Our Vanilla Life

Hear! Hear!

2011-12-09T18:44:00.001-05:00

My mother always told me,”God gives you children just like you.That’s how you get paid back for whatever you’ve done.”

Now,in my sixties,I realize how true that statement is.

As the proud child of parents,who cut me no slack …

“What have you done now?!”

“What the Hell were you thinking?”

In our house,it was always assumed that I was wrong,and the teacher was right.

“But Mom,she hates me,for some reason.”

“No,she doesn’t.Get over it!”

…yep,she could yell that loud!…

As a single parent,I have raised two boys.

..Let me tell ya,now,boys’ll kill ya.

Seriously,they most definitely will…

At the very least,you’re gonna gets lots of gray hairs.

Between the sports and the getting into trouble that prepubescent boys can find,

…or manufacture.

…“But mom,I just wanted to see what would happen.”

...Let me show you what happens,buddy!…

but I digress…

No,my boys were far from perfect.In reality,they were major pains in the ass.How many times did I ask myself,”Why did I have those two?You know,I could be on a beach,in Jamaica, with some sweet young man,if it wasn’t for them…”
But had them I did.And love them with all my heart and soul.
And they screwed up.

I never,ever led myself to believe they were perfect angels.

I screwed up.Why wouldn’t they?

And,now,that they are grown….

One has children of his own,and going through the same thing.With his kids.Hah! Get-backs are fun!

Another is a teacher,and going through the same thing.With his students.

All kids screw up.They’re supposed to.That’s how they learn life lessons.If you screw up,you pay the price.

But have we become a nation of protecting our kids from screwing up?

What’s wrong with paying the price for screwing up?

Isn’t that the way life is supposed to work?

So, when I saw this is my blogger reader,I thought I just had to share….

…and say….

“Hear!Hear!”

Hey parents,your kids aren’t perfect.They’re just like you were.

And you weren’t perfect,either….

I Don’t Get This….

2011-10-19T18:39:00.001-04:00

The Occupy Wall Street movement has spread to Tampa.

And some people are upset….

The noise bothers them ?

What? Aren’t they just the least little bit upset over the fees,and money,the major banks are charging?

And the results are in.It ain’t just hippies,homeless,and the unemployed that are protesting.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1789018/occupy-wall-street-demographics-statistics

Why should I pay $5 a month to use my debit card and my money?

After years of touting that using your debit card was the safest way to carry/spend your money,now the banks want to charge me to use it?

I can start carrying cash on me? How safe is that?

Fees to use my money? Shouldn’t we be charging them to use our money?

People are angry.They---the financial institutions--- mismanaged their finances,and now,they want us to pay?

I don’t get it…

If I mismanage my money,or use it unwisely,who can I collect from? No one.It’s my fault and I suck it up.

Sooooo….

Bank of America,Wells Fargo,SunTrust,et al……

Suck It Up!

I’m moving my money to my Credit Union!

No fees and better interest….just lettin’ ya know….

http://youtu.be/WmEHcOc0Sys

Dear Mr. President:

2011-07-15T17:51:00.001-04:00

I know you will never read this,but on the off chance you might,here are my thoughts on the debt crisis….

First off,I really believe in the idea of when you want to complain about a problem,you should have a reasonable solution to the problem.

With that in mind,here are mine…..

1. I know this sounds silly,but,instead of asking Seniors and our military to go without paychecks, have you considered asking yourself and Congress to withhold your/their pay?

Why should the people that didn’t cause the problem,pay for it? What did they do,to deserve the repercussions of your/their childish/schoolyard actions? Doesn’t working hard(not that Congress knows anything about that!) and defending our Country count for something,besides being used as a hostage for political agendas?

Plus,you know what? It might be interesting to the voters to see your and Congress’ reaction to that request.

Might come in handy come re-election time.

Just sayin’….

2. Instead of bailing out the big car companies,and the banks,why didn’t you try forgiving student loans? How ‘bout this? Say,the federal government forgave student loans of all who were current with their loans and actively working? If you gave a large percentage of the population a couple of hundred bucks every month,might they not buy a car,or a house?Putting people to work?Solving the housing glut?How many teachers,today,can afford to buy a new house,or a car,because they are trying to pay off student loans?So,they look for work elsewhere.If they can find it….

These are the ones you want to teach our future leaders,aren’t they? They can’t afford to buy a house,so they are forced to live in an apartment.What does that do for the tax base of the local economies?

How many car companies have hired extra people,as a result of the bail-out,lately? But if people had that extra student loan pay-back money and bought cars,wouldn't the car companies be forced to hire workers?

Banks? Okay-let’s not go there….You and I will both get worked up….

But,

and this is a big but,

Mr.President,has anyone thought of asking all of these companies…which the taxpayers so generously helped out…to justify exactly what they did with our money?

So,Mr.President,knowing that you will never see this,these are my possible solutions to this country’s fiscal crisis.

I know I’m just a voter,but….

I believed you when you said “We can do it.”

And putting my faith in you,I voted for you.

Soooo,on the off chance that you might see this,what are your thoughts?

Remember these?

2011-06-05T20:40:00.001-04:00

I bought two of the Mallo Cups.Set me back $3 ! I can remember when they were twenty five cents each.Out of the vending machine at Beverly Lanes bowling alley,in Niagara Falls,NY.And they had a coin inside that you could save up and return for a coupon for free ones.Well,those days are loooong gone……

The times they are a changin’……..

Bought ‘em here…..

They have Dots,on the paper,too!

For the memories,it was still worth the money…..

Yep,it was well worth it.

They still taste the same.

Hey,Jack!!!

2011-03-10T19:18:00.001-05:00

Mr.Nicklaus,may I ask you a question?

‘cause I think you have come up with

stupidest

idea

ever!

If you really,

really

wanna do something for the state of Florida,

how ‘bout building a golf course that all we little people could use?

‘cause most of us,little people,like our state parks like this….

not this….

‘just a thought,Mr.Nicklaus…..

‘just a thought….

If Only Work Was This Much Fun......

2011-02-05T18:01:00.004-05:00

Why Wasn’t I Invited ?

2011-01-20T17:52:00.001-05:00

to the housewarming?

Construction finished on Derek Jeter’s Mansion.

Jeez-some people just don’t get the Vanilla Lifestyle,do they?

I guess playing a kid’s game really does pay off……………

Holiday Wishes……

2010-12-24T12:29:00.001-05:00

“Christmas is a Togethery sort of holiday.”

……..Winnie-the-Pooh

“That’s my favorite kind.”

……..Piglet

Merry Christmas!!!!!

a NOT so snowy Christmas……..

2010-12-16T17:56:00.001-05:00

After a few days of cold weather,we have zooooomed back into the sunny high 60’s.70’s tomorrow! …….Is that applause I hear?

Time to Deck Them Halls!!!!

Florida style….

Gotta have seashells….

Florida without seashells?

and Starfish……

the perfect tree topper,no?

flip-flops?

and a PINK flamingo is a must-have……

It is Florida,after all.

and don’t forget the yacht…..

…sigh….if only…..

CHEERS!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

from Florida!

“It’s The Holiday Season……

2010-12-14T19:09:00.001-05:00

and whoop-dee-doo…..”

….with apologies to Andy Williams….

and Dad is in the hospital,

again.

Let’s review,shall we?

5 or 6 years ago(I forget how long ago,there have been so many),on Christmas Eve he fell and fractured his patella.Surgery ensued.

3 years ago he fell and fractured his sacrum and was in rehab over Thanksgiving,returning home just before Christmas.

Last year,his chronic atrial fibrillation caused him to be readmitted to the hospital(heart rate of 180!Damn right they’re admitting you!),returning home on Christmas Eve.Yep,the old pacemaker had been dead as a door nail for over a year,and he knew about it.”So,the battery is dead.Why should I care?” Dad!!!!

….Battery was replaced in January….

This year,we are lucky enough to get

……..get ready for this one…..

a fractured hip!!!!

I get the call early AM,yesterday.

”Your father has fallen.”

I swear to God I said this,

”Can he get up?”

Fast forward…

He’s admitted through the ER with a fractured hip.

Let me tell you,now…….

It pays to know people!

Call the ortho trauma doc on call and tell him it’s my Dad!

I love knowing people!

Yessiree!

Thankfully,the fracture doesn’t need surgery,but he does need rehab……

and that conversation is worthy of it’s own post…….

Stay tuned……..

Happy Holidays!!!!

Dad Has A New Woman….

2010-11-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

in his life!

Yep,we’ve all been replaced.

By her……

According to him…

She’s smart

”I think you people don’t realize just how smart she is.”

She’s beautiful

”I don’t think most babies are beautiful,but she truly is.”

Who is this,

you ask?

Why,it’s the delightful

Miss Emma!

On Thanksgiving Day,Dad and Emma finally got to meet.

And he is

hopelessly,

madly

in love.

As are all of us.

across the generations

Thank you,Emma,for giving Dad new life…….

The Best(and funniest)Blog Post I’ve Seen In A Looong Time…

2010-10-29T17:35:00.001-04:00

I love,love,love this guy’s blog.I read it all the time.I look forward to his posts.

And this is one of his best.

Go!

Read it!

If you have any sense of humor in you at all,you’ll laugh…

Who Ya Gonna Call?

2010-10-28T19:12:00.001-04:00

This is my ringtone for Erich,The Younger.When I hear it I wonder if something is wrong.Does he call alot? Not really.Good thing? Probably.They are supposed to grow up,leave Mom, and make their own lives,aren’t they?So,when I hear it,I wonder,jump for joy,and worry,all at the same time.

Me,”What?!”-just like Lois…

Erich:”Hi,Mom. I was stuck in traffic and I thought I’d call you.”

