HOW ARE YOU & HOW WAS YOUR WKEND?

In the Graphics Group, LILA, that I belong to we have these daily questions. I love reading what other people write. Since I've had "writer's block" the past few months, I thought I'd write what my answers are.

How are you and how was your weekend?

The good news is that things are really quiet around the RV Park. There are only a couple of SnowBirds that haven't left. The days are sunny and warms (mid 80's) and nights cool (high 60's) . I've really enjoyed the evening walks with the dog and kitty. Mau'i is happier without so many people around. She runs and plays, jumping on picnic tables and, up a tree or 2, down. Then she jumps into clumps of Spanish Moss that has fallen to the ground and rolls around in it, then shoots off with the hair on her back puffed up. I was thinking of growing her some Catnip, but honestly I don't think she needs it.

Now the bad stuff. I've been having migraines every day. Most of the time I wake up with one in the middle of the night and when I wake up in the morning. I know it's my son and the stress is he bringing on me.

He arrived here last week-no money, no food, no soap, no shampoo, no toothpaste. I had to supply quarters for him to do his own wash.

When he did get paid on Friday he had to pay Amscott (a drive in loan company), then go back 24 hours later and borrow money to make a Jeep payment (I think).

Given his money situation...or lack of it, he went to dinner at a friend's and bought and $8 Boston Cream pie. That was Ok.....but then on Saturday night he had a date, got drunk, spent 30 bucks (that I know of) and then was too hung over to do the things I put on the "Weekend list" of things I needed to have done around here.

He slept past noon Sunday. THEN when he did feel better, he went to take a few things to the storage unit, told me he'd be back in an hour and was gone for 5. He stopped a friends to watch the Basketball playoffs.

Well, he got home and I stayed quiet. Gave him a few dirty looks when he tried to justify why he HAD to stop at Jason's.

I told him I didn't have 50 bucks (including the cigarettes he smoked) to go out and blow and neither did he. I gave him all my savings to help him. And I need help around this place.

"You told me you'd help and where are you?" And since he arrived here with no soap, toothpaste, shampoo, food, etc that I was supporting him. AND I expected him to act more responsibly with his money since I am trying to help him.

Also I think I'm going to tell him that we are going to re-evaluate the living situation at the end of the week (when he gets his bonus money and I get my savings back).

See why I am getting migraines?

I've been thinking, too. That maybe I'll let him pay the lot rent and live here this summer and I'll go up to NY for the summer and part of the fall.

I miss the mountains and lakes so very much. I haven't been up there is 15 yrs. It's going to take some planning so I think I'll work on it and see if I can swing up dollar wise.

I work on a few tags this weekend. YaY!!

Donna asked this question. Does anyone want us to do tag offers? It doesn't seem like many people do anymore. Many of the graphics I buy, the termes of use require me to add word art or names to the tags. I have tons of tags that I've done and haven't posted yet. So I guess I am wondering if I should even bother.

Earth Day, Mocking Birds and George

I learned today that Mockingbird's are also called "Cat Bird's". AND they will attack a kitty without being provoked. One will fly down from the power lines, sit in front of kitty while another will try to peck her butt while she is distracted. Their calls also bring Blue Jay's & Cardinal's to see the comotion.

This is getting to be a nightly occurance when when the dog, kitty and I got for our sunset walk around the RV park.

I have a few Earth Day blinkies I I'd share. I th ink all of them were made by Shelly last year & this year.

The only things I did for Earth Day is tend to my herbs and trees by watering them. I had done the real work last week. Although, I would like to dig up an Azeala bush and plant it somewhere will it will get more Sun. and I have a couple of pineapple plants I'm sure will do better planted in sand rather than in pots.

This past week the rest of the Snowbird's have packed up and moved thier rigs out of the RV park. Ahhh....so nice and quiet. I may even go down to the pool for a while today.

This was sent to me today. I got a laugh from it. I hope you do, too.

WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

George Phillips , an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going upto bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the gardenshed, which she could see from the bedroom window.

George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw thatthere were people in the shed stealing things...He phoned the police, who asked, "Is someone in your house?" He said "No,"but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me. Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock yourdoors and an officer will be along when one is available."George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again."Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them." and he hung up.

