Sixties_Chick's Groovy Rap

Who me?

2010-11-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

I've spent the morning clicking on the button at the top of the blog screen that says "Next Blog." It stirred something in me. I'm not quite sure what.

I do find myself wanting to take Beau for a ride seeking beautiful and mysterious sights to photograph. Then I think, no, I really want to bare my soul in my blog. Tell what I'm really thinking. Then I think, no, I really should use this space to bring attention to all those really talented people out there who actually know how to do this.

One thing is for sure, I need to post on this blog, where I feel more like the real me, more often.

A vision of comfort

2010-07-22T20:18:00.000-04:00

I feel the water lift my body to a new form and tip my head back to wet my hair then feel the luxurious coolness soothe me. My outstretched arms float along the surface, moving gracefully like tree branches in the wind.

A dozen or so aging swimmers stand in loose formation, chest-deep in the comfortably warm water stepping in place to 1950's music. "Splish Splash I was taking a bath..." one sings a few bars and we all begin to march in time swinging our arms until the instructor begins to call out movements that are reminiscent of Jazzercise moves.

Swimming is the best form of exercise I can imagine. No sweating, no falling down, and best of all no one can see me jiggle. After 20 or so minutes of exertion, I welcome the slower pace as we stretch out, push in, sway and flex to loosen the tight muscles. It is then that I realize something truly liberating: I could do this even if I was blind.

As cataracts continue to cloud the vision in my one good eye, total blindness worries me. It is hard to imagine how I would spend my days without being able to use my computer, walk my dog, cook, shop and read to my grandchildren.

Once again, the water comforts my soul, reassuring me that it will be there for me even if everything else fails.

A last look at native Florida

2010-07-10T15:26:00.000-04:00

Our visit was coming to a close much faster than any of us expected and there were so many more places I had wanted to show my guests. They were amazed at how many plants we have in common as many of our Florida palms and even ornamentals like bottle-brush bushes are commonly seen in Australia as well. I wanted them to see the REAL Florida sights and people. I was secretly proud that most of the people we had encountered along the way were easy-gong and friendly, willing to help and anxious to please.

Today our adventures would take us in a southerly direction and we managed to get an early start with just coffee under our belts.

We crossed Pineda Causeway turning onto South Tropical Trail for a quick view of south Merritt Island where I told them about the mango groves and pineapple fields that once filled the island. I forgot until just now that I should have looked for some of the few remaining green parrots that easily disguise themselves among the mango leaves. They enjoyed seeing the variety of homes that face the Indian River with their comfortable docks and various sizes of boats.

Crossing Mathers Bridge from Merritt Island into Indian Harbor beach, they realized that some of those homes had a view of the Banana River from the other side of their homes because the island is so narrow at that point. They were even more amazed at the opulent homes along S. Patrick Drive as we made our way to Melbourne Beach. Just as we turned onto A1a I spotted our target breakfast place "Sand on the Beach" and we made our way past the 1960s view mural to a table with chairs set into sand at the edge of the dunes. It was a perfect morning for dining al fresco. A soft breeze off the beach kept us cool even though the sun was almost blindingly bright reflecting off the white sand. Again, I was pleased with the service and food we had that morning as it was delicious and served with a smile. Our server even took pictures for us.

After breakfast, we continued south on A1a, talking and enjoying the sights of beachside living and wildlife preserves of seemingly endless palmettos and palms where endangered species of birds and tortoise can thrive. While crossing the bridge over Sebastian Inlet, I explained that the state park, which includes property on both sides of the bridge, is a popular destination for surfers, fishermen, snorkelers, swimmers and campers. In fact, we have fished and camped there many times.

Just a mile or so further down A1a, we pulled into the parking lot of the McClarty Treasure Musuem. a small building rich with history. The museum features the story of recovering treasure from the 1715 sinking of a fleet of Spanish ships that were rich with silver, gold and gems I The museum is located on what was the site of the 1715 Spanish salvage camp. A beautifully constructed narrated diorama explains the disaster and recovery story. There is a 45 minute film that tells the story of the more recent recovery of treasure that littered the seabed off the east coast of Florida. Some of it is still out there we are told.

Turning off A1a at Vero Beach we stopped at the Indian River Mall in Vero Beach for a stretch, some lunch and a bit of shopping. The day was going fast, so we hopped onto Interstate 95 hoping to get home and get a few things done before dinner time. Tonight was to be the farewell dinner and everyone who could be there wanted to join us..

Troy and Linda were happy to go off on their own for a bit of exploring and last minute shopping in the afternoon and I felt very confident they wouldn't get lost since they had a new GPS system they wanted to try out.

Again we were not disappointed as we gathered at a restaurant on the former site of an old hotel in what was once known as Eau Gallie. The attraction here is more about location, history and Florida casual ambiance than food (which has been unpredictible through several changes of ownership). The hotel burned many, many years ago but most of the restaurant owners have been smart to keep a few photographs of the old place, walls of pecky Cyprus and other artifacts such as the original fireplace for the enjoyment of locals and history buffs. Our dinner was served in one of the enclosed dining rooms and the cool air conditioned air was a welcome relief this teamy afternoon. Usually, we would have preferred the thatch roofed open air dining room.

After dinner, we moved to the outdoor bar area where chattering voices and laughter threatened to drown out the band. That would have been sad since there was a great Joe Cocker sound alike at the microphone.

The sun had sunk below the horizon by the time we wandered out onto the sandy beach along the river for last minute chit-chat.

We knew this would have to be an early turn-in night since they had a very early morning flight next day. But, it was very hard to get serious about bed time when there was so little time left. A night cap and soft conversation finally settled us down and the day was reluctantly brought to an end with a long embrace.

After giving me a parting gift, (a much coveted fiery Australian opal pendant), we were informed of a bit of Australian law that requires US citizens to return the visit by going to Australia. So, now we are on a crusade to add enough money to our vacation fund to visit our friends down under.

Big gator keep on floating ... away!

2010-07-08T17:50:00.000-04:00

Another steamy day lay ahead of us, and without a long cooling off period at mid-day that can lead to a late night. We learned that after our Space Center adventure slowed us to a crawl during the afternoon hours the day before.

We had managed to extend the day by slipping out after dinner for a quick visit to the beach. There our Ozzie friends shook their heads in amazement that our Florida boys are even able to surf the wimpy waves that lap the eastern shore of Florida. (I didn't tell them about the Gulf coast!) During a cruise surfside through Satellite Beach, I pointed out houses the early astronauts stayed in while awaiting a "go for launch" message. Then we shopped at the "World Famous" Ron Jon's Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. Even I was impressed anew at the cool store and its seemingly unlimited supply of any and everything beach.

We decided to head straight for the action this bright morning. Unfortunately, in the headlong rush to get going, I wrapped the 3rd and 4th toes of my right foot firmly around the leg of an imposingly sturdy dining room chair. Owie!!!