Hmmm…should I be happy?Good question……read on….

Me:”What’s going on?”

Erich,”Not much.”

Me,”I was gonna call you and see if you and Maggie wanted to come over,on Sunday.Grill some steaks and watch the Bucs.”

Erich:”I’ll check with Maggie.”

Me:”Anything new?”

Erich:”I was wondering,….”

Ha! I knew it!!

Mom’s always know best……

or they fake it well….

It’s that time of year…….

2010-10-27T17:30:00.001-04:00

Happy ~~eating~~ Autumn!

Dad vs. The Mean Girls…..

2010-10-21T20:14:00.001-04:00

Preface:Dad’s most favorite lady friend(mine too.She’s sooo cool!She’s not afraid to tell him to shut up!) at his ALF has taken a turn for the worse and has gone to live with her grandson.He is not dealing with that very well.

Late this afternoon,we took Dad the newest photos of The Divine Miss E.

When we walked in,Dad was eating in the dining area.Thank God JonJ saw him or I would have walked right past him.

JonJ:”Where are you going?Dad’s right there?”

Me:”Where?”

JonJ:”There!!Sitting with those two women!”

Me:”Oh yeah….”

Maybe I need to be living there…..or I need new glasses.Yeah,that’s it.I need new glasses!

After we greeted Dad,I showed him the pictures.

Dad(barely glancing at them):”Let’s go to my room.I can see them better,there.”

He gets up,grabs his cane,and hauls ass to his room.

The women sitting with him ask to see the photos.Dummy that I am,show them to them,and they oooh and aaah.

I quickly realized that was the oh so very wrong thing to do…..

On the way to his room,Dad says,”They aren’t worthy of those pictures.You should NOT have done that.”

My Dad has never,ever raised his voice to me,and this time he did.

I naively ask,”Why not?”

Dad:”They’re mean women! And they don’t need to see Emma’s pictures.”

Me:”What’d they do?”

Dad:”They chased ----- away from the table,while we were eating.”

Me:”Why didn’t you say something?”

When we were younger,he always taught us to speak up.

Dad:”I should have.”

This from the man who always taught us to fight the good fight…

Me:”Yep.You should have.”

Back in his room,I got instructions on how to organize the photos ~~his~~ the proper way.

Dad:”I like to seem them in order.”

When we were leaving,he walked us to the door,and said,”I’ve walked far enough.I’m going to go back and look at those photos again.”

He seemed tired……

Evan,Evan,Evan……

2010-09-28T21:04:00.001-04:00

I always thought you were the best thing to happen to the Tampa Bay Rays.

You could actually play.

And are damn good at it,too.

And the fact that you are really hot looking,didn’t hurt,either.

We could’ve made sweet music together.You and I.

Oh yeah……

The fact that I’m almost old enough to be your grandmother doesn’t really matter,does it?

You,actually,replaced Rocco Baldelli,in my heart.

And that was a major accomplishment.He and I could’ve had something sweet going on,but I digress….

Then,you had to open your cutie-pie mouth and say this…..

What the Hell were you thinking?

Evan,sweetheart,some of us work for a living.

We don’t make a bazillion dollars a year.

To play a game.

Yeah,it’s hard work keeping in shape all year,but it is still a game.

Even though you do a damn good job keeping in shape,I gotta admit.

Some of us actually have real jobs.Like taking care of people sick people,or even dying people.Yep,Evan,that happens in the real world,sad to say.I really,really hate to be the one to break it to you,but,sweetie,people actually have really bad things happen to them.

Or,lovey-poo,some people actually build houses that everyday people live in.Or repair leaky roofs.Or fixing your broken air conditioning.Not that yours would ever dare break.You are Evan Longoria,after all.

You’re an All-Star!

And some of us have to be at work by 5 AM.In the morning! (I just wanted to clarify that for you.You being a jock and all.You know I hate to generalize,but I’m kinda thinking this might call for it.Sorry.).

Evan,my little pumpkin,it’s kinda,sorta hard for most of us to work all day,then drive an hour and a half through rush hour traffic to get to a stadium in south St.Petersburg(if you’ve ever been to south St.Pete you know what I’m talkin’ about),pay $20 to park,and probably close to $100 in food and beverages.That old money thing gets ya every time.Oh wait-if a person-now I’m not talking about you-makes a bazillion dollars a year you really don’t care about money,do you?

Evan,sweetie-pie,some people would rather put food on the table,than pay all that money to go to see a game.Some people,actually,sweat out paying their bills! Can you believe that?!

Evan,my little love-muffin,some people,actually,don’t even have a job!

They’ve been outta work for-can you believe this?-more than a year!

And they’re worried!

I know it’s hard to believe,but it really is that way,for some people.

So,when you get all whiney and bitchy,don’t be too surprised when some people just don’t understand you.

But I do.

I understand you soooo much,I saved up my hard-earned money to buy play-off tickets.At a $100 a pop,mind you.On the third base line.Right by you! (JonJ likes you,too).But then,I’m one of the lucky few,in the Tampa Bay area,to have a job.

So,if you see me-along with JonJ,Erich,the Younger,and Maggie sitting there(20 rows up),could you please say hi?

Don’t be embarrassed…..

Dad Meets The Newest Family Member…..

2010-09-21T18:48:00.001-04:00

Previously,we posted about the ever-so delightful Emma.

Dad has yet to meet her face-to-face

(which he is anxiously awaiting,I might add),

so we took all the photos we had taken over,to give to him.

Here’s one of ‘em…… Ain’t she cute ?!

First off,he cast aside

all

of the photos that showed

anyone

except Emma,by herself.

“Not interested in looking at those people."

“Hey!That’s me,Dad.”

“So?”

Huh?

“And you might notice,that’s Michael,too.”

“So.I’ve seen him,before.”

“Why would I want to look at them?”

After looking through the photos,

over and over,

he said,

"You know,she’s just beautiful.”

Yes,Dad,she is.You most definitely got that right!

sooo,I ask him if he showed anyone the photos.

“Only the ones who I thought were worthy .”

Next up,we took the laptop over so he could see the videos Michael,the Elder,had sent. I’d include them,here,for your viewing pleasure,but somehow they don’t want to upload to the blog.

After viewing them,with the

biggest

smile I have ever seen on his face,

ever,

(he hardly ever smiles)

he proudly said,

“Why she sucks her thumb just like Michael!”

“Did you see how just beautiful she is?!”

Yep,we sure did!

“And could they make the videos longer,next time?”

Michael and Dawn,you have been forewarned…..

Technorati Tags: family

R.I.P.

2010-09-15T19:12:00.001-04:00

Today,the world has lost a caretaker of the

English language.

Edwin Newman

1919-2010

Myself,I loved the way he corrected others for their mistakes in the usage of the English language.I absolutely cannot stand it when others use incorrect grammar,including myself.

Every day I thank God for Microsoft Word,with it’s little correction red lines.

Is it too much to ask of people to use proper grammar?

Have we become that lazy?

Is it easier to say “axe” instead of “ask” ?

(I’m)Just asking …..

If You Have Ever Questioned If There Is A God…

2010-09-09T20:41:00.001-04:00

This should give you the answer…..

Yes,

God has most

definitely

blessed us.

Welcome to the Vanilla Life style,

Emma Beth!

You are loved.

Technorati Tags: grandchildren,family

Six Years Ago Today…..

2010-08-12T03:48:00.001-04:00

On Friday,the thirteenth of August,2004,Hurricane Charley was supposed to make a direct hit on Tampa Bay.

The area of St.Petersburg,where my Dad was living,at the time,was under mandatory evacuation.So,on the 12th,I drove from Tampa to St.Petersburg to pick him up and bring him to our house,where we felt he would be safer.

As we sat for 45 minutes,

at a dead stop,

on the Howard ~~Frankenstein~~ Frankland Bridge,

in this…..

Somewhere in that mess is the Tacoma.

my Dad says,

”Wouldn’t it be something if it hit right now?”

The

one

and

only

time I ever said to my Dad,

”Would you please shut the fuck up?”

yes,I said the f word,but do notice I said “please”

He contritely said,”I was just wondering…”

We came back to the house,and lowered the hurricane shutters on the second story of the house.The next day,Charley made a sudden turn to the east,and hit our beloved Sanibel/Captiva Islands.

We,in Tampa Bay,were spared a direct hit…..

sorry ‘bout that Sanibel/Captiva….

And we won’t discuss the damage Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne wrought on the Tampa Bay area,later on,that year…..You know what it’s like to go without power for 8 days?No power means no A/C ! No refrigerator!

The hurricane shutters are still down.

(makes for dark rooms,but what the Heck….)

They may stay there.

~Welcome To GatorNation~

2010-07-22T19:25:00.001-04:00

The other night we were invited for dinner,at Erich,the Younger,and Maggie’s new digs.A second floor condo.

(Erich is Florida Gator,through and through.)

After showing us around their new abode,Erich mentioned there was an alligator in the pond outside their place.

“Really?”I asked.”Where?"

“There,”he said.”See it?”

“No.Where?”

“THERE! You can’t see it?”

“Ummm…..no,”I said.

“RIGHT THERE!”

“Where?”

“Mom……

LOOK!”

“OOOO……..yeah…..”

All of these photos were taken with the new Canon SX20IS with the zoom set to 20x.

I ain’t stupid!

No cropping involved.Serious love for that camera!

posted for Camera Critters……….

~Shore Birds~

2010-07-17T10:16:00.001-04:00

posted for Camera Critters……

Technorati Tags: Camera Critters,Sanibel Island,shore birds

The View From Under The Umbrella

2010-07-15T18:38:00.001-04:00

Posted for SkyWatch Friday………

Technorati Tags: SkyWatch Friday,Sanibel Island

Once Upon A Time

2010-07-12T19:17:00.001-04:00

There once was a man…….

