of Greek....(I love that show...it just started back up for this season last week!) And now...I am ready for things to get back to normal. I miss hearing John up and about at 4:30am...haha...well he does bring me coffee and bagels or breakfast sandwiches before work...since I do not get up early enough to have time to do it myself....if it's not here...I'm probably not going out of my way to get it!...so I miss all those little things he does for me. It will be nice for him to be back...all relaxed and happy....he deserved a break. I'm glad it turned out to be all he hoped for...a great group to travel with and exactly the conditions he was hoping for!

PS- Megan this one's for you...haha...by the way...I have the AC on tonight...!

Irresistible

Isn't it funny that no matter how old you are I am there are some things that are just irresistible!) (by they way...this first photo is from the internet..)
Like these....of course I have to make sure the people whose yard they are in don't SEE me...hahaha...spreading the seeds around.
But there is something about them...I really have a hard time passing them by...especially ones like this perfect and just waiting to be set free. hahhaa

Fun Clouds

It's Thursday....my favorite day of the week...when it comes to work....
I had a nice group at Storytime...we read about cold weather and penquins, danced around with bean bags and made our own penquins. And when I got off of work...I walked outside into this glorious day! Cool temperatures and...blue skies with wispy clouds swirling around...beautiful.

The last two days before this one were high 60's and not ONE cloud in the sky....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Again...this is why I love winter!

Winter Books for kids

Since I have the day off tomorrow I decided I am going to go visit my friend Amy's class again and read a few stories to them...I am their unofficial "Rolling Reader" They didn't sign up for a reader and I didn't sign up to BE a reader...since I don't have a set schedule...so this arrangement has worked out pretty well for both of us. I usually manage to get to their class about once a month. This month...since it's January...I get to have some fun with some winter favorites! This first one I have already read to my Storytime group...and I will read it tomorrow if I have extra time....because even though the class is beyond the level of this book...the kids still enjoy it! I Love this book.. Snow Day! by Patricia Lakin. It reminds me of when we lived in Pittsburgh and we would wait to hear those magic words on the radio/weather report... "Snow Day today" ahhhh what fun! In Florida it's a Hurricane day...and if the hurricane really is coming...no one's going to be outside playing...but if the storm takes a turn...you might get lucky! anyway...it's great fun to read about SAM, PAM,WILL AND JILL and their fun in the snow.
Since we are getting close to Groundhog's Day...I get to read this book by Pamela Curtis Swallow....Groundhog Gets a Say. It's a cute story about a groundhog who thinks February should be "Groundhog Appreciation Month". Groundhog tells his friends all the reasons that groundhogs are important and impressive...so this story is a fun way to learn lots of facts about how groundhogs live, what they can do, like climb trees, swim, run as fast as the average 4th grader, dig burrows with their TEETH etc.
We had a 3 week cold spell here and we are having some more cooler weather...so I have to include two books about staying warm.haha
The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen is a lovely story about friendship and sharing. It starts off with a lonely old lady who notices all the children, except one, playing in the snow..and she realizes it's because he has no mittens. Worrying about him, she decides to knit him a pair of mittens and leave them by the tree for him to find. And so it goes...until she runs out of yarn....but then she gets a surprise herself. It's a nice story.
And then one of my very favorites... The Five Dog Night by Eileen Christelow....about two friends...Old Betty and Ezra.Betty has good intentions, she worries about her friend at the top of the hill...but Ezra is stubborn and thinks she's a "busybody" The author says this book was inspired by a true story of an elderly man in Vermont...who relied on his dogs to keep him warm in the winter. The colder the night...the more dogs in the bed....the pictures are cute and the characters are too! I read this every year to all my groups. :) I guess I better wrap this up....and put my books away so they are ready to go for tomorrow!