My toes firmly strapped in place we took off for a real Florida excursion: an airboat ride in the alligator infested waters of the St. John's River. Arriving at 10am hungry, we were surprised to learn that the dock-side cafe doesn't serve breakfast. Undeterred, we ordered substitutes: cheeseburger, clam chowder and catfish sandwich respectively and ate them while witnessing the first gator of the day cruise across the river straight toward us. He was huge and probably attracted to the big large mouth bass being landed on the dock outside the cafe where we were eating.

We were told that during the summer it was important to be on the water early as the alligators (and anyone with good sense) would head for the cooler deep waters as soon as the day began to heat up. We were on the 2nd boat out at 10:15am and luck was with us.

Within minutes of putting on our sound-suppressing earphone (works surprisingly well) the boat stopped and we saw a huge gator cruising toward us. Curiosity kept him afloat until someone in the boat stood up to take a picture. That was his signal to down periscope and sink quick as a nuclear submarine.

Next thing you know we were zipping along skimming the marsh and even scooting across the surface of bits of land bridge here and there. What amazed me most was the abundance of birds. They roosted atop tall grass light as feathers, or stood knee-deep in water turning their heads this way and that on alert for tiny fish.

Cattle stood shoulder-deep in the water, peacefully chewing their cud until the airboat urged them to move on.

No trip to the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp would be complete with out a picture like this.

I hope you can visit sometime. I recommend the catfish sandwiches too.

To infinity and beyond

2010-07-05T20:35:00.002-04:00

Despite the wilting heat of the previous days, our visitors were raring to go on this bright morning. In fact, this was the one adventure they had looked forward to most. Kennedy Space Center!

After a good ole' American breakfast cooked by my better half (who had managed a day off), we picked up our two older grandsons from their home and made our way north to the Space Center. Our son-in-law and the youngest grandson completed the group. The parking lot was already an oven by the time we arrived, although we were among the first guests that day. There was almost no waiting as we got our tickets and boarded one of the first tour buses.

Between the driver and the overhead video our tour was well narrated and we had plenty of time to see the various areas along the way. The VAB (vehicle assembly building) where the fuel tanks, the rockets and the space shuttle are assembled in a vertical position for roll out to the launch pad. This building is visible for many miles along the Space Coast and our proudest landmark.

We were able to explore the three-story launch complex known as LC 39 observation gantry which was once used for Apollo program.

As a side benefit, a nice breeze cooled us off while we looked out over the Indian River's Mosquito Lagoon area toward Port Canaveral where cruise ships await their passengers.

Getting a good idea of what it would be like to fly to the moon came when the men and boys tried out the Space Shuttle Launch Experience.

Shake, rattle and roll boys!

Maybe you can't reach the stars, but you can touch a moon rock when you visit the Apollo/Saturn center.

The tour bus also stops at the International Space Station Center where you see workers preparing experiments and equipment to be taken to the ISS. You can walk through space lab experimental modules as the astronauts do and see how they live aboard the ISS.

Or be a star in the Star Trek show here... (now through Sept. 2010)

You can look inside a mock-up of the Space Shuttle.

Tour the Rocket Garden with its awe inspiring memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in the quest to further our knowledge of what lies beyond our planet's atmosphere.

And see what you'd look like in a space suit.

We thought we would have time to visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, since it is included in the ticket price, but our day came to an early end in the heat of summer.

In cooler weather we might have managed a longer day but it was pool time for sure by then.

"A wonderful day!" everyone exclaimed.

There's a man in the house!

2010-07-03T19:38:00.001-04:00

The first morning started off nicely enough with Linda and I in our PJs quietly talking in the living room but on the way back to her room, Linda gasped in surprise when she encountered a strange MAN in her path. Her surprise was ended when my son Greg introduced himself. Later we had a laugh over it as Troy asked "where was Greg all night, sleeping under our bed?" They didn't realize he was living in a room next to theirs. I had given them a brief tour the night before, but didn't open the door to his (usually messy) room.

Their energy revived by a full night of sleep, Troy was on a mission for American sausage so off we went to the area Perkins restaurant to meet up with my daughter Ryan, her husband DJ and their son Darren.

After a filling breakfast, we headed over to the Brevard Zoo. It surprised me when they said they would like to see it as they live very near the Australia Zoo of Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin fame. In fact they have met him and his family on several occasions.

We were promised steamy temperatures in the mid-90s that day, so we were at the ticket office at opening time. As the holder of a Grandparent Membership, I could go right in and take up to 5 of my grandchildren along at no additional charge. I have used this privilege many times knowing that I could stay a very short time without worry that I didn't get my money's worth. I often brought the older kids for an hour after school rather than take them to a park to play.

We headed straight for the Africa pavilion to see the rhinoceros and the giraffes. We were not disappointed. Most of the animals were up and having their breakfast so they were anxious to greet visitors and see if we had treat biscuits.

We even got some of the giraffes to take the biscuits from our hands, see their long blue tongues and touch their soft muzzles.

It was amazing to see these gentle animals reaching up to us as we stood on tree-top level board walk and witnessed their difficulty in finding a way to get a drink of water.

Many African birds and deer were also there for us to see and learn about.

Of course we had to travel through "Australia" to get to the aviary (my favorite place in the zoo) but the kangaroos and wallabies were sleepyheads and still not awake. We wondered if they were still on "down-under" time.

The brightly colored lorakeets were quick to spot our cups of nectar and swoop down for a nibble sometimes squabbling with each other and jostling for first place at the trough.

We got a quick run through of the Florida wildlife including some impressive alligators snapping at nice-sized fish, but the lazy river otters were snoozing in the shade rather than perform in their open view tank unfortunately.

By this time the sun was high in the sky and we were absolutely done-in from the heat. Linda and I had discussed our local weather many times over the years and based on that, I felt sure that their heat far exceeded ours. This may be true, but we failed to report the one thing that makes all the difference... HUMIDITY!

So, I showed them what we Floridians do when it is just too hot for anything else. We headed home, put on our swimsuits and enjoyed swimming and eating cool fruit, cold cuts, cheese and crackers washed down with plenty of cool liquid.

Ryan, DJ and Darren headed home for Darren's nap while my visitors and I loaded ourselves into an air conditioned car for some lunch and a drive. We toured the beautiful shopping area near our home dubbed "The Avenues" circling the round-about parking lot that accesses the many stores and restaurants. It is a wonderful alternative to the old-fashioned "Mall" if you are thinking "green" but the heat makes it a very lonely place at mid-day in summer.

We actually were headed to another adventure when I realized that I had lost about 2 hours and the hubster was due home from work any minute. We made a mad dash through Target to pick up some essentials and it was time to assemble the masses for another meal. Oops!