And this man had the need to find Heaven.

So,one day,he set out to find this place called

Heaven.

He got in his red Tacoma and drove.

And drove.

One hundred and thirty three miles he drove.

Until there it was…….

“Heaven!!!!!!At last,I have found it!”

Totally awestruck,he walked up to the pearly gates. and he was welcomed with open arms… “They know me here!” he said. He walked around in awe….. taking in the sights….. Everywhere he turned was another wondrous sight… Reverently he touched the baubles that were offered up to him….”But,babe,they have wall decor,here,too.You like that sorta thing.Don’t you think this would look neat on the living room wall?” (“NO!!!!I don’t!”)

“I must have this!” “ I think not,JonJ.You must get real….”

“But you might consider this….” “cause I would look so hot riding in that!”

“And they have food,too!” he said.“I am home.At last,I am home.”

Finally,

he was content…..

The moral of the story…..

A man must find his own Heaven.

For if the man doth find his,

so shall a woman find

her’s….

~~~~~The End~~~~~

Technorati Tags: Bass Pro Shop,Coach Factory Outlet,vacation

I wannna…….

2010-07-11T10:12:00.001-04:00

wake up in the morning,and see this……..

when I walk out the door.

and this……….

especially if a pool boy has cleaned that pool for me!

Grab my coffee and go for a walk on the beach……

and discover this……..

and come home with these……

I can always dream.

Can’t I ?

posted for Scenic Sunday…….

Technorati Tags: Scenic Sunday,Sanibel Island

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2010-07-04T13:15:00.001-04:00

Forever in peace may it fly…….

Why We Love The Beach….

2010-06-30T21:09:00.001-04:00

______________________________

The latest issue of Coastal Living has a short article on why people love the beach.It got us to thinking about why we love the beach…….

Soooo,outside of the usual reasons(the sea birds,the shells,etc….) we all love the beach,here are our’s……

Sunrise……

Sunset…….

Time stands still at the beach….

Rainy days are more bearable…..

Flip-flops,shorts and t-shirts are acceptable.

You can be a kid,again,at the beach……

Falling asleep to the sound of waves is the best sleep ever.

Our best family memories are of the beach-

My earliest memories of the beach are Crystal Beach,on Lake Erie,Ontario,Canada.We would pack up the old DeSoto(a pink and black DeSoto,too!) and head across the border(my dad is Canadian,so we just assumed everyone crossed the border on weekends) and spend the day.My most vivid memories of those days are of my father lifting me up over the waves.In my 3 or 4 year old mind,I thought those waves were huge!

Later,every summer,we would spend two weeks on Cape Cod.That is where I learned,from my mother,to love shelling.At low tide,we would go looking for tidal pools.The absolute,jaw-dropping awe I felt the first time I saw a living starfish.And a sea urchin.Being taught to look and put back.Clamming at low tide with my dad.Yep-I can wield a clam scoop with the best of them!And fishing!Learning to work surf poles from my dad.

As a teenage,spending summers in Myrtle Beach!For a teen,that place rocks!I looked forward to it every year.If you have ever spent time there as a teen,you know what it’s like.

JonJ grew up on Madeira Beach,Florida.Boogie boarding and surfing,everyday,after school,was a way of life.Skipping school and heading to the east coast of Florida,if one of your friends heard that there were waves! After school,mowing lawns and working at MacDonald’s to save up the $35 to buy his first Oceanside surfboard.

Fishing!

Making new memories with the next generation….

Why do you love the beach?

and shouldn’t we be mad as Hell that our beaches may be destroyed forever ?!

Technorati Tags: St.George Island,Ft.DeSoto,Sanibel Island,Passe-A-Grille,Captiva Island,Gulf of Mexico,beaches

Brunch At the Beach

2010-06-20T16:52:00.001-04:00

_____________________________

Have you ever taken a day off,in the middle of the week,just to have breakfast at the beach?

……..if you haven’t,you should……….we did………

Get up early----beat the rush hour traffic-----stop on the way for breakfast sandwiches.

Get there as soon as the park opens.Nary a soul to be seen.

………..yippee!!!The place is all our’s!………

Walk over the little bridge to the beach………

oooohhhh……..someone to greet us! How nice!

look straight ahead ………..

and see this…………sugar white sand….soft on the feet…

look to the left………….

look to the right……

walk over the sugar white sand….down to the beach……everywhere you look is pure,

unspoiled beauty ………….

look behind you,

and view the salt marsh……..

teeming with life……

ewwww……

Uh-oh……..I hear tourists! Time to go…

….back the way we came….A wonderful way to have breakfast,

dontcha think?

and not a tar-ball in sight!

please Lord,

let it always be like this………

amen……

Technorati Tags: Ft.DeSoto

A Reprise……………

2010-06-11T17:53:00.001-04:00

____________________________________________

This is a reprise of a post I did over a year ago,from a trip we took to Cedar Key,Florida.With all that is happening with the oil spill in our backyard,I thought it is even more appropriate,now.With a little editing…….

February 07, 2009

What A Cool bird-The Pelican,His Bill Can hold More than His Belly Can

"Hey! Lady!

You gonna take my picture?"" Ummmm.........Are you talking to me?"
"Of course,I am,you putz! Isn't that why you're here?"

"Well,not really.But, if you don't mind,I guess I would like to take your picture,if that's alright with you."
"Of course,you may take my picture,but first I'd like to share a little information with you.Some things you humans quickly forget."

"OK-and what would that be?"

"You're a real wise-guy, aren't you? Now,listen up-I'm only gonna say this once.We Brown Pelicans used to be quite abundant,but that DDT thing you humans liked to use really did a number on us.We almost became extinct,you know?"

"I know."
"Shut up-I'm doing the talking,here.Anyways,since DDT was banned we have made a great comeback.But we still face dangers.Do you know what they are?Don't bother answering.I'm gonna tell you,anyways.Our biggest threats, today, include becoming snarled in abandoned fishing lines and flying into overhead wires,not to mention that whole fish hook thing. And we hate when that happens,ya know what I mean? And all that oil in our Gulf of Mexico waters ain’t too cool for us,if ya know what I mean…Not to mention the sea turtles(who happen to be nesting as all this crap-o-la is going on-did anyone think of that? Hmmmm…?),dolphins,and all those delish-i-o-sous fishies we sooo like to eat.

Who are BP and Haliburton,by the way?What’s up with them?

Hey! You still wanna take my picture?"

"As a matter of fact,I do."
"All right then,just make sure you get my good side,ok?"
"Not that one!! Take another.And get my good side,this time."

"There you go.That's much better.I guess some humans can be trained,after all.Now,would you kindly pass the word on,for us? We would greatly appreciate it."

"I most certainly will."

"Very well,then.Have a nice day."

I think I would rather see a pelican like that,

than one that looks like this…….

……Wouldn’t you?

posted for Camera Critters…………….

Stoopid Humans……

2010-06-04T19:32:00.001-04:00

__________________________

If you have ever thought we humans are the most stoopidest of all the species,on the this planet we call home,read this….

It will most definitely reinforce that thought!

“Waves of Dispute Over Extent of Gulf Oil Plume

Posted Tue, Jun 01, 2010 at 06:06 pm

Sheen of oil found on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico

By Steve Newborn (Send E-Mail)

TAMPA (2010-06-01) -

The head of BP recently said there's no evidence oil has been found below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico. But that's being contradicted by researchers from several universities, including USF.

How much oil is in the Gulf? And how deep does it go? Well, that depends on who you ask. Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, says oil is only on the Gulf's surface and samples from company scientists say there's no evidence oil has sunk below the waves. Researchers at several universities - including USF's College of Marine Science - have reported layers of oil are reaching deep under water.

James Cowan, a marine scientist from Lousiana State University, told the Associated Press his reaction to BP's comments.

"To me, I just don't think that Mr. Hayward has spent much time looking for it," Cowan said. "And I certainly don't think he wants to find it, because it would make cleanup efforts much more complicated if there is oil suspended at depth."

for the full article,click here…….

But then,I read this,and I think some of us may not be so stoopid after all…..

USF researchers find new underwater plume from gulf oil spill

By Craig Pittman and Katie Sanders, Times Staff Writers
The sight of an oil slick spreading across the surface of the Gulf of Mexico is bad enough. But now scientists from the University of South Florida have found signs that a 6-mile-wide plume of invisible oil is snaking beneath the surface, in the deepest recesses of the gulf.

The thickest concentration, they found, was more than 2 miles beneath the surface — a mile deeper than where the Deepwater Horizon well has been spewing oil for the past month — and about 20 miles northeast of the collapsed rig.

The plume of dissolved oil stretched 6 miles down, said David Hollander, a USF chemical oceanographer and lead investigator for the project. This is the second oil plume to be discovered by scientists, and it marks the first time such plumes have been detected after a spill, Hollander said. He compared them to streams of lava flowing out of an undersea volcano.

While the fudgelike goo coating Louisiana's marshes is getting lots of television coverage, the two undersea plumes show damage is also occurring where no one can see it: deep in the gulf, miles from land, where marine life has always been abundant and yet largely unobserved.

The USF research vessel Weatherbird II was dispatched Saturday to take samples in the DeSoto Canyon, a deep valley that cuts through the continental shelf south of the Florida Panhandle. In the canyon, an upwelling of nutrient-rich water means far more fish and other species swim there.

The scientists' big concern, Hollander said, is whether the oil they found is concentrated enough to be toxic to marine life. It could affect the whole food chain, he said.

The canyon area is a popular destination for local fishing boats, said Bob Spaeth, owner of Madeira Beach Seafood, the area's largest seafood house and home dock for many longline boats, because "it is pristine. It has great habitat.''

The fishermen are willing to make the day-and-a-half journey because they know they will catch bluefin tuna, swordfish, king mackerel and grouper, Spaeth said. If toxic levels of oil have contaminated the fish there, Spaeth said, "that's a disaster.''

The fish are not the only potential deep-sea victims of the spill. It could affect everything from the 10-foot-long giant tube worms rooted to the floor of the gulf to the sea turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins that spend their lives far from shore, say the experts.

"I would be worried about every marine species that swam through that plume," said John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, based in Tarpon Springs.

Currently federal officials have closed about 22 percent of the gulf to both commercial and recreational fishing. USF College of Marine Sciences Dean William Hogarth promised that if the area where the plume was found wasn't already covered by that ban, it will be by today.

A big question is where the plume will go next. It could continue spreading until it gets onto the continental shelf and is pushed close to shore. Another USF oceanographer, Robert Weisberg, warned congressional representatives this week that if subsurface oil gets lifted onto the shelf it could reach west Florida's wetlands and beaches, which he called "a very serious concern."

There is no ongoing government monitoring program for what's going on in the gulf, Weisberg said. The USF voyage cost $850,000 — funded by the state — and at this point there is no money for a follow-up trip.