Late night musings

I should really be going to bed....but then again...I don't have to get up early tomorrow...I'm off. Actually...since we started the new schedule at the Library in October...I kind of like the way the schedule usually works out. I don't have to be to work until 9:00 most days...and that just seems to work well with my nocturnal nature. :) I have a hard time getting myself to go to bed sometimes...so getting up a little later...is helpful. What I DISLIKE about the schedule is that it changes day to day...week to week...so I have to make sure I am paying attention to the schedule...so I know when and where I am supposed to be. It's not a major problem.. I realize people do it all the time....but it's different after working pretty much the exact same schedule for 4 years. And...there's the fact that I am at the front desk 15 hrs a week....I'd much rather be doing Children's...but that's the way it goes. I miss my Outreach programs...and they miss me...at least that's what they tell me. And the Front desk is demanding.....I can handle that...most of the time...it's the trying to do several things at once that I am NOT good at. Answering the phone, while checking people out or filling in applications for cards...while people try to chat with me...is a challenge for me. I am not a good multi tasker...I like to start one thing and finish it...I just work better that way...otherwise I get going in too many directions and not much gets done. When a crowd comes in the doors right when we first open, and we are still trying to check in everything from the book drop..it gets hectic. Last Tuesday, after the Holiday weekend...we had a crazy crazy morning...everyone was trying to help at the desk...one guy when he got to the counter laughed and said "Okay...I'll have a slice of the pizza or whatever it is you guys are giving away today!" Just books!and Movies!, etc
Sometimes there are just too many piles of things (books from book drop, books for courier, books to put on cart to shelve...well you get the picture)that my poor brain starts getting a little cluttered! Then there's all the part-time residents who are back in town and needing their cards updated...causing the line to back up Soooooooooooo I am doing my best...trying not to screw things up too much...so far I'm doing okay...I guess they can deal with me.
I do like chatting with the patrons about what they are reading....getting ideas of what I'd like to read... or not. I do tend to watch the clock a little more than I used to.....that makes me sad. I like to enjoy my work! At least the patrons and my co-workers seem to like ME...and I HAVE a job....and...who knows...maybe some day I will get it all together! haha In the meantime I am plugging along.

Why I love Winter

The Weather Channel.....which is on a LOT around here...although not as much as the "old" days when it was just a continuous loop of the local radar with smooth jazz in the background...it was great when you couldn't sleep!...but I digress has a thing going on right now where people send in pictures that "tell" why they love winter.
Well.....Here's why I love winter in Indialantic Florida
I can get my I-Pod, hop on my bike and ride without getting HOT!
And most of the time...the sky is blue and the sun is out...and I love it. I like the cold...but it's so much more tolerable when the sun is shining...I have come to the conclusion that as much as I loved Pittsburgh Pa as a child...I could never live there now. I would be depressed in the winter...too much cold, too much gray...geez..if it rains two or three days in a row here...everyone I am is moping. haha
The average high this time of year is 71...the average low 54....it's been chilly for the last few weeks...but it's warming up again. The last few days...it was back to shorts and short sleeved shirts for walking/bike ride. Anyway as far as I'm concerned...winter can't be beat in Florida!

Weekend fun with the family

This past weekend my sister Elizabeth and her children, Ryan and Meredith were in town. They came for a little break from the cold and to visit with the family.Ryan graduates from High School in May and the rest of the school year is going to be busy for them...so this was a chance to take a quick trip to Florida.The main reason for coming was to be able to attend the "Art Show" my brother was participating in. "THREE MAN ARMY". David, Gary Propper (former professional surfer) and another artist, Bruce Reynolds had the showing. Bruce has some fun "robot" like sculptures and I like his artwork too... it's well done.I don't know that I'd hang it over my sofa...but I like it. He's won many awards at various art shows. He's also a nice guy and has a nice wife and great son, Brock.
My brother David with our friend Maurice...he came in town for the show
Meredith (and her Aunt Anne) next to one of David's pieces
before the show started...Elizabeth, Paul, John, Meredith, Ryan, John and I ate across the street at Meg O'Malley's. When we were done it was time to have the siblings pose for pictures and then head over to the art show.
(Aunt) Bridget and Meredith sitting in the back and watching the crowd. It was interesting!! We had lots of laughs!
Meredith and Uncle David....who kept us all entertained all weekend with his stories complete with crazy faces and sound effects
"Mo" and Ryan
Meredith and Uncle Paul checking things out
Ryan, Meredith and Bridget listening to our friend Todd Parker talking about his travels in 2009. He has been all over the world...and always has great stories to tell.
Elizabeth and Anne laughing about a guy who turned up at the show,,,the same guy Elizabeth met at the Blueberry Muffin LAST time she was in town, hahahaha
the gang...taken by Bridget...Liz, Paul, Meredith, Anne, Ryan, David.
I think every picture we took that night/weekend has me with that big smile on my face. We had a lot of laughs....there were a lot of characters at the show. David always has funny stories to tell and we just had a good time. We had dinner at our house one night, we all went out to dinner Sunday night....including Mark before he left to watch the end of the Jets/Chargers game and we celebrated Meredith's birthday early...a good excuse for a cake from Publix bakery!
David's getting ready for another show this weekend. It's a big one in a 18000 sq ft space....some great ,crazy...some creepy stuff.....we got a preview last night...while they were getting set up. I may have to go just to see if I can match the artists to the artwork...there was all kinds of crazy stuff as well as just "regular" material. It looks like it will be a fun time...bands, fashion shows, art and plenty of room for people. This is the second year of the "Robot Love" show....last year it was a big success....so they found a bigger space and hope to make it even better this year. Too bad Liz and the kids had to go home....we would've had even more fun!