Oldest son Tom was able to break out of a very busy week to get together with us for dinner too. Since it has been his dream to visit Australia since any of us can remember,he especially wanted to meet Linda and Troy and plague them with questions. By the time Ryan, DJ and Darren arrived, we were somewhat ready to eat again, and the huge margaritas served as a great appetizer.

What a delight to be with family and friends, chattering away at the end of a lovely day, planning tomorrow's adventures.
I felt like the luckiest woman alive!

First taste of Florida

2010-07-02T07:31:00.001-04:00

Troy and Linda were determined to stay awake that first day until our bedtime and not take a nap. My hubster Lon had gotten home by the time we finished tea so we took off on an adventure.

One of our favorite drives is along the Indian River north through Rockledge and into Cocoa Village. They were properly engaged but fighting sleep, so we decided to stop for coffee at a place we knew.

Unfortunately, this late in the afternoon, only the bartender was on duty at Murdock's and he assured us that while he could make us an iced coffee, it would be disappointing. He recommended we try one of the hundreds of flavored vodkas that soared above the back bar. Since the boys were having a beer, it didn't seem too crazy a suggestion and before we knew it, Linda had ordered a cappuccino martini and I had a huge B-52 in front of me. We all had to taste these two drinks and agreed that while Linda's was well blended and tasty. Mine had layers of liquor (Kahlua on the bottom, then Irish Cream, then coffee flavored vodka) and over powering. It was a beautiful drink, but I finally had to stir it to make it palatable.

We girls were flying high before the drinks were finished and our chuckles had turned into peals of laughter as we imagined what would be next if we stayed around this eclectic place. We had a great time looking at the details of this crazy place while getting to know each other.

After a dinner of baked shells and meat sauce and a bedtime cup of tea, the two toddled off to what I hoped was a night of sleep after their long sleepless journey.

As for me, I slept like a well-loved baby, happy that my friend and I had 4 more wonderful days to spend together.

Almost arrested at the airport

2010-06-30T11:31:00.002-04:00

I was almost hauled off by Homeland Security guards when I saw my friend and her husband walking towards me on the airport ramp. I said "I've been waiting 15 years for this hug..." excitedly as I passed them by a few feet They seemed to relax then as we enjoyed a long-awaited embrace and long-overdue introductions.

Strange as it may seem, Linda and I first met on a CompuServe forum back in the days when a 5200 BAUD rate modem was considered screaming fast. We were both cancer survivors, giving others moral support as they waged their battles with the dragon. It was a joyous task because we were enjoying every minute of our survival and encouraging others to count every second of life as a triumph.

Linda and husband Troy had traveled for over 36 hours from their home in Australia and they were tired so I took them straight home where Linda and I indulged in Earl Grey tea as we had promised by email so many times. She had brought some very special chocolate biscuits called Tim Tams that were more like a delicious candy bar than a cookie.

We enjoyed the tea in ancient China cups that were prized by my mother and reserved for the most special of occasions.

Over the years we exchanged many stories and pictures of family and friends, adventures and mis-haps. Linda finished her education and opened her practice, I downsized my career step by step and "retired" to work at home as I please. Our children finished college, married and gave birth to the miraculous children we dote on these days.

A few years ago we connected by phone for a brief chat and were thrilled to be able to hear each others' voices. Last New Years Eve we managed to connect via Skype for our first "live" conversation face-to-face. Then in January, Linda announced she was coming to America to visit her husband's family, their friends and would like to visit me in Florida for a week before heading to the Northwest part of the USA.

It was a long six months and I counted every day, thinking of our meeting for the first time. Let me tell you straight out, there were no surprises. She and her husband were as I had pictured them over the years except amplified. Her beauty and grace, style and sensitivity were so much more than I realized. Our conversations went on without background information as if we had seen each other only the week before. It was glorious to finally be with my dear friend.

Getting better every day

2010-04-15T12:50:00.000-04:00

Just look how my hubby has slimmed his belly down. We have been pretty good at staying with our program the past few weeks and it is paying off.

I haven't actually gotten on the scales, but my clothes fit better and I feel better. Family visits are throwing us a curve sometimes though. We love to have our family together and the main activity when we are together revolves around food.

Now that summer is almost here, we can add swimming and canoeing to the activities and I am hoping we can find new activities we all enjoy together.

Our refrigerator is stuffed with so much fruit and veggies I can't keep up with it. We go to the Produce Place in Melbourne where we can get mostly locally raised fruit and veggies. I can't believe it, but I am like a kid in a candy store when we get there. I put in an order for one of the all fruit smoothies and run off to collect the bounty while they peel the frozen fruit and whip up my tasty treat... usually mango. Ummmm good.

Staying with the work out plan isn't easy only due to being torn between meeting up with family members or doing our workout routine. Still, we are getting better all the time.

Springtime traditions

2010-04-02T12:12:00.001-04:00

Connie's Brain Foggles blog today asks the question: Do you have a family tradition for Spring Break? Be sure to click on the link above to visit her blog and get started visiting blogs from there (after reading mine of course).

Our Spring break plans seemed to change each year as the children, then the grandchildren have grown but it always involved the traditional Easter egg coloring and hunt as well as a big ham, grandpa’s shrimp salad and his potato salad. Our house is family central, at least for a few more years. I imagine as my daughter and son-in-law find their dream house and settle in, the festivities will move to that location. I will be happy to bring the rolls, dessert and wine!

Our two year old grandson starts the cycle again this year as he is just old enough to really share my appreciation for fine CHOCOLATE! This means I can buy him a chocolate Easter bunny and eat the ears off. Well, maybe a tiny one!

One of the favorite traditions from years past was taking flowers to church to add to the 8 foot high Easter flower cross.

However you celebrate Spring, I hope you will enjoy fair weather and sunshine and be able to hear the birds sing.

Looks can be deceiving

2010-03-19T15:59:00.001-04:00

This may not look like the usual lunch. No hamburger, no fries, not even a sandwich and chips.

A few days ago, I was sitting in the doctor's waiting room watching one of those special programs they have on doctor's waiting room TVs. There was a series of brief programs about health-related issues. One of the programs was about a new website called SparkPeople . (click on title for more)

The crazy thing is, at the time I was watching this program, my husband was being told he is on a fast roll to becoming a diabetic, something my doctor had told me at my last visit with him.

We knew we needed to change our ways. Our mirrors told us. Our friends told us. Our pants told us. We started working out at a fitness center over a year ago and have been pretty good about going 3 times a week unless one of us was really sick or injured. He has almost stopped drinking beer altogether and I have been drinking water, milk or iced tea almost exclusively, leaving behind the beloved hazel-nut iced-coffee from McDonald's and Starbucks lattes. But the weekends still revolved around barbecues and lasagna and big pots of chilli. And a lot of our meals out were at the all-you-can-eat buffets my husband loves.