The USF ship, scheduled to return today, went out after scientists from several universities working aboard the research vessel Pelican told the New York Times of finding plumes of oil 3 miles wide and 10 miles long beneath the gulf's surface. That plume was spreading southwest of the rig.

Computer models run by Weisberg had predicted the location of the southwestern plume found by the Pelican, Hollander said. Weisberg's model also suggested there could be a similar plume headed northeast, he said, so that's where the USF ship went.

The scientists aboard the ship — some from USF, some from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg — discovered the plume on Tuesday. What's not known is the role that chemical dispersants play in the plume. BP has been spraying the dispersants both on the surface slick and directly on the gushing wellhead in the deep ocean, something never before attempted. The dispersants, being used in unprecedented quantities, are supposed to spread the oil so it will evaporate and degrade more quickly. That could be what has created the plumes, Hollander said.

The concern is that the dispersants are simply holding the oil below the surface, where it is harder to clean. So far, tests by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have found no signs that the dispersants are harmful to sea life, but the EPA has ordered BP to look for a less toxic version.

Once the Weatherbird II returns to port, scientists will conduct further tests to determine whether the plume is made of weathered oil droplets or oil linked to dispersants, Hollander said.

The one piece of good news: Tests conducted by the Weatherbird II between the loop current and the Florida coast showed clean water, no weathered oil on the surface and no sign of oil beneath the waves. But that doesn't mean it will stay that way.

Rowan Gould, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has predicted the spill "will affect fish and wildlife resources … for years to come, if not decades."

Times staff writers Stephen Nohlgren and Alex Leary contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 St. Petersburg Times

and if that doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy,watch this….

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

That’s right,we have entered hurricane season,and those tiny spits of land(which are Mother Nature’s protection from complete and total destruction from a hurricane)may have just been totally destroyed.

Oh---wait! Tony Hayward doesn’t think that’s true.And we all know how much we can trust him,right?

Wow!

That sure makes me feel comfortable.

How ’bout you?

Is anyone,

besides me,

mad as Hell?

just give it a thought…….

it is our planet’s future,after all……

I leave you with this………..

BuzzNet Tags: BP,Gulf oil spill

Today…..

2010-05-24T20:15:00.001-04:00

___________________

very

special young man turns 10!!!!

Happy Birthday,Kyle!!!!

love ya lots!!!!!

Technorati Tags: family

O! M! G!

2010-05-23T18:38:00.001-04:00

Just a hot(93*-now,that’s hot!),lazy Sunday afternoon.

Floating around in the pool……

Livin’ the vida loca….

When suddenly……..

A gator appears!!!!!

Thank Gawd for gator wrestlers!

must be a ‘noles fan…..

Sunset…………

2010-05-20T18:20:00.001-04:00

Sit back and enjoy!

for more of Skywatch Friday,click here……..

Technorati Tags: sunsets,nature photography,Sanibel Island

Come On In!!!!

2010-05-18T15:18:00.001-04:00

The water’s fine!

……In case you hadn’t noticed,

we LOVE pool toys!……

for more of Watery Wednesday,click here………

Technorati Tags: Watery Wednesday,pool toys

Ooooops……

2010-05-12T20:38:00.001-04:00

________________

Ya know that census form we all got in the mail?

The Census Form…?

Ya know what happens when you forget to send in that form?

This…….

The census taker!

Just as you’re sitting down to dinner.

And one who can barely speak English.

still working on figuring that one out

We went through the usual questions.

Name,

blah,blah,blah…

Census taker,”How many people lived here as of January 1?”

Me,”2.”

What I wished I said,”26 homeless people.”

Census taker,”Names?”

Me,”Jon and Chris.”

What I wished I said,”Jon Doe. A-Z.”

Census taker,”Would you classify yourself as white or non-white?”

Now,JonJ and I are the most WASPish people you will ever meet….we really,really look it,too.

Me,”Are you kidding?”

Census taker,”Of Hispanic origin?”

Me,”Huh?”

Census taker,”Look at Section D and choose your race.”

I soooo wanted to pick Hmong.but,good citizen that I strive to be,I said,”White.”

(Not that I was ever aware we could choose our race.I thought it was the way you were born….who knew we had a choice?

I pick Native Hawaiian!)

Census taker,”Thank you and have a good evening.”

Me,”You,too.”

If only…….

2010-05-08T18:12:00.001-04:00

……I had this view everyday……..

………sigh…………

for more of Scenic Sunday,click here………..

Technorati Tags: Scenic Sunday,Sanibel Island

“My………

2010-05-06T15:30:00.001-04:00

What a handsome bird you are !”

“Yes,I am.Thank you very much.”

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,osprey

Does It Get Any Better Than This?

2010-05-03T20:45:00.001-04:00

_______________________________________

Well……does it?

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,sunsets

I Want One…!

2010-05-02T11:54:00.001-04:00

_________________________

It is sooo me!

Yes,indeedy……

wonder if it’ll hook up to the back of the Tacoma?

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island

The Universe Whispers….

2010-04-26T20:47:00.001-04:00

______________________

Warning! This is a rant….

I believe that the Universe,God,Yehweh,Great Spirit,Cosmic Muffin,Fred,or whatever you want to call

IT,

speaks to us in whispers.

Tap-tap-tap…..“Hey there-you might want to rethink where you’ve been heading.That whole life-style thing you’ve been leading just might not be the right path for you.Know what I mean?

Hey!Listen up.I’m talking to you!

Whap!!!”

Believe it.

Or not.

That is our choice.

BUT,

if that is your choice,be prepared for the major slap-down you just might incur.

We have had earthquakes in Haiti,South America,California,and,now,Iceland.El Nino/El Nina(I can never keep those two straight)has wreaked havoc on this planet.Especially this past winter in Florida.The jet stream doesn’t know where it belongs….

Now,we have an oil rig exploding in the Gulf of Mexico,for some unknown reason(yeah,right-who lit up where they weren’t s’posed to? )In the Gulf of Mexico-the most major of bath tubs…

Has Mother Nature,or any of the aforementioned names,been whispering to us?

Is this the major slap-down?

Is she/he(I’m trying to be politically correct here…)saying,”Hey,people!You’ve screwed up this wondrous gift I gave you,enough already.Because of your greed,you have effed up this planet and I’m taking it back!”

Were Katrina and Charley mere taps on the shoulder?

Could the barrior islands and beaches of Florida become like the beaches of Texas?Instead of stooping for shells and avoiding the nesting shore birds,are we doomed to stepping over tar-balls and using Dawn dish soap to wash the oil off of the birds?

Is this our future?

just askin’……………….

Dont’cha wish

2010-04-25T18:33:00.001-04:00

_____________________

you could get yourself into these positions?

Ahhhhh………….

those were the days……………….

Technorati Tags: nature photography

Just because ……

2010-04-21T21:05:00.001-04:00

_____________________

“My future’s so bright….

2010-04-18T17:23:00.001-04:00

I gotta wear shades….”

“Ummmm,excuse me,but it seems to be raining.And that pool looks kind of dirty.”

“It’s all in your attitude,baby!”

The Most Politically Incorrect Post Ever!

2010-04-14T20:09:00.001-04:00

____________________________

Sooooo,you’re in the grocery store…..

minding your own business…..

staying to the right as you go down the aisle(as one is supposed to do,according to grocery store etiquette rules),

and right down the center of the aisle,comes this ~~morbidly obese~~ over-weight woman in the store’s mobility cart,talking on her cell phone.

And she rams right into your cart!

Does she notice you?

Does she apologize?

Does she give a ~~shit~~ crap?

Nope!!!!

After flashing a look like it’s my fault(she is handicapped, after all),she goes blissfully on her way.All the while never breaking stride in her phone conversation!

Did she acknowledge me?

Did it occur to her she was out of line?

Maybe just a touch rude?

Nope!

I got the look like,”Hey,I’m handicapped and I’m entitled.”

Now---if I cannot talk or text on my cell phone while driving,I do not think you should be allowed to do that while driving a mobility cart,in the grocery store,or anywhere else.I don’t care if you’re handicapped or not.

Rudeness is still rudeness.

Manners are manners.

Call me shallow,rude, unfeeling, whatever you want to call me,but I don’t care what you’re driving.

Cell phone rudeness is still cell phone rudeness.

Pull over-

even if you’re in in the grocery store.

I don’t care how handicapped you are,that doesn’t give you the right to be that overbearingly rude.

At least,

apologize,

will ya?

Actually,I felt like telling her she was an over weight,rude,fat pig,but I didn’t….and get off the damn phone!

told ya this was the most politically incorrect post……

at least I didn’t lie to you…..

Technorati Tags: politcally incorrect,manners,rudeness

What About The Teachers?

2010-03-31T18:44:00.001-04:00

I’m changing the normal font,because I really,really feel deeply about this issue.

I know this is a bit much to read,but Florida Senate Bill 6 needs to be read,

and questioned.

Seriously questioned.

We all should be questioning this bill.

Yeppers……..

Really,

really reading and questioning this bill.

What about teachers of special education students?These students will,in all likelihood,never improve their test scores,so why should those teachers(who,obviously,care deeply about these students) not be considered in this bill?Under this bill,a teacher of special needs students will never be rewarded,or, possibly,retained.”Hey,your students aren’t improving.No raise for you. And,oh yeah maybe you should go.Your students aren’t too smart.They just don’t do well on our tests.You must be doing something wrong.”

Shouldn’t parents be considered in a student’s performance?Since when have teachers become solely responsible for a student’s performance?Does the student not bear some responsibility?Dumb question,I know….but,what about the parents?Shouldn’t their involvement be called into play here,too?”

Did your kid do their homework?

Do they have a test tomorrow?

Do you know?

Do you care?

Shouldn’t we be asking,”Where are we failing our students?”Is it just too easy to blame the teachers?

Now,I know that are some bad teachers,but the majority of teachers really want to teach.(Based upon the pay they receive,why else would they do it?)

And instill the love of learning in their students.Isn’t it more important for a student to learn to love to learn?

If you base someone’s intelligence on a standardized test,and they don’t do well,are you saying,”Hey,you don’t know ~~shit~~ crap.We don’t care what you know,but you didn’t do well on our test.You dummy!”

Wasn’t it Einstein who couldn’t spell?Did that make him a “dummy”?

“Hey,Al,you failed the spelling part of our test,sooo,guess that ole E=mc2 doesn’t work after all.”

I think not!But he probably would have failed a standardized test.And his teacher would have been punished.

Sooo,can we not step back,for a minute,or so,and question why our students are not doing so well?

Isn’t there enough blame that we can afford to spread it around a bit?

I really don’t think it all should be laid on the shoulders of the teachers.

How about you?

If you care enough about the education of our future ,consider joining this……

Now,back to our regular scheduled blogging…..

The Honeymoon Is Over…..

2010-03-28T16:11:00.001-04:00

_________________________________

First,you need to see this previous post………

and here we are,today…….

“Just exactly where have you been all day?!””

“Working my butt off.Gathering nuts for you and those screaming kids.That’s where!You know I don’t need this kinda crap.” “I’m going home to mother!”

“Bitch……”

Technorati Tags: nature photography,Grey squirrels

Excuse me,but………..

2010-03-23T19:51:00.001-04:00

---------------------------------------