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two FireTrucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips'residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shotthem!" George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"(True Story)

Don't mess with old people

TWILIGHT

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My son was here last weekend when a friend of mine loaned me her copy of the Twilight movie. We each watched, saying not a one word, neither of us suggested putting the movie on pause. Not once. Marc didn't take a cigarette break. No, not even one. He was on the sitting on the edge of his seat, and I was laying on the couch watching, feeling a bit faint at times...."swooning". I've never used that word "swooning". But, OMG, what a sensuous movie that it was. It took me back to that innocent time in my life when love & sex were an exciting mystery.
*my first boyfriend's name was Edward*

Honestly I was feeling flush and even...hot. I thought at times I was having hot flashes. But.wait, I don't get hot flashes! Now, I there is no doubt that I have to get the books. Bad eyes or not I will get through them. I just can't wait until the next movie in the series comes out.

Today was a rough day in the Tampa Bay area-weather wise. I woke up early remembering the high winds we had yesterday. Hmmm? No rain yet. So I opened up the door, put Mau'i and Jazzy outdoors. Jazzy went potty and came indoors to get her "breakfast bone". I was going to lay back down for a while, but because I was suppose to teach online at 9am, I thought I'd write a note telling everyone that I was hearing rumbles of thunder and a Tornado watch was in effect. As I was writing, the sky which had been that creepy green-gray color turned jet black. I was so dark, that I couldn't see the keyboard in front of me. The wind blew, the rain didn't come down. It blew sideways. The lightening and thunder was so violent the the trailer vibrated. Jazzy was shaking like a bowl of Jello. Within 10-15 minutes the veil of darkness lifted. I hadn't lost power so I had heard the warnings of tornadoes in the Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs area. It was too late for me to go to the Rec hall where the walls are cinder block. The wind and rain were too fierce. What I did hear though is that the darkness was actually a black cloud that moved on shore. Doppler Radar indicated the thunderhead was at ground level and 3,000 feet thick. All is fine with me. but, many people in the Tampa area had cars tossed and flipped over. Roves ripped and Lanai's blown away, holes in the sides of their homes from fence posts and trees being snapped and flung about. There were 2 confirmed tornadoes just north of Palm Harbor. And a few funnel clouds reported by police in the area trying to control the rush hour traffic. The are saying now that the wind shear was 95 mph.

Mau'i? She was outside. Poor kitty must have found shelter under a trailer or under my deck. I had called her, but she must have been chasing a bug or squirrel hunting.

When the rain let up a little I called her. She wailed on me as if it was my fault she had gotten wet. I think the water rose and had her trapped someplace dirty that soon became mud. I wiped the the mud off her white paws with my dish towel. She quickly ate some kitty kibble & went to her crate, where she sleeps at night, to clean herself and take a quiet nap. It wasn't long before another storm came in off the Gulf. Mau'i craweledout of the kitty cave ready to play. She was bouncing off the walls like a toddler with too much energy. So I dug out her kitten toys, the balls, the ribbons, the bottle caps, And we played while Jazzy laid on the couch rollilng her eyes as Mau'i jumped from chair to couch to floor to couch.

another transparent image

Baseball is back at Tropicana Field

The first home game was played last night after the banners were hoisted for the American League and American League East Champions to a full house. And to the delight of us baseball fans we beat the britches of the NY Yankee's.

15-5

SILLY SNOWBIRD STUFF III

My son came to the RV park to join me for the dinner they have in the Recreation Hall on holidays. He is having problems organizing his life and I'm feeling the effects mentally and financially. More on that later.

My deviled eggs were a hit. I only made dozen this time because there are usually other people who make them. AND...this week when I went to the food bank they didn't have any eggs available. But, they did give me frozen Beef Roast and Jimmy Dean's frozen sausage.

The F.E.A.S.T. program is a local food bank that my friends had told me that I was probably eligible for. It wasn't until about 6 weeks ago did I apply when I went to deliver some canned goods with the President of the Acclivities Committee. And sure enough, I am way under the yearly dollar cap. And it is only about a 2 miles from my home.

I had no idea it was so close!