Christmas final clean up and the dangers of static cling

This week I finally got my tree and ornaments put away. It is a job I really dislike...because I ENJOY the tree being up. I was talking to a friend who told me she takes her tree down on CHRISTMAS DAY! Yikes! I am glad my mom never did that.
She...who will remain anonymous, seemed proud of the fact that her tree was put away by 12:00 noon on Christmas Day...I just think that's depressing. She started at 10:00...I was enjoying coffee by the tree around then....certainly wasn't in a big rush to take things down and put anything away! To me there is nothing sadder than the sight of a Christmas tree on the curb the day after Christmas! let alone Christmas morning!
As you can see...my process starts with taking all the ornaments off and putting them into piles/categories...like the ones that have boxes, need to be wrapped up, etc. I have several boxes...so once I get them all down...it goes pretty quickly...as long as no one interrupts me. hahaha
Before the tree(s) came down...I had started taking down decorations on the walls, shelves, etc....working up to the final take down of the tree. Once the tree was in the box...I decided it was time to switch out the potholders, dish clothes, dish towels etc...I did that just this morning.
Imagine my surprise...when I got to the bottom of the pile of Christmas dish towels and found these!...stuck to one of them. I know static cling can be a problem. Real Simple had some hilarious stories last year about various "adventures" with static cling getting attached to clothing without people noticing....but I never had anything stuck to a pile of dish towels before.hahhaha..just glad no one discovered these while we had one of our dinners or New Year's Day party! Ha...that would have been interesting!
I WAS glad to find these undies...because I bought a 3 pack some months back...and noticed that they were disappearing....figured one of the girls might have gotten a pair mixed up with a batch of laundry...or something...I had checked my drawers, the sheets, etc...always a good place to find a stray sock but hadn't had any luck....Now I know why! Ah well...everything, including my undies is now back in place!

global warming

It's cold here.... we've pretty much had record cold temperatures all this week.
Right now there are a lot of "snowbirds" seasonal residents in town from the Northeast, Northwest and Canada and they probably aren't too happy! hahaha There was even a possibility of SNOW or wintry mix moisture this morning and even this afternoon as I sit here typing. I feel badly for the people who were hoping for a trip to warm, sunny Florida! Not this year...not right now anyway. This is the coldest it's been in about 10 years or so.....and if I hear one more person Republican??? I'm just saying.... tell me that Al Gore is a quack....I am going to lose my cool. Global warming is a SLOW process...the temperature is going up about 1 degree every CENTURY...it's not something that is going to happen overnight! There are subtle changes happening all the time and they are contributing to CLIMATE CHANGE...Not necessarily making our temperature rise day to day....rather causing things like more intense storm activity, droughts and beach erosion in coastal areas as sea levels rise. (There are pictures from taken from space showing holes in the ozone layer ) I'm not an expert...Google it and find out more yourself. And as for Al Gore..... he may not be right 100% of the time.(I don't know anyone who is!)....but at least he's TRYING to get people to make changes while we can...not wait until it's too late!

Now that I've gotten that off my chest you know me...I have to say what I think...but be assured...I think it through first! I hope everyone STAYS WARM and Cosy. Remember those folks that are sleeping in shelters tonight or trying to figure out how to keep themselves warm. I HAVE jackets and clothing to keep warm..but not everyone does. I like the cold...but do feel badly that others may be suffering...and for the farmers who are worried about their crops.... for them I hope the warm weather returns soon!