Now,I don’t condone anything Tiger Woods has done,but………..

Soooo,all these women who felt it was cool to ~~screw~~ sleep with Tiger Woods,now feel they are owed an apology?

You sleep with a married man and you think he owes you an apology?

And don’t tell me you didn’t know it!

Even I know he’s married and his wife is hot.Jeez---I’m a woman and I think she’s hot!

Might you not owe his wife an apology?

It really isn’t cool to ~~screw~~ sleep with another woman’s man,you know?

Just sayin’………….

Hey,Lady!

2010-03-21T20:12:00.001-04:00

_____________________________

“You are aware it’s raining,aren’t you?”

“Yes,I am.”

“Then what the Hell are you doing out here?”

“I was just wondering - why you are sitting on a power line,in the middle of an electrical storm?”

“Because I’m a Red Shouldered Hawk,that’s why.We are capable of these things.”

“Oh…..”

“Why are you photographing me sitting on a power line in the middle of an electrical storm?That’s something only a dumb human would do.”

“Point made.”

Technorati Tags: Red Shouldered Hawk,nature photography

How Would You Like This In Your Yard?

2010-03-17T20:23:00.001-04:00

_________________________________

A few weekends back,we went to Cedar Key for the day,and I found the best yard-art ever!

Created out of mosaics,

this ……..

is connected to this………

to create the impression of a fisherman making the catch of a lifetime!

Cool,huh?

You’d have to have one big a*s yard to have this!

Go see Mary,the Teach, for more Yard Art lovers…..

Technorati Tags: Yard art,Cedar Key

Another View of Florida

2010-03-16T17:20:00.002-04:00

_______________________________

About 100 miles north of Tampa,in the small Town of Dunellon,lies the Rainbow River.It is formed by Rainbow Springs,which is a first magnitude spring(actually it is not just one spring,but many springs that bubble up) and is ranked fourth in the state for volume of discharge.

Originally called Blue Springs,the area became popular in the 1880’s when hard rock phosphate was discovered.In the 1930’s the area was developed into a tourist attraction.

It’s real hey day was in the 1960’s,but,alas,with the construction of I-75,the tourists were diverted to other attractions,and the park fell into disrepair,and the park closed in 1974.It was designated a Registered National Landmark in 1972,an Aquatic Preserve in 1986,and an “Outstanding Florida Waterway” in 1987.In 1990,the state purchased the original park,and with help from community volunteers,it opened as Rainbow Springs State Park in 1995.

At this time of year,it is known for the outstanding show put on by the flowering azaleas.

But there is wildlife there,too…..

Makes you wish fishing were allowed in the park,doesn’t it?

Posted for Outdoor Wednesday……….

and Watery Wednesday………

and Waterside Wednesday………..

Technorati Tags: Outdoor Wednesday,Watery Wednesday,Waterside Wednesday,Rainbow Springs State Park

Ya Wanna See Some Yard Art?

2010-03-10T19:16:00.001-05:00

____________________________________

Yep,we consider ourselves connoisseurs of yard art.

Not the tacky kind(even though we do collect pink flamingoes), but only the tasteful,artistic kind…..

Something creative.Well thought out.

That makes you take notice…..…..

That makes a statement…..

We think we just may have found the ultimate in yard art.

On a recent afternoon,we went to Gulfport,Florida(on the Gulf of Mexico)for lunch and found the penultimate in yard art!

For your viewing pleasure…..

Ain’t it cool?

Wouldn’t you love this in your yard?

To view more YardArt,click here……………

Technorati Tags: Gulfport,Florida,yard art

A Good Dinner Is Hard To Find….

2010-03-09T18:34:00.001-05:00

______________________________________

“Hey,this place looks like they have some good food.”

“I knew I shoulda gone through the drive-thru….”

Posted for Outdoor Wednesday………

Technorati Tags: Outdoor Wednesday,Carolina Wren

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year…….

2010-02-26T18:04:00.001-05:00

_________________________________

From the side of the box:

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program promotes financial skills such as goal setting,decision making,customer-service and money management.Proceeds from this purchase support your local Girl Scouts.Thank you.”

You’re welcome.Just doing my part….

Technorati Tags: Girl Scout cookies

A Rose…..

2010-02-24T18:24:00.001-05:00

is a rose……

is a rose…….

is a rose…………

The first photo is the original photo (of one of JonJ’s roses) and was cropped in Picasa3.The second and third photos were edited in Photofiltre.The last photo was edited in Photoscape.

Technorati Tags: nature photography,roses

A Visit To The Cardiologist With Dad…. and more…….

2010-02-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

___________________________________________

Preface:In December,Dad was admitted to the hospital with Chronic Atrial Fibrillation and pacemaker generator failure.It was decided that the generator needed to be replaced as soon as possible(he had been putting it off for over a year!),which was done in January.The following is the story of our follow-up visit…..

The night before….

Me:”Don’t forget.Your doctor’s appointment is at 2.I’ll pick you up at 1.”

Dad:”In the morning?”

Me:”No!In the afternoon.What doctor sees patients at 2AM?”

Dad:”Just making sure.”

The day of,while driving there…..

Dad:”What the f*** is that guy doing?Damn drivers!”

WTF?Dad dropped the f-bomb?!I swear I could’ve driven off the road!

At the doctor’s office(who is on time,by the way!)….

and I’m still recovering from Dad’s f-bomb and the doctor being on time!

Dr.S:”Mr.F,you know that the old generator had been totally depleted for over a year?I set this to last 10 years.”

Dad:”Well,I probably won’t be here in 10 years.”

Dr.S:”There is absolutely nothing wrong with you,except for this cardiac arrhythmia.And this should take care of it.”

Dad:”We’ll see.”

Dr.S(to me):”You know you’re father talked alot under sedation.He’s been chased by alot of women since you’re mother died.”

Me:”I know.Did he tell you about the widow who’s husband left her the hotel on the beach in Barbardos?”

Dr.S:”You’re kidding…”

Dad:”She lived in a trailer.”

Me:”No,she didn’t.She had a condo in St.Pete.”

Dad:”She did?”

Dr.S:”She owned a hotel on the beach in Barbados and you didn’t go for that?”

Dad:”She lived in a trailer.”

Grrrrrrr……………

On leaving the exam room,Dad to Dr.S:”You don’t speak Swedish,do you?”

Me:”Dad,you don’t speak Swedish.”

Dad:”I know.I just wanted to know if he did.”

and people wonder why I drink……

But….

wait………

there’s more!

With life with Dad,there is always more……….

After receiving the ultrasound of Michael,the Elder,and Dawn’s baby,he called….

“You know,I’ve been looking at this,all day, with the magnifying glass,and I can’t make out if it’s a boy or girl.”

Me:”It’s too early.But all the parts are there.”

Dad:”Well,could they take a better picture next time?”

We’ll work on it Dad…………..

Technorati Tags: life with Dad

Pardon The Interruption….

2010-02-17T20:15:00.001-05:00

_______________________________________

But The Lady With The Camera will soon have something new to focus her lens on………..

So,you had best get used to it!!!!

Edited to say: It’s NOT us!!!

Love Is In The Air………………

2010-02-13T16:38:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Hey! Doesn’t he know that three’s a crowd?)

posted for Camera Critters……………….

posted for Scenic Sunday…………………

Technorati Tags: Camera Critters,Ding Darling NWR,anhingas

Sunrise………………

2010-02-11T16:23:00.001-05:00

low tide at sunrise ,Sanibel Island

posted for Skywatch Friday…………

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,SkyWatch Friday,nature photography

“On The Count Of Three…….

2010-02-09T15:56:00.001-05:00

…..let’s all jump in!” “Ummmm…….why don’t you guys go ahead? I’ll catch up with you later.”

posted for Watery Wednesday……………

posted for Outdoor Wednesday…………

Technorati Tags: Watery Wednesday,Outdoor Wednesday,nature photography,Fort DeSoto

Just because………………..

2010-02-08T16:55:00.001-05:00

I’m feeling in the pink…………….

Enjoy………….

Don’t get carried away with the pink thing.

‘cause tomorrow I may feel

green

or blue

or maybe,even

chartreuse….

Taken at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge,with the Canon EOS Rebel XS,with 75-300MM zoom lens

Technorati Tags: Ding Darling NWR,Nature photograpy

Sunset/Moonrise On Sanibel Island

2010-02-04T15:51:00.001-05:00

Sunset on Sanibel Island

with the moon rising………………

Posted for SkyWatch Friday………………..

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,SkyWatch Friday

Egmont Key Lighthouse,Florida

2010-02-02T16:35:00.002-05:00

Looking towards Egmont Key from the end of the fishing pier at Fort DeSoto Park,Pinellas County,Florida.

Taken on a cold (for Florida),windy,rainy morning.

posted for Watery Wednesday………

posted for Outdoor Wednesday…….

Technorati Tags: Watery Wednesday,Outdoor Wednesday,Fort DeSoto

A Fowl Day……………

2010-01-30T17:18:00.001-05:00

Not a good day to be at the beach…………….

Not a soul to be found……(yippee!!)……………..

But these guys didn’t seem to mind………..

Nor did these guys……………….

How sweet is that?

Technorati Tags: Ft.DeSoto,Florida weather,nature photograpy

Ahhhh……………………..

2010-01-28T16:35:00.001-05:00

Wouldn’t it be nice to be in a lounger,listening to the waves,and looking up at ……………….

this?

and don’t forget the cold adult beverage in your hand……

Posted for SkyWatch Friday…………..

Technorati Tags: SkyWatch Friday

Freezing……….

2010-01-26T19:25:00.001-05:00

A starfish stunned by the recent cold temperatures,

in the Gulf of Mexico.

Here in Florida,the recent cold spell and freezes played havoc on everything.

Even the sea critters.

posted for Watery Wednesday.

and Outdoor Wednesday.

Technorati Tags: Florida weather,nature photograpy,Sanibel Island,sea life

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

2010-01-23T08:45:00.002-05:00

Bear with me for awhile.Please…………..

You’re gonna be deluged with photos from a recent trip to the Ding Darling NWR,on Sanibel Island……………..

Snowy Egret

Photos taken,looking down to the water, at an overlook,inside the refuge…………….

posted for Camera Critters…………..

Technorati Tags: Ding Darling NWR,Sanibel Island,Snowy Egret

Garden Voyeurism……….

2010-01-22T20:53:00.002-05:00

They were creating a ruckus…….

How was I to know they wanted privacy?

All I knew was they were making alot of noise……

I went out out to investigate,and found this !

How was I to know it was squirrel mating season?

Jeez----get a room,why don’t you?

Technorati Tags: squirrels,

Sunrise on Sanibel

2010-01-21T17:40:00.003-05:00

With a front moving in, sunrise on Sanibel Island,Florida………………

for more of SkyWatch Friday, click here…………..

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,SkyWatch Friday,Florida photography

per⋅se⋅ver⋅ance

2010-01-19T16:08:00.003-05:00

–noun

1.
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Just yesterday,while shelling at Lighthouse Beach,on Sanibel Island,I came across this fellow……..

A Giant Hermit Crab (learn more here....)

Somehow he had lost his home(or was trying to move to bigger quarters),when the outgoing tide trapped him.

But he was not to be deterred.Fascinated,I sat and watched him for 30 minutes or so.Each time he seemed to have found open water,another wave would catch him and deposit him back up on the sand.

But he kept at it.Finally,he dug himself a hole in the sand,and waited.

Sure enough,the tide started coming in.A wave caught him and carried him out far enough that he could go on his merry way….

Lesson learned.

Just keep plugging away at this thing called life.

That crab never gave up.It never gave in.

When you think you are trapped in the downward spiral,eventually,if you are patient,the tide will turn.

As Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews sang,”I’m alive and I am well.”

Persevere!

Beats the alternative…..

(Interesting fact-my astrological sign is Cancer,the Crab………)

A two-fer special:

for Watery Wednesday,click here…….

for Outdoor Wednesday,click here…….

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island,life changes

Hey Pat!!

2010-01-14T19:06:00.001-05:00

You’re a dumb ass!

The Earth’s teutonic plates shifted and that means God was punishing Haiti?