This is not our first rodeo. A few years ago we tried going to Weight Watchers. It was very helpful and we both lost weight. He did better than I and we didn't mind the food. But it was very difficult to set aside the time to plan our menus, make a shopping list and prepare the food we knew we should eat. Before you know it, we were right back to the fat food.

After signing up with SparkPeople (which is FREE by the way) I got busy making a meal plan and exercise plan so I could keep track of it all. I can't say it was easy, it took me a whole evening to list the foods I had eaten that day and plan 2 days ahead. I pulled a report on what I had eaten the first day... a non-diet day and was surprised to find that the report told me I just hadn't eaten ENOUGH. What I had eaten was out of balance even though I hadn't really had a lot of calories... under 1500 for the day.

Today, I ate the planned breakfast and I was so full I forgot to eat until almost 1:30pm. I had a two egg omelet with a big handful of spinach and two ounces of shredded cheddar, a piece of toast, and a banana along with my coffee.

You see my lunch above. I had quite a plate full with 3/4 cup of cottage cheese, pineapple chunks, baby carrots, 1/3 cup of hummus, wheat crackers, a big spoonful of peanut butter and a can of V8. I gotta tell you, it tasted a lot better than it looks. And, I know I am on the right path to a healthier life.

The price of fashion might be surprising

2010-03-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

I needed retail therapy today. After looking at the prices of current fashion pieces, I needed latte therapy. I was half way through the foam when I realized how smart these tattooed kids today really are. If they keep it up, they won't need clothes at all. Well, at least not for keeping up their fashionista reps.

After giving up on the clothes and shoes shopping, I began to concentrate on more practical needs. Several stores yielded nothing on my list, but the third was looking hopeful. I found great towels in the colors I had been unable to find for the past few months, a new shower curtain to match and a nice set of placemats to replace the chintz ones I've grown to despise.

Now, on to the coasters... you know, those little squares or rounds you put under your drinks? My search was in vain. I couldn't find any that weren't either a) breakable b) delicious looking to a toddler c) unbelievably ugly.

"Maybe I can find one on-line!" I thought. Guess what? There are thousands to choose from. This is going to take a while.

The watering hole

2010-03-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

I could not resist getting a shap-shot of this. My two-year-old grandson had a moment of inspiration when he saw this island with "trees." He brought some of his tiny animals to enjoy the water and the tropical island (a turnip top being encouraged to grow). "They were thirsty and hungry," he said.

I think it was lunchtime for him as well.

Isn't it cool that children can see powerful stories in the simplest of scenes?

Speaking of music

2010-02-26T15:32:00.001-05:00

Speaking of music, records, etc. I have to share a great discovery with you. I found a wonderful little shop on Bonanzle where you may be able to find "your song" from back in the day. Jeterdaman1's Booth is loaded with GOLD.

I guess the first song I ever danced to in public was Chuck Berry's Rock Around the Clock. I didn't see it there, but another golden oldie of Chucks, School Day was there or, how about Paul Anka? The 45 record "You are my Destiny" its sultry melody is humming in my brain now.

There are LP records in the shop too. Best of the Beachboys looks good, or how about Paul Revere and the Raiders . Don't you buy that Elvis: recorded at Madison Square Garden LP though. I've got my eye on it.

Rock on!
This is NOT a paid ad, just a community service. I really like this booth.

Not a 45 record but...

2010-02-24T21:19:00.005-05:00

It seems appropriate after yesterday's post about my first 45 rpm record, to note my activities today. I was about 14, maybe even 16 at the time that took place and I was thrilled beyond belief to have that music available to play almost anytime I wanted. Well, that is, when my mother was able to tolerate another repetition or it.

Today, I was searching for a gift for my soon-to-be 16 year-old granddaughter. She loves her iPod as much as I loved my Hi Fi so it seemed perfect to buy her a gift card so she can download music from iTunes.

I hope she enjoys searching through the list of songs as much as I enjoyed thumbing through the records at the record store when I bought that Elvis Presley record. Too bad she won't be able to put the artist's picture up on the wall the way I tacked up all my favorite record album sleeves on my bedroom wall.

One advantage she has though: she can play her iPod most anywhere without someone complaining... "if I have to listen to that one more time...!"

photo: kovik / Sxc.Hu

Sixties_Chick's Groovin' On Shop is open for business

2010-02-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

If you know what the meaning of groovy is... you might be a sixties chick.

I was remembering my first 45 speed record (was it the Sun label Elvis "Don't be Cruel"?) and how anxious I was to get home and play it on the new Hi Fi I had gotten for my birthday. I briefly wondered if I could use one of the scatter pins on my sweater to play the music. Hmmmm, no.

Wish I could tell you that record is for sale in the Sixties_Chick shop, but sadly it was last seen being used for a Frisbee in the summer of 1972.

However, there are a few vintage items in the shop and a wide variety of things you might enjoy. Let me know if you want to make an offer on any of these items. I am rarely insulted by an offer and usually say yes.

Have a groovy day!

Deja vu right into the future

2009-10-14T20:18:00.000-04:00

So, my grown son came home to a quiet house and says it totally freaked him out. Said for a minute he thought he had just walked into his grandmother's house. "I almost expected to see her knitting or something," he laughed. Instead, I walk in here and it's you sitting there, instead of knit one purl two, it's blog one Tweet two.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

Leaving on a slow train, don't know when I'll be back again

2009-10-12T20:29:00.001-04:00

We are leaving tomorrow with kids and grandbaby to join us in NY at great-grandma's house. Long dreamed-of trip by train culminating with 6 hour layover in DC on Memorial Day. Have laptop, will blog. CU on the flip-side. (boy does that saying date me!)

When I wrote the above lines last May, I was inebriated by the anticipation that always preceeds travel. I am rarely able to sleep the night before a trip, no matter how small.

This adventure did not go as I planned.

What I hoped would be a slow, almost romantic roll up the eastern seaboard, became pure misery after five or six hours of sitting. The seats seemed soft enough in the beginning, there was plenty of leg room, the tray table allowed me to easily open my huge 17" laptop and type. But, I did not enjoy walking the aisles. We misunderstood the hours of the dining car, didn't make a reservation and ended up scarfing down a hot dog while standing in the icy cold club car. We watched as one family's members emerged from the washroom dressed in pajamas for the night, cuddled down in their comforters and pillows and slept soundly.

Our back seat neighbors announced to the conductor early on, that they were sick and each needed a full pair of seats if the train wasn't too crowded. The woman coughed constantly and never once bothered to cover her mouth.

We enjoyed dining car service like I remembered from childhood. The tablecloth was not linen, but a thick paper replica and the small free bottle of wine was served in plastic stemware. Mine cracked and saturated the tablecloth. A major annoyance to our assigned table-mates. They were cordial however. Breakfast was delicious too, a full menu and piping hot.