When I go I receive a bag of canned and boxed goods, a bag of frozen food, and a bag of fresh food. Things like chicken soup, cereal, tuna, rice, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti sauce, The Worker Bee then will ask me if I'd like milk & eggs (if they have them), tea or coffee. Another bag that contains fruits and vegetables fresh pears, apples, tomatoes, avocados, mushrooms (this week), and perhaps a potaoto or 2, may be handed to me. Sometimes there is a Bag O'Salad & once, a bag of Stir Fry Veggies.

Then I go to the bread rack where I can choose 2 loaves of bread (I usually get 1 Rye for morning toast and 1 white for PBJ or grilled cheese) -and then I can take as many rolls and bagels that I can eat. All of the bread is from Publix Bakery and it is delicious. There is usually grapefruit and oranges (probably donated from people who have trees in their yards), dog & cat food from local Vets (Science Diet). The only rules are that I can go twice a month and no closer than 10 days apart. And the Worker Bee's are so pleasant & friendly.

Lots of stuffies

Back to Marc. In February he was riding the neighbor kids skateboard, fell, and dislocated & broke a hand bone at the wrist. 6 days later he had surgery to pin and set the bones. As a result, he was unable to work as an Optician. He did receive disability payments, but somehow he is 3 1/2 months behind on his jeep payments and owes his landlord $500 ::sigh::

Last week his landlord, who he rents a room from, had company come in from out of town and asked Marc if he could stay with me. Off and on through out the week I asked him if he had a room to go back to. He assured me he did. BUT....at once he remarked that he wanted to talk to me about something, but I would "probably put it in my Blog". Hmmmm??

So Thursday evening came and it had been a week. He slept on the couch. Friday, he asked me if he could stay one more night. he didn't feel like going home. Can you see where this is going? Saturday afternoon, he took me to the mall to get my face cream and just hang out for a while. When we got home he put his stuff in his Jeep, came in, sat down and said he needed to talk. He asked me if he could come and sleep on the couch for 2 months until he got his finances in order. He said it was that or go homeless and his Jeep was about to be repo'd. I told him no. Last time he came to stay for 3 months and he stayed for a year and 1/2. I actually told him to go buy a tent and pitch it up on a beach. Then I made a list of homeless shelters that I found online and gave it to him. And I asked several times if he had called his father (who is working).

Well, the next day I had thought about it and wrote down some rules. Including me making a budget for him to adhere to. His life would be mine. he goes to work and comes home. No drinking, no arguing, and a cigarette budget and a small entertainment allowance after a month. AND I asked him where he plans to go after the 2 months. There has to be a plan. Plus if I say OUT, I mean out. Well he agreed to be open and honest about his finances and open to my help. Well hell, he doesn't have a choice.

But, I know when Marc moved in with Brandon and marc said it was there was going to be a revolving door of chicks and 24 hours of partying that this would bite him in the ass.

Today when he came for dinner he told me he was bringing his things tomorrow or Tuesday. What? I thought I had another week!
Plus.....he asked me if I could go to AMSCOT and get a payment loan on my monthly disability check for $300 so his jeep won't be repossessed (sp). Wait-"have you talked with your father-he is working & I can give you a place to live, but not help with money". He said he knew, but this was his last chance. Well, luckily (or not) I could not find my yearly statement which states what my monthly $$ is. He left and I found I did have $350 dollars in the bank between my checking and savings acct. (pretty pitiful, huh?) So my next question is.."how are you going to pay me back?". I guess his company has a their quarterly bonus at the end of the month. So I told him that there went my safety net and if the Mama's not out having fun that he isn't going out either.



OK, on a lighter note. I've got another "Silly SnowBird Stuff " for you. Can you spot what is wrong with this picture?

Spicy

Well, I suppose by now you can guess what I've been up to the past couple of months. Yes, working on my graphics. Just like when I was in college, when I learned one huge lesson, the more you learn...the more you realize how much you don't know.

Today was warm and beautiful. A perfect 80 degree's with a slight breeze this afternoon, that blew some low clouds away. So perfect since I had planted the Basil, Dill, Cilantro and an Avocado tree last night.