What does that mean for California?

Are we all damned to Hell?

So---we’re all just one slight shift of the Earth’s plates from being punished by God?

Pat-I think you’re full of crap!

Just sayin’………………….

Road Trip!

2010-01-13T17:08:00.001-05:00

Going on a little get away……..

It involves a little of this……

A little of this………

A lot of this………..

And hopefully,

lots of these……………

Catch ya on the flip side………….

Technorati Tags: Sanibel Island

Okey-doke

2010-01-12T18:16:00.002-05:00

Nothing to see here…….

Just checking out my WindowsLive account….

Playing with fonts,etc.

No film at 11……

Come back tomorrow,or the next day……

Cold Enough For Ya...?

2010-01-09T13:36:00.003-05:00

Because,at noon,today,it was this.........This is Florida?

But,really thinking of this..........................

Soon enough,soon enough..................

5 more days to go!

What the......?

2010-01-04T18:30:00.007-05:00

Someone call Al Gore!

Stat!

Global Warming?

The thermometer by our pool at 6:30PM this evening.

I am sooo not going for a swim this evening.....

This is sunny Florida?

feel free to jump on in.................

I will not be joining you.You'll find me inside,by the fireplace.

Nice and toasty warm.

It's A New Year..........

2010-01-02T09:21:00.006-05:00

The family has all gone home.
The tree and decorations are put away.
It's time to look ahead to the new year.

After some bumps in the road this past year,here's hoping the new year is much better.....

Much,much,much better

Out with the old-in with the new!

Not being great on making resolutions,this year I did.

........Just a few.......

-Get back to working out every day.(w-e-l-l,maybe every other day....)
-More beach time.I live in Florida,fer cryin' out loud!
-Learn to use the cameras better.Maybe take a photography class or two.
-More beach time.
-Renovate the home office.(It's boring in here.)
-More beach time.
-Enjoy the time with my Dad.
-More beach time.
-Not hear another word about the Gosselins or who Tiger Woods slept with today.Enough is enough!And who really cares?
-Avoid lousy,nasty,mean people.(I can be like that,myself.I don't need any help in that.)

.......And.......

most of all..............

What are your plans for the year ahead?

Blind Pass,Captiva,Florida

2009-12-15T18:42:00.017-05:00

After the dredging............

Some random shots taken at Blind Pass.
On the Captiva side.

Taken two weeks ago.................

A front was working it's way south................. On a cold and rainy day,a lone shore bird..............

Pecking through the shells................

Now that the Pass is open,the fishermen are back...................

And aren't they glad it's open?!

Here's hoping your hook is alway baited..............

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here.....................

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here..................

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here..................

More Of A Vanilla-Style Christmas................

2009-12-14T18:43:00.013-05:00

I love creche's.

To me,they represent all that is Christmas.

My mother always had one.

It was always surrounded by cotton batting.

You know the kind....

Flecked with red and green glitter.

(Didn't all of our mothers have that as part of their Christmas decor?)

I have been fortunate enough to inherit the plaster figurines,from her original manger scene.

The original stable is long gone.

To be replaced with a new and more modern style.............

When Michael,the Elder,and Erich,the Younger,were just mere men-cubs,they decided to add their own touch to the original figures.

You might notice R2D2 and Obi-Wan(blessing the Baby Jesus with his light saber).

Out of the photo is Luke SkyWalker and Han Solo.It just wouldn't be Christmas without them,now would it?

Also included is a flocker reindeer that Erich,the Younger, bought with his own money to add to the collection.

How sweet is that?

It has remained part of our manger scene to this day...........

The carved wooden animals were part of my Uncle Dewey's collection,which I added.

He was the coolest uncle.

(Someday,I shall do a post just about him.All kids should have an uncle like him.)

When my mother passed away,and I acquired them,I knew just where they were going.

This next creche was given to me as a present from a co-worker,many years ago.

Her husband is a minister,and they made a trip to the Holy Land.Knowing how much I loved creches,she brought this one back as a present for me.

I find it elegant in it's simplicity.

And the newest addition to our Christmas tree!

In last week-end's visit to Sanibel Island

(for Luminaria,which was kinda/sorta rainy....

Oh crap!It rained like H-E-double hockey-sticks!But it was still loads of fun and laughs.),

I found this in a shop and just knew I had to have it!

It screams Florida Christmas,doesn't it?

Not to mention the Pink Flamingo ornaments I bought......

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas............

2009-12-03T18:47:00.014-05:00

The garland has been hung.

The lights have been strung.

It's Christmas!!!!

Much as we try to tone down......

Simplify.......

Be a little more tasteful

and elegant......

Some things .....

absolutely,

positively

must stay the same!

All ,of which,are pure elegance to me.

Neiman Marcus could never have anything as special as these........

The pinecone ornament made by Michael,The Elder,in kindergarten.........

His first attempt at wood carving............ because he knew his Mom loves carved wooden Santas.......

and he was gonna give it a try.....

Paper chains made in kindergarten.......

With their name handwritten on them.....

(as if we didn't know who made them.Ya gotta love it!)

Macaroni ornaments made in pre-school.......

by Erich,The Younger.......

New this year,are.....
seashells
spray painted silver.............

Instructions given here........

Not new,but incredibly special........

Antique family ornaments.

Over 100 years young.....

Too delicate to be hung on the tree,where the" killa katz" might harm them.......

Now,displayed in an apothecary jar,on the kitchen bar..........

and in the guest bathroom,

the cutest Santa,

EVAH!!!

From the front.....

From the rear...........

Appropriate for a bathroom,don't you think?
Even Santa needs to wipe..........

Stay tuned for more ............

The Good and The BAD!

2009-11-28T19:40:00.008-05:00

Let's get the bad out of the way,right away,shall we? Yep,my beloved USF Bulls pulled another boner and played like little girls and lost 31-10.

If they would've played like mean girls,they would've kicked the Miami Hurricanes' collective asses.but oh noooo.........we lost

They played liked pussies(sorry to offend,but they did.....).

Do we need a new coach?

......just askin'..............

Let's get on to the good,shall we?

The Gators kicked FSU's asses all over Gainesville!

It's g-r-e-a-t

Florida

Gator!

Sorry Dawn.....she's a 'Nole......

It must be nice to be a Gator(Erich,the Younger is one....whatever...)................

I wouldn't know....

I'm a Bull............

onward to the UConn Huskies

and another ass whooping.............

but at least,I'll be on Sanibel Island watching that sad game,

and,just maybe,come home with a new coffee mug

(albeit a UConn one,but what the Hell....?).

Oh yeah,

the Gators have another game coming up on their way to another National Championship..............

and a side note,next year,the Bulls travel to The Swamp........

We shall be a house divided for that game........

Thanksgiving At Out House,or He Likes Her.He Really,Really Likes Her.....

2009-11-26T20:12:00.003-05:00

Yep----Erich and Dad discussed politics.From global warming,taxation,health care and education(Erich's forte') to anything you else you can think of,including Dad's most recent opinion of Nancy Pelosi(you don't really want to hear about that!).Yes-beer was involved,but when you're almost 91 you're entitled to a few brewskis and an opinion or two........Now,on to the important stuff.....

We met Maggie!!!

We think he likes her!

We think he really,really likes her!

At least,we do....

We think she's a keeper!

We Are Blessed

2009-11-25T19:08:00.003-05:00

Yes,we are thankful for what we have,

but,mostly,

we are blessed.

I believe God whispers to us.We just have to hear the whispers.

What God wishes for us may not be what we want,

but,

I believe it is what is best for us.

We just have to be open to the opportunities God gives us.

And realize,

we are blessed. So,this is what we have been blessed with this year.....

-Another year of my Dad's grumpiness.After almost 91 years,he is entitled to be grumpy.And we are blessed to have had him in our lives another year.

-After going through a period of 'butterscotch' the Vanilla People are looking forward to a return to Vanilla.Butterscotch makes you appreciate Vanilla.

-We are grateful that Michael,the Elder,brought Dawn,Kyle and Gina into our lives.What joy they have brought.And we thank the powers that be.

-Erich,the Younger,may have found the one(no caps,yet.Don't want to ruin the Karma....).It's about time!And we would be ever so grateful if he finally settled down.....

-We have a beautiful home,and a beautiful garden.So many,these days,have neither.We are so lucky and so blessed to have both.

-We have wonderful friends.Both,in real life,and blogland.We are grateful for all.

-We are grateful that in these times,one of us is employed at a secure job,with incredibly wonderful benefits.When so many are unemployed and with no benefits,we appreciate what we have.And are ever so grateful.

-When we look around us,and see so many with so little,we are ever so grateful for what we do have.Our everyday complaints somehow seem so self-centered and petty.

So,on this night before Thanksgiving,

We give thanks.........

I Always Thought He Was Hot,But........

2009-11-09T19:02:00.002-05:00

but as some men age,they just get better ...........
and better,

than ever.............

looky here........

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33794590

or here.......

http://www.jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org/

GAWD!!!!

He's HOT!!!

The Most Scariest Feeling........

2009-11-05T17:04:00.002-05:00

in the world,is when you think...........

your computer has decided to take a crap on you!

Which is what happened this morning.

Turn the computer on....

nada,

nothing,

zilch,

totally non-reactive.

Oh Crap!!!!

Self says,"OK,calm down.Just turn the thing off.Deal with it later."

Crap!The thing won't even turn off,now!

actually,I said,"shit!"

Stewed and fretted over it,all day,at work........

"I soooo don't wanna hafta buy a new laptop."

"Damn!Why didn't I download those photos to CD?"

"And iTunes!!The music!!!My Christmas music could be gone forever!"

I know!

I'll barter with God!

"If you get it to start again,I promise I'll be good and back-up everything!"

I get home.....

Finally get it to turn off......

And it started up again.

Like nothing had ever happened!

Hallelujah!!!!

I am off to back-up everything,on this laptop.

see ya in a while...........

Step Away From The Sand and Surf..........

2009-11-03T17:11:00.011-05:00

and you will find another Florida.................

One of ............

tidal flats covered with oyster clusters..................islands formed by mangroves.....................
where the wild things live.............
not a cartoon mouse to be found .....

you might find cypress lined,spring fed lakes..............

so beautiful in the morning sun light..............

peaceful,sleepy rivers..............

lined with Spanish Moss laden trees,and Saw Palmettos..............

Florida is so much more than the beach and the mouse...............

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here.............

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here...............

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here..........

It's Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T10:18:00.004-04:00

Two little tricksters.................. Aren't they scarey?............................

Now all grown up.....................

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

Growing Older, But Not Up

2009-10-23T13:01:00.008-04:00

Michael,the Elder,is another year older!