Late the second day the train was delayed while police investigated a homicide on the tracks near Philadelphia. It was delayed again for a reason we never discovered. All the while I was pushing my feet into the floor in an effort to relieve the pain in my buttocks by lifting it from the seat. (A miracle that was not to take place until about three weeks hence.) It seemed we sailed through most of the best sight-seeing during the night. I did get a phone photo of the Washington Monument... I think!

We arrived late in Newark and my sister-in-law, who had generously offered to lend us her car, had arrived early and was exhausted by the time we got there. We were tired and confused by the Garmin, bypassing our motel a few times. Next day we picked up our daughter, son-in-law ans youngest grandson at the airport. The plan was for my husband's mother to see her newest great-grandson and spend a little time with her. She did get to meet Darren and gave him big smiles and hugs, but fell ill later in the day so that we all spent time worrying about her in the emergency room. She was better the next day, but nervous about going out, so we all took a day for ourselves and enjoyed the lush park at Bushkill Falls, PA. That, for me, was the highlight of our trip.

The next day we put the kids on their plane back to Florida and headed for Wisconsin by train. Penn Station was a blur of people talking on their cell phones as they whisked by us. I was really slowing down by this time and it was hard to enjoy even the beautiful scenery along the Hudson River as the train chugged north from New York City, close to the shore, past West Point and the towering cliffs on the west side of the river. I was too burnt out to check the tourist maps to find out what we were seeing and what was coming up next. I found out later we were very close to Niagara Falls at one point during the night.

Chicago's Union Station is amazingly beautiful, and we had an hour to kill there. But I was too dazed to pull out my camera and photograph the beautiful architecture and the beautiful faces of the people. When we went down to the AmTrak area I remembered from a past visit, the monotone canned voices annoucing what track you are standing on. That is the most unworldly sound in the world. Really bizaar.

We were in Wisconsin at last, and I had admitted to myself by this time that I was truly sick, but to no one else! My cousin (a dear friend) and her husband had made wonderful plans for our visit and I could not let on that I didn't feel like doing anything but wrap up in a blanket and sip hot tea. We had an amazing tour of the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wisconsin and enjoyed a sumptous feast there at the American Club a AAA Five Diamond Resort. I'm not sure which was the most amazing, the Design Center or the food and service at the American Club. Both were a peek into the lives of the ultra-rich.

By next day, it was apparent that I needed medical care and since it was Sunday I was at the mercy of a Walgreens Nurse Practitioner. Her care turned out to be more than adequate in the long run as my illness was gone within ten days with antibiotics and inhalers as she predicted. Meanwhile, we had all paid for a wonderful concert (in Chicago?) with operatic arias (I think) and could NOT miss that. I performed one of my best acting gigs to date. Meanwhile, we gave up the idea of taking the train back (another three day journey) and made airplane reservations home for the next day. We had planned to be in Washington DC for Memorial Day which would have been spectacular if we had been up to enjoying it.

One of the highlights of our trip (for me) was at the airport in Wisconsin. The main concourse had huge circular mosaics in the floor depicting points of history and topics of interest in the area. After going through security (a serious major undertaking at our home airport in Orlando) I nearly doubled over laughing at a sign placed above the area where you can sit to put on your shoes and gather carry-on luggage. The sign read "Recombobulation Area"

Home at last. I was never so happy to fall into my own bed. Ever the optimist, I would still like to take AmTrak up to Washington DC and see the city. But no more overnight trips. I want to get OFF and spend the night in a bed unless... maybe if we got a sleeping compartment.

eBay blog-o-sphere has evaporated

2009-10-12T11:38:00.000-04:00

You will notice some of my posts have old dates at the top of the body. That is because eBay has announced the end of the eBay blog will happen this month, October 2009. I had written a few posts and wanted to keep them for future reference, so I parked them here. Since I am not monetizing this blog at this time, I doubt if anyone cares that they are out of date. If someone objects, too bad. That's the way it is!

As to eBay eliminating the blogs from their site. I am sorry to say, it needed to be done. The original purpose it served has been far too polluted by those who prefer to complain about their problems with eBay and PayPal (whether or not it was their own fault) and the negativity and drama weren't doing anyone any good.

Yes, there is freedom of speech. That means, if you want to post negative comments about eBay and PayPal, do it on your own blog. Don't expect the business you are complaining about provide you the space and platform for you to complain against them. That is just dumb! Would you expect JC Penney to allow you to put up a negative poster on the bulletin board inside their store? Of course not!

What's with PayPal

2009-10-11T18:31:00.000-04:00

08-20-08
I have to brag that I was able to reach my sales goal for the first time ever at the close of July. Just in time for my 2nd anniversary selling on eBay. Or at least I will when USPS sends the check for an insurance claim where they lost the GOLD WATCH I sold. Can you believe it? I don't know whether the small box slipped through the cracks legitimately or someone saw the insurance notice and the confirmation signature required and figured, "hmmm, this will fit under my raincoat won't it!" but it never reached its S. Park Ave. NY, destination. The best part of this is my buyer was a real trooper throughout the search and didn't even contact me that it was missing for 2 WEEKS. I had been checking the status for over a week when he finally emailed me and calmly asked for a status report. Fortunately I was covered by PayPal Seller Protection because I had done everything they require of a seller so my PayPal fees were refunded.

Then there was the CHARGEBACK! Oh, yeah! Again, it was a PalPal transaction all the way and I had sent the package Priority and Insured as the buyer requested - within 24 hours of payment receipt, actually. And they must have decided they really didn't want it. I called PayPal and explained the situation and how I had checked the buyers history and saw that they primarily bought items of this type and price. PayPal assured me that I had done everything just right. Within the week my "held" payment reverted to cleared and the case was closed in my favor. Then the strangest thing happened. The very next day after the case was closed, the package arrived at my door, unopened, marked "return to sender." Guess the seller thought if they returned the package that would solve everything and I would refund their money. ummmm, NO! This buyer did not ever contact me even though I sent at least 3 emails reporting status of the item and thanking them for paying instantly by PayPal.

Thanks PayPal!

Gold Fever - 2008 Style - Cha Ching!

2009-10-11T18:29:00.003-04:00

08-25-08
The old prospectors with their pick axes have been replaced by a modern version. These prospectors come equiped with internet savvy and an eye for the real thing.
I knew the price of gold had skyrocketed, but when my husband's dentist remarked that his worn gold crown could net us a tank full of gasoline, I was impressed!
I didn't realize that dental gold is usally pure 18K and fetches a nice price until I researched completed listings on eBay. Once I had determined the average price per gram and weighed out the valuable little chunk of gold, I determined the price at about $50 and designed a listing I hoped would attract a buyer.
I listed it at $49.99 (fixed price) and even went the extra 35 cents for an enlarged view of the gallery shot and kept the shipping low (actually I charged about 32 cents less than cost).
The last thing before signing off at 9:30 pm, I hit the POST button and my item went live. I never even got to admire my handiwork. Imagine my surprise this morning when I discovered it had sold overnight... and been PAID FOR instantly by PayPal (I now require electronic payment on all items).
Two HOURS! That is a new record. I am almost as impressed as when we sold a house in less than 24 hours.
Okay, so it is in the box, with the shipping label affixed, I have left glowing positive feedback and now off to the Post Office! I am going to try and beat the delivery record.
I will not think that I should have used auction format and might have gotten more. No, NO, NOOOOO! That would spoil my thrills right now.