AND guess what?! I thought I had bought Catnip for Mau'i, but when I planted it and took the little plastic tag out to put it in the new pot I realized that it was Lemon Balm. No wonder when I cut a piece and put it in front of her nose, she flipped her head, gave me a dirty look. Humph! "A cat with ATTITUDE", I thought. LOL-Now I know why!

I guess you also notice I am using large type in my journal here. Reading is getting more and more difficult. It really a chore to read anything these days. And I can't seem to find my writing Mojo.

So if I haven't gotten to your Journal yet. I'm working on it.

I think Marc is coming over for dinner tomorrow. Dinner is at the Recreation Hall, where they are serving Turkey and Ham supplied by the Park owner. The Activities committee makes the potatoes, gravy and the residents each bring a dish. I've made my specialty, Deviled Eggs. Not sweet...Spicy,Like me ; )

Easter Snags

I was asked if I celebrate Easter. No, not Easter per se, but the celebration of Spring and life that has been dormant through the winter months. And yes, even in Florida we have a dormant season.

My Ginger Thomas plant has sprung to life the past couple of weeks as have my crotons. I had been babying an Avocado tree sprig and I think that will go in the ground tonight. I'll see if I can get some photo's.

Where have YOU been? ( Exquisite Spring Snag)

Hmmm? Where have I been? I guess it has been almost 2 months since I've posted.

Lets's see...about the middle of February I was asked to be moderator/teacher for LearnPSP, the Yahoo group I've belonged to since last June. I had been teaching people by IM for a while anyway, and 4 hours a week didn't sound too bad. And about a month ago I was asked if I would write the weekly newsletter for the RV Park. It has all the activities and scores for Darts, Bowling, Golf & yes, Shuffleboard. And use my PSP art to make the Header and clip art here and there to "make it pretty".

Jazzy is good. Good and fat. I shaved her maltese hair last week and now she looks more like a pink pig pot belly pig, than a dog. Mau'i is a year old now and she has claimed the RV Park as her domain. One of her brothers got hit by a car in the road. Luckily we are on the back road surrounded by a 15 ft fence. Whenever I call her, she comes running, so I know she isn't at the front of the Park where the driveway in & out is. The SnowBirds have really gotten more than a few good laughs from her. Besides running and jumping on and off picnic tables, she rolls in the dirt then looks at people upside down. She tries to get teh squirrels, but just doesn't have her timing down yet. People have told me that they watch as she pursues her prey, waiting anxiously, anticitpating, then...."Ohhh! She missed!!" The SnowBirds laugh and point each evening when I take Jazz for a walk and Miss Mau'i follows and rubs against Jazzy. Mau'i hasn"t allowed anyone else in the Park to pet her, but she isn't running & hiding under the trailer anymore.

I've done my Spring planting. Got the Crotons and Plumeria in the ground. The herbs, Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Dill and Catnip, I'll do tomorrow morning, I have several Pineapple plants with baby pineapples. They are only going to be 2 yrs old and have fruit already. I'm really surprised. It usually takes at least 3 yrs. But, these were "Dole" tops that I picked up at the grocery store as the guy was shucking them. So maybe Dole has plants that they have made to produce fruit quicker. The Mau'i gold I brought back from Mau'i has fruit. That one I think is going in the ground tomorrow also.

The first exodus of SnowBirds happened April 1st. Feels good to have a little elbow room again.

So the next exodus will be the day after Easter. The Florida Turnpike from east Florida converges with Rt 75 to create a massive parking lot. Sometimes it takes 2 days to untangle, depending on the number of accidents. And then May 1st the last of the SnowBirds leave & "Ahhhh...peace and quiet" until next season (November).

All I Need to Know & Easter Snag

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket

Walk softly and carry a big carrot

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears

There's no such thing as too much candy

All work and no play can make you a basket case

A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits

Some body parts should be floppy

Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans

Good things come in small sugarcoated packages

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket

An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare

To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

NEW PUBLIX GROCERY STORE OPENS

A new Publix supermarket opened.

It has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the sent of fresh mown hay.

In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steakswith onions. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.

The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread and cookies.

I don't buy toilet paper there any more!