39 years ago,today,at 9:20PM,to be exact,he came into the world.3 weeks past his due date.

All 9lbs.6 1/2ozs. of him.

His first teething ring.........(Not really.He got into the garbage at his grandparents' house,and his grandmother thought it was a cute shot........)

"Now,I am 2." He was a little confused on how many fingers to hold up,I guess........

"Now,I am 39!

A grown-up(I just don't act it all the time)."

Happy Birthday,Michael!

Love,

Mom

The Flu Bug Is Gone!

2009-10-19T20:56:00.003-04:00

After drowning in chicken soup,jello,applesauce,Gatorade,7-Up,ginger ale,and soft boiled eggs,JonJ has returned to the land of the living!!!

and so,we shall return to regular blogging of our regular crap-o-la, tomorrow.

We promise!

Pinky swear!

Not that you might wanna hang around for that,

but......

whatever...........

we shall return tomorrow,anyways........

maybe the next day..............

and somebody's growing a beard!

ChrisC is here to testify,it's kinda cute!

Film @ 11.................

The Days of Whine and Lysol............

2009-10-13T15:25:00.007-04:00

Yep,it's official................

The flu has struck our household.............

Not both of us,mind you,

but the one (Jon) who didn't get a flu shot.

So,now our house smells like this....................... and someone (Jon) is eating this.......................
When he can keep something down,
or in him................
I think you get my point........

Did I mention he's either in bed,in the bathroom,or dying the most loveliest death ever?

Truly worthy of an Academy Award nomination,I must say.....

Not to mention the high fever,which kinda scares even me...........

Yep,we are now sleeping in separate bedrooms.
So,you can all run and tell your friends that we are

not

sleeping together.

(for right now)

Get your flu shot!!!!

Don't say you weren't warned.

It ain't worth it..........

just sayin..................

Sunset Over Lutz......

2009-10-08T19:11:00.003-04:00

If this is what it looked like inland,

what must it have looked like at the beach?

For more of SkywatchFriday,click here............

Caught Ya!!

2009-10-06T17:23:00.015-04:00

The lady with the camera is at it again........

"Hey,you keep an eye out,while I go get us some dinner,ok?"

"Hmmm,there's some tastey stuff in here."

"Whoops,better look cool here.Nope,I'm not doing anything.Nope,not me.You must be confused.I'm just watching those guys fish.That's all.Seriously,that's all I'm doing.don't know what you think I'm doing.But I'm just hangin' out here."

"Oh man,does this look good!"

"I tell ya,it's like taking candy from a baby.Even I amaze myself,sometimes."

"What ? You got somethin' to say,lady?"

"What?You think I stole something?"

"Oooooh-I am sooo not involved in this."

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here............

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here..............

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here.........

More with Dad.............and a recipe

2009-10-04T18:23:00.007-04:00

Well.........I'd invited Dad for brats,salad and to watch the Bucs lose,

once again.

But it wasn't to be.

(yep,the Bucs lost,once again,

but that isn't what this is about)

"I'm not having a good day."

Those days are becoming more and more frequent..............
The bad days are starting to out number the good days........

So,I took him some Chek-Mix(he loves his snacks),his rent check and some apple cake.

The recipe for which I stole from here.

Was he interested in the cake? No.

Was he interested in the Bucs? No. (but,then,neither are we,these days.....just sayin')

"Where's my check?"

"It's sitting on top of the container with the cake."

"And what channel is the Bills game on,today?" (He loves his Bills!)

He knew Ralph Wilson back in the day.He remembers Pete Gogolak,Cookie Gilchrist,Darryl Lamonica,Jack Kemp-when he was just a football player.

"It's on CBS."

"I can find that.Where's the check?"

"Right here,Dad."

"I'm gonna go watch the Bucs lose,now.Good thing you brought the check.Now,where is it again?""

We drink............................

Fort DeSoto Park

2009-09-29T18:06:00.013-04:00

Just some random shots from our day trip to Fort DeSoto Park,in Pinellas County.

America's Best Beach in 2005,and TripAdvisor's Best Beach 2009.......

One of the two fishing piers.......

Critters of all shapes and sizes................

What you can find if you go in the warmer months......

A Sand Dollar lover's Heaven.

You have to be very,very careful where you step when you are wading..............

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here..............

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here............

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here.........

Life With My 90 Year Old Dad (contd.)

2009-09-27T16:25:00.004-04:00

Saturday,9AM-ish-----
Phone rings.....
"My bowels haven't moved since Monday."

(He gets italics,just 'cause he deserves italics;I get regular font....)

"Oooooo-k,Dad."
"I took my Dulcolax at 5AM,but it isn't working."
"Are you drinking plenty of water,and walking around."
"It's too hot out to walk around.Of course,I'm drinking water."
"How much water are you drinking?"
"The same as always.2 glasses a day.How much should I be drinking?"

That noise you hear is me rolling my eyes,and hitting the floor.

"C (our cousin) bought you that pitcher so you could drink your gallon of water everyday.Use it!"
"Oooh,that's what that's for."
"Dad,you need to get up and walk more."
"It's too hot outside."
"Use the treadmills in the gym."
"I guess I could do that.We'll see."

"What should I do about my bowels?"

"Give the Dulcolax time to work,drink lots of water,and get up and move!"
"What if that doesn't work?"
"Then call me back and we'll deal with it then,ok?"
"I guess so...."

I hear nothing....................

Sunday,2-ish----
Phone rings.....
"You watching the Bucs?Isn't it terrible?"
"Yeah,we're watching-it's really bad."
"Where'd they get that quarterback?"
"They got him from Jacksonville."
"Well,he's awful.What happened to that Simms kid?"
"Dad,they got rid of Chris Simms last year."
"They did?And who's this new coach?Where'd they get him?"
"Dad,remember they fired Gruden and hired this idiot."
"This guy is terrible as a coach!!Why aren't they running Cadillac?Why do they always give up on the running game?!"

(he's really.really upset with the Bucs,by now,if you couldn't tell)

"Yeah-they suck big time.How are you feeling,today?"
"Fine,why do you ask?"
"I wondering after yesterday."
"I don't want to watch the Bucs anymore.What channel is NASCAR on?"

and people wonder why we partake in adult beverages....................

addendum-
When it was mentioned to his doctor about his major memory lapses,he(the doctor) replied."It could be the onset of Alzheimer's."
To which,Dad replied,"I'm 90 years old.I can lose my mind if I want to."

To which,I say,"Valid point."

Are People That Stoopid?

2009-09-23T19:54:00.002-04:00

Do people really need to be told this................. I guess so...........................

Just sayin'....................

For more of This Way Thurs-Way,click here....................

Pass-A-Grille,Florida

2009-09-22T16:57:00.015-04:00

After our little sojurn to Gulfport,Florida(which you can read about here and here),we drove on down to Pass-A-Grille.

Down to the end of Gulf Way.

Down by the rock jetty.

The last parking space before the road turns.

Put the money in the parking meter.

Walked out,in the drizzle and found this scene.....

and this.......

'til we came to this.......

and saw this.......

Enough of that!

Let's go to The Hurricane for happy hour!

What could be better than sitting in a bar,right on the beach,on a drizzly Saturday afternoon,havin' a cold brewski,watching Univ. of Tenn. get slapped around by USC(we are Gator fans,after all----ok,we're USF Bull-ChrisC's Alma Mater- fans first,but the Gators are a very close second-our money went there,with Erich,the Younger)?

And the only other people in the bar are you,the bartender,and the manager of the whole dang place.....

Could this be a better sight................ ? just askin' .......................

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here.................

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here.................

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here...........

Word's To Live By..........

2009-09-16T17:04:00.005-04:00

How true................ A sign in Harry A's Restaurant,St.George Island,Florida

For more of This Way Thurs-Way,click here..........................(go ahead,you know you want to).

Gulfport,Florida-Part II

2009-09-15T16:21:00.012-04:00

Behind the old Gulfport Casino,you will find a pier.........
Stroll down............... Because the weather was a little on the nasty side,this little fellow was hunkered down........

At the end of the pier you see this scene...............

For more of Watery Wednesday,click here................

For more of Outdoor Wednesday,click here.................

For more of Waterside Wednesday,click here...............

and to see,Part I of our Gulfport,Florida series,click here.........

Gulfport,Florida-Part 1,of MANY parts

2009-09-13T20:51:00.012-04:00

Sometimes plans go awry.

Probably for a reason.

Our original plan for this weekend was to go just go and hang out at the beach.

Like we were teenagers.(No laughing allowed....)

But it rained on our parade.

I mean,it really,really rained.

4" in one day!

So,it was back to the drawing board....What were we to do with the weekend?

"Hey!I know!I have this article I saved from the paper!"

Just of the beaten path...

In between the condos,resorts,and other high-rise,beachy-type developments......

Overlooked by many......

Is.........

.......... Gulfport,Florida........ I swear everywhere we go they welcome us.Everyone must really,really love the VanillaLife style.......Welcome signs everywhere we go!

Up until a few years ago,Gulfport acted as a back road entrance to the beaches of St.Petersburg Beach,Treasure Island,Indian Rocks Beach,etc.

Just an exit ramp of the Interstate.....

A Casino that was known for for it's senior citizen dances.......and nothing more.......

But during the latest real estate boom,it bacame known as one of the most affordable places to buy a bungalow near the water.It helps that there are no parking meters to fill,like on St.Pete Beach.

(Yep--free parking!Right on the water!---I said FREE!!And ON the water!!!)

One bus stop.....

No streetlights,unless you count the Christmas Tree lights,in the trees that line the streets........

.........or the Halloween lights that decorate the restaurants......But,now,it's a quirky little town.......

filled with artists,and boutiques........
and restaurants!!!!

................all kinds and flavors of restaurants!................

Italian,French,Pizzerias,English,Sport Bars,a haunted B & B......

all in a four block area........

right on the water!

We chose to eat at Village Pub,just because JonJ had a hankerin' for Shephard's Pie.

with a pint of Guiness......

I chose to have the Cod Fish and Chips(drenched with malt vinegar,and by the way,straight from the Britush Isles))......

We brought home a dinner of the Steak and Ale Pie,but,alas,there are no photos of that.It didn't last long enough to have it's picture taken......

So,sometimes,Mother Nature may rain on your parade,but not really.....

She's just leading you on a different path..........

So enjoy the ride!

Village Pub is located at:

5519 Shore Blvd S.,Gulfport,Florida;(727-329-8825)

Some People Just Don't Get It

2009-09-12T22:12:00.005-04:00

"Hey,lady!!See those white lines?

"You're supposed to park between them.""Just like that red Tacoma is parked."

"Get my point?"

Our Vanilla Life

Hear! Hear!

I Don’t Get This….

Dear Mr. President:

Remember these?

Hey,Jack!!!

If Only Work Was This Much Fun......

Why Wasn’t I Invited ?

Holiday Wishes……

a NOT so snowy Christmas……..

“It’s The Holiday Season……

Dad Has A New Woman….

The Best(and funniest)Blog Post I’ve Seen In A Looong Time…

Who Ya Gonna Call?

It’s that time of year…….

Dad vs. The Mean Girls…..

Evan,Evan,Evan……

Dad Meets The Newest Family Member…..

R.I.P.

If You Have Ever Questioned If There Is A God…

Six Years Ago Today…..