Palin Stumps through Cabbage Patch to WIN the Race

2009-10-11T18:29:00.001-04:00

10-31-08

It's almost 7am and I am watching the race closely.
The lady in red is ahead of all the guys by 2 laps with 57 bids and a top price of $3,550 and there are 4 days yet to go! Obama has a slight lead ($1,075) over McCain (at $1,025) and Biden pulls up the rear at a meager $610.
I'm wondering what this says in political terms. Not a close race here on eBay for sure. The popular vote would have a woman in the White House if this is any indication. But who would expect different results in a FREE MARKET world like eBay?
What it says in terms of social media is this: eBay can (and does) draw a lot of attention to a cause in a way that is FUN.
Whoever makes the final bid on these dolls can feel good about winning one of the most collectible dolls of the decade and Marine Toys for Tots will happily accept the proceeds from Auction Cause (who is listing the auction) to give a lot of kids a reason to smile this holiday season.
Bid ON!

No fear shipping & handling

2009-10-11T18:27:00.001-04:00

11-25-08

If you have ever sold something big enough to wheel into the Post Office you may appreciate this.
Now that my ankle is mostly healed, I had no use for the portable wheelchair. Not that I used it anyway. I had dreamed of getting my dog to pull me down to the park for our twice daily strolls, but he just zig-zagged me out into the street. Say goodbye dream.
Anyway, after a very short time as a fixed price item, it sold for my asking price of $150 with $65 shipping charges. I had determined these rates by researching previously sold portable wheelchairs of the same brand and model as well as current offerings.
For once I thought I had figured it about right and told the UPS franchise store operator, yes, I had charged the buyer $65 for shipping. She shook her head and asked for 20 minutes to figure out how they could box and send it for me. She was still shaking her head as we walked out the door and my stomach began to churn.
After nearly 30 minutes, my cell phone rang and I was told the bad news. It would cost at least $250 to ship, IF they could find the right boxes.
We beat a hasty retreat pushing the chair back to the car and spent the rest of the day searching for boxes, cutting boxes, disassembling the chair and fitting it into boxes until I thought we could ship it within budget or close to cost at least.
Next day, we trooped down to the Post Office with 3 very different boxes in graduated sizes. (I believe in shipping GREEN). We weighed and measured the biggest box first. The verdict did not make me happy $85 for just this box and it would not arrive for 8-9 days. I had failed to take dimensional measurement as Length + Width + Girth.
On to the UPS Customer Center (not a franchise this time) and another fresh experience. 5-6 people were already in the tiny room pecking away at terminals as they stood at counters. This was a new experience to me, but with a little help from other customers, I managed to get my shipping label printed for each of the 3 boxes. When my turn came, I held my breath. The clerk weighed and measured each box and confidently slapped labels on them and dispatched them before she gave me the price. Panic was setting in!
Just before my face turned blue she took my PayPal debit card and said that will be $82.60 and your packages should be delivered December 1st.
HooRAY! I could stand to eat the $16.50 but I was still left with one nagging worry. What if the recipient was disabled and living alone with no one to help her assemble the chair?
I sent her an email with the tracking numbers and instructions given to me in an email from UPS and my usual "hope you like it... please give me 5 stars..." message. At the beginning of the email I told her my concern that I had hoped to get it to her by Thanksgiving so there would be a good chance of having visitors that might be able to help her assemble it. I also gave assembly instructions.
The angels were with me and touched her heart! I opened my email early this morning and got a very nice reassuring email from this wonderful buyer telling me putting the chair together should be no problem and wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving too.
This will be one more thing on my list of things to be thankful for!

Tales from Gram-eBay

2009-10-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

2-06-09

I listed 29 ceramic pieces over the last two days and with every item I thought of my former mother-in-law and her ceramics shop. I still have most of the pieces she and I made in that little shop where she taught and sold her craft. At Christmas the Holy Family is first on display and last to be put away after the holidays. Next most precious is the Santa with sleigh and 3 reindeer. Those poor deer have had all their legs broken and mended over the years.

These are mostly bisque ceramic pieces, ready to stain or glaze and fire. They came to me from an estate sale. The lady who poured them was a very talented craftsman and these were packed away very carefully in the 1980s when she became ill and unable to finish them. There are no duplicates. A few of the pieces are finished with glaze.

The only thing left now is a large set of dinnerware that is also ceramic bisque. Only one piece of the dinnerware is completed, probably as an example. These pieces are retro-modern, square shaped and smooth simplicity.

Clutter busting eases stress in your life

2009-05-06T14:19:00.001-04:00

If your closet and bookshelves and even the space under your bed has no more room to put things, it can be stressful. Clutter leads to chaos and chaos leads to screaming for mercy. Bust that clutter and you will find yourself breathing a sigh of relief.

You could find a great home for all this overabundance of stuff by giving someone else a chance to own it. It may be just what they are looking for. And you are recycling not clogging the landfills.

There are many ways to do this:

Give it to someone you know
Donate it to a thrift shop
Post an ad at your local Freecycle website
Put a notice up on a bulletin board
Advertise in the newspaper
Have a garage sale
Sell at an ecommerce site like eBay.

If you find eBay intimidating or the fees too expensive, give Kijiji a try. Kijiji offers free classified ads from people who live in and around Orlando to buy and sell goods, find jobs, housing, pets and more. Kijiji was launched in March of 2005 as a subsidary of eBay. The site is user friendly and very easy to navigate. All you need is a picture, description, and to set a price. The rest is easy. Definition of Kijiji on the Web:

Kijiji (Swahili for village) is a centralized network of online urban communities for posting local online classified
advertisements.

Categories on Kijiji include:

* For Sale (all kinds of items)
* Jobs
* Pets
* Resumes
* Services
* Cars and Vehicles
* Events
* Community

The community area includes:

* Activity partners
* Announcements
* Artists, musicians
* Carpool, rideshare
* Classes, lessons
* Garage sales
* Lost & found
* Volunteer
* Other

There is even a wanted section where you can list things you have been looking for, and a free section where you can exchange your stuff for someone else's! Business owners can also promote their business and services offered in the classified ads.

But beware! You will also enjoy shopping here for great deals on items for the kids and yourself and you could be right back where you started from if you aren't careful.