More Holiday Fun

Here's a few more sights and scenes from our Christmas trip and Holiday week
Everyone had to pose for pictures...here there and everywhere...John out in the backyard,,,,Megan by the Christmas tree
Brenna by the front door
and Anne by the front door
One of the best gifts anyone got was this one! Meredith had had several friends over a couple of nights before Christmas...so Elizabeth gave her this gift to open early and she and her friends had a blast with it. We decided we needed to get in on the fun...so we tried it out after dinner on Christmas.
John bustin' a move!

Meredith and Jon in a dance off....the game rates you based on your "moves"...I think Meredith won...but it was close!
We drew names to see who danced against who....and then we all picked the songs
Elizabeth got out of the dancing somehow...she was in charge of holding the hat with the names in it...she's laughing and so am I in the back...it looks like I'm dancing in the back...but I don't think I was...hahha I was tossing something over to Brenna
Once we returned to Indialantic...we had a round of dinners...one at Mark and Paul's, the fish dinner at our house and one night I joined David, Bridget, her daughter Destin and my brother-in-law Rob at a favorite spot in Vero Beach..."The French Quarter". (I recently went there with Linda for my birthday.)David used to work for the owner, Ian, and we got first class treatment when he saw us there. The Shrimp and Grits Appetizer, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad and fresh fish entrees are really really good! One thing about my brother...he enjoys a good meal...but the owners/chefs enjoy him too because if he likes what you have to offer...he will tell everyone he knows....and he knows a lot of different people. It's always fun to go out with David for dinner...it usually means a visit from the Chef or the Owner...a free drink/glass of wine, etc...and always a good meal! My camera was acting up a bit...but David got a nice shot of Rob-Bridget-Destin & I
Friday night was our New Year's Day party and now the holidays are coming to a close...too bad! I like all the fun and fellowship. The good news is that Elizabeth and the kids are coming to Fl in less than two weeks...so there's more fun in the future!

Happy New Year

Sunset on the last day of the year 2009!
New Year's Eve we had my brother David & Bridget, Brother-in-law Rob and my nephew Shane and my brother Paul over for dinner. John cooked up some of the fish we had in the freezer. We had some good wine, great fish and a nice time. The rest of the night was pretty uneventful....I'm not a big fan of going out on New Year's Eve...John loves kissing all the girls... while I hide around midnight so no one comes trying to kiss me! hahaha And these days...it's rare to find us out anywhere close to midnight....so once dinner was over...things were pretty quiet around here.
My nephew Shane lounging in the hammock...watching TV...what could be better!!!!!!Rob, Shane,Bridget, Paul, John at dinner
It was quiet...except for all the fireworks going off around the neighborhood. Kiena was scared to death...pacing around the house...until I finally gave her something to calm her down a little...and luckily by 1 am it was quiet enough to go out and "do her business".Our neighbor behind us was LAUNCHING some major fireworks....big bangs, lots of sparkle...which I obviously did NOT capture
New Year's Day on the other hand...we like to celebrate. It just so happened that this year the Gators were actually playing in a Bowl Game on New Year's Day...so that was two reasons for a party. We had a "Pot Luck" open house starting at 4pm. I was glad we had decided to start at 4...because in spite of the fact that I didn't go anywhere or drink New Year's Eve...I woke up with a headache that would not go away! I think it was the rain and clouds and cold front moving in...causing major sinus pressure. Luckily a few Excedrin and a nap finally got rid of the headache and I was good to go by 4pm.
Chuck, Gayle T. & Gayle M. and Pat.
After the rain ended in the afternoon....the first day of 2010 ended with a beautiful, colorful sunset!
The youngest friend at the party...17 months old and she never stopped all night!
Mike, Denise and Heather
Linda, Leigh & John
Jordan, Reid, Chandler, Amy and Dillon ready for the game to start
Mark & Charlie

John, Ron in cognito and John M.
Kiena's best friend at the party....these two were together all night...it was like an endless dispenser of food for Kiena. Julia was giving her everything from goldfish to carrots to cookies...you name it...they ate it. I was sure Kiena was going to need a Tums or Rolaid or something...but I am happy to report she slept well all night...no problem At one point Julia was letting Kiena lick her face and then she licked Kiena back...since her mother used to work at the Vet...and they have several pets of their own...no one was too alarmed. It was cute to watch...Julia smiled all night long and charmed everyone at the party.
telling stories
Art, Mark, John and Amy
We all had a lot of fun...the fact the the Gators looked like the team we all love to cheer for...also helped. We had a lot of laughs, some GREAT food and it was a good time. A good beginning to 2010!