~~~Welcome To GatorNation~~~

~~~Shore Birds~~~

The View From Under The Umbrella

~~~~Once Upon A Time~~~~

I wannna…….

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Why We Love The Beach….

Brunch At the Beach

A Reprise……………

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This is a reprise of a post I did over a year ago,from a trip we took to Cedar Key,Florida.With all that is happening with the oil spill in our backyard,I thought it is even more appropriate,now.With a little editing…….

February 07, 2009

What A Cool bird-The Pelican,His Bill Can hold More than His Belly Can

Stoopid Humans……

USF researchers find new underwater plume from gulf oil spill

Today…..

O! M! G!

Sunset…………

Come On In!!!!

Ooooops……

If only…….

“My………

Does It Get Any Better Than This?

I Want One…!

The Universe Whispers….

Dont’cha wish

Just because ……

“My future’s so bright….

The Most Politically Incorrect Post Ever!

What About The Teachers?

The Honeymoon Is Over…..

Excuse me,but………..

Hey,Lady!

How Would You Like This In Your Yard?

Another View of Florida

Ya Wanna See Some Yard Art?

A Good Dinner Is Hard To Find….

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year…….

A Rose…..

A Visit To The Cardiologist With Dad…. and more…….

Pardon The Interruption….

Love Is In The Air………………

Sunrise………………

“On The Count Of Three…….

Just because………………..

Sunset/Moonrise On Sanibel Island

Egmont Key Lighthouse,Florida

A Fowl Day……………

Ahhhh……………………..

Freezing……….

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Garden Voyeurism……….

Sunrise on Sanibel

per⋅se⋅ver⋅ance

Hey Pat!!

Road Trip!

Okey-doke

Cold Enough For Ya...?

What the......?

~Welcome To GatorNation~

~Shore Birds~

Once Upon A Time