If you want to be found at the most popular selling site on the web you need to get on eBay of course!

Sell that oversupply of stuff, its the "green" thing to do. Your stuff doesn't end up in a landfill somewhere, at least
not today!

For more info: For more Info: Orlando Kijiji
Follow Kijiji on twitter

Need help with eBay? Contact: danna@powersellingmom.com Visit her website: PowerSellingMom.com

Shake and bake with grandkids this summer

2009-05-06T13:53:00.001-04:00

Remember the old TV commercial where the little southern girl beams broadly as she says “It’s Shake n’ Bake and I helped”? If you want to see that kind of pride and satisfaction on your grandchild’s face, bring them into the kitchen and allow them to help prepare a meal. Better yet, let them in on planning the meal and guide them through shopping for the ingredients.

There are quite a few kid-friendly kitchen gadgets that children seem to find fascinating and yet are fairly safe to use. Some good ones to start with are:

Measuring cups and spoons cups
Whisks
Apple slicers
Egg slicers
Cookie cutters
Kitchen timer

Measuring ingredients also lets you sneak in a practical math lesson or two

Even the smallest child can help make egg salad. And it’s a quick nutritious meal they can fall back on later in life too. Once the eggs are boiled and cooled, show the child how to tap the narrowest end (where air has pocketed) to make it easier to peel. If everything is done right, the shell should come away easily.

If you have an egg slicer, let the child can easily learn to julienne the egg in one direction, then turn the egg carefully to cross-cut it into tiny pieces. Add a bit of vinegar (½ teaspoon for 3 eggs), mayonnaise and perhaps mustard or pickle relish to taste, sprinkle a bit of salt and your egg salad is done. Some kids like sliced black olives instead of pickle relish. Once the filling is put between two slices of bread, let the child cut out shapes with a big cookie cutter. (You can eat the healthy trimmings)

Apple slices make a nice accompaniment for an egg-salad sandwich. If the kids go along with you to the produce stand, you can let them choose a variety to try: Granny Smith apples tart and green, Fuji’s sweet yellow with a blush of red, Braeburn’s a bit tart and with a juicy satisfying crunch, Rome apples for the reddest skin and whitest flesh ever. Each variety has its own distinctive texture and flavor.

The bigger kids will enjoy the satisfying “schlock” noise made by the apple slicer as it neatly cores the apples and slices out eight perfectly even slices. Younger kids can dip the slices in orange or lemon juice (to keep them from turning brown.

You could chop the apples a bit finer and make a wonderful Waldorf salad by adding celery, walnuts, and some like to add raisins or grapes to the mixture.That was a favorite summer-time treat on the hottest Orlando days.

All that is left to do is stir chocolate syrup into the milk (Hershey’s makes a great sugar-free version now) and lunch is ready. For adults, (or true southern children) make a big pitcher of sweet iced tea to go along with your feast.

Enjoy your meal!

For more info: Cooking with kids on AOL
cooking supplies for young chefs can be found at Growing Cooks

Love your Mother Earth Day

2009-05-06T13:49:00.001-04:00

Picture this: grandmother and granddaughter off to Ben White Raceway, not to visit the beautiful horses, although they would get a carrot or two, but to shovel up a box of manure. Could you tempt your grandchild with such “fun?” Would it be fun for you? You could certainly use the free fertilizer to grow the most beautiful roses in the neighborhood.

Now, you don’t have to go that far to impress the young ones, but sometimes an outlandish project such as that is a good way to make a point. Most grandparents today were not raised on farms like our grandparents were. There may not even be a farm nearby, but here in Orlando, there are still plenty of places where you can see Mother Earth’s beautiful face.Take a kid fishing, make a pole from a tree branch, find leftover fishing line along the shore and in the weeds of most any lake (unfortunately) tie on a tiny pine cone for a float, and make a hook from a safety pin. Then dig some worms from the rich vetatation in nearby woods and you are set for quite an adventure.

Traditionally, Arbor Day kicked off Spring and citizens all over the country were urged to plant a tree each year. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, when Arbor Day celebrations were changed to emphasize the critical importance of the environment and make the American public aware of the destruction of the earth's natural preserves. Still not a recognized federal holiday, Earth Day has helped Americans realize how they can and should do all they can to protect the environment. Here are a few things you can do: .

Even better than recycling is re-using and if you throw in an added bonus of growing fresh organic herbs, you are truly an earth lover. Make an herb garden with your grandchildren and just for fun make a Ladybug Rock while talking about the beneficial role insects play.

Tin can herb garden

Use hammer and nail to punch holes in bottom of clean, dry can (one with smooth opening at top)
Cover outside of can with leftover wallpaper or gift wrap held in place with liquid school glue
-or- Paint can with 1 layer of leftover house paint and decorate with paint or stickers
Seal with acrylic sealer spray
Place pebbles in can – enough to cover bottom
Add potting soil to 2/3^rd level of can
Plant herb seeds (see package directions)
Place cans in baking pan or tray
Staple (or glue) seed packet to wooden popcycle stick and poke into soil near edge
Set container in sunny location and water daily

Lady Bug Rocks

(information on ladybugs)

Wash and dry small oval rocks that are smooth and even
Paint the rocks with acrylic craft paints
Use black sharpie to draw line down the center
Put dots on lady bugs’ backs using eraser end of pencil
Spray the finished bugs with acrylic sealer spray
Attach google eyes to dry lady bug
Sign and date the bottom

(These make great gifts for Mother or Father’s Day)

Another way to let your grandchildren feel really involved in Earth Day, is to take on a project that will improve your corner of the world. Find an area that is subject to litter bugs (but safe enough to walk), arm yourselves with trash bags, spray on a bit of earth friendly bug repellent, put on sun-block and hats, and do your part to plant a tree, clean a beach, park or roadside. End the adventure with a special treat of ice cream or cool fresh fruit and you have made a memory.

For more info:

For more information How Arbor Day began

Do your grandchildren think you are cool?

2009-05-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

One very special grandfather is about to wow the newest generation with his music and set a very good example of self-expression and renewal to other grandparents. His grandchildren already know how cool he is; in fact, two of them joined him on his newest musical endeavor.

Neil Sedaka is well-known to baby-boomers as the amazing voice behind hits from the late 1950s including chart toppers "The Diary," "Oh! Carol," " Stairway to Heaven," "Calendar Girl," "Little Devil," "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Next Door To An Angel," and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," until the “British Invasion” pushed him through another doorway.

Sedaka continued to reinvent himself and the public always responded with praise and love. His fifty-plus year career success is shared with his wife of over 45 years, children and grandchildren and his talent seems to have been inherited by his son and daughter who are both involved in musical careers as well as his grandchildren. In fact, his six-year-old twin granddaughters Amanda and Charlotte are his backup singers in his newly released “Waking Up Is Hard To Do”. This collection of his hit songs re-invented for children includes:

1) Waking Up Is Hard To Do (Breaking Up is Hard to Do)
2) Dinosaur Pet (My Calendar Girl)
3) Where The Toys Are (Where the Boys are)
4) Lunch Will Keep Us Together (Love Will Keep Us Together)
5) Happy Birthday Number Three (Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen)
6) Laughter In The Rain
7) Rubber Duckie
8) Is This The Way To Cross The Street
9) Little Devil
10) I Go Ape
11) Baby’s First Christmas Lullabye

During his interview with NY1 Parenting Correspondent Shelly Goldberg, Sedaka attributed his musical awakening to the Brooklyn, NY public grade school he attended. This early interest in music was nurtured by parents who believed in him. Upon hearing from his second grade teacher that Neil had musical talent; his mother began working at a department store in order to afford a piano for him. Having that piano, in addition to his teacher’s and parents’ encouragement, led to Neil attending Julliard and his ultimate success in the musical world.

That is one reason Sedaka is a very strong proponent of music education in public schools.

If you want to check out Sedaka’s new tunes and perhaps buy the “Waking Up Is Hard To Do,” CD click here.

For more info: Neil Sedaka's website

Butterfly park welcomes you and grandchilden

2009-05-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

Is there anything more likely to bring a feeling of hope than a beautiful butterfly flitting from flower to flower?

Orange County Parks Department has done an outstanding job with Orlando’s Capehart Neighborhood Park, where the theme is butterflies.

Drawn to the park on a hot day by the splash pad, we found many other attractions. The park is situated off Lake Underhill Drive and east of S. Goldenrod Road. Set deep amid housing areas, it is a quiet, safe place for children to run and play.

The splash pad is a large area surrounded by plastic coated chain-link fence where children can experience the freedom of running through sprinklers and fountains of water without parents having to be constantly hands-on. A few tree shaded picnic tables and benches ring the area.

We were also impressed that there were two playgrounds, one for toddlers, another for older children. Both were shaded by a huge umbrella-like canopy allowing warm breezes to flow freely through the area. The padded surface around the swings and the play equipment itself are in good condition.

A fitness path circles behind the play areas in the 11 acre facility. Large butterfly shaped benches enjoy the shaded area outside the building and big colorful butterflies flank the main doorway. A flower-filled entrance is where you will find the live butterfly garden.

The game room inside the center is equipped with board and table games, and Karate, ballet, Hip Hop, and special events are held across the hall in a huge all-purpose room.

Also available are:

Movie in the Park
R.E.C. Squad
Home School P.E.
Mommy and Me
Teens against Crime
CampScooter (during school breaks)

R.E.C. Squad is an after-school program with free pick-up from Jackson Middle School and Chickasaw Elementary. Mom’s afternoon off (with pre-registration) is offered every other Saturday.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff were happy to show us around on a recent visit and explain the programs and activities that are offered there.

On a personal note: I swell with pride that my hometown has stepped up to the plate for its young people. I raised 3 children in Orlando and remember well the transitory time between most mothers staying home with their children and very few being able to afford life without two incomes. There was very little affordable recreation available for children caught in the middle of this societal shift.

For more info: If you really love butterflies check out

Butterfly World - Coconut Creek

The Butterfly Rainforest at University of Florida - Gainesville

Converting an eFriend to an RW Friend

2009-02-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

After more than 10 years and hundreds of eMails, cards, phone calls and musical tapes, I met Jody in the Real World. I drove the cross-state route in anticipation.

She is exactly as I had perceived and it was as if we have known each other forever. She invited a friend to join us for a sumptuous meal that evening. In addition to the delicious crab meat and baby spinach dinner salad, we enjoyed a side of broccoli covered in melted provolone accompanied by a wonderful warm loaf of foccacia bread. There was vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries for dessert. Then the 3 of us solved all the domestic economic problems at hand, laughed and talked. Wonderful!

The condo she has rented for winter is in a tropical paradise! There is a wonderful view of the pool just beyond a lush lawn shaded by huge oak trees. I woke early enough to witness the grace of an early morning swimmer gliding the length of the big pool, a rhythmical slap of hand against water for music. The scene was made perfect by a brilliant orange sunrise.

Later in the morning, Jody took me to Venice where we explored the quaint shops there and lunched on ratatouille crepes and French onion soup alfresco. I consider food especially elegant when not even the spell checker can manage the food names!

We bought each other little surprise gifts, given at the last minute, just before I reluctantly started my journey home. I wished to stay longer and enjoy her company and explore the surrounding area but still, it was a wonderful adventure!

Moanday

2009-02-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

I spent the day dealing with my ankle injury and got a call that my elbow seems to be fractured too. Anyway I got a walking boot and set appointment for tomorrow to see the orthopedic doc on both sore points. Also got a used wheelchair. Thought it would help with walking the dog, but that was pretty much of a bust. Lot of fun trying though. Maybe I should try it with my 3 wheel bike.

Broken

2008-10-21T09:07:00.000-04:00

It's always a bad omen when my favorite coffee mug breaks. I am very superstitious about this because several times it has happened on the very day I have lost my job, wrecked my car, or some other horrific thing happened.

Last week I noticed my cherished eBay coffee mug had a huge chip in the rim. The chip led to a crack that ran down the side to nearly the bottom of the mug. My heart sank. "What's next" was all I could think.

This mug was very special to me since I bought in in San Jose at THE eBay gift shop. Now it sits on the retirement shelf of the cupboard among other esteemed colleagues from decades of collecting.

I had almost forgotten my grief as my dog and I walked in the bright sunlight that morning. Clumps of fresh mown grass lay on the sidewalk ahead looking slippery and dangerous, so I carefully stepped off the sidewalk... and into a grass camoflaged hole turning my ankle POP!

Moral of this story is: If your favorite coffee mug is found broken go directly to bed and stay there for the rest of the day. Nothing good can come of this!

Love Hurts

2008-10-10T12:44:00.001-04:00

I fell for my youngest grandson the other day and can tell you it is no fun.

I don't have any visible marks outside my clothes, the X-rays showed no broken bones and happily there was nothing sharp in my way!

My youngest grandson was cruising with his new car-style walker in the kitchen while I was getting the other 4 boys (grandpa, dad, and 2 other gransons) settled for dinner. When we met at a tight intersection, I tried to gracefully ballet-leap over him, felt my balance was a bit off, and fearing I might land on him I gave it a turbo boost and catapulted myself into the middle of the kitchen. I grazed the oven with my back and landed squarely (if not so gracefully) on my elbow and shoulder (the "good" old one not the one that has been replaced with tinanium).

When I managed a sitting position, Darren looked at me, face full of glee as if to say "do it again grandma!" The kid is a world-class audience of one.